Royal Palm Galapagos – Luxury Hotel on Santa Cruz Island

AM: This morning, you will check-in at the Quito or Guayaquil international airport. (NOTE: The flight time from Quito to Guayaquil is 40 minutes, plus a 40-minute layover in Guayaquil, while the flight time from the Guayaquil airport to the Galapagos Islands is 1hour and 40 minutes.) Arriving in the Galapagos archipelago at the Baltra Island airport, a Royal Palm representative will meet you and accompany you on a seven-minute ferry ride across the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island. From there, you will take a scenic 50-minute trip by private transportation to the Royal Palm Hotel. After checking in, you will have lunch there at the hotel.

PM: This afternoon, an adventurous half-day tour will take you to the most amazing visitors' sites found in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. You will walk through lava tunnels formed by rivers of red hot lava, gaze down into giant Los Gemelos pit craters formed by collapsed magma chambers, trek through lush green cloud forest observing many colorful species of birds, and, seek out giant Galapagos tortoises in the wild. (You may just choose to do one or two of these afternoon visits; it all depends on you)

AM: This morning you will be picked up at the hotel and taken to Itabaca Channel, where you will embark on a ship to sail to a neighboring island and beach. The site you will visit depends on different factors such as National Park Regulations, weather, and tides. The options are as follows:



North Seymour Island: Should we travel to North Seymour Island today, after a dry landing we will take a short walk along its coast, where you will encounter Swallow-tailed gulls, sea lions and Cliff crabs. This part of Seymour Island is also known for being a major nesting site for Blue-footed boobies and one of the largest colonies of Magnificent frigatebirds (a species different from the Great frigatebird). As you enjoy this relaxing hike around various nesting sites, you can also spot both of the endemic species of iguanas: marine iguanas and land iguanas.


Bartolome Island: This island possesses a fascinating moonscape formed by various volcanic formations — including lava bombs, spatter, cinder cones — as we hike to the island’s summit for striking views of the surrounding islands, Sullivan Bay and the towering Pinnacle Rock. As the beaches at the foot of the Pinnacle Rock boast some of the finest snorkeling in the islands, you can discover a marvelous underwater world here and have a good chance of finding sea turtles gliding gently alongside you. On the rocks beneath Pinnacle Rock, it’s quite possible to spot some of the quick-as-an-arrow Galapagos penguins; at around 25 centimeters tall, these are members of the second smallest species of penguin in the world. Likewise, you’re likely to see harmless Whitetip reef sharks sunning in these waters. For many visitors, this may turn out to be the best of snorkeling experiences, as the water here is generally clear, without too much surf and full of marine life.


Santa Fe Island: After traveling to the dock in the town of Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island), we will board a boat bound for Santa Fe Island. This central island is covered in small Palo Santo trees and six-meter-high opuntia cactuses, while it’s inhabited mainly by large yellow land iguanas, Galapagos buzzards, Blue-footed boobies and pelicans. After exploring the island, lunch will be served on board your boat. As Santa Fe’s wonderful blue-green bay is excellent for snorkeling, the afternoon will be spent exploring the island's underwater world, which includes countless tropical fish, rays, sea turtles and playful sea lions, as well as sea tortoises and stingrays. At around 5:00 pm, this day of island-hopping touring comes to an end; so you’ll then be transported back to your hotel.


South Plazas Island: Located just east of Santa Cruz Island, South Plaza Island can be accessed by a dry landing on the northern part of this life-filled islet. Here you will encounter colonies of sea lions and land iguanas. While on the steep banks, you can see numbers of birds – like nesting Tropicbirds and Fork-tailed seagulls – but most of all, you will enjoy the beautiful views from either atop the steep banks or while strolling along the base of the cliff. Opuntia cactuses grow on this island and the vegetation changes color throughout the year.

PM: In the afternoon, we will return to the lodge, where you can enjoy swimming, simply relaxing before dinner, or discovering more of Santa Cruz Island on your own.

AM: This morning we will head for one of the most visited spots in the islands. Located on Santa Cruz Island, the Charles Darwin Research Station is primarily an international scientific research station situated on the outskirts of Puerto Ayora. You will be taken to its visitor center to learn about the geology, climate, natural history and the conservation of the Galapagos Islands. However, the highlight of your visit here will undoubtedly be the research facility’s Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center, which breeds giant tortoises. These enormous and slow-moving reptiles can live up to 150- 200 years and weigh between 250 and 300 kg. Approaching them in their humid and forested spaces is always an inspiring adventure. For decades, the Fausto Center was home to “Lonesome George,” who finally died in 2012 as the last of his particular species. The tortoises you will see here are accustomed to humans, so it’s an excellent spot for visitors to take photographs with them. Remember that looking at the animals is allowed, but touching is not, and it’s absolutely forbidden to jump over the walls or open the pen doors at any time.

PM: Tortuga Bay is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos. Going there this afternoon, you might spot some local surfers trying to catch the best wave (while popular with locals, this beach is not a scheduled stop). It is also common to sea lions, sea turtles, pelicans, Whitetip reef sharks and marine iguanas in these waters.

AM: This morning you will be picked up at the hotel and taken to Itabaca Channel, where you will embark on a ship to sail to one of the neighboring islands not visited on Day 2. The site you will visit depends on different factors such as National Park Regulations, weather, and tides.

PM: In the afternoon, we will return to the lodge, where you can enjoy swimming, simply relaxing before dinner, or discovering more of Santa Cruz Island on your own.

AM: This morning, concluding this amazing experience in the Galapagos Islands, you will be transferred to the Baltra Island airport for your return flight to the Ecuadorian mainland. Enjoy your last look back at the “enchanted islands,” a unique paradise with inspiring natural wonders.

AM: This morning you will check-in at the Quito or Guayaquil international airport. (NOTE: The flight time from Quito to Guayaquil is 40 minutes, plus a 40-minute layover in Guayaquil, while the flight time from the Guayaquil airport to the Galapagos Islands is 1hour and 40 minutes.) Arriving in the Galapagos archipelago at the Baltra Island airport, a Royal Palm representative will meet you and accompany you on a seven-minute ferry ride across the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island. From there, you will take a scenic 50-minute trip by private transportation to the Royal Palm Hotel. After checking in, you will have lunch there at the hotel.

PM: Tortuga Bay is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos. Going there this morning, you might spot some local surfers trying to catch the best wave. It is also common to sea lions, sea turtles, pelicans, Whitetip reef sharks and marine iguanas in these waters.

AM: This morning you will be picked up at the hotel and taken to Itabaca Channel, where you will embark on a ship to sail to a neighboring island and/or a beach not visited the previous day. The site you will visit depends on different factors such as National Park Regulations, weather, and tides. The options are as follows:



North Seymour Island: Should we travel to North Seymour Island today, after a dry landing we will take a short walk along its coast, where you will encounter Swallow-tailed gulls, sea lions and Cliff crabs. This part of Seymour Island is also known for being a major nesting site for Blue-footed boobies and one of the largest colonies of Magnificent frigatebirds (a species different from the Great frigatebird). As you enjoy this relaxing hike around various nesting sites, you can also spot both of the endemic species of iguanas: marine iguanas and land iguanas.


Bartolome Island: This island possesses a fascinating moonscape formed by various volcanic formations — including lava bombs, spatter, cinder cones — as we hike to the island’s summit for striking views of the surrounding islands, Sullivan Bay and the towering Pinnacle Rock. As the beaches at the foot of the Pinnacle Rock boast some of the finest snorkeling in the islands, you can discover a marvelous underwater world here and have a good chance of finding sea turtles gliding gently alongside you. On the rocks beneath Pinnacle Rock, it’s quite possible to spot some of the quick-as-an-arrow Galapagos penguins; at around 25 centimeters tall, these are members of the second smallest species of penguin in the world. Likewise, you’re likely to see harmless Whitetip reef sharks sunning in these waters. For many visitors, this may turn out to be the best of snorkeling experiences, as the water here is generally clear, without too much surf and full of marine life.


Santa Fe Island: After traveling to the dock in the town of Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island), we will board a boat bound for Santa Fe Island. This central island is covered in small Palo Santo trees and six-meter-high opuntia cactuses, while it’s inhabited mainly by large yellow land iguanas, Galapagos buzzards, Blue-footed boobies and pelicans. After exploring the island, lunch will be served on board your boat. As Santa Fe’s wonderful blue-green bay is excellent for snorkeling, the afternoon will be spent exploring the island's underwater world, which includes countless tropical fish, rays, sea turtles and playful sea lions, as well as sea tortoises and stingrays. At around 5:00 pm, this day of island-hopping touring comes to an end; so you’ll then be transported back to your hotel.


South Plazas Island: Located just east of Santa Cruz Island, South Plaza Island can be accessed by a dry landing on the northern part of this life-filled islet. Here you will encounter colonies of sea lions and land iguanas. While on the steep banks, you can see numbers of birds – like nesting Tropicbirds and Fork-tailed seagulls – but most of all, you will enjoy the beautiful views from either atop the steep banks or while strolling along the base of the cliff. Opuntia cactuses grow on this island and the vegetation changes color throughout the year.

PM: In the afternoon, we will return to the lodge, where you can enjoy swimming, simply relaxing before dinner, or discovering more of Santa Cruz Island on your own.

AM: This morning we will head for one of the most visited spots in the islands. Located on Santa Cruz Island, the Charles Darwin Research Station is primarily an international scientific research station situated on the outskirts of Puerto Ayora. You will be taken to its visitor center to learn about the geology, climate, natural history and the conservation of the Galapagos Islands. However, the highlight of your visit here will undoubtedly be the research facility’s Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center, which breeds giant tortoises. These enormous and slow-moving reptiles can live up to 150- 200 years and weigh between 250 and 300 kg. Approaching them in their humid and forested spaces is always an inspiring adventure. For decades, the Fausto Center was home to “Lonesome George,” who finally died in 2012 as the last of his particular species. The tortoises you will see here are accustomed to humans, so it’s an excellent spot for visitors to take photographs with them. Remember that looking at the animals is allowed, but touching is not, and it’s absolutely forbidden to jump over the walls or open the pen doors at any time.

PM: Tortuga Bay is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos. Going there this afternoon, you might spot some local surfers trying to catch the best wave (while popular with locals, this beach is not a scheduled stop). It is also common to sea lions, sea turtles, pelicans, Whitetip reef sharks and marine iguanas in these waters.

AM: This morning you will be picked up at the hotel and taken to Itabaca Channel, where you will embark on a ship to sail to a neighboring island and beach not visited on Day 2. The site you will visit depends on different factors such as National Park Regulations, weather, and tides. The options are as follows:



North Seymour Island: Should we travel to North Seymour Island today, after a dry landing we will take a short walk along its coast, where you will encounter Swallow-tailed gulls, sea lions and Cliff crabs. This part of Seymour Island is also known for being a major nesting site for Blue-footed boobies and one of the largest colonies of Magnificent frigatebirds (a species different from the Great frigatebird). As you enjoy this relaxing hike around various nesting sites, you can also spot both of the endemic species of iguanas: marine iguanas and land iguanas.


Bartolome Island: This island possesses a fascinating moonscape formed by various volcanic formations — including lava bombs, spatter, cinder cones — as we hike to the island’s summit for striking views of the surrounding islands, Sullivan Bay and the towering Pinnacle Rock. As the beaches at the foot of the Pinnacle Rock boast some of the finest snorkeling in the islands, you can discover a marvelous underwater world here and have a good chance of finding sea turtles gliding gently alongside you. On the rocks beneath Pinnacle Rock, it’s quite possible to spot some of the quick-as-an-arrow Galapagos penguins; at around 25 centimeters tall, these are members of the second smallest species of penguin in the world. Likewise, you’re likely to see harmless Whitetip reef sharks sunning in these waters. For many visitors, this may turn out to be the best of snorkeling experiences, as the water here is generally clear, without too much surf and full of marine life.


Santa Fe Island: After traveling to the dock in the town of Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island), we will board a boat bound for Santa Fe Island. This central island is covered in small Palo Santo trees and six-meter-high opuntia cactuses, while it’s inhabited mainly by large yellow land iguanas, Galapagos buzzards, Blue-footed boobies and pelicans. After exploring the island, lunch will be served on board your boat. As Santa Fe’s wonderful blue-green bay is excellent for snorkeling, the afternoon will be spent exploring the island's underwater world, which includes countless tropical fish, rays, sea turtles and playful sea lions, as well as sea tortoises and stingrays. At around 5:00 pm, this day of island-hopping touring comes to an end; so you’ll then be transported back to your hotel.


South Plazas Island: Located just east of Santa Cruz Island, South Plaza Island can be accessed by a dry landing on the northern part of this life-filled islet. Here you will encounter colonies of sea lions and land iguanas. While on the steep banks, you can see numbers of birds – like nesting Tropicbirds and Fork-tailed seagulls – but most of all, you will enjoy the beautiful views from either atop the steep banks or while strolling along the base of the cliff. Opuntia cactuses grow on this island and the vegetation changes color throughout the year.

PM: In the afternoon, we will return to the lodge, where you can enjoy swimming, simply relaxing before dinner, or discovering more of Santa Cruz Island on your own.

AM: This adventure starts at "Cerro Mesa" crossing "Bellavista" and the viewpoint of the "Cascajo." At Cascajo we will stop to enjoy a phenomenal panoramic view of Santa Cruz and other islands of the archipelago. Keep an eye out for a subspecies of giant tortoise that lives in the area around the "Cerro Mesa" crater.

PM: Then descend into "Cascajo", “Trapiche” and onto "Garrapatero" Beach. Trapiche is a local farm where you can see how the locals produce alcohol from sugar cane and also home of the famous Galapagos coffee. At the beach enjoy bird spotting - Flamingos, Frigates, Mocking Birds and Blue-Footed Boobies. You can also go swimming and snorkeling here, so bring your own equipment if interested.

AM: Concluding this amazing experience in the Galapagos Islands, you will be transferred to the Baltra Island airport for your return flight to the Ecuadorian mainland. Enjoy your last look back at the “enchanted islands,” a unique paradise with inspiring natural wonders.

AM: This morning, you will check-in at the Quito or Guayaquil international airport. (NOTE: The flight time from Quito to Guayaquil is 40 minutes, plus a 40-minute layover in Guayaquil, while the flight time from the Guayaquil airport to the Galapagos Islands is 1hour and 40 minutes.) Arriving in the Galapagos archipelago at the Baltra Island airport, a Royal Palm representative will meet you and accompany you on a seven-minute ferry ride across the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island. From there, you will take a scenic 50-minute trip by private transportation to the Royal Palm Hotel. After checking in, you will have lunch there at the hotel.

PM: This afternoon, an adventurous half-day tour will take you to the most amazing visitors' sites found in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. You will walk through lava tunnels formed by rivers of red hot lava, gaze down into giant Los Gemelos pit craters formed by collapsed magma chambers, trek through lush green cloud forest observing many colorful species of birds, and, seek out giant Galapagos tortoises in the wild. (You may just choose to do one or two of these afternoon visits; it all depends on you)

AM: This morning you will be picked up at the hotel and taken to Itabaca Channel, where you will embark on a ship to sail to a neighboring island and beach. The site you will visit depends on different factors such as National Park Regulations, weather, and tides. The options are as follows:



North Seymour Island: Should we travel to North Seymour Island today, after a dry landing we will take a short walk along its coast, where you will encounter Swallow-tailed gulls, sea lions and Cliff crabs. This part of Seymour Island is also known for being a major nesting site for Blue-footed boobies and one of the largest colonies of Magnificent frigatebirds (a species different from the Great frigatebird). As you enjoy this relaxing hike around various nesting sites, you can also spot both of the endemic species of iguanas: marine iguanas and land iguanas.


Bartolome Island: This island possesses a fascinating moonscape formed by various volcanic formations — including lava bombs, spatter, cinder cones — as we hike to the island’s summit for striking views of the surrounding islands, Sullivan Bay and the towering Pinnacle Rock. As the beaches at the foot of the Pinnacle Rock boast some of the finest snorkeling in the islands, you can discover a marvelous underwater world here and have a good chance of finding sea turtles gliding gently alongside you. On the rocks beneath Pinnacle Rock, it’s quite possible to spot some of the quick-as-an-arrow Galapagos penguins; at around 25 centimeters tall, these are members of the second smallest species of penguin in the world. Likewise, you’re likely to see harmless Whitetip reef sharks sunning in these waters. For many visitors, this may turn out to be the best of snorkeling experiences, as the water here is generally clear, without too much surf and full of marine life.


Santa Fe Island: After traveling to the dock in the town of Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island), we will board a boat bound for Santa Fe Island. This central island is covered in small Palo Santo trees and six-meter-high opuntia cactuses, while it’s inhabited mainly by large yellow land iguanas, Galapagos buzzards, Blue-footed boobies and pelicans. After exploring the island, lunch will be served on board your boat. As Santa Fe’s wonderful blue-green bay is excellent for snorkeling, the afternoon will be spent exploring the island's underwater world, which includes countless tropical fish, rays, sea turtles and playful sea lions, as well as sea tortoises and stingrays. At around 5:00 pm, this day of island-hopping touring comes to an end; so you’ll then be transported back to your hotel.


South Plazas Island: Located just east of Santa Cruz Island, South Plaza Island can be accessed by a dry landing on the northern part of this life-filled islet. Here you will encounter colonies of sea lions and land iguanas. While on the steep banks, you can see numbers of birds – like nesting Tropicbirds and Fork-tailed seagulls – but most of all, you will enjoy the beautiful views from either atop the steep banks or while strolling along the base of the cliff. Opuntia cactuses grow on this island and the vegetation changes color throughout the year.

PM: In the afternoon, we will return to the lodge, where you can enjoy swimming, simply relaxing before dinner, or discovering more of Santa Cruz Island on your own.

AM: This morning we will head for one of the most visited spots in the islands. Located on Santa Cruz Island, the Charles Darwin Research Station is primarily an international scientific research station situated on the outskirts of Puerto Ayora. You will be taken to its visitor center to learn about the geology, climate, natural history and the conservation of the Galapagos Islands. However, the highlight of your visit here will undoubtedly be the research facility’s Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center, which breeds giant tortoises. These enormous and slow-moving reptiles can live up to 150- 200 years and weigh between 250 and 300 kg. Approaching them in their humid and forested spaces is always an inspiring adventure. For decades, the Fausto Center was home to “Lonesome George,” who finally died in 2012 as the last of his particular species. The tortoises you will see here are accustomed to humans, so it’s an excellent spot for visitors to take photographs with them. Remember that looking at the animals is allowed, but touching is not, and it’s absolutely forbidden to jump over the walls or open the pen doors at any time.

PM: Tortuga Bay is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos. Going there this afternoon, you might spot some local surfers trying to catch the best wave (while popular with locals, this beach is not a scheduled stop). It is also common to sea lions, sea turtles, pelicans, Whitetip reef sharks and marine iguanas in these waters.

AM: This morning you will be picked up at the hotel and taken to Itabaca Channel, where you will embark on a ship to sail to one of the neighboring islands not visited on Day 2. The site you will visit depends on different factors such as National Park Regulations, weather, and tides.

PM: In the afternoon, we will return to the lodge, where you can enjoy swimming, simply relaxing before dinner, or discovering more of Santa Cruz Island on your own.

AM: Today's adventure leads you mountain biking through the Cerro Mesa reserve, crossing through the small town of Bellavista to reach the viewpoint near the village of Cascajo. Here, you can enjoy a phenomenal panoramic view of Santa Cruz and other islands of the archipelago while keeping an eye out for a subspecies of giant tortoise that lives in the area around the Cerro Mesa crater. Descend through the town of Cascajo and on to Trapiche, which is a local farm that is home of the famous Galapagos coffee, and also where you can see how the locals produce alcohol from sugar cane.

Following lunch and a bit of rest, we'll then head to Garrapatero Beach, where you can enjoy spotting colorful birds such as flamingos, Magnificent frigates, Mocking Birds and Blue-Footed Boobies. For those interested in swimming, be sure to bring along your swimsuit and any gear.

AM: This morning you will be picked up at the hotel and taken to Itabaca Channel, where you will embark on a ship to sail to one of the neighboring islands not visited on Days 2 or 4. The site you will visit depends on different factors such as National Park Regulations, weather, and tides.

PM: In the afternoon, we will return to the lodge, where you can enjoy swimming, simply relaxing before dinner, or discovering more of Santa Cruz Island on your own.

AM: This morning, you will discover that the Galapagos has some of the best snorkeling in the world. Experience the wonders of the ocean as you swim with creatures only previously encountered in an aquarium. After climbing aboard the Royal Palm Hotel’s glass-bottom boat, you will be able to see the underwater world of marine life, even if you are not a swimmer! For the brave hearts amongst you, sharks (albeit non-aggressive) are easy to find while snorkeling.

PM: This afternoon, you will be able to see that Royal Palm is are totally committed to supporting our environment, as the hotel sponsors a small reforestation project. To support this effort, you will have the opportunity to clear a small patch of ground, prepare the soil and plant a young tree of an endemic species on the Royal Palm estate. In return, a plaque your choice of wording will be made and located by your tree. After relaxing you can also participate in some handicrafts painting with one of the most famous local artists or learn to cook one of your favorite dishes with a local chef.

AM: Concluding this amazing experience in the Galapagos Islands, you will be transferred to the Baltra Island airport for your return flight to the Ecuadorian mainland. Enjoy your last look back at the “enchanted islands,” a unique paradise with inspiring natural wonders.