Your Travel Experience with Galapagos PRO
Day 1
Transfer to the Yacht
At the Arrival at Baltra Airport, a naturalist English speaking guide will assists you. Transfer to the yacht.
Charles Darwin Station, Santa Cruz
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 into their native 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 town of Puerto Ayora, 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 2
Sullivan Bay, Española
Morning: Breakfast in the morning. This site is of great geological interest is located south-east of Santiago Island, landing it can be done both on the rocky shore (dry landing) or the white sandy beach (wet landing). The length of the trail is 1.5 km approximately. The area is covered by lava flows Pahohoe type (solidified lava in a wavy or accordion). It was very active in the past 25 years of the nineteenth century. The Sullivan lava was formed in 1897. Flow is very young geologically. The magma formed is flat, but the underground lava movement, rapid cooling and other eruptions led to the break in many places. Difficulty: Moderate Duration approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Lunch at noon.
Bartolomé Island
Afternoon: Wet Landing, After lunch visit to the Pinnacle Rock beach for swimming and snorkeling. In the afternoon dry landing to reach the viewpoint of Bartolome. On this island, you can see interesting formations of lava and cinder cones. After a 30 to 40 minutes climbing, a wooden staircase leads to the top of the island where there are beautiful views of the nearby beaches. This island is one of the most visited and photographed because of Pinnacle Rock. Degree of difficulty: Moderate, Duration 1 Hour 30 Minutes. Dinner in the evening.
Day 3
North Seymour Island
Morning: The small island of North Seymour is one of the most diverse islands in the Galapagos archipelago. It is only about two square kilometers in size and above all known for the intensive courtship rituals of many magnificent frigatebirds, taking place here during mating season. The island is also home to large colonies of land iguanas, marine iguanas, and sea lions. The characteristic bush landscape features diverse species of animals amongst the aromatic endemic balsa trees.
Mosquera Islet
Afternoon: Wet Landing. The Islet is Located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour. It is a reef of rocks and coral (the result of an uprising) and a great white sand beach.In most of its perimeter there is basis of lava rocks, as evidence of the wash uprising, except in the southwest side where the landing occurs. This island has one of the largest Populations of sea lions.You can also observe several species of shorebirds. There have been occasional reports at this site of Orcas (Orcinus orca).Degree of difficulty: easy, Duration approximately 1 hour, Dinner in the evening.
Day 4
South Plaza Island
Morning: Breakfast in the morning. Dry landing. This island is full of life. There are colonies of sea lions and land iguanas. While you walk on the banks it is possible to see a great number of birds such as nesting tropic birds and fork-tailed seagulls, but most of all enjoying the beautiful view from the top the steep banks or strolling along the base of the cliff is an extremely pleasurable experience. The Opuntiacactus grow here too and the vegetation changes color according to the season of the year. Paths: easy, duration: 2 Hours. Lunch at noon.
Cerro Brujo, San Cristóbal
Afternoon: The white beach of the bay in front of Witch Hill is one of the most beautiful in the archipelago. The hill itself is the remnant of a volcanic "tuff cone" - made of compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is also one of the first places Charles Darwin visited on his journey. Here, in addition to a great diversity of species on land, you can also see quite a bit below the water surface. During a walk, you can take it all in and see animals such as Galapagso sea lions, marine lizards, pelicans and blue-footed boobies. If you decide you should go snorkelling, you won't be disappointed here either. Besides Galapagos rays, sea turtles and a variety of tropical fish, you can also discover different corals in the water. And even if you don't want to go into the water, you can also discover a variety of underwater inhabitants from the speedboat through the clear water.
Day 5
Interpretation Center, San Cristobal
Morning: 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 facilities offer 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.
Departure from San Cristóbal island
You will return to the harbour of San Cristóbal. From there, transfer to San Cristóbal Airport in time for your return flight to the mainland or continue with your planned route through the Galapagos.