Welcome to the Galapagos! As you step off the plane onto San Cristobal, a warm and friendly guide awaits to escort us to our comfortable lodging.

Our day is brimming with adventure as we set off to discover the enchanting island of San Cristobal. Our journey begins at the Galapagos Interpretation Center, an educational hub that unravels these idyllic islands’ captivating natural and anthropological history.

Next, we ascend the verdant Frigate Hill, a sanctuary for an array of fascinating marine birds such as majestic frigate birds, graceful pelicans, and vibrant boobies amongst others. From this mesmerizing vantage point, we will get our first taste of the extraordinary biodiversity that makes the Galapagos unique.

We’ll head to the serene Carola Beach to cap off our day. Here, we’ll immerse ourselves in the crystal-clear waters, snorkel among the colorful marine life, or relax on the pristine sands, soaking up the sun.

Today’s Activities: Walking, Snorkeling, Swimming

The approved itinerary dictates that we either commence our journey with a visit to Kicker Rock, followed by the beach, or we reverse the order. The specific beach we head to—either Manglesito, Puerto Grande, or Cerro Brujo—depends on the boat’s schedule.

Our first destination is typically Kicker Rock, a 45-minute journey from our starting point. Known as Leon Dormido in Spanish, this rock formation off the coast of San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos Islands resembles a sleeping lion. Rising 500 ft above the ocean, this small yet majestic island is a popular spot for various marine birds. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel for an hour in the 35-meter-deep channel of Kicker Rock, which reduces to a depth of 12 meters as you progress. The marine life you can expect to encounter includes white-tip sharks, black-tip sharks, Galapagos sharks, eagle rays, turtles, and a variety of fish.

Next, we visit Manglesito Beach, which offers two distinct areas for exploration: the mangrove area and the beach itself. The former is perfect for spotting aquatic bird life, while the latter provides an ideal spot for relaxation or swimming. In the mangrove area, you’ll come across a lagoon inhabited by animals such as patios, terms reales, and zarapitos, among other native species. The beach is adorned with vegetation like sesubium edmonstonei and button mangrove. After approximately 30 minutes of travel from Kicker Rock, we’ll spend an hour at Manglesito Beach. Lunch will be served on the boat before you set out to explore the beach.

Please note that each day brings different conditions; consequently, the animals that can be spotted may vary.

Begin your adventure with a journey to Lobos Island, a birdwatcher’s paradise, where you can spot Pelicans and various shore birds. Located just a 30-minute boat ride from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Lobos Island lets you walk amidst blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and marine iguana nests. Your trek along a half-mile trail will take approximately one hour, leading you through landscapes of dry vegetation, volcanic rock, and sandy terrain.

Post-trek, prepare for an exhilarating snorkeling experience off the coast of Lobos Island. This underwater adventure offers opportunities to see playful young sea lions, graceful turtles, and stealthy stingrays.

Next, we’ll navigate towards the beautiful Ochoa Beach, a trip of about 30 minutes. Here, enjoy a delicious lunch served on the boat and an hour of leisure to bask in the beach’s beauty before returning to the port. Please note that wildlife sightings can vary daily due to changing conditions.

In the afternoon, gear up for a Kayaking trip at Playa Mann. Paddle along the coast, watch for seabirds, and continue kayaking until you reach the earwigs, a favored snorkeling spot.

Today’s Activities: Sailing, Snorkeling, Swimming, Kayaking & Walking.

Begin your day with a transfer to the Puerto Baquerizo Moreno pier, where you’ll board a speedboat for a 3-hour journey across the azure waters to Santa Cruz Island in the heart of the Galapagos.

Upon arrival in Santa Cruz – Puerto Ayora pier, a friendly representative will greet and escort you to your hotel.

Your morning is packed with exploration and discovery on the captivating island of Santa Cruz. Begin your day by exploring the fascinating Las Grietas. A scenic trail leading through a beach and charming lagoons will guide you to this extraordinary location. Once there, you’ll notice two distinct water levels – fresh water at the surface and the salty sea water below. The crevices are nestled between two cliffs, providing an idyllic spot for a swim or a tranquil break. At Las Grietas in the Galapagos, visitors can expect to see various intriguing wildlife. The mangroves and Opuntia cacti along the trail are often bustling with activity. Notably, you can find little black finches fluttering about. Additionally, an abundance of marine iguanas is seen along the path, adding to the unique charm of this location.

Relish a delightful lunch at a local restaurant before setting off for the afternoon’s adventure.

Our next destination is Tortuga Bay, one of the world’s top ten beaches. A 1.5-mile walk through a dry zone, a forest of giant cacti, yellow flowers, and native Galapagos flora leads to this stunning location. Here, you’ll find two captivating environments. The first bay is expansive and open, with powerful waves. Numerous turtles frequent this spot during nesting season, hence its name, “Bahia Tortuga.” The second bay, tucked away at the end of the first, offers a perfect spot for relaxation and swimming. This wild combination of giant cacti and mangroves lining the seashore provides a unique backdrop for your retreat. In this place, you enjoy a refreshing Kayak expedition at the bay.

We will then return to Puerto Ayora.

Activities: Double Kayak, Swim, Snorkel & Walk

SAILING TOUR

Sailing tours are subject to availability, including Bartolome, Plazas, Seymour Norte, or Santa Fe.

Bartolome / Sullivan

At around 6:00 am, we will head to the Itabaca Channel to embark on our day tour yacht, setting sail for Bartolome Island’s pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

After two hours, we reach Bartolome, one of the youngest islands in the Galapagos archipelago, home to the iconic Pinnacle Rock. On the island, you can enjoy a brief, easy walk up a wooden path for stunning views of two picturesque bays, intriguing lava formations, and volcanic cones. Snorkel with adorable penguins, sea lions, sea turtles, sharks, white tip reefs, tropical fish, and other unique marine life. We’ll also visit Sullivan Bay to marvel at its incredible lava formations and colors.

We will return to Puerto Ayora around 5 pm, where you will be escorted to your hotel.

North Seymour Norte / Bachas Beach

Around 7:00 am, we will depart by boat for North Seymour, a small island teeming with natural wonders. Here, you will find the largest population of magnificent Frigate birds, numerous blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls.

Snorkeling allows you to encounter green sea turtles, the renowned Galapagos shark, playful sea lions, and other marine species.

Plazas Island / Carrion Point

Leaving at approximately 7:00 am, you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the boat for a journey to the Plazas Islands.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the largest colonies of sea lions and numerous land iguanas. As you walk along the path to the other side of the island, you will discover marine iguanas and various bird species, including boobies, blue-footed and masked boobies, swallow-tailed gulls nesting puffins,, and tropical birds. Frigate birds and pelicans are also known to soar above the ravines.

Santa Fe Island

This island boasts a stunning turquoise bay with two white sand beaches inhabited by sea lions. The rocky path leads to an hour-and-a-half hike, where you can observe different species.

While snorkeling, you may encounter green sea turtles. Lunch will be served onboard, and you will be transported back to your hotel.

Activities: Sailing, Walking, Snorkeling

Please note that the itinerary may change due to National Park regulations or circumstances beyond our control.

SAILING TOUR

Sailing tours are subject to availability, including Bartolome, Plazas, Seymour Norte, or Santa Fe.

Bartolome / Sullivan

At around 6:00 am, we will head to the Itabaca Channel to embark on our day tour yacht, setting sail for Bartolome Island’s pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

After two hours, we reach Bartolome, one of the youngest islands in the Galapagos archipelago, home to the iconic Pinnacle Rock. On the island, you can enjoy a brief, easy walk up a wooden path for stunning views of two picturesque bays, intriguing lava formations, and volcanic cones. Snorkel with adorable penguins, sea lions, sea turtles, sharks, white tip reefs, tropical fish, and other unique marine life. We’ll also visit Sullivan Bay to marvel at its incredible lava formations and colors.

We will return to Puerto Ayora around 5 pm, where you will be escorted to your hotel.

North Seymour Norte / Bachas Beach

Around 7:00 am, we will depart by boat for North Seymour, a small island teeming with natural wonders. Here, you will find the largest population of magnificent Frigate birds, numerous blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls.

Snorkeling allows you to encounter green sea turtles, the renowned Galapagos shark, playful sea lions, and other marine species.

Plazas Island / Carrion Point

Leaving at approximately 7:00 am, you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the boat for a journey to the Plazas Islands.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the largest colonies of sea lions and numerous land iguanas. As you walk along the path to the other side of the island, you will discover marine iguanas and various bird species, including boobies, blue-footed and masked boobies, swallow-tailed gulls nesting puffins,, and tropical birds. Frigate birds and pelicans are also known to soar above the ravines.

Santa Fe Island

This island boasts a stunning turquoise bay with two white sand beaches inhabited by sea lions. The rocky path leads to an hour-and-a-half hike, where you can observe different species.

While snorkeling, you may encounter green sea turtles. Lunch will be served onboard, and you will be transported back to your hotel.

Activities: Sailing, Walking, Snorkeling

Please note that the itinerary may change due to National Park regulations or circumstances beyond our control.

Begin your day with an early morning transfer to Puerto Ayora’s harbor, where you’ll board a speedboat bound for Puerto Villamil Pier. This scenic voyage across the azure waters will last approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

The adventure starts with visiting Isabela’s Tortoise Breeding Center, just 1 mile from Puerto Villamil. This sanctuary is home to 330 turtles – both young and mature – originating from southern Isabela. These majestic creatures, threatened in recent decades by human poaching and nest disturbance from wild donkeys, now find refuge here under the vigilant care of Galapagos National Park staff. You’ll have the chance to observe and learn about these remarkable animals in their protected surroundings.

Our journey continues to one of Puerto Villamil’s Flamingo Ponds, where you’ll be mesmerized by the sight of these elegant birds. Their long legs, vivid pink colors, and graceful movements create a captivating spectacle as they skillfully sift through the mud for food with their unique beaks. The archipelago is believed to be home to around 500 flamingos.

Following this fascinating encounter, we’ll return to the Puerto Villamil Hotel.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Wall of Tears. This route, spanning approximately 5 miles, offers a 2-3 hour trek or bicycle ride. Along the way, you’ll encounter giant turtles in their natural habitat and enjoy several intriguing stopovers. One such place is El Estero, the only location where all four types of Galapagos mangroves can be seen. A coral beach also lies on this route, a favored mating and nesting spot for iguanas.

Another highlight is the Cerro Orchilla lookout point. A climb up a flight of stairs rewards you with a stunning island panorama. Our final destination is the historic Wall of Tears, a monument built from large, heavy rocks steeped in poignant history.

Activities: Hiking & Biking.

The adventure starts from Puerto Villamil with a captivating 45-minute boat ride, making its first stop in the open sea near Roca Union. Here, you’ll have the chance to spot blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, brown pelicans, penguins, Zayapas, and iguanas, all of which can be observed up close to the boat.

Next, we’ll make a  stop to stroll around these stunning lava formations and spot sea lions lounging on the rocks or cavorting near the lava tunnels. You might also notice cacti that have adapted to thrive amidst these lava formations.

The tour’s final and arguably most exciting part involves snorkeling in open water. Dive into an enchanting underwater world where you can swim alongside white-tipped sharks, manta rays, penguins, sea lions, sea turtles, seahorses, lobsters, sea snakes, and many other tropical species.

The journey concludes with a return to Puerto Villamil.

Activities:  Sailing, Snorkeling & Hiking.

Please note that the itinerary may change due to National Park regulations or circumstances beyond our control.

Set sail on a magical morning journey from the enigmatic Isabela Island towards the lively and diverse Santa Cruz.

Submerge yourself into the vibrant core of Santa Cruz, the archipelago’s most populous island. Its distinctive charm is captivating, a harmonious blend of untouched natural splendor and rich local culture. We’ll traverse the glistening azure waters aboard a shared vessel, culminating with our arrival on the island, where a driver will be waiting for us to take us to the hotel and leave ourluggage.