AM-Punta Pitt: In the morning, we disembark (wet landing) on the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island at Punta Pitt, which consists of an eroded tuff cone and a trail that provides spectacular views of the coastline. This is the only site in the Galapagos Islands where the three species of boobies can (most likely) be found together! You are more than welcome to enjoy the walk or a dinghy ride along the coast. Snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking activities are also offered here.

PM-Puerto Baquerizo Moreno: After lunch, we disembark (dry landing) at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the Galapagos Islands’ capital, and take a 40-minute drive over to the island’s southern shore. At Cerro Colorado, we visit the Breeding Center for highly endangered Galapagos giant tortoises that amble around under the cover of a fantastic deciduous forest. This forest also happens to be home to dozens of bird species (including the San Cristobal mockingbird) and the San Cristobal lava lizard – both of which happen to be endemic species on this island!

(B/L/D)

AM-Santa Fe Island: After breakfast, we take dinghies to over to this idyllic white sand beach (wet landing). This spot is home to plenty of sea lions. The endemic land iguana, which is exclusive to this island, may be spotted during the morning walk, typically sitting among the giant prickly pear cactus. Snorkeling and swimming from the dinghy rounds out this supremely rewarding experience. Alternatively, you can also opt to hop aboard the Santa Cruz II Galapagos cruise’s glass-bottom boat. Kayaking is also offered here.

South Plaza Island: Following lunch and a break, we disembark (dry landing) along the channel here, where turquoise waters contrast brilliantly with the white sand and the black lava shoreline. Nearby, a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent-green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-grey land iguanas sit beneath these, waiting patiently for their prickly-pears to drop. Along the coastline, we will have the chance to spot sea lion colonies, all while frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls and shearwaters glide around, playing with the currents.

(B/L/D)

AM-Puerto Ayora & the Charles Darwin Research Station: In the morning, we disembark (dry landing) at Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. The Station consists of a giant tortoise breeding center and an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest that is home to many land birds. The station also serves as headquarters for the administration of scientific investigation and conservation efforts in the Galapagos National Park. Following this visit, we board a private transport and head up to enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, which is an entirely different ecosystem.

Santa Cruz Highlands: You will have several options to choose from in the afternoon, which will be discussed in advance with your Expedition Leader. At the end of the afternoon’s activities, guests will return to Puerto Ayora and hop aboard the Santa Cruz II Galapagos Cruise.

(B/L/D)

AM-Suarez Point: An exciting walk awaits at this site, where you can be sure to enjoy the unique variety of sea bird colonies present. Galapagos albatross (present between April-December), Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls are all present here. Guests will also get to experience the Galapagos’ famous “blowhole” geological phenomenon. Red-green-black marine iguanas are also present here. Afterward, guests head back on board for lunch.

PM-Gardner Bay & Osborn Islet: In the afternoon, the postcard-worthy coral beach of Gardner Bay and the nearby Osborn Islet provide a beautiful setting for observing sea lions, mockingbirds, and finches as you take your time to simply relax or take a dip in the water for some excellent snorkeling. Kayaking activities are available here too.

(B/L/D)

AM-Eden Islet (Santa Cruz Island): After breakfast, a panga ride takes us over to Eden Islet – a small islet located off the coast of Santa Cruz Island. It is here that we can observe blue-footed boobies diving into the water, reef sharks swimming around, and frigatebirds flapping about. There’s a chance to snorkel and, weather permitting, take a ride aboard the glass-bottom boat or do some kayaking.

PM-North Seymour Island:  A tiny forest of silver-grey Palo Santo trees stands just above the landing site (dry landing). This is a great site to watch bird colonies of blue-footed boobies, two species of frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls all fly around. We also get the chance to observe sea lions and marine iguanas up close.

(B/L/D)

AM-Baltra Island: On the last day, you’ll disembark at Baltra Island, take the transfer to the airport, and hop aboard your flight back to the continent.

(B/-/-)