Your Travel Experience with Galapagos PRO
Day 1
Arrival at San Cristóbal Island
After arrival at San Cristóbal airport, you will be transferred with the help of Elite staff to your first excursion, Charles Darwin Research Station.
Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz Island
Afternoon:
Bachas Beach is a beautiful white sandy beach where the remains of a rusted barge can be seen, which is believed to have been abandoned by the Americans during the First World War. It is a popular nesting site for turtles and if you go snorkeling, you might see these beautiful creatures in the water.
The beach is full of vibrant Sally Lightfoot and hermit crabs and elegant pink flamingos, that hang out in the saltwater pond just behind the beach.
Day 2
Prince Philip's Steps, Genovesa
Genovesa Island is secluded from the other main islands in the north of the archipelago and is well-known as the Bird Island.
Prince Philip's Steps are a staircase sunken into volcanic rock that leads to a plateau rich with vegetation and wildlife. True to the nickname of Bird Island, this area is home to nesting masked and blue-footed boobies, Bahama ducks, petrels and gulls amongst a host of other local species. The Galápagos horned owls bask on the warm volcanic rocks here, paying no attention the tourists around them.
Darwin Bay, Genovesa
Emerging from the narrow entrance, you'll reach Darwin Bay, surrounded by protective cliffs. Frigatebirds regularly patrol the skies here and petrels can be seen hunting coastal waters for smaller fish. The green water in the bay is evidence of a high plankton content which attracts fish and seabirds, making this wildlife-rich bay a wonderful site for snorkeling. With some luck, you may also encounter peaceful hammerheads and black spotted eagle rays.
Day 3
Espumilla Beach and Buccaneer Cove, Santiago
Espumilla Beach is known for its marine iguanas and red cliff crabs, also know as Sally Lightfoot crabs. The crabs attract hunting herons, who perform their hunter-prey dance. The richness of marine fauna, such as octopus, moray eels and various sharks lends a unique feel to snorkelling in the waters off Espumilla.
Buccaneer Cove is evidence of Santiago's long history as a haven for British buccaneers. These pirates were likely anchoring in this sheltered bay to make repairs and, among other things, to increase their supplies of turtle meat. The steep cliffs surrounding the bay, where hundreds of seabirds settle on the dark red sand beach, are an impressive sight to behold.
Puerto Egas, Santiago
After landing on the black sand beach of Puerto Egas, Santiago Island hike along a 2km long coastal area boasting sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, lava lizards, Galapagos hawks and lava herons. The rugged lava coast with natural pools, where sea lions bathe and herons play marks the end of your hike.
An excursion to Santiago Island is also one of the rare chances to see Galápagos fur seals in the wild, though not in large numbers.
Day 4
Black Turtle Cove
Morning:
The first visit of the day is to Black Turtle Cove, located on the north coast of Santa Cruz. It is a living example of how mangroves are changing the marine environment and creating a rich and unique habitat. Three species of mangroves populate the area from the coast to a shallow lake that extends almost a mile inland. As you drift through the calm waters by dinghy, you are likely to see eagle rays and diamond-shaped mustard rays. diamond-shaped mustard rays swimming in a diamond formation. Whitetip reef sharks glide under the dinghy and green sea turtles from the Pacific come to the surface to catch their breath and mate. Water birds, including pelicans, herons and egrets, forage in the bay. It is a peaceful place where visitors often have close encounters with the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.
Highlands of Santa Cruz & Charles-Darwin Station, Santa Cruz
Afternoon:
In the highlands of Santa Cruz, you have the opportunity to see the famous giant tortoises in the wild. These endemic animals are so well-known that they gave the archipelago its name. Birdwatching is also one of the activities you can do in the highlands of Santa Cruz, as this is the home of finches and other galapagos. home to finches and other Galapagos birds.
After visiting the highlands, the tour continues to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station which offers guests the unique opportunity to learn about the vital work of conserving the archipelago's ecosystems. The research center is also home to an important breeding program for Galapagos tortoises, whose population has been declining since the 1970s.
Day 5
León Dormido, San Cristóbal Island
Accessed by panga, Lobos Island gets its name from the herds of sea lions that have made their home here.
Snorkeling in the calm clear water provides a unique opportunity to see these inquisitive and playful animals up close and it is also common to be accompanied by green turtles and rays as well.
Inland, there is a trail where you can expect to encounter nesting sites for blue-footed boobies and frigates.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, Panga ride Difficulty: Moderate
Conclude in San Cristóbal
The cruise will conclude in the harbor of San Cristóbal. From there, transfer to the airport in time for your return flight to the mainland, or continue with your planned route through the Galapagos.