Your Travel Experience with Galapagos PRO
Day 1
Arrival on Baltra Island
You will arrive at Baltra airport in the morning where you will be met by the crew. Your guide will then accompany you to the ship and you will be informed about the days ahead and can settle into your cabins.
Day 4
Bartolomé
Morning: One of the most popular destinations for visitors to the Galapagos Islands, Bartolomé is known for its double beach. The popular photo motif can be admired from a platform that can be reached via a path from the beach. The path leads upwards for just under a kilometre with many erected wooden steps, but rest assured that the climb is worth it. From here, you not only have a great view of the double beach, but also of Pinnacle Rock, which rises 120 metres into the air. You can also see Sullivan Bay, the small island of Daphne Major and Daphne Minor. On your way back, observe the different rock formations formed by the lava, such as tufa cones or various rocks. The island is also a good example of how the environment adapts to its circumstances. Look out for the plants that grow here, they may look like they have no leaves, but on closer inspection you can see little white hairs that reflect the light so the plant can store water. On the beach you then have the opportunity to snorkel in underwater caves and meet sharks, rays and tropical fish. With a bit of luck, you might even see a penguin or two swimming by.
Day 1
Cerro Dragón, Santa Cruz
Afternoon: Dragon Mountain represents a great success in the history of the maintenance and protection of the Galapagos Islands' nature. By 1975, almost all the land lizards of Dragon Mountain were extinct, as introduced dogs hunted them and drastically decimated the numbers. With the Galapagos breeding programme, the population could be increased again and already in 1991 the last captive-born land lizard was released into the wild. Since then, the breeding stations control populations and try to restore and support the species' population as best they can. But not only the mountain has a lot to offer, already the coast is impressive! The rocky beach is a beautiful place to get to know the underwater world and see rays, sharks and green sea turtles. At the foot of the mountain you will pass two saltwater lagoons where you may see a flamingo or two, and you may also encounter Darwin's finches and mockingbirds during the short hike up.
Day 2
Black Turtle Buch, Santa Cruz and Rábida Island
Morning: This small secret sanctuary, in the north of Santa Cruz Island, can only be reached by dinghy and once the engine is off and you are drifting through the waters you will hear the sounds of nature. Surrounded by mangrove trees and diverse marine life, with sea turtles feeding in the calm shallow waters and various sharks and Galapagos rays. This different spot for visitors shows a different side of the Galapagos Islands, away from the noisy waves of the coast and the barking sea lions.
Rábida Island
The small island has only one access point for visitors, located on the east coast. The red beach, the lagoon near the coast and the 1.1 kilometre long circular walk on the island are breathtaking. The red colour of the rock and beach is due to the porous ferruginous volcanic rock and various environmental factors such as rain, salt water and the coastal winds. Along with the highest concentration of volcanic features and the environmental factors that act as oxidants, the red colour of the island is created. After a wet landing, you can see sea lions and marine lizards relaxing on the Galapagos red beach. Just past the beach is one of the nesting sites for pelicans, which use the island's plants for shelter. It is one of the best places to see pelicans and sometimes the odd flamingo is spotted. The path of the island leads through opuntias and a variety of birds can be seen here such as Darwin's finches, Galapagos doves or Galapagos mockingbirds. After the short walk you can dive and swim in the bay, the clear water offers a good view of the underwater world.
Chinese Hat Islet
Sombero Chino was named by locals for its shape, resembling the outline of a Chinese hat. Since the management of the National Park restricted the number of visitors, the repopulation of rare, endemic creatures means that the travellers who are lucky enough to get here are likely to have some very special encounters.
Sea lion colonies live on the white coral sand beach. Here you can also see the American oystercatcher and Galapagos penguins swimming along the shore, as well as the Sally Lightfoot crabs, whs bright red shell contrasts starkly with the black volcanic stones.
Day 3
Prince Phillip'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 stingrays.
Day 4
Sullivan Bay, Santiago
Although this beauiful beach deserves its place in the highlights list, the day will surprise you with another highlight: the special pahoehoe lava flows.
Almost 100 years ago, lava flowed across the island and left behind various forms of soil: braided and stringy lava fields alternate with sharp-edged jagged formations. Feel the warm stones of the black, unreal lava landscape under your hands and move back to the time of origin, when volcanoes raged here, ultimately creating a paradise.
Day 5
Highlands of Santa Cruz
As you venture into Santa Cruz's higher altitude areas, you will notice the changes in the vegetation as the climate becomes wetter and warmer. The earth in the upper altitudes is rich in minerals. Coffee plantations and fruit orchards line the streets and giant tortoises roam around at ease in their natural environment.
The Scalesia forests in this area offer the opportunity to discover endemic species of the Galapagos Islands, as well as giant cacti and a variety of deciduous trees and edible fruits.
Here you can also visit the twin 'craters' Los Gemelos. While they are not craters in the technical sense, these 70 meter vertical gullies with a carpet of lush vegetation are an impressive sight to behold.
Charles Darwin Station, Santa Cruz
At Charles Darwin Station, you will get a chance to learn more about the friendly giants that you met in the highlands this morning!
Here, scientists from around the world research the many special tortoise subspecies that are endemic to the Galapagos islands. The highlight of the research center is the breeding station, Fausto Llerena, where baby turtles take a training course over rocks, branches and sandy stairs in prepareation for their upcoming release in to the wilderness.
Visitors leave the station with a stronger understanding of the tortoises, iguanas and much of the flora native to the islands. You'll be impressed by the tiny tortoises, often only the size of your hand, who will grow over the next 100 years to become as large as the adults you'll also meet!
Day 6
Las Tintoreras
Prepare yourself for some wonderful encounters with the wildlife of Las Tintoreras, the small archipelago in front of the harbor of Puerto Villamil.
Take in the gorgeous scenery and unique wildlife on Las Tintoreras. Along the shores, the blue-footed boobie males show off their striking blue feet in an attempt to woo the females, the marine iguanas warm themselves up on the black lava rocks and the Galapagos penguins and Galápagos sea lions recover after their dives.
After circumnavigating the islands, put on your snorkeling equipment and explore the underwater world with your guide. In addition to sea turtles, you'll likely spot manta rays and other colorful fish - and if you're lucky, the white-tip reef sharks that migrate here.
Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela
Spend the morning exploring the volcanic landscape of Isabela Island, created by five side by side shield volcanoes, whose lava flows have united to form a landmass.
Although Sierra Negra is not the highest volcano at 1,200 meters, it has the second largest volcanic cone on earth, with a diameter of about 9 kilometers. From the endge of the crater, visitors are treated to a magnificent view out over the island of Isabela.
Note: Please remember to bring high SPF sunscreen. The Sun's harmful rays can be very strong here.
Day 7
Punta Moreno, Isabela
Punta Moreno is a rugged young lava bay. At first it appears to be a lifeless landscape, however as you walk over the cooled lava, you'll see new green areas and lagoons hosting a wide variety of birds. Marine iguanas and lava lizards are usually found in the lagoons you'll often meet flamingos foraging here for their favourite meal. While the sharp rocks make this hike a little tricky, its path itself is easy enough to be enjoyed by everyone and provides an unforgettable landscape set against a backdrop of the volcanoes Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul.
We recommend bringing plenty of water during this visit, as the lava field reflects the sun making the temperature higher than average. Don't forget to apply sunscreen!
Elizabeth Bay, Isabela
The wide and sheltered Elizabeth Bay, on Isabela's east coast, hosts a bevy of the archipelago's unique wildlife. The mangrove-lined shore contrasts starkly against the surrounding lava fields. The myriad of small islets and rocky reefs make this is a particularly rich area for wildlife.
The waters here are particularly clear, and this makes Elizabeth Bay a great place to spot the rays, sharks, green sea turtles, Galapagos penguins, pelicans, and Galapagos sea lions known to gather here. Nearer to the shores and mangroves you'll see Galapagos flightless cormorants and the sunbathing marine iguanas.
Day 8
Urbina Bay, Isabela
Urbina Bay graces the southeast flank of the Alcedo Volcano. After volcanic activity in 1954 caused a significant uplift, the coast expanded almost a kilometer out. Marine life found a way to thrive in this newly fertile area and many species chose to stay. Today, this area is a great place for snorkeling. During your hike, you may see a large colony of land iguanas, Darwin's finches, giant tortoises (from June to September) and flightless cormorants.
Several species of whale have been spotted in the waters you'll be navigating through today.
Punta Espinoza, Fernandina
Today you are heading towards Fernandina, the westernmost and with just about 700,000 years, the youngest island in the archipelago. Surrounded by hills amidst a lava landscape covered with cacti and mangroves is the visitor location Punta Espinoza. Meet sea lions and hundreds of marine iguanas basking on the black lava rocks and on the beach. While snorkeling you might come close to the resident penguins darting quickly through the water.
Day 9
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, 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 10
Isla Lobos
Isla Lobos is sometimes known as Sea Lion Island, for the huge colony of resident sea lions. Fire engine red Sally lightfoot crabs strike a strong contrast against the black volcanic rocks during your hike on Isla Lobos. Other curious creatures living on the otherwise uninhabited island include land iguanas and pelicans. Bring your snorkeling gear and treat yourself to a refreshing dip.
San Cristóbal Transfer
The cruise ends in the San Cristóbal port. From here you may take a return flight to the mainland of Ecuador or continue on with your planned route through the Galapagos.