The departure is going to be at 6:30 am from the Puerto Ayora Pier where our guests will embark on an amazing marine and land wildlife expedition on Isabela Island, the largest of the Archipelago. First, passengers will be able to spot the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center where the naturalists will explain and show closely five different species of tortoises from the different volcanoes on Isabela, it is also possible to see different kinds of tropical birds. Then, we will go to Flamingo lagoon where all the visitors have the chance to see hundreds of sea lions and obviously the pink flamingos. Last but not least, Las Tintoreras, which is a paradise for the tipped reef sharks. This small bay is where the Galapagos penguins like to frequent as well. It is also possible to observe playful lava heron and gulls. This place is magical for snorkeling, but the adventurers have to be quick to get a glimpse of the penguins underwater. The biggest island journey offers the opportunity to watch closely several species of finches. The hot lunch will be enjoyed at one of the town’s restaurants.

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 is up to 27ºC from December to May. 

Departure: at 6:20 am from Puerto Ayora Pier

Returning time: approximately at 5:00 pm

Travel Time: speed boat ride takes around 2 hours (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: walking and snorkeling

Transportation: speed boat

Note: have change USD 1.00 in order to pay water taxi at Puerto Ayora and Isabela pier

Description -private trip-

First site: Cerro Tijeretas (or called Frigate Bird Hill) path

The trail is pathed the entire way and leads you through a lava and cactus field. Every so often, there is a break in the trees to offer views of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and out to sea. Our adventurers will take the path to the left in order to hike Frigate Bird Hill. This site allows you to enjoy a great look at the frigate birds, Darwin’s Cove so keep an eye out for turtles and sea lions floating about. Frigate birds and blue footed boobies love to nest in this rocky cliff. Between the bright blue feet and funny looking heads, they are just designed to brighten your day!  

Second site: La Loberia beach (snorkeling)

La Loberia allows you to discover coral-tinted sands and it is home of many sea lions. Other fauna you will spot are the iguanas, lava lizards, yellow warblers and frigates. It is ideal place to practice snorkeling next to the sea lions, school of fishes, marine iguanas, mantarays, and crafs.

Third site: El Junco sweet water lake visiting

Your excursion will engage you to the greenest and lush site called El junco lake. El junco is the only significant natural source of freshwater. Reaching about 10 minutes you will have a lovely 360 grades view around the island and the Pacific Ocean. The lake is loved by seabirds. Gulls and frigate birds can often be seen swooping down and dipping into the lake to wash the salt from their feathers. 

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 is up to 27ºC from December to May. 

Departure: AM: at 6:15 am from Puerto Ayora Pier PM: at 2:30 pm from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Pier

Returning time: approximately at 5:00 pm

Travel Time: speed boat ride takes around 2 hours (August – October the seas can be quite rough). Adventurers with back or neck injuries are not advised to take this journey. 

Meal: lunch at the city restaurant

Difficulty Level: easy

Highlight activity: walking and snorkeling

Transportation: speed boat and taxi

Note: have change USD 1.00 in order to pay water taxi at Puerto Ayora and San Cristobal pier

 Bartolome will welcome our guests to the incredible natural wealth of teeming Galapagos wildlife where they will be amazed with the dramatic views of the luscious landscape. It is a fantastic spot to take personal and group pictures and it is a jewel-toned setting for charismatic penguins, skittering crabs and marine iguanas. At the sandy cove the adventurers will start to snorkel with the speedy Galapagos penguins. Also, hundreds of colorful reef fish, sea turtles and rays are surrounding the island. At the shade of the Pinnacle Rock our excursionist will have the best place to snorkel and to take photograph of the endemic penguins and the rock looks out across pale beaches and blue-green water, their colors offset by the coal-black lava flow at Sullivan Bay. A hot lunch and refreshments are provided on the boat. At the end of the journey the boat will come back to Santa Cruz, after that a bus will take you to the most comfortable and environmentally friendly lodge.

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 is up to 27ºC from December to May.

Departure: 6:45 am bus pick up at the Puerto Ayora Pier

Returning time: approximately at 5:00 pm and it will drop you off at Puerto Ayora Pier

Journey Time: 40 minutes ride by bus until Itabaca Channel then comfortable yacht will travel around 2 hours to Bartolome Island.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Highlight activity: walking and snorkeling

Transportation: shared bus and yacht

 AM: North Seymour Island 

The journey starts with a 40-minute bus ride from the hotel to the Itabaca Chanel. Then, a comfortable yacht is going to take you to the Island, where the adventurers will be amazed at the unique flora and fauna in natural state. The tour consists of approximately two-and a half-hour trail where guests can shoot wonderful pictures. One can observe the largest colony of magnificent frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies, and land iguanas, as well as sea lions and marine iguanas along the coast. The trip will take travelers to the pristine Mosquera. This small, flat, and sandy islet offers the adventurers the perfect sea lion behavior observation. It is also possible to observe lava gulls, coastal birds, and Sally light-footed crabs. While enjoying the hot lunch in the cabins of the yacht, passengers will be taken to the Bachas Beach. The beach is a paradise-like place for a walk, swim and enjoying the sun. Snorkeling will surprise you with colorful reef fish, various rays, white tip reef sharks, and green turtles. The trip takes you to the Chanel, then back to the hotel by bus. 

PM: South Plaza Island 

South Plaza Islands is for our guests who prefer to enjoy a pleasant journey watching unique changing landscape and colonies of land red and yellow iguanas. This magic place consists of two islets (north and south) located east coast of Santa Cruz. So, you be taken on a 40-minute bus ride from the comfortable hotel, followed by a 1-hour boat ride. On the northern part of the islet, excursionists begin the journey in fantastic cactus forest where sometimes trekking is difficult due to the amount of yellow and red land iguanas stretched along the rocky ground. During the dry season they survive on fruits and flowers of the opuntia cacti. Our guests will be amazed at the wild hybrid iguanas (mix between sea and land ones) and colony of sea lions while the trail forwards to a cliff top walk where swallow tailed gulls and tropicbirds nest. It is a heaven for the red billed tropic birds, magnificent frigates, pelicans, and Audubon´s shearwaters. Lunch is served aboard.

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 is up to 27ºC from December to May. 

Departure: 7:30 am bus pick up at the hotel

Returning time: approximately at 5:00 pm

Travel Time: 40 minutes ride by bus to Itabaca Channel, luxury yacht journey of around 1 hour to South Plazas

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Highlight activity: walking and snorkeling

Transportation: shared bus and luxury yacht