The first populated island is situated on the south east of the Galápagos Islands. Its area is 173 sq mk (107.4 sq mi) and its highlight point is founded at the tip of the Cerro Pajas. It was first named Charles Island, then Santa Maria island, until the Ecuadorian government of Juan José Flores change it to Floreana Island. This island welcomed sailors, whale hunters, and many other adventurers that reached it in search of fresh water, tortoises, end even isolation. Peculiar stories as well as Baroness and the messaging system of the pirates (Post Office Bay-1793) are attractions. Devil´s Crown is perfect to visit by cruise to enjoy snorkeling next to the sharks, corals, tropical fishes, stingrays, sealions, marine tortoises, penguins, and countless types of marine life. Birding journey lovers can visit Cormorant Point, where our guests observe the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos. Another heaven to visit is Asilo de la Paz, a hill 450 meters high with amazing views, like the cave of pirates and the freshwater spring surrounded by various giant tortoises. Cerro Alieri is home 48 different plants. This endemic place also gives the opportunity to see Darwin´s finches, mimosas, mangroves and blue-footed boobies. In this island, Charles Darwin collects the Floreana Mockingbird, later to realize the difference in between the four species to be found in the archipelago.
Shark Path
Description
Early in the morning, at 7:30 am, after the fresh delicious breakfast, starts the trip to Floreana Island. After riding 1 hour and 30 minutes, your comfortable speed boat will spot at the first site, named Enderby islet, unique place to observe tropical birds and it is a place to discover blue footed boobies nesting. You will be able to enjoy watching frigate birds and a lot of marine iguanas resting on the lava cliffs. If the sea welcome you peacefully it will allow to snorkeling next to the sea lions, marine turtles, and to explore fantastic marine flora and fauna. The second spot is at Pirates Caves where you will discover a unique green sand beach. Its olivine crystals form green beach. Crystals are originated from volcanic materials found in nearby tuff cones. While enjoying the beach you can trekking to the view point in order to observe the wonderful volcano landscape. Or, it is possible to practice snorkeling with sea lions, rays, marine turtles and reef fish. The last site to visit is Punta cormorant which is surrounded by the most beautiful landscape and in this place, you will find a lake which is flamingos home. Your snorkeling times offer you rays, manta rays, black sharks, Galapagos sharks, white tip sharks and there is a good chance to see hammerhead sharks. During your snorkeling excursion you will be served a hot and tasty lunch.
It is recommended to wear a wetsuit in order to neutralize the sea temperature because it falls under 20ºC from September to December and it is up of 27ºC from January to August.
Departure: at 7:30 am from Puerto Ayora Pier
Returning time: approximately at 5:00 pm
Travel Time: speed boat ride takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes (August – October the seas can be quite rough). Adventurers with back or neck injuries are not advised to take this journey.
Difficulty Level: intermediate
Highlight activity: snorkeling
Transportation: speed boat
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Confirmation and payment policy: Payments are due based on the following schedule. All reservations require a deposit to confirm.
• 61 to 91+ days in advance Deposit 30% of program’s cost (or $100.00)
• 31 to 60 days in advance Deposit 50% of program’s cost
• 30 days in advance Deposit 100% of program’s cost
Cancellation Policy: Reservations are subject to the following cancellation schedule.
• 90+ days before trip No penalty
• 60 to 89 days before trip Fine 30% of program’s cost (or $100.00)
• 30 to 59 days before trip Fine 50% of program´s cost
• 0 to 29 days before trip Fine 100% of program´s cost
Discounts & benefits:
• For tour leaders is a 50% discount off meals and lodging for groups of 1 – 4 guests. For groups of 5 guests or more, meals and lodging are complimentary.
• For tour leaders, tour guide, or any companions we don’t offer discounts off navigation journeys.
• Kids under 2 are free. For ages 2 – 6, we offer a 10% discount off of meals, lodging, and navigation journey. Kids aged 7 or older pay the standard rates.
• We don’t offer discounts for senior citizens.
• We may be able to offer additional discounts for tour companies who send tour groups to the Galapagos Islands on a recurring basis. Contact us for more details.
Recommendations & clarifications:
• It is required the traffic control card issued by Galapagos Governing.
• Guests with medical conditions and/or special dietary restrictions must make them known to us in sufficient time for us to accommodate their request.
• Guests are required: wear mask, use hand sanitizer, and practice social distancing as required.
• Guests are strongly encouraged to: wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with sturdy, rugged soles.
• Bring sun protection such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat.
• Bring insect repellent.
• It is recommended to wear a wetsuit in order to neutralize the sea temperature, because it falls below 20ºC from June to November and it can be chilly at times so we recommend also bringing a windbreaker, hat, and scarf.
• Galapagos and Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency.
• Most vendors accept cash. We recommend that guests bring U.S. dollars with them if they might want to buy souvenir.
• The prices are according to the double/triple/quadruple room.
• Accommodations in our lodge or boat are subject to availability. If the hotel or boat is full, we will arrange for our guests to stay in a hotel of an equivalent category and provide transfers.
• Photography is encouraged always keeping mind the Galapagos National Park Rules for Visitors.
• All itineraries, dining options, accommodations, and journey experiences are subject to change without notice due to factors such as climate conditions, season, host availability, operational issues, and guest security.
• The described species in the program can be encountered during the tours but it is not guaranteed that always will be encountered as it depends on natural factors, climate, seasons, and marine currents.