Cormorant II Galapagos Cruise

AM: Set off for the Galapagos Islands, arriving at Baltra Airport, where a Park-certified naturalist guide awaits you, ready to begin your exploration.

PM: Visit Las Bachas beach on the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island, a serene spot for swimming. This site hosts a floating pier, a remnant of U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos. The beach is alive with wildlife, including whimbrels, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, and potentially sea turtles nesting in the sand.

• Activity:Walking. Sightseeing.
• Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Begin your morning at El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, on Genovesa Island. This challenging path ascends a steep, rocky cliff, leading to a breathtaking viewpoint. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by the fragrant Palo Santo vegetation and encounter a variety of birdlife, including red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, Galapagos storm petrels, and Galapagos doves.

PM: In the afternoon, explore the serene white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay, also on Genovesa Island. A half-mile (0.75 km) trail takes you through lush mangroves teeming with land birds. Keep an eye out for Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. The path leads to delightful tidal pools, where playful sea lions frolic in the water. The trail culminates with a dramatic view from a towering cliff.

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

AM: In the morning, visit South Plaza, a small island formed from uplifted lava, known for its steep cliffs and vibrant Sesuvium plants that change from green-yellow to bright red with the seasons. This island boasts one of the largest sea lion colonies and is populated by colorful yellow-red land iguanas amidst Opuntia cacti.

PM: At Santa Fe, you’ll find yourself in one of the Galapagos’ most picturesque bays, characterized by giant prickly-pear cacti and barren lava rocks. Its turquoise waters and white sand beaches are a haven for a large colony of sea lions. Inland, discover endemic Santa Fe land iguanas and keep an eye out for Galapagos hawks perched atop cacti. The trail is also rich with Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds, and lava lizards.

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

AM: Explore Pitt Point on the northeastern tip of San Cristóbal Island, a haven for diverse birdlife including frigatebirds, storm petrels, and all three booby species: Nazca, blue-footed, and red-footed. A challenging trail ascends a cliff and winds through a ravine.

PM: On the northern coast, discover a stunning beach characterized by eroded hills, white powdery sand, and an array of wildlife. This picturesque spot is home to sea turtles, rays, and various booby birds. The crystal-clear waters offer superb conditions for swimming and snorkeling, making it an ideal location for marine exploration.

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

AM/PM: Visit the newly established Breeding Center on the northeastern part of San Cristóbal Island, about an hour’s drive from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This center offers a unique opportunity to observe hatchling turtles from birth through the first 120 days of their maturity.

Following this visit, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador.

• Activity:Walking.
• Meal:Breakfast

AM: Your Galapagos voyage begins when you arrive at Baltra airport, where a Park-certified naturalist guide will greet you.

PM: Embark on an excursion to Lobos Island, aptly named for its abundant, playful sea lions that greet visitors with their lively antics. Later, visit Kicker Rock off the western shore of San Cristóbal Island. This impressive rock formation rises dramatically from the ocean, standing tall above the water, divided by a narrow channel.

• Activity:Walking. Sightseeing.
• Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: While hiking to Suárez Point on Española Island, look out for blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. This area is renowned as the breeding ground for nearly all of the world’s 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses.

PM: Your afternoon is spent at the stunning Gardner Bay. Upon landing, stroll along the beautiful white-sand beach, bustling with a lively sea lion colony, or enjoy swimming with playful sea lion pups in the waters. The beach also attracts inquisitive mockingbirds, adding to the vibrant wildlife experience.

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

AM: This day is for exploring Floreana Island. In the morning, you’ll visit Post Office Bay. Land on a beach where you’ll discover an 18th-century whalers’ tradition: a wooden barrel serving as an unofficial mailbox, a practice still embraced by Galapagos visitors today.

PM: In the afternoon, explore the intriguing Baroness Viewpoint, a site steeped in the rich history and legends of the Galapagos. Once the home of a baroness and her three lovers, this location is shrouded in mystery, including tales of a captivating murder story that adds to the island’s allure.

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

AM: Today you’ll go to Santa Cruz Island. Explore the Twin Craters, situated on either side of the road from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. Despite their name, these are not true craters, but rather large sinkholes formed by the collapse of surface material into underground fissures and chambers, offering a unique geological insight.

PM: Following this visit, transfer to Baltra airport in time for your return flight to the mainland.

• Activity:Walking. Exploring. Departure.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.

AM: Set off for the Galapagos Islands, arriving at Baltra Airport, where a Park-certified naturalist guide awaits you, ready to begin your exploration.

PM: Visit Las Bachas beach on the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island, a serene spot for swimming. This site hosts a floating pier, a remnant of U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos. The beach is alive with wildlife, including whimbrels, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, and potentially sea turtles nesting in the sand.

• Activity:Arrival. Walking. Panga ride.
• Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Begin your morning at El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, on Genovesa Island. This challenging path ascends a steep, rocky cliff, leading to a breathtaking viewpoint. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by the fragrant Palo Santo vegetation and encounter a variety of birdlife, including red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, Galapagos storm petrels, and Galapagos doves.

PM: In the afternoon, explore the serene white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay, also on Genovesa Island. A half-mile (0.75 km) trail takes you through lush mangroves teeming with land birds. Keep an eye out for Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. The path leads to delightful tidal pools, where playful sea lions frolic in the water. The trail culminates with a dramatic view from a towering cliff.

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

AM: In the morning, visit South Plaza, a small island formed from uplifted lava, known for its steep cliffs and vibrant Sesuvium plants that change from green-yellow to bright red with the seasons. This island boasts one of the largest sea lion colonies and is populated by colorful yellow-red land iguanas amidst Opuntia cacti.

PM: At Santa Fe, you’ll find yourself in one of the Galapagos’ most picturesque bays, characterized by giant prickly-pear cacti and barren lava rocks. Its turquoise waters and white sand beaches are a haven for a large colony of sea lions. Inland, discover endemic Santa Fe land iguanas and keep an eye out for Galapagos hawks perched atop cacti. The trail is also rich with Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds, and lava lizards.

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

AM: Explore Pitt Point on the northeastern tip of San Cristóbal Island, a haven for diverse birdlife including frigatebirds, storm petrels, and all three booby species: Nazca, blue-footed, and red-footed. A challenging trail ascends a cliff and winds through a ravine.

PM: On the northern coast, discover a stunning beach characterized by eroded hills, white powdery sand, and an array of wildlife. This picturesque spot is home to sea turtles, rays, and various booby birds. The crystal-clear waters offer superb conditions for swimming and snorkeling, making it an ideal location for marine exploration.

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

AM: Visit the David Rodríguez Breeding Center, also known as La Galapaguera, in Cerro Colorado. Located on the southeastern part of San Cristóbal Island, it is approximately an hour’s drive from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The surrounding trees and shrubs are a haven for land birds such as warblers, finches, and mockingbirds. Along the trails, observe Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural environment.

PM: Embark on an excursion to Lobos Island, aptly named for its abundant, playful sea lions that greet visitors with their lively antics. Later, visit Kicker Rock off the western shore of San Cristóbal Island. This impressive rock formation rises dramatically from the ocean, standing tall above the water, divided by a narrow channel.

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

AM: While hiking to Suárez Point on Española Island, look out for blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. This area is renowned as the breeding ground for nearly all of the world’s 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses.

PM: Your afternoon is spent at the stunning Gardner Bay. Upon landing, stroll along the beautiful white-sand beach, bustling with a lively sea lion colony, or enjoy swimming with playful sea lion pups in the waters. The beach also attracts inquisitive mockingbirds, adding to the vibrant wildlife experience.

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

AM: Arrive at a unique beach on Floreana Island, where you’ll find a historic wooden barrel, used as an unofficial mailbox by 18th-century whalers. This tradition is alive with visitors leaving postcards, which may reach their destinations surprisingly quickly.

PM: Still on Floreana, you’ll visit the Baroness Viewpoint next. This site is rich in history from its days inhabited by a baroness and her three lovers. Then, explore Cormorant Point, home to a large flamingo lagoon with other birds like common stilts and white-cheeked pintails. The island features two remarkable beaches: the Green Beach, tinted by olivine crystals, and the white coral Flour Sand Beach.

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

AM: Today you’ll go to Santa Cruz Island. Explore the Twin Craters, situated on either side of the road from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. Despite their name, these are not true craters, but rather large sinkholes formed by the collapse of surface material into underground fissures and chambers, offering a unique geological insight.

PM: Following this visit, transfer to Baltra airport in time for your return flight to the mainland.

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

AM: Arrive at Baltra Island. After immigration and baggage claim, Cormorant II staff will greet you and transfer you to the yacht. Settle into your cabin, then join the rest for lunch and a welcome briefing.

PM: A bus ride from Puerto Ayora takes you to Santa Cruz’s lush highlands, a stark contrast to the drier lower regions. Explore the verdant Scalesia tree forest and the extensive lava tunnels for a surreal underground experience. Continue to the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora, home to Galapagos giant tortoises of various sizes, from tiny hatchlings to large adults. Here, these gentle giants often interact with visitors, offering unique photo opportunities.

• Activity:Arrival. Hiking. Walking.
• Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Single or double cabins.

AM: Start your day on Isabela at Tintoreras Islet near Puerto Villamil, a haven for diverse wildlife. Spot white-tip reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, and sea lions in its clear turquoise waters. Then, visit the Sierra Negra Volcano, the Galapagos’ largest basaltic caldera, spanning 6.2 miles (10 km) in diameter. It offers stunning views, a chance to see up to seven finch species and a rich variety of vegetation.

PM: The wetlands feature lagoons, swamps, and mangroves, teeming with common stilts, whimbrels, and white-cheeked pintails. Conclude your day at the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, about a mile (1.5 km) from Puerto Villamil. Tortoises from various regions of South Isabela are bred here, showcasing conservation efforts for these iconic creatures.

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

AM: Begin today at Moreno Point, southwest of Elizabeth Bay on Isabela Island. A dry landing leads you to ancient lava flows and crystal-clear tide pools. Look for pink flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, and common gallinules in the brackish waters.

PM: In the afternoon, visit Elizabeth Bay on Isabela’s east coast. Explore its numerous islets by dinghy, spotting penguins and blue-footed boobies. The bay’s clear waters provide excellent snorkeling opportunities to observe colorful fish, sea lions, and possibly sharks.

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

AM: Cross the Bolívar Channel, between Isabela and Fernandina Islands, to land at Espinoza Point. Walk past marine iguanas and sea lions to reach Fernandina’s highlight: a flightless cormorant nesting site, where you might also spot the Galapagos hawk.

PM: Spend your afternoon at Vicente Roca Point on Isabela Island, a haven for snorkelers and divers with its rich marine life, including sea turtles and seahorses. The area’s cliffs and nutrient-rich waters attract unique birds like the blue-footed booby and flightless cormorant, offering a spectacular display of the Galapagos’ diverse wildlife.

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

AM: Discover Egas Port (James Bay) on Santiago Island, a habitat for Galapagos hawks and lava lizards. Follow the trail to the coast, where tide pools and grottos teem with fauna, including sun-bathing Galapagos fur seals. It’s an excellent spot for snorkeling.

PM: Visit Espumilla Beach, where marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs abound, creating a dynamic scene as herons hunt. Snorkeling here offers encounters with marine life like octopuses, moray eels, sharks, and various tropical fish.

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

AM: Embark on a journey to Bartolomé Island, home to the iconic Pinnacle Rock and an extinct volcano adorned with red, orange, black, and green volcanic formations. Climb a stair trail to the summit for a stunning panoramic view. Visit a charming beach, unique for its sparse vegetation, offering excellent snorkeling opportunities and chances to swim with Galapagos penguins.

PM: Explore Sullivan Bay on Santiago‘s southeast coast, a geologically fascinating area dominated by lava flows and featuring miniature volcanic formations. This site provides a unique glimpse into the volcanic processes that have shaped the Galapagos.

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

AM: Chinese Islet, nestled near the southeast coast of Santiago Island, owes its name to the unique shape of its summit. This islet features intriguing lava flows that originated underwater and later rose above sea level. The existence of coral heads on these lava flows is a clear indicator of this fascinating geological phenomenon.

PM: In the afternoon, discover the wonders of Dragon Hill on one of the longer walking trails in the Galapagos. Your adventure takes you past a picturesque beach and up to a lagoon lookout. Spot vibrant flamingos, graceful pintail ducks, and majestic land iguanas. This experience promises a delightful blend of natural beauty and wildlife encounters!

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

AM: Visit North Seymour, a haven for Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and magnificent frigatebirds. Formed by uplifted submarine lava flows, this island showcases an arid vegetation zone, offering a glimpse into its unique geological history.

PM: Following your exploration of North Seymour, you’ll board your transfer to Baltra airport, ensuring timely departure for your return flight to the mainland.

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