Galapagos Horizon Cruise

AM: Pitt Point, situated on the northeastern tip of the San Cristobal island, hosts frigate birds, storm petrels, and all three types of booby birds: the Nazca, blue-footed, and red-footed boobies. A steep trail goes up a cliff and through a ravine, leading visitors to an area with an abundance of birds.

PM: Witch Hill is located on the northern coast. This eroded hill and its surroundings present one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos with its white powdery sand and the abundance of animals. Kicker Rock Formation is located a couple of hours off the western shore of San Cristobal. Jutting out of the water, the rocks stand vertically hundreds of feet above the ocean, divided by a small channel.

• Activity:Walking, Snorkeling, Panga Ride.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: On the trail to Suarez Point, you will have the chance to spot blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. This island is the breeding site of nearly all of the world’s 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. You will also visit a beautiful site on the oceanfront
where there is a cliff that the large albatrosses use as a launching pad! You will have the chance to see the famous blowhole that spurts sea water into the air.

PM: This excursion takes you to the spectacular Gardner Bay. After landing, you can walk across a lovely white-sand beach amongst a busy sea lion colony or dive into the water to swim with sea lion pups. You may also see curious mockingbirds on the beach.

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

AM: Bachas Beach is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz and is a beach for swimming. One of the few remnants of the U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos, a floating pier, can be seen here. You may see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, and whimbrels. Sea turtles also nest on the beach.

PM: After this final visit, you will be transferred to the Baltra airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.

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

AM: You will visit Rabida Island which is one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago as well as a great snorkeling site. You will start on Rabida’s famous maroon/red sand beach, and after an easy hike, you will arrive at a stunning lookout to enjoy the amazing landscapes. The island is a birdwatcher’s delight. Some species are abundant such as a few varieties of finches, Galapagos vermilion flycatchers, Galapagos hawks, and brown pelicans.

PM: Egas Port, also known as James Bay, on Santiago Island is home to the curious Galapagos hawks and quick-footed Galapagos
lava lizards. The trail leads to the coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos fur seals bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site.

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

AM: Visit the white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay, which includes a half-mile trail (0,75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls can easily be spotted here. Further down the path, you will find tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view of a cliff.

PM: El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, is a steep, rocky path that leads up a high cliff rock face. A marvelous view can
be appreciated from here. This site is also home to Palo Santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, Galapagos storm petrels, and Galapagos doves.

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

AM: Mosquera Islet is located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour. This reef of rocks and coral is only 160 meters across at its narrowest width. This island has one of the largest populations of sea lions and is home to many shorebirds. There have been occasional reports at this site of orcas feeding on sea lions.

PM: Accessible by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green, which contrasts beautifully with the dry, lower part of the islands. The lava tunnels, over half a mile long, are underground, and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience. Time to lunch. – You will visit the “Fausto Llerena” Tortoise Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora, where giant tortoises are bred in captivity. This is home to tortoises ranging from 3 inches to 4-foot-long adults. Subspecies of the giant tortoises interact with one another, and many of the older tortoises are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity.

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

AM/PM: In North Seymour, you may see Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and magnificent frigate birds which are abundant on this island. North Seymour was formed by a series of submarine lava flows containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone. Then, transfer to the Baltra airport to take your flight back to continental Ecuador.

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

AM: Pitt Point, situated on the northeastern tip of the San Cristobal island, hosts frigate birds, storm petrels, and all three types of booby birds: the Nazca, blue-footed, and red-footed boobies. A steep trail goes up a cliff and through a ravine, leading visitors to an area with an abundance of birds..

PM: Witch Hill is located on the northern coast. This eroded hill and its surroundings present one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos with its white powdery sand and the abundance of animals. Kicker Rock Formation is located a couple of hours off the western shore of San Cristobal. Jutting out of the water, the rocks stand vertically hundreds of feet above the ocean, divided by a small channel.

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

AM: On the trail to Suarez Point, you will have the chance to spot blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. This island is the breeding site of nearly all of the world’s 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. You will also visit a beautiful site on the oceanfront where there is a cliff that the large albatrosses use as a launching pad! You will have the chance to see the famous blowhole that spurts seawater into the air.

PM: This excursion takes you to the spectacular Gardner Bay. After landing, you can walk across a lovely white-sand beach amongst a busy sea lion colony or dive into the water to swim with sea lion pups. You may also see curious mockingbirds on the beach.

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

AM: Bachas Beach is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz and is a beach for swimming. One of the few remnants of the U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos, a floating pier, can be seen here. You may see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, and whimbrels. Sea turtles also nest on the beach.

PM: You will head to Bartholomew Island, where the famous Pinnacle Rock is found. Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black, and even green volcanic formations. You will take a trail of stairs to the summit of the volcano (about 30 or 40 minutes) where you will enjoy one of the best views of the islands! You will also visit a small, beautiful beach surrounded by the only vegetation found on this barren island. The beach is perfect for snorkeling where you may even see and swim with Galapagos penguins.

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

AM: You will visit Rabida Island, which is one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago, as well as a great snorkeling site. You will start on Rabida’s famous maroon/red sand beach, and after an easy hike, you will arrive at a stunning lookout to enjoy the amazing landscapes. The island is a birdwatcher’s delight. Some species are abundant, such as a few varieties of finches, Galapagos vermilion flycatchers, Galapagos hawks, and brown pelicans.

PM: Egas Port, also known as James Bay, on Santiago Island, is home to the curious Galapagos hawks and quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. The trail leads to the coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here, the Galapagos fur seals bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site.

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

AM: Visit the white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay, which includes a half-mile trail (0,75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls can easily be spotted here. Further down the path, you will find tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view of a cliff.

PM: El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, is a steep, rocky path that leads up a high cliff rock face. A marvelous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to Palo Santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, Galapagos storm petrels, and Galapagos doves.

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

AM: Mosquera Islet is located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour. This reef of rocks and coral is only 160 meters across at its narrowest width. This island has one of the largest populations of sea lions and is home to many shorebirds. There have been occasional reports at this site of orcas feeding on sea lions.

PM: Accessible by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green, which contrasts beautifully with the dry, lower part of the islands. The lava tunnels, over half a mile long, are underground, and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience. Time to lunch. – You will visit the “Fausto Llerena” Tortoise Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora, where giant tortoises are bred in captivity. This is home to tortoises ranging from 3 inches to 4-foot-long adults. Subspecies of the giant tortoises interact with one another, and many of the older tortoises are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity.

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

AM/PM: In North Seymour, you may see Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and magnificent frigate birds, which are abundant on this island. North Seymour was formed by a series of submarine lava flows containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone. Then, transfer to the Baltra airport to take your flight back to continental Ecuador.

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

AM: Comprised of two separate coves, Vicente Roca Point is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola mola (or sunfish) while you snorkel.

PM: Crossing the Bolivar Channel that divides Isabela and Fernandina Islands, you will land at Espinoza Point, and after walking past a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions, you will reach the island’s highlight: the flightless cormorant nesting site.

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

AM: You will visit Tagus Cove on Isabela Island, which is located across from Fernandina Island, near the Bolivar Channel dividing the two islands. This spot has been frequented by ships since the 1800s, using the area as an anchorage site. Trails winding by Lake Darwin up to a ridge display wonderful views.

PM: Urbina Bay is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954, causing the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out, leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is also a great place for snorkeling.

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

AM: Elizabeth Bay is located on the east coast of Isabela Island. The bay contains many islets, which can be visited by dinghy. Penguins and blue-footed boobies can be spotted on the rocky islets. With an abundance of marine life and clear water, the area is perfect for snorkeling and viewing schools of colorful fish, sea lions, and perhaps even sharks.

PM: Moreno Point here, a dry landing onto what was once the lava is possible. The lava has left craters in its wake, which formed crystal tide pools. By looking into the pools, you can peer into another world as the marine life drifts by your window. In the brackish pools of this area, you may see pink flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, and common gallinules.

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

AM: You will visit the “Fausto Llerena” Tortoise Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora, where giant tortoises are bred in captivity. This is home to tortoises ranging from 3 inches to 4-foot-long adults. Subspecies of the giant tortoises interact with one another, and many of the older tortoises are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity.

PM: Accessible by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green, which contrasts beautifully with the dry, lower part of the islands. The predominant vegetation in the highlands is Scalesia trees, which create a lush green forest. The lava tunnels, over half a mile long, are underground, and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience. At this place, you’ll have lunch.

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

AM: You will land on a beach and head to a spot where 18th-century whalers placed a wooden barrel used as an unofficial mailbox. The custom continues to this day with Galapagos visitors. So, don’t forget your postcards, and don’t be surprised if the postcard arrives at its destination before you even get home! – You will have a chance to snorkel around Devil’s Crown, which is the rocky remains of an offshore volcano sticking out of the water. This is a great location to spot a wide range of marine creatures.

PM: Cormorant Point hosts a large flamingo lagoon where other birds such as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails can also be seen. The beaches on this island are distinct: The Green Beach is named so due to its green color, which comes from a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, and the Flour Sand Beach is composed of white coral.

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

AM: Santa Fe Island (Barrington) is home to a small, picturesque bay and anchorage on the island’s northeast coast. The bay has two visitor trails: one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other spanning from a small beach to a tall prickly pear cactus forest.

PM: You will take an excursion to Lobos Island, which means “Sea Lion Island.” This appropriately named island is ripe with noisy, playful, jolly sea lions who will welcome you to their home with open, well, fins. This island also offers great snorkeling opportunities as well as the chance to see blue-footed and Nazca boobies.

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

AM: Breeding Center David Rodriguez – “La Galapaguera”, in Cerro Colorado, is a new visitor site in the southeast part of San Cristobal Island and can now be reached in roughly one hour by road from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. On the trees and shrubs surrounding the site, you may see land birds like warblers, finches, and mockingbirds. Giant tortoises can be observed on the trails.
PM: After this final visit, you will be transferred to the San Cristobal airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.

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