&Beyond Galapagos Explorer

The day begins at Pitt Point on San Cristóbal Island, where a hike through volcanic terrain offers opportunities to spot endemic wildlife, including the San Cristóbal mockingbird. The area is also one of the best birding sites in the archipelago and the only breeding location for all three booby species: blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca boobies. Guests may also enjoy snorkeling or a panga ride along the coast.

Later, cruise around Kicker Rock, a dramatic volcanic formation rising from the ocean off San Cristóbal’s coast. Continue to Lobos Island, where a shoreline excursion and panga ride provide chances to observe nesting seabirds and large colonies of sea lions. Depending on conditions, there may also be opportunities to swim or snorkel alongside these playful marine mammals.

• Activity:Walking. Snorkeling. Exploring.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

Start the day at Gardner Bay on Española Island, a beautiful white-sand beach frequented by sea lions and a variety of seabirds. The clear waters provide excellent opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, with possible sightings of sea turtles, tropical fish, and other marine life. Kayaking may also be available depending on conditions.

This afternoon, explore Suárez Point, one of the archipelago’s premier wildlife sites. The coastal trail passes colonies of marine iguanas, sea lions, and swallow-tailed gulls, while also offering the chance to observe the waved albatross at its only known breeding site. Along the route, a dramatic blowhole sends seawater high into the air when conditions are right.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

First thing in the morning, visit Cormorant Point on Floreana Island, one of the best locations in the Galápagos to observe flamingos in their natural habitat. The area is also home to lava lizards, finches, and other native bird species. Nearby, Champion Island offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, while panga rides provide a chance to spot the endangered Floreana mockingbird.

Later, continue to Post Office Bay, a historic site where a wooden barrel served as an unofficial mailbox for sailors as far back as the 18th century. The tradition remains in place today, allowing visitors to leave postcards and sort through mail for hand delivery. The calm waters of the bay also make it a popular location for kayaking.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

Start the day in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island at El Chato Ranch Private Reserve, one of the best places to observe Galápagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The surrounding highland forest is also home to a variety of finch species, and, time permitting, the visit may include Los Gemelos (Twin Craters), two large volcanic sinkholes surrounded by Scalesia forest.

In the afternoon, continue to the Charles Darwin Research Station, where ongoing conservation work includes a giant tortoise breeding program. After the visit, there is time to explore the nearby town or return to the yacht to relax on board the Galápagos Explorer.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

Begin the day at Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island, a dry volcanic landscape known for its large population of Galápagos land iguanas. The trail passes through endemic vegetation such as prickly pear cactus and palo santo trees, with opportunities to spot finches, yellow warblers, and flycatchers along the way.

In the afternoon, continue to Pinnacle Rock on Bartolomé Island, where a volcanic climb leads to panoramic views across the surrounding islands. A panga ride along the coastline offers chances to observe Galápagos penguins, followed by snorkeling among tropical fish, starfish, and stingrays in the clear waters.

• Activity:Walking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

The day begins at Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island, home to one of the largest colonies of red-footed boobies in the world. Along the coastal trail, you may also encounter swallow-tailed gulls, sea lions, yellow-crowned night herons, and the distinctive lava morning glory plant. The calm waters of the bay allow for swimming, kayaking, or panga rides depending on conditions.

In the afternoon, continue to Prince Philip’s Steps, where a short climb leads to a flat lava field used by nesting seabirds. The area is known for red-footed and Nazca boobies, great frigatebirds, and wedge-rumped storm petrels, with occasional sightings of the elusive short-eared owl.

• Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single accommodation.

The final morning takes you around Daphne Major, an extinct volcanic tuff cone known for nesting Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, and blue-footed boobies. The island is also the site of the long-term research by Peter and Rosemary Grant, whose decades of study on Darwin’s finches have provided key evidence of evolution in real time.

After the circumnavigation, disembark and transfer to Seymour Airport on Baltra Island for your onward flight, marking the end of your Galápagos Explorer journey.

• Activity:Walking. Departure.
• Meal:Breakfast.

Begin the day at Chinese Hat, a small volcanic islet known for its striking lava formations and excellent snorkeling. Along the shoreline, watch for Sally Lightfoot Crabs, marine iguanas, sea lions, and lava lizards.

This afternoon, visit Rábida Island, famous for its distinctive red-sand beach and dramatic volcanic landscapes. The island is also a rewarding destination for birdwatchers, with opportunities to spot pelicans, finches, and other native species.

• Activity:Hiking. Walking.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single accommodations.

First thing this morning, explore James Bay on Santiago Island. The coastal trail passes marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, herons, and oystercatchers, while nearby lava formations provide one of the best chances to spot Galápagos fur seals.

The day continues at Espumilla Beach and Buccaneer Cove. Enjoy a walk along the sandy shoreline before exploring the dramatic cliffs and sea caves of Buccaneer Cove by panga, keeping an eye out for sea lions, pelicans, boobies, and other seabirds.

• Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single accommodations.

Today’s first excursion takes you to Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island, one of the most pristine locations in the archipelago. Large groups of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and sea lions are commonly seen along the lava shoreline.

Later, visit historic Tagus Cove, once frequented by sailors and explorers. A short hike offers views of Darwin Lake and the surrounding volcanoes, while kayaking, snorkeling, or panga rides provide opportunities to spot Galápagos penguins and other marine wildlife.

• Activity:Hike. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single accommodations.

This morning, explore Elizabeth Bay by panga through quiet mangrove channels where sea turtles, rays, and seabirds are frequently observed in the calm waters.

In the afternoon, head to Moreno Point, where lava fields surround a series of coastal lagoons that attract flamingos, herons, and other birdlife. The landscape also offers impressive views of Isabela’s volcanic terrain.

• Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling. Kayaking.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single accommodations.

Start the day in the Santa Cruz Highlands, where giant tortoises roam freely among lush vegetation. Depending on timing, you’ll also visit Los Gemelos and other scenic areas of the highlands.

After lunch, continue to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the conservation programs that help protect the islands’ wildlife. You’ll also have time to explore Puerto Ayora before returning to the yacht.

• Activity:Hiking.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single accommodations.

The morning begins on Santa Fe Island, home to one of the largest cactus forests in the Galápagos and a distinctive species of land iguana found nowhere else.

Later, visit South Plaza Island, where colorful vegetation, steep coastal cliffs, and abundant wildlife create one of the archipelago’s most photogenic landscapes. Land iguanas, sea lions, and nesting seabirds are common sightings along the trail.

• Activity:Hiking.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single accommodations.

Before departing, visit Mosquera Island, a narrow stretch of white sand known for its large sea lion colony and excellent wildlife viewing. Watch for lava gulls, marine iguanas, pelicans, and Sally Lightfoot Crabs along the shoreline.

Following the excursion, transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador, bringing your Galápagos voyage to a close.

• Activity:Hiking. Departure.
• Meal:Breakfast.