Tip Top II Galapagos Cruise

AM: After breakfast, we sail to Santiago Island. A wet landing at Sullivan Bay takes us to a fascinating site where the otherworldly terrain of lava fields was shaped by recent geological activity. It’s a perfect spot for those eager to swim and snorkel amidst the unique underwater spectacle.

PM: Following lunch, another wet landing happens on Rábida Island, where encounters with marine iguanas, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, and brown pelicans await. Take a brief walk leading to a charming saltwater lagoon, where the vibrant presence of pink flamingos adds to the spectacle.

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

AM: After breakfast, we do a dry landing on Espinoza Point, located on Fernandina Island, to observe a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, and flightless cormorants, amidst clumps of lava cactus.

PM: You return to the yacht for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a panga ride around the islets of Elizabeth Bay on Isabela Island. Encounter marine iguanas, penguins, sea turtles, seabirds, shorebirds, herons, and blue-footed boobies. After the exploration, return to the yacht for dinner and our nightly orientation.

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

AM: After breakfast, it’s off to Isabela Island. Perform a wet landing on Urbina Bay to take a walk on a coral area, where you can spot land iguanas, flightless cormorants, and Galapagos giant tortoises. There is the possibility of swimming and snorkeling here.

PM: Return to the yacht for lunch. In the afternoon, take a panga to Tagus Cove, nestled between the shoulders of two volcanic craters on Isabela, providing protection from the open sea. Observe penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions, and a variety of birds, including flightless cormorants and blue-footed boobies.

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

AM: After breakfast, perform a wet landing at Egas Port (also known as James Bay) to stroll along the shore and observe various marine life, including sponges, snails, hermit crabs, shore birds, barnacles, the endemic four-eyed blenny, marine iguanas, and sea lions.

PM: In the afternoon, a dry landing on Bartolomé Island kicks off a scenic hike. During the ascent, witness colonies of marine iguanas and lava lizards. Reach the summit for a breathtaking view of the surrounding islands, featuring the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock.

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

AM: After breakfast, it’s another wet landing, this time off the southeastern coast of Santiago Island. We’ll visit the Chinese Hat islet, featuring a rocky shoreline full of iconic Galapagos species. Eagle rays, sea lions, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins make this an excellent snorkeling site!

PM: Later in the afternoon, there is a dry landing on Santa Cruz Island. We hike the unique landscape of Dragon Hill, a visitor site popular for its wildlife. As you walk, you will find land iguanas. At the saltwater lagoon, you can spot flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks, and other bird species.

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

AM: Disembark after breakfast for a bus ride to explore Santa Cruz’s highlands. You visit El Chato Reserve’s native forests and meet Galapagos giant tortoises on a farm. The reserve plays a crucial role in an ongoing study of the Galapagos giant tortoise population, contributing to the overall conservation of this remarkable species. Lunch at the farm is delightful!

PM: Return to Puerto Ayora for a visit to the Fausto Llerena Interpretation Center, inside the Charles Darwin Research Station. The center is dedicated to educating visitors about ongoing scientific research and conservation initiatives. It highlights the importance of responsible tourism by illustrating the environmental challenges faced by the islands. The day concludes with dinner and our nightly orientation back on the yacht.

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

AM/PM: Today’s dry landing takes place early so you can explore both the coast and the interior of North Seymour. This flat island, uplifted by seismic activity, offers sightings of blue-footed boobies (nesting from May to November), marine iguanas, pelicans, frigatebirds, shore birds, sea lions, and the endemic Palo Santo. Return to the yacht and disembark at 09:00 on the pier. Your guide will accompany you on a bus going directly to the airport.

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

AM: Enjoy breakfast before going on a panga ride to Genovesa Island. A dry landing on Prince Phillips’s Steps leads us on a leisurely walk to observe the fascinating lives of the bird inhabitants. Then, it’s time for swimming and snorkeling. We return to the yacht for a delicious lunch.

PM: The late afternoon starts with a wet landing at a different part of Genovesa. Take a stroll on Darwin Bay to observe frigatebirds, herons, mockingbirds, boobies, shorebirds, turtles, marine iguanas, and more. Conclude the day with dinner on the yacht, followed by an orientation session on the conservation efforts dedicated to protecting the Islands.

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

AM: After breakfast, embark on a dry landing at South Plaza’s pier, where the playful sea lions entertain. Stroll through a cactus forest, observing land iguanas and various tropical bird species. South Plaza is home to the distinctive yellow-gray land iguanas. Also, you may spot swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds.

PM: Return to the yacht for lunch, then experience a wet landing on Santa Fe Island. Explore the cactus forest and encounter a colony of endemic land iguanas, a unique species known for their pale coloration and distinct dorsal spines.

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

AM: After breakfast, disembark at Santa Cruz Island and take a bus to the highlands. Explore the native forests and twin craters before heading to Las Primicias Ranch. This is where visitors come to see Galapagos giant tortoises in the wild. The ranch also offers delicious lunches!

PM: Return to Puerto Ayora after lunch to visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, dedicated to educating visitors about ongoing scientific research and conservation initiatives. Later, take a walk through town to appreciate various handicrafts. Next, rejoin the crew for a welcome cocktail and dinner.

• Activity:Hike. Exploring.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Today’s post-breakfast wet landing on Floreana Island takes us to Baroness Point. This visitor site was named after an intriguing former resident, Baroness Eloisa von Wagner. Explore the picturesque landscape and the remains of her house. Next, visit Post Office Bay, a historic site dating back to the whaling era, featuring an 18th-century wooden barrel used as a post office.

PM: The afternoon’s wet landing is at Cormorant Point. A brief stroll to the Flamingo Lagoon is followed by a walk to La Picona beach, to observe sea turtles in their nesting areas. Conclude the day with a panga ride to Champion Islet, home to the nearly extinct Charles (Floreana) Mockingbird, along with other bird species, like swallow-tailed gulls, Nazca boobies, and brown Noddies.

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

AM: After a delightful breakfast, we head out to Española Island for an early dry landing on the spectacular Punta Suárez. As we traverse the lava beds, we observe unique colonies of marine birds, including the renowned waved albatross, an especially mesmerizing sight between May and December. Return to the yacht for a delectable lunch.

PM: After lunch, enjoy a scenic panga ride around Gardner Bay. Then, a wet landing takes you on a beach walk to observe a colony of sea lions, especially abundant during the breeding season, and witness the significant nesting site for sea turtles.

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

AM: This day is for San Cristóbal Island. After breakfast, experience a wet landing on Witch Hill (Cerro Brujo). Stroll along the white sand beach, observing sea lions, brown pelicans, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Later, the experienced Captain sails around Kicker Rock (León Dormido), a massive tuff rock that rises almost 500 ft (152 m) from the ocean, serving as a nesting place for many sea birds.

PM: In the afternoon, we perform a dry landing at the island’s port. Visit the Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center, where you delve into the origin and evolution of the Galapagos Islands, exploring human, natural, and conservation aspects.

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

AM/PM: After enjoying breakfast, embark on a captivating panga ride through the enchanting Black Turtle Cove, nestled on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. This series of mangrove-surrounded coves and islets provides a unique opportunity to observe white-tipped reef sharks, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, and yellow cow-nosed rays. Following this mesmerizing experience, return to the yacht and disembark on the pier at 09:00. Your knowledgeable guide will accompany you on a seamless bus ride directly to the airport.

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