Galapagos Cachalote Explorer Cruise

AM: Upon arrival, you will have to pay your Galapagos National Park entrance fee and your luggage will be inspected to make sure no foreign substances are introduced.
PM: Highlands of Santa Cruz: Galapagos giant tortoises can be seen in the wild in the highlands of Santa Cruz.
Charles Darwin Station: Visit the Charles Darwin Station a research facility and National Park Information center. The Charles Darwin Station has a giant tortoise and land iguana breeding program and interpretation center.

• Activity:Arrival, Hiking.
• Meal:Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Chinese hat is a small volcanic island just off the southeast tip of Santiago. The name of the island describes the shape of the island. Fauna includes Sea lions, marine iguanas, and the Galapagos penguin.
PM: Rabida is a small island with a dark red coral sand beach. Highlights include the lagoon with flamingoes, pelican nesting site, sea lion bachelor colony, and a snorkeling site at the end of the beach.

• Activity:Hiking, Birdwatching.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Volcan Sierra Negra has a caldera with a diameter of 10km. View recent lava flows, moist highland vegetation, and parasitic cones.
PM: Puerto Villamil is a charming small town on a white sand beach. Highlights include the Tortoise Breeding Station and the flamingo lagoon. Other visits (depending on conditions) are the Tintoreras or Los Humedales.

• Activity:Hiking.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Moreno Point is located on the central southwestern coast of Isabela Island. The site has spectacular views of volcanoes Alcedo, Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul. Some highlights include impressive lava flows, desolate and pristine landscape, and varied and unusual arid zone vegetation.

PM: This spot is only accessible by dinghy. It is possible to see penguins on the small islets in the bay. The end of the bay is long and narrow surrounded by three species of mangroves. Galapagos Sea Turtles and rays can usually be seen in the water.

• Activity:Hiking.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Urbina Bay is located on the central-west coast of Isabela Island at the foothills of Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes. Highlights include the colorful land iguanas, Galapagos Giant tortoises, and the coral uplifting from 1954.

PM: Tagus Cove is a natural harbor where centuries ago whalers and pirates left their ship’s names painted or carved on the rocks. A walk uphill to Darwin’s Crater salt-water lake will provide an excellent view.

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

AM: Espinoza Point is a place famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas and as the habitat of unique species like the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk, and Galapagos snake, among others.

PM: This site is visited by dinghy rides along the cliffs or the partially sunken cave at the water’s edge. Nasca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and flightless cormorants inhabit the shoreline.

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

AM: A walk along the rocky coast line that will you show you a view of some of Galapagos’ best tide pools. Some highlights include: Sugar loaf volcano, fur seals, oystercatchers, a marine iguana colony, and an old salt mine

PM: A hike will take you to the highest point on Bartolome for a spectacular view. Sea lions and penguins can be seen around Pinnacle Rock. There is a sandy beach with great swimming and snorkeling.

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

AM: This flat piece of land originated after an uplifting event thousands of years ago. The island is home to endemic Palo Santo trees, colonies of blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and magnificent frigate birds.
PM: Transfer to Baltra Airport

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

AM: Upon arrival, you will have to pay your Galapagos National Park entrance fee and your luggage will be inspected to make sure no foreign substances are introduced.

PM: The lagoon is the only freshwater reservoir in Galapagos and has great views from its altitude of 700m in the highlands of San Cristóbal. Rainwater has been collected in the caldera for hundreds of years and formed this lagoon. Galapaguera is a good area to see tortoises in their natural environment.

• Activity:Arrival, Hiking.
• Meal:Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Located on the northeast of the island, the site has a long and beautiful white sand beach inhabited by sea lion colonies. Islote Garnder and Islote Osborn: These islets are snorkeling sites where visitors will see an abundance of tropical fish, reef sharks, and turtles.
PM: The wildlife at Punta Suarez is plentiful and varied. Along the cliff, visitors can enjoy the blowhole where seawater is forced about 20m into the air. The highlights are the Waved albatross (April-Dec) that are only found on Hood, Galapagos Hawks, blue-footed boobies, Ñasca boobies, and Española lava lizards.

• Activity:Hiking, Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Cormorant Point has two contrasting beaches and a large inland lagoon where pink flamingoes can be seen. Devil’s Crown: This is a snorkeling site located just off Punta Cormorant. The site is a completely submerged volcano that has eroded to create the appearance of a jagged crown.

PM: This is one of the few sites visited for its human history. Visit the wooden mail barrel where letters are dropped off and picked up and remain of the Norwegian fishing village.

• Activity:Hiking.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Dragon Hill is located on the northwestern side of Santa Cruz Island. Some highlights include small lagoons with flamingos, Palo Santo trees, and Opuntia cactus.

PM: Santiago Island is located between Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands. This Island offers a wide variety of seabirds, marine iguanas, and fur seals. Sullivan Bay: This site is of great geological interest. Highlights: 100 hundred-year-old lava flow field, pahoehoe formations, and lava bubbles.

• Activity:Hiking, Exploring, Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: There is a good possibility of seeing the unique “Short eared owl” at this site. During the dinghy rides along the cliffs, fur seals and several species of seabirds can be spotted.

PM: The steep cliffs of this area dominate the island. This area is home to thousands of frigate birds, red-footed boobies, Noddy terns, lava gulls, tropicbirds, doves, storm petrels, and Darwin’s finches.

• Activity:Hiking.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Turtle Cove is a red mangrove lagoon on Santa Cruz and a perfect example of how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat

PM: Return fly to Quito.

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

AM: Upon arrival, you will have to pay your Galapagos National Park entrance fee and your luggage will be inspected to make sure no foreign substances are introduced.

PM: Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to Santa Cruz Island to take the 14h00 speed boat departure to Isabela island. Arrive at Puerto Villamil at 16h00 approximately and transfer to the Cachalote Explorer.

• Activity:Arrival, Hiking, Exploring.
• Meal:Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Moreno Point locates on the north coast of Isabela Island between the volcano Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcano. The trail runs along a lava flow Pahoehoe (solidified lava in the form of corrugated or an accordion) into a complex of coastal lagoons, where several species of birds can be found around the lakes and mangroves.

PM: This spot is only accessible by dinghy. It is possible to see penguins on the small islets in the bay. The end of the bay is long and narrow surrounded by three species of mangroves. Galapagos Sea Turtles and rays can usually be seen in the water.

• Activity:Hiking, Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Urbina Bay locates at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast, between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. The coast expanded half a mile out, leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is also a great place to snorkel. Urbina Bay is a path that starts off with a wet landing. In Bahia Urbina, you can see Darwin’s finches. Its main attraction is the land iguanas, which are larger than in places like South Plaza Island and Galapagos tortoises.

PM: Tagus Cove is located west of Darwin Volcano on Isabela Island. This was a favorite spot for pirates and whalers, and it was them who started the following tradition: the inscription of the names of boats. Due to former eruptions, the substrate has a large number of volcanic rocks of different sizes, among the most common, are little balls of the nearly spherical shape known as the “lapilli” or petrified rain.

• Activity:Hiking, Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Espinoza Point is a famous place known for its large colonies of marine iguanas and as the habitat of unique species like the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk, and Galapagos snake.

PM: One of the most impressive and spectacular places of the enchanted Galapagos Islands; with high cliffs and tuff stone, ash, and lava formations that give this area a majestic touch, is Punta Vicente Roca.

• Activity:Hiking, Kayaking, Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: A walk along the rocky coast line that will you show you a view of some of Galapagos’ best tide pools. Some highlights include: Sugar loaf volcano, fur seals, oystercatchers, a marine iguana colony, and an old salt mine

PM: A hike will take you to the highest point on Bartolome for a spectacular view. Sea lions and penguins can be seen around Pinnacle Rock. There is a sandy beach with great swimming and snorkeling.

• Activity:Hiking, Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast.

AM: This flat piece of land originated after an uplifting event thousands of years ago. The island is home to endemic Palo Santo trees, colonies of blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and magnificent frigate birds.
PM: Return flight to Quito.

• Activity:Hiking, Departure.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Single or Double cabins.

AM: Upon arrival, you will have to pay your Galapagos National Park entrance fee and your luggage will be inspected to make sure no foreign substances are introduced.

PM: Highlands of Santa Cruz: Galapagos giant tortoises can be seen in the wild in the highlands of Santa Cruz. Charles Darwin Station: Visit the Charles Darwin Station a research facility and National Park Information center. The Charles Darwin Station has a giant tortoise and land iguana breeding program and interpretation center.

• Activity:Hiking.
• Meal:Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Doube or Single cabins.

AM: Plazas consist of two very small islands that were uplifted from the sea, separated by a channel. Only South Plazas has a visitor site. The highlights include tall Opuntia cactus, land, and marine iguanas, a rocky cliff that looks out towards the open ocean which is also a nesting site for red-billed tropic birds and gulls, and a seal lion bachelor colony.

PM: Santa Fe is a smaller island of 24 km2. The visitor site Santa Fe is located on the northeast end of the island. Highlights include Santa Fe land iguanas, pelican nesting site, sea lion colony, mockingbird, and Palo Santo trees.

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

AM: Witch Hill (Cerro Brujo) is a volcanic cone that looks over a beautiful white sandy beach that has plenty of sea lions, pelicans, blue-footed boobies, waders, and marine iguanas.

PM: The lagoon is the only freshwater reservoir in Galapagos and has great views from its altitude of 700m in the highlands of San Cristóbal. Rainwater has been collected in the caldera for hundreds of years and formed this lagoon.
Galapaguera is a good area to see tortoises in their natural environment

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

AM: Located on the northeast of the island, the site has a long and beautiful white sand beach inhabited by sea lion colonies. Islote Garnder and Islote Osborn: These islets are snorkeling sites where visitors will see an abundance of tropical fish, reef sharks, and turtles.

PM: The wildlife at Punta Suarez is plentiful and varied. Along the cliff, visitors can enjoy the blowhole where seawater is forced about 20m into the air. The highlights are the Waved albatross (April-Dec) that are only found on Hood, Galapagos Hawks, blue-footed boobies, Nasca boobies, and Española lava lizards.

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

AM: Punta Cormorant has two contrasting beaches and a large inland lagoon where pink flamingoes can be seen. Devil’s Crown: This is a snorkeling site located just off Punta Cormorant. The site is a completely submerged volcano that has eroded to create the appearance of a jagged crown.

PM: Post Office Bay: This is one of the few sites visited in its human history. Visit the wooden mail barrel where letters are dropped off and picked up and remain of the Norwegian fishing village.

• Activity:Hiking, Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch.
• Accommodation:Double or Single cabins.

AM: Dragon Hill is located on the northwestern side of Santa Cruz Island. Some highlights include small lagoons with flamingos, Palo Santo trees, and Opuntia cactus.

PM: James Island is located between Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands. This Island offers a wide variety of seabirds, marine iguanas, and fur seals. Sullivan Bay: This site is of great geological interest. Highlights: 100 hundred-year-old lava flow field, pahoehoe formations, and lava bubbles.

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

AM: There is a good possibility of seeing the unique “Short eared owl” at this site. During the dinghy rides along the cliffs, fur seals and several species of seabirds can be spotted.

PM: The steep cliffs of this area dominate the island. This area is home to thousands of frigate birds, red-footed boobies, Noddy terns, lava gulls, tropicbirds, doves, storm petrels, and Darwin’s finches.

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

AM: Turtle Cove is a red mangrove lagoon on Santa Cruz and a perfect example of how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat.

PM: Return flight to Quito.

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