Your Travel Experience with Galapagos PRO
Day 1
Arrival at Baltra Island
You will arrive on Baltra in the morning where your Crew will greet you and your guide will bring you to the boat. You will be informed about the coming days and get a chance to get to know the boat and your cabin.
Highland, Santa Cruz island
Afternoon: 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. Here you can observe the famous Galapagos giant tortoises in the wild, using the new knowledge you gained at Charles Darwin Station in the morning.
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.
Day 2
Las Tintoreras, Isabela island
Morning: Just off the harbour of Puerto Villamil, on the largest island of Isabela, a group of islands juts out of the ocean. The jagged black formations, dotted with mangroves and candelabra cacti, are the remains of a lava flow that entered the ocean thousands of years ago. It has since been eroded by the waves and today a collapsed lava tube forms a channel that fills during high tide and closes off the channel during low tide. Marine life is retained in the channel, including the spectacular whitetip reef sharks (called "tintoreras" in Spanish). This species of shark is quite common in the archipelago and is usually spotted snorkeling on the seabed while they rest from their nightly hunts. But at this unique location, you can observe the various animals in the crystal-clear, turquoise waters from the comfort of the shore. Sometimes you can see turtles and elegant white-spotted eagle rays or golden rays gliding through the calm channel, as well as smaller fish and Galapagos sea lions. The rocky coastline with its tidal habitat also attracts red cliff crabs, lava herons and Galapagos penguins.
Los Humedades - The Wetlands, Isabela island
Afternoon: This is one of the most important wetlands in the Galapagos. With bogs and lagoons, there are many things to admire here. Walk along the path on good ground or a boardwalk and observe a variety of birds such as flamingos, Galapagos finches, Galapagos doves, Galapagos mockingbirds and sea lizards. Those interested in the flora of the wetlands will not be disappointed here either. This is one of the few places where you can see all four mangrove species. These mangroves are not only important for the inhabitants of the wetland, but they also protect the coast from the crashing waves of the sea.
Day 3
Punta Moreno, Isabela island
Morning: 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!
Punta Mangle, Fernandina island
Afternoon: Hidden between the impressive new lava fields of Fernandina Island is a bay surrounded by mangroves. A rewarding place for birdwatching, as the bay is where the land meets the sea and connects the two habitats where sea, coastal and land birds live. The different types of mangroves: red, white and black mangroves have formed a root system that serves as a nursery for many species of fish, including juvenile sharks and green sea turtles. Snorkeling is also rewarding, as you can observe marine iguanas feeding on algae or flightless cormorants diving for their prey.
Day 4
Punta Espinoza, Fernandina island
Morning: As one of the youngest islands, formed around 700,000 years ago, Fernandina is also the only island that has not been colonised by mammals or other species apart from endemic ones, making it one of the few untouched ecosystems in the world. The volcano “La Cumbre” last erupted in 2005 and dominates the landscape with lava fields stretching to the ocean. The highlight of the island is the nesting site of the unique flightless cormorant. In addition, here in the north of the island, you have the chance to see Galapagos sea lions, marine iguanas, and some Galapagos penguins. With a little luck, you may also see a Galapagos hawk circling above your head in the sky.
Tagus Cove, Isabela island
Afternoon: You will take an excursion to the infamous Tagus Cove - a favorite anchorage of pirates and whalers for centuries. The deep blue cove is home to breeding penguins, flightless cormorants, noddy terns, shearwaters and blue-footed boobies. A steep trail through dry balsam tree forests and cacti leads to a salty, green crater lake (Laguna Darwin). Sea turtles and marine lizards appreciate the food-rich bay, making it ideal for snorkeling despite the abundance of green algae.
Day 5
Buccaneer Cove, Santiago island
Morning: At the time of piracy in the 16th century, this cave on the northwestern coast of Santiago was used by pirates and privateers to rest, get fresh water and replenish food supplies. From here it is best to go inland to find water and bring turtles as provisions to the ship, since the ship was well protected and undetected in the cave. Nowadays, numerous Galapagos bird species nest on the cliffs of the cave and circle in the skies above the red beach of the island. This is also a great place for snorkeling and relaxing on the beach with a sea lion or fur seal or two.
Puerto Egas, Santiago island
Afternoon: The black beach along the northwest coast of Santiago Island is a great sight, even from the boat. After arriving at the beach, two paths invite you to take a walk. One leads you along the coast to "Fur Seal Grotto", where fur seals lie in the shade and rest on the cool stones of the coast from the strong sun. The grotto provides an excellent place for this and the surrounding pools of the tide attract marine lizards to forage in them.
The second trail takes you to the island's Pan de Azucar volcano, it is responsible for turning the beach black. The volcano's crater is filled with salt water, which dries up in hot weather, leaving a dry saline landscape. Between 1928 and 1930, a salt mine was considered, but it was decided against because it was not feasible or lucrative. The lagoon is often home to Galapagos flamingos and other birds such as the Galapagos hawk, which circles high above the landscape.
Day 6
Bartolomé island
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 hair that reflect the light so that 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.
Sullivan Bay, Santiago island
Afternoon: To the east of Santiago Island, you will reach the white coral beach of Sullivan Bay. Although this beach deserves your full attention, the day will surprise you with another highlight: Santiago's cooled lava blanket. Almost 100 years ago, lava flows covered the island here, leaving behind diverse ground shapes: braided and thread-like lava fields alternate with sharp-edged, jagged formations. Feel the warm stones of the black, unreal lava landscape under your hands and transport yourself back to a time when volcanoes raged here, ultimately creating a paradise.
Day 7
Islet Sombrero Chino
Morning: The small island gets its name from its shape because when you approach the island from the north, it looks like a traditional Chinese hat. The island is close to Santiago Island and the sea between the islands is well protected, allowing visitors to look deep into the blue water. On the island, there is the possibility to walk along a short path along the western coast and see the impressive landscape. There are volcanic rocks and residues of lava that once flowed here. The atmosphere and rocks of the island are reminiscent of what the Galapagos Islands once were. Sea lions and Galapagos penguins bask on the island's shores or seek refuge from the sun and cool off in the shade. In the island's skies, you might see a Galapagos hawk or two circling overheads. One of the main reasons to visit this island, however, is the sea that surrounds it. It is a fantastic place to snorkel and spot marine life such as sharks, rays, and a variety of tropical fish. As not all boats have permission to go to this island, it is well worth it.
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 8
Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz island
Morning: Black Turtle Cove is a red mangrove lagoon serving as a nursery for sharks and rays. Black Turtle Cove is a great location to observe mating sea turtles during nesting season. Travellers often see large groups of resting white-tip reef sharks, schools of golden rays and the incredibly beautiful spotted eagle rays. As the water is usually very calm, this area can be navigated using paddles instead of the loud panga engines, increasing your chances of wildlife encounters.
Conclude in Baltra
You will return to the harbor of Baltra. From there, transfer to Baltra Airport in time for your return flight to the mainland or continue with your planned route through the Galapagos.