Galapagos Seaman Journey Cruise

AM: Mosquera Islet Located between North Seymour and Baltra, Mosquera Islet is one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos. It is of volcanic origin, formed by geological uplift, has no visible crater, and its terrain is very flat. One of the most striking features of Mosquera is the contrast of colors. A beautiful beach of white sand, transparent turquoise waters, lush green vegetation, and jet-black lava rocks. Landscape photography is highly recommended here, especially in the golden light conditions of early morning or at sunset.

PM: North Seymour is a raised island (rather than volcanic). Therefore, it is generally flat and filled with rocks. There are good nesting sites here for a large population of magnificent frigatebirds. Blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance in the more open areas, and swallow-tailed gulls perch on the cliff edges. Despite the tremendous surf that can pound the outer shore, sea lions haul out onto the beach and can be found body-surfing.

• Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double Cabin.

AM: Genovesa Island. The visitor site of El Barranco is located in the southern part of Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island. The trail is on volcanic rock, consists of 1.5 km, and can be done in about 2 hours. The youngest area of the island, from a geological point of view, lies in this area.

The cliff is located in the south and is composed of very fragile lava. The natural erosion in these lava flows has become the ideal place for nesting Storm Petrels. You can see two species of petrels that nest in cavities and holes in the lava.

One of its main predators is the short-eared owl. The red-footed booby nests only in the outer islands of the archipelago: Punta Pitt, Gardner (Floreana), Wolf, Darwin, and Genovesa. Also present on this island is the masked booby. During the “panga rides” along the cliffs, fur sea lions and several species of seabirds can be seen.

PM: Darwin Bay. This bay originated when the crater of this island collapsed below sea level. The wet landing is on a beautiful white coral sandy beach. This island is a favorite destination for birdwatchers, allowing the observation of several species including red-footed boobies, masked boobies, wandering tattlers, lava gulls, whimbrels, yellow-crowned and black-crowned lava herons, and yellow warblers.

Continuing on the trail, visitors gradually climb to the edge of the cliff, where they can see Red-Footed nesting in the Mangrove trees below. Birdwatching opportunities include sightings of sharp-beaked finches, large cactus and ground finches, Galapagos doves, and swallow-tailed gulls. At the end of the trail, at the cliff’s edge, an incredible view of the island and the many birds living there can be observed.

• Activity:Snorkeling. Hiking.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double Cabin.

AM: South Plaza is located to the east of Santa Cruz Island and forms part of two islands known as Islas Plazas. Despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the Galapagos are found here. The Plazas land iguanas are smaller than their relatives found on other islands.

Throughout the island, there are several hybrid iguanas, a result of crossing a male marine iguana and a female land iguana. They are unique, recognizable at first glance by their black/gray color, with a land iguana’s crest, but face and tail of the marine iguana. The large population of iguanas is due to the presence of tunas, their favorite food. Swallow-tailed gulls nesting in the rugged cliffs are seen along with other seabirds such as Audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds,

PM: Santa Fe. Located in the southeastern part of the Galapagos, this island was formed from an uplift instead of a volcanic origin, which is why it is mostly flat. Some theories suggest this could be the oldest island in the Archipelago. Santa Fe is home to some endemic species like the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats, and one of the two species of land iguanas on the islands.

After disembarking in the beautiful and clear waters, you will be in contact with one of the many sea lion colonies. Along the trail, many salt bushes can be seen as well as giant prickly pear cacti: gigantism is a characteristic of oceanic islands. There are great possibilities for snorkeling with playful sea lions and tropical fish.

• Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double Cabin.

AM: David Rodriguez Land Tortoise Breeding Center

In 2002, the Galapagos National Park Service undertook the program for the breeding and care of tortoises in captivity, establishing for this purpose the Tortoise Breeding Center at that time with the name of Jacinto Gordillo. In 2016, it changed its name to the Tortoise Breeding Center with the name of “David Rodriguez,” in recognition of the 39 years of service to the Institution of the park ranger.

The David Rodriguez Tortoise Breeding Center is located in the southeast of San Cristobal, 22.5 km from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Access is by land; the bus trip takes approximately 40 minutes and is located in the vicinity of Cerro Colorado. This breeding center has been built to improve the population status of giant tortoises, Chelonoides chathamensis of San Cristóbal Island, in an environment with conditions similar to their natural state, and in this way, promote the tourist development of San Cristóbal.

After the visit, you will be transferred to the San Cristobal airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.

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

AM: A short visit will take place at the Galapaguera, a good place to observe Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat. San Cristobal Island has endemic species such as the Mockingbird Nesomimus melanotis, lava lizard, Chatham Leaf-toed Gecko, and tortoises. All of these species can be observed in this place. The beach is really big and works as a nesting zone for marine tortoises. Between January and May, it is common to find the footprints of the female tortoises who have climbed to the sand dunes to deposit their eggs!

PM: Witch Hill is a beautiful white coral beach where you can swim and watch birds and sea lions, plus you can snorkel. In this marvelous lava landscape, you can watch seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, and shore birds. Among the fauna you can observe the Chatham Mockingbird and the San Cristobal Lava Lizards, both species are endemic to the island and unique to the area. Furthermore, you will see the Galapagos turtles and with luck, the little bird is known as the Pájaro Brujo in Spanish, an endemic species in San Cristobal Island. Located on the north coast of Isla San Cristobal it is a peaceful place with white sand and crystal water, a perfect combination for an incredible stay.

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

AM: Located on the north-eastern coast of Hood, Gardner Bay offers an excellent beach to relax, swim, and even kayak, plus the opportunity to observe sea lions, here you can also observe sharks in the crystal clear ocean waters.

PM: This area is great for spotting blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. A beautiful sight on the oceanfront, the large waved albatrosses use the cliff as a launching pad. The famous attraction is the magnificent blowhole, spurting water high into the air at least 50 to 75 meters high. This site presents wonderful photography opportunities

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

AM: This site offers probably the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos; it is also one of the largest on the islands. It’s situated between two tuff lava cones that give the area a special atmosphere. After the interesting walk, the group is taken to Champion Islet, a great place to enjoy snorkeling and underwater wildlife. Some of the animals that can be seen are sea turtles, sea lions, and multiple fish thanks to the nearby coral reef.

PM: Historically, this site is the location of a wooden barrel that was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used since this time by marines and tourists as a post office. The idea is to carry letters or postcards to their destination by hand. Besides, this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists. This day’s afternoon is thought to be a relaxing time for visitors to enjoy the beach and the beauty of the Galapagos

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

AM: Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders, it is also interesting to learn how the protection and conservation of the islands are carried out. This path offers the possibility to learn aspects and feel synchronized with nature. After the morning excursion, you will be taken to the airport for your flight to the mainland. Transfer to Baltra airport.

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

AM: Punta Moreno 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: Off the eastern coast of Fernandina, Mangle Point can be found, a superior snorkeling site and a beautiful location for riding in a panga or zodiac through a grove of mangrove trees. While you are on your ride, you are likely to see sea lions, tortoises, pelicans, rays, and birds too numerous to name them all.

• 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: Espumilla beach locates on the northern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay. During the last presence of the El Niño phenomenon, one of the two lagoons in this site underwent a process of sedimentation, thus causing the disappearance of a representative colony of flamingos. The main attractions are the Palo Santo forest and the nesting of baby turtles.

PM: Black beach locates on the west side of the island and is the main attraction of the island. Their volcanic tuff deposits have favored the formation of this special black sand beach.
This site is called Puerto Egas because there was an attempt to start the exploitation of salt, which failed because the price of salt in the continent was very cheap, and did not justify its exploitation in the Galapagos.

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

AM: Rábida Island is unique due to the red color of all rocks and sand. The volcanic material on this island is very porous, and external factors such as rain, salty water, and sea breeze have acted as oxidizing agents.

PM: This is a small islet located just off the southeastern tip of Santiago Island. It is a recent volcanic cone, shaped like a Chinese hat when seen from the north. On the west, you can see lava formations formed under the sea and raised upwards; this is why coral heads are found on the lava.
The landscape is covered by sea lion colonies, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins.

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

AM: Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz Island. Our final morning adventure takes us to the tranquil Black Turtle Cove, a quiet and protected hideaway on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. We’ll explore this mangrove-lined cove by dinghy, with the engines turned off to avoid disturbing the wildlife. The calm waters are a crucial breeding and feeding ground for sea turtles, and you’ll often see them mating and swimming peacefully. This area is also a fantastic spot for viewing three distinct shark species: the black-tip, white-tip, and Galapagos sharks. As we glide through the mangroves, keep an eye out for spotted rays gliding below the surface and elegant egrets and herons perched in the trees. After this peaceful and unique experience, you will be transferred to Baltra airport for your flight back to the mainland.

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