Ocean Spray Galapagos – Luxury Catamaran Cruise

AM: In the morning, you will fly from the Ecuadorian mainland to Baltra Island, in the heart of Galapagos archipelago. Upon arriving at the airport, you will need to pay the national park entrance fee, which goes to protecting both the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve. A member of the crew will then welcome you and accompany you to your ship: the Ocean Spray motor vessel.

PM: Later, upon arriving on Bartolome Island, we will go up to a lookout point to admire the spectacular panorama of Sullivan Bay and the famous Pinnacle Rock. The beaches at the foot of the Pinnacle Rock boast some of the finest snorkeling in the islands. There, you can discover a marvelous underwater world and will have a good chance of finding gently gliding sea turtles. On the beaches beneath Pinnacle Rock, it’s quite possible to meet one of the quick-as-an-arrow Galapagos penguins; at around 25 centimeters tall, this is second smallest species of penguin in the world. Likewise, you’re likely to see harmless Whitetip reef sharks in these waters.

AM: Our destination for today is Genovesa Island, considered to be one of the wildest and most pristine islands in Galapagos National Park. Known as “Bird Island,” Genovesa is the only place where you will be able to see Red-footed boobies. After a wet landing at Genovesa Island’s Darwin Bay, we will walk along a short path that leads through the nesting sites of booby and frigatebird colonies. On the beach, you can observe the interesting spectacle of how frigate birds try to rob the prey of the different species of boobies.

PM: In the afternoon we will go ashore at a crater wall where Prince Phillip’s Steps are located. These stairs were carved in the stone wall and lead up to a wide plateau where you will find nesting places of great frigate birds, red-billed tropic birds, Bahama ducks, lava seagulls, and fork-tailed seagulls. During this easy stroll, we will cross a little scalesia wood where you can observe the short-eared owl. With a little bit of luck, you will also be able to observe the unique courtship carried out by various species of boobies (Red- and Blue-footed as well as masked boobies). It truly is a show. The same path will lead us back to your boat.

AM: This morning we will land on the fourth largest island in the Galapagos: Santiago Island, also known as “James Island” or “San Salvador Island.” The old rusted machines and run-down buildings of former salt mine workers are still apparent on the island, though the last attempts to populate Santiago Island were given up on forty years ago. We will visit Espumilla Beach, where marine iguanas relax and sea turtles nest. While snorkeling, you might find octopuses, morays and many types of tropical fish. There is also a Palo Santo forest close to this beach.

From there we will go to Buccaneer Cove, which in the 18th and 19th centuries was a shelter for pirates, whalers, and sailors. The bay is surrounded by high tuff cliffs where many sea-bird nests. In the cliffs, you can try to find two rock formations that look like a monkey and an elephant.

PM: Later in the day, we will have a wet landing on the dark sand beach of Puerto Egas, where you can find an abundance of marine iguanas. After a short walk of about 2 km along the coast, we will reach the rugged lava coastline. On these shores are natural pools where you can find sea lions, herons and other seabirds. The surrounding area is also a good spot for observing colonies of red Sally Light Foot crabs, lava lizards, Galapagos buzzards and lava herons.

AM: After a dry landing on North Seymour Island, we will take a short walk along the coast. Here 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 the largest colony of Magnificent frigatebirds, a species different from the Great frigatebird. We can also spot both of the endemic species of iguanas: marine iguanas and land iguanas. You will enjoy this relaxing hike around the nesting sites.

PM: After lunch, we will visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where the lush landscape is a welcome contrast to the arid scenery of the smaller, lower islands. On the way, we will cross through different vegetation zones – from the dry lower region full of cactuses to the scalesia woods in the Highlands. There one can find two small agricultural communities that grow the famous organic Galapagos coffee. While in the Highlands you will have the option of visiting one of two tortoise breeding centers: El Chato or Rancho Las Primicias. At either site, approaching these enormous and slow-moving reptiles is always an inspiring adventure. The El Chato tortoise reserve allow visitors to observe the island’s huge Galapagos turtles and White herons in their natural habitat. You will also be able to walk through nearby underground lava tunnels formed during volcanic eruptions. Alternatively, Rancho Primicias is a great place to see about ten to fifteen Galapagos giant tortoises in the wild. In addition to being able to view the ocean from this location in the Highlands, you can walk through a lava cave that was formed by a volcanic eruption.

AM: Today we will anchor at Mosquera Island, which is located near Itabaca Channel and in between the Baltra and Seymour islands. The island consists of a long narrow stretch of white sand, rocks and small lagoons with large populations of sea lions. This is one of the best places to take photos of these aquatic mammals. A stroll down the beach also permits views of Brown pelicans and Blue-footed boobies.

Afterwards, we will take a bus to Itabaca Channel, which we will cross to reach the Baltra Island airport for your flight back to the mainland. Enjoy the last view of the “enchanted islands,” a unique paradise with fascinating natural highlights.

AM: In the morning, you will fly from the Ecuadorian mainland to Baltra Island, in the heart of Galapagos archipelago. Upon arriving at the airport, you will need to pay the national park entrance fee, which goes to protecting both the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve. A member of the crew will then welcome you and accompany you to your ship.

PM: After lunch, we will make a wet landing on Chinese Hat Island, located southeast of Santiago Island. Its name describes the shape of the island, which you will be able to appreciate from a distance. This island’s landscapes are dominated by volcanic formations and very fragile lava tubes lava. Because of this, it is very important to stay on the paths. Here you will encounter a small colony of sea lions and then proceed to hike through this dark, unyielding island of solid rock.

AM: This morning will take us to the largest landmass in the Galapagos archipelago: Isabela Island. With a surface of 1,770 sq. miles (4,588 sq. km.), the island constitutes more than the half of the land area of the entire Galapagos archipelago. Located at the “mouth” of the head of the seahorse which forms the northern part of Isabela Island is Punta Vicente Roca, an interesting rock formation. Here the remnants of an ancient volcano form two turquoise coves with a bay well-protected from the ocean swells. With a bit of luck, you can see penguins. Masked and Blue-footed boobies as well as pelicans sit perched along the point and the sheer cliffs, while flightless cormorants inhabit the shoreline.

PM: Next we will head for Fernandina Island, which is not only the westernmost island but also the youngest and most pristine island in the Galapagos. The 2005 eruption of La Cumbre Volcano created huge fields of lava. This eruption was followed on April 11, 2009, when the volcano flared up again, forming a cloud of ash and steam while hot lava flowed down the slopes of the volcano into the ocean. Nonetheless, an abundance of wildlife calls this island home, including the famous Flightless cormorants as well as penguins, pelicans, marine iguanas and sea lions. You can also find mangroves here on Fernandina Island. This afternoon we will visit Espinoza Point, one of Fernandina Island’s visitor points, is situated within fascinating scenery filled with lava cactuses and mangroves growing on the surface of the lava. Within this unique scenery, you will encounter numerous animals; the highlights being sea lions, penguins, Flightless cormorants (especially in the spring and summer), and one of the largest iguana colonies in the Galapagos Islands. On the small strip of land that constitutes Espinoza Point, you can find literally hundreds of marine iguanas, which gather in large groups.

AM: After breakfast and a dry landing, we will visit the notorious Tagus Cove, which was historically used as an anchoring place for pirates, buccaneers, and whalers. Around the deep blue bay, you can observe a large number of Blue-footed boobies perched on the ledges of the cliffs, as well as marine iguanas, penguins, brown pelicans, brown noddy terns and swallow-tailed gulls. A steep trail passes through an area of dry vegetation and volcanic landscapes with scalesia woods and cactuses.

PM: After lunch, we will visit Urbina Bay. As a result of an especially violent eruption of the Alcedo Volcano in 1954, large sections of the Isabela Island coast were suddenly pushed up about four meters high, making the coral reefs visible here. These reefs are covered with poison apple and muyuyo trees. You can also observe land iguanas and the rare mangrove finch up close. From January to June, land turtles occasionally visit the bay from their higher mountain living environments.

AM: Today we will head to the mangrove area of Elizabeth Bay and visit the small islands offshore. Here you can see dwarf penguins as well as schools of manta rays, turtles and other giants of the ocean – possibly even surfacing whale sharks. The mangrove woods are also home to various species of seabirds and herons.

PM: In the afternoon we will visit Moreno Point, a young volcanic landscape with numerous fresh-water pools and lagoons. You should be able to see flamingos, Bahama ducks and other birds here.

AM: Located on Santa Cruz Island, on the outskirts of Puerto Ayora, the Charles Darwin Research Station is primarily an international scientific research station and one of the most visited spots in the islands. Here you will be taken to the visitor center to read about the geology, climate, natural history and the conservation of the archipelago. The highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center, where giant tortoises are hatched and raised until they can be safely returned to their island homes.

PM: Then we will visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island. The lush landscape is a welcome contrast to the arid scenery of the smaller, lower islands. On the way, we will cross through different vegetation zones – from the dry lower region full of cactuses to the scalesia woods in the highlands. There are two small agricultural communities here which grow the famous organic Galapagos coffee.

AM: Today we will explore South Plaza Island, located east of Santa Cruz Island. On this life-filled island, 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 extremely pleasurable experience and beautiful view from atop the steep banks or strolling along the base of the cliff. Opuntia cactuses grow on this island and the vegetation changes color throughout the year.

PM: Afterwards, we will take a bus to the San Cristobal Island airport for your flight back to the mainland. Enjoy the last view of the “enchanted islands,” a unique paradise with fascinating natural highlights.

AM: In the morning, you will fly from the Ecuadorian mainland to Baltra Island, in the heart of Galapagos archipelago. Upon arriving at the airport, you will need to pay the national park entrance fee, which goes to protecting both the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve. A member of the crew will then welcome you and accompany you to your ship.

PM: Next we will visit Santa Fe Island, a small rocky island covered in small Palo Santo trees and 6-meter-high opuntia cactuses. The island is inhabited mainly by large yellow land iguanas, the Galapagos buzzard, Blue-footed boobies, and pelicans. While snorkeling in the wonderful blue-green bay where the ship anchors, you can observe the many inhabitants of the underwater world, including countless tropical fish, rays, sea turtles and playful sea lions.

AM: Española is the southernmost and oldest island of the Galapagos archipelago. Its English name is “Hood Island,” in honor of the British admiral Samuel Hood. Because of its isolated position, there is much endemic wildlife to be explored here. It is also the only island where you will find albatrosses. After breakfast, we will go on an excursion to Suarez Point, one of the most outstanding wildlife areas in the archipelago and boasts a long list of species along its cliffs and sand or pebble beaches. In addition to five species of nesting seabirds, there are the curious and bold Española Island mockingbirds, Galapagos doves and Galapagos hawks found. This is also the only site where you will be able to see red iguanas. From May to December, albatrosses’ nest on the island, so you even might be able to see some of the little ones. Several types of reptiles are unique to this island, including the marine iguana and the oversized lava lizard. When heavy swells are running, Suárez Point is also the site of a spectacular blowhole, whose thundering spray shoots 30 yards up into the air. The trek here is on a stony path about a mile long. (Excursion duration: about 3 hours)

PM: On Española Island’s eastern shore, Gardner Bay is noted for its turquoise-colored waters and its magnificent beach, which we will visit in the afternoon. Around the bays small nearby islets, snorkelers will find an abundance of fish and sometimes turtles and benign sharks. The bay is also frequented by a transient colony of sea lions who love to swim with people. Birds, like the endemic Española mockingbird and different species of Darwin finches, are omnipresent.

We will also ride around Osborn Islet, located close to Española Island. It is made of volcanic rock and is a popular fishing site among local small-scale fishers. On this Galapagos islet, you will have a chance to go snorkeling and see schools of tropical fish, Manta rays, Green turtles, Surgeon fish, Sea urchins, and starfish.

AM: At the port of Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of Ecuador’s Galapagos Province, we will visit the modern Interpretation Center on San Cristobal Island. There, you will learn about the natural and settlement history of the archipelago.

Afterwards, we'll head to one of the main attractions of San Cristobal Island: The La Galapaguera Tortoise Breeding Center, where you will see enormous Galapagos tortoises, as well as iguanas. As the natural population of tortoises from San Cristobal Island is seriously threatened by animals introduced onto the island by humans – mainly wild goats, cats, and rats – the center is attempting to increase the number of tortoises as well as eradicate threatening species. Close to the center is an easy trail that covers a distance of 900 meters; along this trail, you will see different species of native and endemic plants of the Galapagos, like cat’s claw, manzanillo, romerillo, and acacia. Be careful not to touch or eat the manzanillo fruits as these are toxic. San Cristobal Island is also one of the few islands where you can see the plant calandrinia galapagosa, which is in danger of extinction.

PM: That same afternoon, we will visit Lobos Island, located across from San Cristobal Island. This is a seasonal nesting location for Blue-footed boobies and Frigate birds. You also can enjoy swimming and snorkeling with sea lions in the island’s calm bay.

Ending the day, we will follow the route that Charles Darwin once took and sail around the massive tuff-rock called “Kicker Rock,” which is a nesting site for hosts of seabirds. Here, you will be able to find Blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and frigate birds. This is a great site for scuba diving, and hammerhead sharks can be seen in the area.

AM: In the morning we will visit Punta Pitt, on the eastern side of San Cristóbal Island. Its 1.4 km-long path leads you through colonies of Frigate birds, Fork-tailed seagulls, Masked boobies, and Red- and Blue-footed boobies.

PM: Later we will visit Cerro Brujo, a fascinating lava hill located on the northeastern coast of San Cristobal Island. On the rocks, you can observe Blue-footed boobies, seagulls and some pelicans. The protected bay is popular among young sea turtles and rays, and you'll find excellent swimming and snorkeling here.

AM: Today we will visit Floreana Island, considered to be one of the most exotic islands in the archipelago. There are countless legends that are part of the history of this island, as pirates and buccaneers were drawn to this island in search of for food and water. Later the island was colonized by Norwegians, Brits, and Germans, among others in search of a way to make money from what they hoped to discover here. The name Floreana is in honor of Juan Jose Flores, Ecuador’s first president. Later, we will visit Post Office Bay where the legendary post barrel that whalers historically used to put their mail in is still kept. You can leave a letter here in hopes that it will make to its destination via another tourist. So, don’t forget to bring postcards along.

PM: This afternoon’s excursion is to the Cormorant Point visitor site. After a wet landing on the beach, we will go down a 100-meter-long path to a mangrove lagoon, which is home to Galapagos ducks, black herons, oystercatchers, and plovers. With a little bit of luck, you can also see flamingos. Another path leads to a small beach that is an important nesting site for sea turtles. In the shallow water here, one can often find stingrays and Whitetip reef sharks now and then.

Later, you will be able to take advantage of the great snorkeling opportunities at “Devil’s Crown” (Corona del Diablo), a broken volcanic cone that is one of the most beautiful places for snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands. The underwater world here includes reef sharks, starfish, sea turtles, sea lions and a host of tropical fish species.

AM: Today we will visit Santa Cruz Island, the second largest of the Galapagos Islands and located in the center of the archipelago. Located there is Black Turtle Cove, a nesting site for sea turtles. There are a number of mangrove forests here as well. With luck, the calm water will allow you to see different types of sharks, ones like the Whitetip reef shark, or schools of golden mustard rays.

PM: Afterwards, we will take a bus to Itabaca Channel, which we will cross to reach the Baltra Island airport for your flight back to the mainland. Enjoy the last view of the “enchanted islands,” a unique paradise with fascinating natural highlights.

AM: In the morning, you will fly from the Ecuadorian mainland to Baltra Island, in the heart of Galapagos archipelago. Upon arriving at the airport, you will need to pay the national park entrance fee, which goes to protecting both the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve. A member of the crew will then welcome you and accompany you to your ship.

PM: After lunch, we will make a wet landing on Chinese Hat Island, located southeast of Santiago Island. Its name describes the shape of the island, which you will be able to appreciate from a distance. This island’s landscapes are dominated by volcanic formations and very fragile lava tubes lava. Because of this, it is very important to stay on the paths. Here you will encounter a small colony of sea lions and then proceed to hike through this dark, unyielding island of solid rock.

AM: This morning will take us to the largest landmass in the Galapagos archipelago: Isabela Island. With a surface of 1,770 sq. miles (4,588 sq. km.), the island constitutes more than the half of the land area of the entire Galapagos archipelago. Located at the “mouth” of the head of the seahorse which forms the northern part of Isabela Island is Punta Vicente Roca, an interesting rock formation. Here the remnants of an ancient volcano form two turquoise coves with a bay well-protected from the ocean swells. With a bit of luck, you can see penguins. Masked and Blue-footed boobies as well as pelicans sit perched along the point and the sheer cliffs, while flightless cormorants inhabit the shoreline.

PM: Next we will head for Fernandina Island, which is not only the westernmost island but also the youngest and most pristine island in the Galapagos. The 2005 eruption of La Cumbre Volcano created huge fields of lava. This eruption was followed on April 11, 2009, when the volcano flared up again, forming a cloud of ash and steam while hot lava flowed down the slopes of the volcano into the ocean. Nonetheless, an abundance of wildlife calls this island home, including the famous Flightless cormorants as well as penguins, pelicans, marine iguanas and sea lions. You can also find mangroves here on Fernandina Island. This afternoon we will visit Espinoza Point, one of Fernandina Island’s visitor points, is situated within fascinating scenery filled with lava cactuses and mangroves growing on the surface of the lava. Within this unique scenery, you will encounter numerous animals; the highlights being sea lions, penguins, Flightless cormorants (especially in the spring and summer), and one of the largest iguana colonies in the Galapagos Islands. On the small strip of land that constitutes Espinoza Point, you can find literally hundreds of marine iguanas, which gather in large groups.

AM: After breakfast and a dry landing, we will visit the notorious Tagus Cove, which was historically used as an anchoring place for pirates, buccaneers, and whalers. Around the deep blue bay, you can observe a large number of Blue-footed boobies perched on the ledges of the cliffs, as well as marine iguanas, penguins, brown pelicans, brown noddy terns and swallow-tailed gulls. A steep trail passes through an area of dry vegetation and volcanic landscapes with scalesia woods and cactuses.

PM: After lunch, we will visit Urbina Bay. As a result of an especially violent eruption of the Alcedo Volcano in 1954, large sections of the Isabela Island coast were suddenly pushed up about four meters high, making the coral reefs visible here. These reefs are covered with poison apple and muyuyo trees. You can also observe land iguanas and the rare mangrove finch up close. From January to June, land turtles occasionally visit the bay from their higher mountain living environments.

AM: Today we will head to the mangrove area of Elizabeth Bay and visit the small islands offshore. Here you can see dwarf penguins as well as schools of manta rays, turtles and other giants of the ocean – possibly even surfacing whale sharks. The mangrove woods are also home to various species of seabirds and herons.

PM: In the afternoon we will visit Moreno Point, a young volcanic landscape with numerous fresh-water pools and lagoons. You should be able to see flamingos, Bahama ducks and other birds here.

AM: Located on Santa Cruz Island, on the outskirts of Puerto Ayora, the Charles Darwin Research Station is primarily an international scientific research station and one of the most visited spots in the islands. Here you will be taken to the visitor center to read about the geology, climate, natural history and the conservation of the archipelago. The highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center, where giant tortoises are hatched and raised until they can be safely returned to their island homes.

PM: Then we will visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island. The lush landscape is a welcome contrast to the arid scenery of the smaller, lower islands. On the way, we will cross through different vegetation zones – from the dry lower region full of cactuses to the scalesia woods in the highlands. There are two small agricultural communities here which grow the famous organic Galapagos coffee.

AM: Today we will explore South Plaza Island, located east of Santa Cruz Island. On this life-filled island, 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 extremely pleasurable experience and beautiful view from atop the steep banks or strolling along the base of the cliff. Opuntia cactuses grow on this island and the vegetation changes color throughout the year.

PM: Following lunch, we will visit Santa Fe Island, a small rocky island covered in small Palo Santo trees and 6-meter-high opuntia cactuses. The island is inhabited mainly by large yellow land iguanas, the Galapagos buzzard, Blue-footed boobies, and pelicans. While snorkeling in the wonderful blue-green bay where the ship anchors, you can observe the many inhabitants of the underwater world, including countless tropical fish, rays, sea turtles and playful sea lions.

AM: Española is the southernmost and oldest island of the Galapagos archipelago. Its English name is “Hood Island,” in honor of the British admiral Samuel Hood. Because of its isolated position, there is much endemic wildlife to be explored here. It is also the only island where you will find albatrosses. After breakfast, we will go on an excursion to Suarez Point, one of the most outstanding wildlife areas in the archipelago and one that boasts a long list of species along its cliffs and sand or pebble beaches. In addition to five species of nesting seabirds, there are the curious and bold Española Island mockingbirds, Galapagos doves and Galapagos hawks found. This is also the only site where you will be able to see red iguanas. From May to December, albatrosses’ nest on the island, so you even might be able to see some of the little ones. Several types of reptiles are unique to this island, including the marine iguana and the oversized lava lizard. When heavy swells are running, Suarez Point is also the site of a spectacular blowhole, whose thundering spray shoots 30 yards up into the air. The trek here is on a stony path about a mile long. (Excursion duration: about 3 hours)

PM: This small island in front of Gardner Bay is lined with vertical cliffs that drop to sandy ledges and large boulders. While snorkeling here in the afternoon you are likely to encounter the smallest of the Galapagos garden eels, snake eels, black-spotted morays, Galapagos puffer fish, scorpion fish, trumpet fish, cornetfish, and red-lipped batfish. You will be able to see many sea lions lying lazily on the beach. On the north end of the island there are twisting tunnels and to the south, there are caves that make for an interesting excursion. The area has an abundance of fish including schools of snappers, Creole fish, king angelfish, large puffer fish, and a variety of sea urchins and sea stars. We will also ride around Osborn Islet, located close to Española Island. It is made of volcanic rock and is a popular fishing site among local small-scale fishers. On this Galapagos islet, you will have a chance to go snorkeling and see schools of tropical fish, Manta rays, Green turtles, Surgeon fish, Sea urchins, and starfish.

AM: At the port of Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of Ecuador’s Galapagos Province, we will visit San Cristobal Island’s Interpretation Center, an excellent place to learn about the natural and settlement history of the archipelago. Here you will discover displays that provide information about the volcanic origins of the islands, the ocean’s currents, the archipelago’s climate, and facts concerning the arrival of different species. The islands’ human history is also showcased, chronologically narrating the most significant events related to the discovery and settlements of the Galapagos.

PM: At the port of Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of Ecuador’s Galapagos Province, we will visit San Cristobal Island’s Interpretation Center, an excellent place to learn about the natural and settlement history of the archipelago. Here you will discover displays that provide information about the volcanic origins of the islands, the ocean’s currents, the archipelago’s climate, and facts concerning the arrival of different species. The islands’ human history is also showcased, chronologically narrating the most significant events related to the discovery and settlements of the Galapagos.

AM: In the morning you will fly from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands. At the airport on San Cristobal Island, after you will pay the entrance fee to the national park, a member of the crew will welcome you and accompany you to your ship. After lunch and a security briefing, we will go on our first land-visit to Lobos Island, located across from San Cristobal Island. This is a seasonal nesting location for Blue-footed boobies and Frigate birds. You also can enjoy swimming and snorkeling with sea lions in the island’s calm bay.

PM: In the afternoon we will follow the route that Charles Darwin once took and sail around the massive tuff-rock called “Kicker Rock,” which is a nesting site for hosts of seabirds. Here, you will be able to find Blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and frigate birds. This is a great site for scuba diving, and hammerhead sharks can be seen in the area.

AM: In the morning we will visit Punta Pitt, on the eastern side of San Cristobal Island. Its 1.4 km-long path leads you through colonies of Frigate birds, Fork-tailed seagulls, Masked boobies, and Red- and Blue-footed boobies.

PM: Then we will visit Cerro Brujo, a fascinating lava hill located on the northeastern coast of San Cristobal Island. On the rocks, you can observe Blue-footed boobies, seagulls, and some pelicans. The protected bay is popular among young sea turtles and rays, and there are excellent swimming and snorkeling here.

AM: Today we will visit Floreana Island, considered to be one of the most exotic islands in the archipelago. There are countless legends that are part of the history of this island, as pirates and buccaneers were drawn to this island in search of for food and water. Later the island was colonized by Norwegians, Brits, and Germans, among others in search of a way to make money from what they hoped to discover here. The name Floreana is in honor of Juan Jose Flores, Ecuador’s first president. On the island, we will visit Post Office Bay where the legendary post barrel that whalers historically used to put their mail in is still kept. You can leave a letter here in hopes that it will make to its destination via another tourist. So, don’t forget to bring postcards along.

PM: This afternoon’s excursion is to the Cormorant Point visitor site. After a wet landing on the beach, we will go down a 100-meter-long path to a mangrove lagoon, which is home to Galapagos ducks, black herons, oystercatchers, and plovers. With a little bit of luck, you can also see flamingos. Another path leads to a small beach that is an important nesting site for sea turtles. In the shallow water here, one can often find stingrays and Whitetip reef sharks now and then.

Later, you will be able to take advantage of the great snorkeling opportunities at “Devil’s Crown” (Corona del Diablo), a broken volcanic cone that is one of the most beautiful places for snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands. The underwater world here includes reef sharks, starfish, sea turtles, sea lions and a host of tropical fish species.

AM: Today we will visit Santa Cruz Island, the second largest of the Galapagos Islands and located in the center of the archipelago. Located there is Black Turtle Cove, a nesting site for sea turtles. There are a number of mangrove forests here as well. With luck, the calm water will allow you to see different types of sharks, ones like Whitetip reef sharks, or schools of golden mustard rays.

PM: Upon arriving on Bartolomé Island, we will go up to a lookout point to admire the spectacular panorama of Sullivan Bay and the famous Pinnacle Rock. The beaches at the foot of the Pinnacle Rock boast some of the finest snorkeling in the islands. There, you can discover a marvelous underwater world and will have a good chance of finding gently gliding sea turtles. On the beaches beneath Pinnacle Rock, it’s quite possible to meet one of the quick-as-an-arrow Galapagos penguins; at around 25 centimeters tall, this is second smallest species of penguin in the world. Likewise, you’re likely to see harmless Whitetip reef sharks in these waters.

AM: Our destination for today is Genovesa Island, considered to be one of the wildest and most pristine islands in Galapagos National Park. Known as “Bird Island,” Genovesa is the only place where you will be able to see Red-footed boobies. After a wet landing at Genovesa Island’s Darwin Bay, we will walk along a short path that leads through the nesting sites of booby and frigate bird colonies. On the beach, you can observe the interesting spectacle of how frigate birds try to rob the prey of the different species of boobies.

PM: In the afternoon we will go ashore at a crater wall where Prince Phillip’s Steps are located. These stairs were carved in the stone wall and lead up to a wide plateau where you will find nesting places of great frigate birds, red-billed tropic birds, Bahama ducks, lava seagulls, and fork-tailed seagulls. During this easy stroll, we will cross a little scalesia wood where you can observe the short-eared owl. With a little bit of luck, you will also be able to observe the unique courtship carried out by various species of boobies (Red- and Blue-footed boobies as well as masked boobies). It truly is a show. The same path will lead us back to your boat.

AM: This morning we will land on the fourth largest island in the Galapagos: Santiago Island, also known as “James Island” or “San Salvador Island.” The old rusted machines and run-down buildings of former salt mine workers are still apparent on the island, though the last attempts to populate Santiago Island were given up on forty years ago. On the island, we will visit Espumilla Beach, where marine iguanas relax and sea turtles’ nest. While snorkeling, you might find octopuses, morays and many types of tropical fish. There is also a Palo Santo forest close to this beach. From there we will go to Buccaneer Cove, which in the 18th and 19th centuries was a shelter for pirates, whalers, and sailors. The bay is surrounded by high tuff clips where many seabirds nest. In the cliffs, you can try to find two rock formations that look like a monkey and an elephant.

PM: After lunch, we will have a wet landing on the dark sand beach of Puerto Egas, where you can find an abundance of marine iguanas. After a short walk of about 2 km along the coast, we will reach the rugged lava coastline. On these shores are natural pools where you can find sea lions, herons and other seabirds. The surrounding area is also a good spot for observing colonies of red Sally Light Foot crabs, lava lizards, Galapagos buzzards and lava herons.

AM: After a dry landing on North Seymour Island, we will take a short walk along the coast. Here 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 the largest colony of Magnificent frigate birds, a species different from the Great frigate bird. We can also spot both of the endemic species of iguanas: marine iguanas and land iguanas. You will enjoy this relaxing hike around the nesting sites.

PM: We will then visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where the lush landscape is a welcome contrast to the arid scenery of the smaller, lower islands. On the way, we will cross through different vegetation zones – from the dry lower region full of cactuses to the scalesia woods in the Highlands. There one can find two small agricultural communities that grow the famous organic Galapagos coffee. While in the Highlands you will have the option of visiting one of two tortoise breeding centers: El Chato or Rancho Las Primicias. At either site, approaching these enormous and slow-moving reptiles is always an inspiring adventure. The El Chato tortoise reserve was founded in 1964 to allow visitors to observe the island’s huge Galapagos turtles and White herons in their natural habitat. You will also be able to walk through nearby underground lava tunnels formed during volcanic eruptions. As the outside of the lava hardened, the inside continued to flow to the ocean, creating these tunnels. Alternatively, Rancho Primicias is a great place to see about ten to fifteen Galapagos giant tortoises in the wild. In addition to being able to view the ocean from this location in the Highlands, you can walk through a lava cave that was formed by a volcanic eruption.

AM: Today we will anchor at Mosquera Island, which is located near Itabaca Channel and in between the Baltra and Seymour islands. The island consists of a long narrow stretch of white sand, rocks and small lagoons with large populations of sea lions. This is one of the best places to take photos of these aquatic mammals. A stroll down the beach also permits views of Brown pelicans and Blue-footed boobies.

Afterwards, we will take a bus to Itabaca Channel, which we will cross to reach the Baltra Island airport for your flight back to the mainland. Enjoy the last view of the “enchanted islands,” a unique paradise with fascinating natural highlights.