Your Travel Experience with Galapagos PRO
Day 1
Transfer from the airport to the port Baltra
After your arrival at the airport of Baltra Island, transfer to the boat.
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 their 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 does the mountain have a lot to offer, already the coast is already 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
Buccaneer Cove, Santiago Island
Afternoon: 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: After landing on the black sand beach of Puerto Egas, Santiago Island you hike along a 2 km 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.
Day 3
Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela Island
Morning: The largest in the archipelago, this seahorse-shaped island is also one of the most volcanically active. While there is no cleared landing site at Punta Vicente Roca, your guide will explain the impressive geology and wonderful wildlife diversity in the area from aboard the dinghy. Explore the two coves and the large bay with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the weird and wonderful mola-mola, also known as sunfish. In good conditions, Punta Vicente Roca is considered one of the best snorkelling sites in the Galapagos.
Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island
Afternoon: At 700,000 years young, Fernandina is the youngest island in the archipelago. In the midst of a cactus and mangrove-covered lava landscape is the visitor's site Punta Espinoza. At Punta Espinoza, a colony of sea lions and hundreds of marine iguanas sunbathe on the black lava rocks and on the beach. Snorkeling in this area will get you close to the resident penguins, often seen whizzing through the water.
Day 4
Urbina Bay, Isabela Island
Morning: 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.
Tagus Cove, Isabela Island
Afternoon: The historical pirate hideaway of Tagus Cove has been frequented by sailors since the 1800s. The names of visiting ships were often painted and carved in to the cliffs surrounding the cove.
Trails wind their way around Lake Darwin up to a ridge, offering wonderful views of the landscape, the ocean and Wolf and Darwin Islands on the horizon. Punta Tortuga, just north of Tagus Cove, is another idyllic tropical beach surrounded by mangroves. Later, take a danghy ride through the cliffs, observing penguins, flightless cormorants, boobies, pelicans and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Return to the cove to relax on the shore or snorkel.
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
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Guayaquil or Quito.