Your Travel Experience with Galapagos PRO
Day 1
Arrival and transfer at the airport
You will arrive at Baltra by flight and the crew from the cruise will welcome you at the arrival. Your guide will accompany you to the ship and a briefing will be held.
Cerro Dragon, Santa Cruz island
Afternoon: Dragon Mountain represents a great success in the history of the maintenance and protection of the nature of the Galapagos Islands. 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 program, 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 have been controlling populations and trying 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
Leon Dormido and Cerro Brujo, San Cristobal island
Morning: The famous Kicker Rock is one of the most famous features of the Galapagos Islands. This small island shape was formed from two large lava rocks that look like a sleeping lion when viewed from the south. Hence the Spanish name "León Dormido" literally the sleeping lion. As you cruise around the islands on board, the naturalist guides will point out the various birds that inhabit the island. Among them are Nazca boobies, frigate birds or even swallow-tailed gulls. And if conditions permit, you will experience one of the most magnificent sunsets in the archipelago.
Isla Lobos, San Cristobal island
Afternoon: The small island of Lobos, near the island of San Cristóbal, is not only home to a colony of sea lions, but also to a pair of fur seals. In the midst of these large sea dwellers, there are also nesting blue-footed boobies that raise their young here. One or two paths lead to the center of the island, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the Galapagos archipelago. It is a popular place for visitors to simply become aware of nature and the wonders of the islands.
Back on the beach, the island's position close to the island of San Cristóbal makes it an excellent snorkeling spot to marvel at the underwater world. The water is clear and calmer than in other areas of the archipelago, offering perfect conditions to see seahorses and a variety of colorful tropical fish.
Day 3
Gardner Bay, Española island
Morning: Join the colony of sea lions on the beautiful white coral beach. From the shoreline, you can observe the Galapagos hawks, American oystercatchers, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds, gold-warblers, lava lizards, marine iguanas and three different types of Darwin finch! When snorkelling or diving, you have the opportunity to see the diverse underwater world of Gardner Island. Californian angelfish, neon fish, parrotfish, manta rays and white-tip reef sharks all call these waters home. Afterwards, visit Osborn Island for a stroll along a beautiful, white sand beach, again covered in sunbathing sea lions. If you choose not to sunbathe with the locals, you might prefer to swim or snorkel
Punta Suarez, Española island
Afternoon: Española is a geologically interesting island where you can explore the volcanic formations and spot a lot more of the Galapagos's unique fauna. Regular sightings include large sea lion colonies and flocks of seabirds, such as the Española mockingbird, the nazca booby and the spectacular red-beaked tropicbird. There are also marine iguanas, lizards and Sally lightfoot crabs. A long hike will take you past the world's largest colony of Galapagos albatrosses! During mating season (May to December) you will have the opportunity to see the nesting area of the albatrosses and if you're lucky, you'll even get to witness their courting dance. The courting dance of the albatross is extra special as it is the start of a life-long bond for these birds who mate for life. Other interesting birds include Galapagos doves, Galapagos hawks, whip-tailed gulls. Make a final stop to admire the dramatic topography of the famous Blow Hole, catapulting seawater an impressive 23 meters into the air.
Day 4
Santa Fé Island
Morning: Upon arrival at the white sand beach, you will be greeted by a large colony of sea lions. A trail leads you from the beach into a forest of prickly pears and Palo Santo trees. It is not rare to spot Galapagos hawks and even owls in the salt bushes. Even harmless snakes and the endemic rice rat can be discovered with a little luck while exploring the island. Arguably the most special, however, is the Santa Fé iguana. This species differs from its peers due to its significantly lighter color and distinct dorsal spines. Snorkeling and swimming on the beach, kayaking or a tour with the glass bottom boat make this trip unforgettable.
Please Note: The Galapagos National Park has placed a temporary ban on swimming, snorkeling or diving in the waters around Santa Fé.
Fausto Llerena, Santa Cruz island
Afternoon: Visit the Galapagos giant tortoises and land iguana breeding programme, where the famous Lonesome George (the last surviving specimen from Pinta Island) lived for decades. The centre is managed by Galapagos National Park (GNP) staff in collaboration with scientists from the Charles Darwin Station (CDS). Here, eggs from Pinzon, Santiago and Santa Cruz Islands hatch without the risk of introduced species. After artificial incubation, the "galapaguitos" (newborn turtles) are bred until they are 5 years old so that when they are released in their original habitats, they have enough skills to survive on their own. Since the 1970s, more than 2,000 specimens have returned to their native islands. In addition, Darwin Station works on several scientific projects, botanical research and provides environmental education for local communities, schools and tourists. If there is still time, you can take a stroll through the small town of Puerto Ayora.
Day 5
South plaza island
Morning: One of the smallest and most colourful islands in the archipelago, Plaza Sur, or 'South Plaza' in English, is just a short sail from Santa Cruz. Reaching dry land, you will come across some of the island’s friendly sea lions, one of the many types of animals in South Plaza for you to discover.
Wander by the nesting places of swallow-tailed gulls, Audubon shearwaters, red-tailed tropicbirds, masked boobies and frigatebirds. The entire island is carpeted with dense sesuvium plants. From June to November, during the colder and drier season, the plants turn a deep red color which gives the island a dramatic, fascinating atmosphere. Watch the iguanas searching high up in the opuntia trees for fruit - a sight you'll never see anywhere else in the world.
End of cruise
The cruise concludes at Baltra. From there, you will transfer to the airport for your flight back to the mainland or continue with your scheduled itinerary in the Galapagos.