Bonita Galapagos Cruise

AM: Take a scenic panga (dinghy) ride to Buccaneer Cove. This historic site, less than an hour from Puerto Egas, served as a refuge for pirates, sailors, and whalers during the 18th and 19th centuries. Immerse yourself in the tales of this haven, where ships found respite for repairs, and explorers stocked up on essential supplies. Deepwater Snorkeling adds a Marine Dimension to This Historical Journey.

PM: Commence an Exciting Exploration with a wet landing at Puerto Egas. This unique site in Santiago Island promises a nature walk, a glimpse into salt mines, and a visit to the fur seal grotto. Dive into the vibrant underwater world with shallow-water snorkeling, complementing the rich terrestrial experience. The dark sand beaches of this port, also known as James Bay, set the stage for an unforgettable morning.

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

AM: Discover the enchantment of Vicente Roca Point, where two beautiful coves beckon you to explore. This expansive bay is a haven for marine enthusiasts, boasting incredible biodiversity. Don’t miss the chance to spot seahorses, sea turtles, and the peculiarly intriguing Mola-mola (sunfish). Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary underwater world that awaits you here.

PM: Start your exploration of Fernandina Island with a wet landing at Espinoza Point. The morning nature walk unveils the island’s unique volcanic terrain, where flightless cormorants build nests, sea lions bask on the beach, and marine iguanas create a captivating spectacle. Immerse yourself in the vibrant underwater world through deep-water snorkeling.

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

AM: Urbina Bay is known for its unique geological uplift. A wet landing introduces nature walks, wildlife observation, and shallow-water snorkeling. Nestled at the base of Alcedo Volcano, south of Tagus Cove, Urbina Bay showcases a recent uplift phenomenon from 1954, elevating the shoreline by nearly 15 ft (4 m). Witness the captivating impact of geological shifts in this remarkable Galapagos location.

PM: Sail to Isabela Island and arrive at the historic Tagus Cove as the sun begins its descent. With a dry landing, commence a nature walk that ascends through the dry vegetation zone, offering panoramic views of Darwin Lake, a saltwater crater lake, and a narrow inlet. A panga ride adds a scenic touch to the adventure. Conclude the day with deep water snorkeling, appreciating the diverse marine life of the cove.

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

AM: Today we visit Isabela Island. First up is Moreno Point, a masterpiece shaped by the natural forces of the Galapagos. A scenic panga (dinghy) ride along the rocky shores offers glimpses of Galapagos penguins and shorebirds. Following a dry landing, traverse through jagged black lava rock, witnessing the transformation from swirling lava flow to craters and crystal tide pools, some embraced by mangroves.

PM: After lunch, we sail to Elizabeth Bay. Located on the west coast of Isabela, this is one of the island’s breeding sites for penguins. Next, you will visit Red Mangrove Cove, where brown pelicans, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, and sea lions are often seen.

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

AM: Explore the Charles Darwin Research Station and Breeding Center, the most important visitor site in Puerto Ayora. It’s an excellent starting point to delve into the Islands’ origin and formation. Gain insights into the nurturing of Galapagos giant tortoises and meet George, the famous solitary tortoise.

PM: Explore the lush vegetation in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to see unique zones. Your visit provides an excellent opportunity to observe Galapagos giant tortoises up close in their natural habitat.

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

AM/PM: In the morning, a bus ride takes you to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to see the Twin Craters. Los Gemelos are not volcanic craters, but rather sinkholes that resulted from the collapse of surface material into underground chambers and fissures. The lush Scalesia forest enveloping the craters is a haven for endemic flora and fauna, particularly diverse bird species, making it a magnet for avid birdwatchers. Afterward, we’ll transfer you to the Baltra Airport for your return flight.

• Activity:Hiking. Departure.
• Meal:Breakfast.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: This day is dedicated to Floreana Island. Devil’s Crown is a celebrated snorkeling and diving destination. This partially submerged volcanic crater, eroded into a crown-like shape, hosts an incredible diversity of marine life, making it a prime spot for underwater exploration. Visitors can enjoy sightings of colorful fish, sea turtles, rays, sharks, and stunning coral formations.

PM: Post Office Bay is a historic site where a barrel has served as a makeshift mail system since the 18th century. Visitors can leave postcards and letters in the barrel for others to pick up and deliver, continuing the tradition of this unique postal service. The bay also offers a beautiful beach where you can do some snorkeling.

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

AM: Explore the trail to Suárez Point, where sightings of blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies await. This island serves as the primary breeding ground for nearly all of the world’s 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. Don’t miss the famous blowhole, spraying seawater into the air, adding excitement to this enchanting site!

PM: Embark on an adventure to the stunning Gardner Bay, which offers a picturesque white-sand beach where a bustling sea lion colony resides. Take a leisurely walk or dive into the crystal-clear waters for a swim with playful sea lion pups. Keep an eye out for inquisitive mockingbirds adding charm to the beach. This is the perfect spot for snorkeling!

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

AM: Located in the northwestern part of San Cristóbal Island, Witch Hill features a sprawling white-sand beach. The eroded tuff cone, locally known as Cerro Brujo, stands at the beach’s beginning near the landing point. The bay’s calm and shallow waters make this an ideal snorkeling site, especially for beginners. A couple of hours off the western shore of San Cristóbal, a striking rock juts out of the water vertically. Kicker Rock is also a great place to snorkel!

PM: Lobos Island was named after the two species of sea lions that inhabit it, those related to the California sea lions, and those related to the ones in Antarctica. Explore the island’s protected channel, offering fantastic snorkeling opportunities in its pristine waters.

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

AM: Enjoy a welcome cocktail and lunch before navigating to Las Bachas beach in Santa Cruz. The name is a nod to the World War II barges wrecked offshore. Experience a wet landing for snorkeling, swimming, and wildlife observation. Keep an eye out for great blue herons, small waders like sanderlings, and semi-palmated plovers around the saltwater lagoon.

PM: Later, a dinghy will transport you and your luggage to Baltra. From there, take the airport shuttle, accompanied by your guide, who will assist you at the check-in counters in the departure hall.

• Activity:Hiking. Departure.
• Meal:Breakfast.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Explore the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, home to four mangrove species extending from the shore into the lagoon. Witness sea turtles swimming in the calm waters, and observe fish, rays, and small sharks below. Conclude your trip with a final snorkeling experience.

PM: Explore the lush vegetation in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to see unique zones. Your visit provides an excellent opportunity to observe Galapagos giant tortoises up close in their natural habitat.

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

AM: Darwin Bay, nestled within the caldera of a dormant volcano, welcomes visitors with a serene small coral beach. A leisurely stroll awaits those seeking a relaxed exploration. For the more adventurous, an optional, challenging walk across rugged lava rock terrain beckons, promising a thrilling experience.

PM: In the afternoon, we visit Genovesa Island, also known as “Bird Island”. Prince Philip’s Steps, also known as El Barranco, is a popular visitor site where tropicbirds, red-footed boobies, and other nesting seabirds can be found. We walk up a cliff through a Palo Santo forest to a storm petrel colony, passing red-footed and Nazca boobies and great frigatebirds along the way.

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

AM: On Santiago Island, Sullivan Bay invites you into a world of mystique and grandeur. As you step onto the expansive lava fields, the hardened lava flows beneath your feet tell a story of volcanic might. Snorkeling amidst the vibrant marine species, you wander through a kaleidoscope of colors.

PM: Experience deepwater snorkeling during a visit to Bartolomé Island, involving a dry landing and a nature walk. Despite its desolate landscape with sparse vegetation, Bartolomé is the most visited and photographed island in the Galapagos. The island features an extinct volcano and a stunning array of red, orange, green, and glistening black volcanic formations, with the iconic tuff cone known as Pinnacle Rock as its standout feature.

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

AM/PM: Sail to North Seymour Island, situated north of Baltra. Expect a dry landing and engage in nature walks across the rocky coast. Along the 1.25 mi (about 2 km) trail, you’ll encounter colonies of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds. Later, a dinghy will transport you and your luggage to Baltra. From there, take the airport shuttle, accompanied by your guide, who will assist you at the check-in counters in the departure hall.

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