When arriving at the Galapagos airport, you must first pass through the Galapagos National Park entrance and then onto baggage claim. Continuing through the airport with your baggage you will scan your belongings once more and then finally pass through.  

Just outside the doors will be your Guide waiting with a sign to greet you.  Once all those who will be boarding are together, the guide will escort everyone to the vessel to be welcomed by the crew and Cruise Manager.

At the end of your cruise, your guide will transfer you and the rest of the group to the airport specified in the itinerary with assistance at the check-in area.  

Special Note: The following itinerary includes all necessary details on each day’s activities.  If you have further questions please contact your Account Manager or Travel Agent.  

AM: Baltra Island Airport: Arrival and Transfer to the boat

• Briefing onboard about the boat and the island.

PM: Chinese Hat

• Sombrero Chino is named after its shape formed by volcanic rock giving it the name, Chinese Hat. Since it was given a maximum visiting capacity by the National Park Service it offers rare, up close viewing of Galapagos wildlife and well preserved remnants of fragile volcanic rock that can’t be found in such a unique condition anywhere else. The islet is home to a colony of sea lions on the white coral sand beach. Here you can see American Oystercatchers, Galapagos Penguins swimming along the shores, and Sally-Lightfoot Crabs in bright contrast to the dark volcanic rock.
• Highlights: American Oystercatchers, Sally-Lightfoot Crabs, Sea Lion colonies, Galapagos Penguins, Lava Lizards, Marine Iguanas, and White-Tipped Reef Sharks.
• Possible Activities: A hike of 400 meters starting at the beach rising up to160 feet exploring the different volcanic remnants and rare plant life along with amazing views; Snorkeling among White-Tipped Reef Sharks and various tropical fish.
• Type of Landing: Wet landing
• Difficulty: Moderate

AM: Isabela: Vicente Roca Point

• The largest in the archipelago, this seahorse-shaped island is also one of the youngest and most volcanically active. The morning visit is to Vicente Roca Point. Comprised of two separate coves, this site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola-mola (sunfish).
• Activities: Snorkeling & panga ride
• Difficulty: Easy /moderate
• Type of Landing: No landing
• Highlights & Animals: Penguins, Blue-footed Boobies, terns, Nazca Boobies, two types of sea lions. Snorkeling: sea turtles, rays and puffer fish.

PM: Fernandina: Espinosa Point

• No foreign species have ever invaded Fernandina Island and therefore it is one of the world’s most pristine island ecosystems. The volcano “La Cumbre” dominates the landspace with lava fields reaching the ocean. The island´s highlight features the Flightless Cormorant nesting site. This area provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos Hawk.
• Highlights: Flightless Cormorant, marine iguanas, AA lava, sea lions, penguins, active volcano “La Cumbre”
• Activities: Hike (1.2 mi/2 km)
• Type of Landing: Dry and slippery at low tide
• Difficulty: Moderate

AM: Isabela: Tagus Cove

• Tagus Cove is located across from Fernandina Island, near the Bolivar Channel dividing the two islands. This spot has been frequented by ships since the 1800s, using the area as an anchorage site. Trails winding by Lake Darwin up to a ridge display wonderful views. Punta Tortuga, just north of Tagus Cove, is another lovely beach surrounded by mangroves.
• Highlights: Penguins, Flightless Cormorants, Darwin Volcano & Lake
• Activities: Long hike, snorkeling, dinghy ride
• Type of Landing: Dry landing
• Difficulty: Moderate/ difficult

PM: Isabela: Urbina Bay

• Urbina Bay is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast, between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954, causing the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out, leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is also a great place for snorkeling.
• Highlights: Land iguanas (the biggest in Galapagos), hawks, coral reef, giant tortoises; snorkeling: turtles, rays, tropical fish
• Activities: Snorkeling, dinghy ride & hike, 2 trails: short (0.6mi/1 km), long (1.9mi/3km)
• Type of Landing: Wet landing
• Difficulty: Easy /moderate

AM: Isabela: Elizabeth Bay

• Elizabeth Bay is located on the east coast of Isabela Island. The bay contains many islets, which can be visited by dinghy. Penguins and Blue-footed Boobies can be spotted on the rocky islets. With an abundance of marine life and clear water, the area is perfect for snorkeling and viewing schools of colorful fish, sea lions, and perhaps even sharks.
  Highlights: Mangrove forest (unique in Galapagos), sea turtles, penguins, rays, herons, sea lions.
• Activities: Two-hour dinghy ride
• Type of Landing: No landing
• Difficulty: Easy

PM: Isabela: Moreno Point

• Moreno Point is located near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. The plethora of birds seen during a dinghy ride along the striking rocky shores or a hike along path through lava rock leading to tide pools and mangroves create a birdwatcher’s delight. In the tide pools green sea turtles or white-tip sharks can be spotted.
• Highlights: Flamingoes, gallinules, Pintail ducks, turtles, whitetip reef sharks.
• Activities: Snorkeling, dinghy ride & hike (1.2mi/2km)
• Type of Landing: Dry landing
• Difficulty: Moderate/difficult

AM: Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Station

• The Charles Darwin Research Station is home to turtles ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long. Sub-species of turtles interact with one another and many of the older turtles are accustomed to humans, stretching out their heads for a pet. The babies are kept until they are about four years old and strong enough to survive on their own.
• Highlights: Giant Tortoises in captivation
• Activities: Walking
• Type of Landing: Dry landing
• Difficulty: Easy

PM: Santa Cruz: Highlands

• Reached by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green, contrasting beautifully with much of the dry, lower islands. The dominant vegetation in the highlands is the Scalesia trees, creating the lush green color. The lava tubes, over half a mile long, are underground and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience.
• Highlights: Lava tunnels, wild turtles, tortoises breeding center.
• Activities: Hike (1.5 mi/ 2 ½ km)
• Type of Landing: Dry landing
• Difficulty: Moderate (Long)

AM: South Plaza’s Island

• In the morning, you will head to South Plaza Island. This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colorful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is the Sesuvium. During the rainy season its color is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end of June through January) a bright red.
• Highlights: Land iguanas, sea lion colony, Audubon´s shearwaters, Swallow-tailed Gulls, Nazca Boobies, amazing landscape with cliffs
• Activities: Hike (2 ½ km /1.5 mi)
• Type of Landing: Dry landing
• Difficulty: Moderate

PM: Transfer to the Airport

• Please keep in mind that on departures days, your morning visit will be early and short since we need to be prepared before heading back toward the airport for your returning flight to Ecuador’s mainland.