Galapagos Cruise Monique - North South Route (5)

Tour from San Cristóbal Island to Baltra Island, Ecuador

About this activity

Discover the islands of San Cristóbal, Santa Fé, Plaza Sur, Genovesa, Santiago and Santa Cruz

Your Travel Experience with Galapagos PRO

Day 1

Transfer to the yacht

Morning: After arrival at San Cristóbal Airport, transfer to the harbour to board the Monique.

Interpretation Center, San Cristóbal

Afternoon: The National Park Interpretation Center, located on San Cristóbal, was built in collaboration with the Spanish Science Center. The tour offered by the Center for Interpretation's staff gives guests a good overview of the Galapagos Islands. The tour takes us through the history of the islands in the context of nature, humankind, and conservation. It also tells the story of the first settlers on the islands.

Enjoy a unique hike up to the Cerro Tijeretas - directly translated: Frigatebird Rock. As the name already suggests, this visitor point is home to innumerable frigatebirds, who also choose this place as a nesting site.

Marvel at the "Pirates of the skies" with their red throat sacs and black plumage. Did you know that they can not dive into the water and are often forced to steal prey from other seabirds to survive? Did you know that frigatebirds can fly for weeks at a time?

Cerro Tijeretas is the ideal place to enjoy a spectacular view of the rooftops of the provincial capital of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and the volcanic rocks contrasting against the white sand of the Island's dazzling bright beaches.

Day 2

Santa Fe 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.

Please Note: The Galapagos National Park has placed a temporary ban on swimming, snorkeling or diving in the waters around Santa Fé.

Plaza Sur Island

Afternoon: Durch eine geologische Hebung entstanden die kleinen Inseln Plazas, diese zwei kleinen Inseln liegen im Osten der Insel Santa Cruz. Die nördliche Plaza Insel ist für Besucher unzugänglich, jedoch bietet die südliche Plaza Insel einiges für den Vogel-Entdecker und Naturbewunderer. An der Nordküste der Insel Plaza Sur kann man trocken anlanden, während die Südküste eine 25 m hohe, unzugängliche Steilküste ist. Die Insel ist etwa 1,5 km lang und 500 m breit. Die Insel ist Heimat einer ansehnlichen Zahl von Riesenopuntien und einem Meer von Sesuvien. Beide Pflanzen sind endemisch auf den Inseln. Die Sesuvien mit ihren mandelförmigen Blättern sind in der Regenzeit von Dezember bis Mai grün und werde in der Trockenzeit dann zunächst gelb, später rot und violett und verleihen der Insel damit ein etwas unirdisches Aussehen. Am Landungssteg erwarten Sie die Seelöwen. Von dort aus wandern Sie zum Kliff. Auf dem Weg sehen Sie viele, stattliche Landleguane. Ein idealer Ort zum Bestaunen der Flugmanöver der Gabelschwanzmöwen und anderer Seevögel.

Day 3

Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island

Morning: 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.

Prince Philip’s Steps, Genovesa Island

Afternoon: 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.

Day 4

Chinese Hat

Morning: The small island gets its name from its shape, because when you approach it from the north, it looks like a traditional Chinese hat. The island is located near the island of Santiago, and the sea between the islands is well protected, allowing visitors to gaze deep into the blue water. On the island, you can walk along a short path along the west coast and see the impressive landscape. Here you can see volcanic rocks and remnants 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 sunbathe on the island's shores or seek refuge from the sun and cool off in the shade. In the skies above the island, you may see one or two Galapagos hawks circling above your head. However, one of the main reasons to visit this island is the sea that surrounds it. It is a fantastic place to snorkel and discover marine life such as sharks, rays, and a wide variety of tropical fish. Since not all boats are allowed to visit this island, it is all the more worthwhile.

Cerro Dragon, Santa Cruz

Morning: 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 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 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 5

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.

Transfer to the airport

The cruise will conclude in 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.

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