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Itinerary:
4 day is Friday to Monday
5 day is Monday to Friday
8 day is Monday to Monday and Friday to Friday
Monday: Baltra Airport & Cerro Dragon
Tuesday: Bartolome & Puerto Egas, Santiago Island
Wednesday: Rabida Island & Darwin Station, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz
Thursday: Highlands of Santa Cruz & North Seymour Island
Friday: Interpretation Center, Airport & Cerro Brujo, San Cristobal
Island
Saturday: Gardner Bay, Hood Island & Punta Cormorant, Floreana
Island
Sunday: Punta Espinoza, Fernandina & Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela
Island
Monday: Baltra Airport & Cerro Dragon
MONDAY
Baltra Island
Arrival by plane to Baltra Island and
immediate transfer by bus (5 minutes) to the dock to board the MV
SANTA CRUZ. Cabin assignment and introductory welcome talk. Later,
lunch, and ship’s boat drill.
Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) (Santa
Cruz Island)
The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts
Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). Dry landing and a walk that includes a
brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, including stilts,
pintail ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings, and more. Further inland,
the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western area of
the archipelago. This area is a natural nesting site for land
iguanas, which is constantly monitored and assisted by the Charles
Darwin Research Station. The arid-zone vegetation can be a rewarding
location for birdwatching, where Darwin’s finches, Galápagos
mockingbirds, the endemic Galápagos flycatcher, and yellow warblers
are regular sightings. Tonight, our ECO Moment will let us
understand more about the islands, and our expedition plan will
reveal the interesting sites of the day ahead.
TUESDAY
Bartolomé Island
Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry
landing) for a hike to the summit. Great way to start the day. This
is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase; the view from the top
is worth the effort. Panga ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, time
to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and snorkeling. Chance to snorkel
next to Galápagos Penguins. There is also the possibility to ride
on the glass bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.
Lunch on board.
Puerto Egas (Santiago (James) Island)
Afternoon outing at Puerto Egas (wet
landing). This is a great location to see particularly shore birds,
while land birds can be observed a little more inland. The pitch
black shores are great places for watching sea birds and their
foraging duties. The trail brings us to a colony of the endemic
Galápagos sea lions. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon emerald
green algae beds. Outstanding snorkeling and swimming from the
beach before the walk. ECO Moment and briefing. Weather permitting,
stargazing on deck.
WEDNESDAY
Rabida Island
(Jervis)
Disembark at Rabida Island (wet
landing) on a red-colored beach, due to the unusually high content
of iron in the volcanic material. A gratifying stroll along the
beach of this small island (1.9 sq. mi.) allows the observation of
a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow
warblers and several species of Darwin’s Finches. Very close to the
beach, hidden behind a strip of green saltbush, is a salt pond where
at times Greater Flamingos migrate to; these spectacular birds feed
on the brine shrimp found in this saline pond. From June to
November pelicans nest in the surroundings. This is a great place
to snorkel from the beach, both for beginners as well as for
experienced snorkelers, due to the unique combination of underwater
species and submarine landscapes. During navigation to our next
island, we will keep our eyes open for dolphins.
Puerto Ayora (Santa
Cruz Island)
Afternoon disembarkation (dry
landing) to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the
rearing in captivity program for the giant tortoises. Here we
witness the efforts and results of all the field work done in the
name of science. Impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and
many land birds can be also seen. Then, a stroll along the main
street of Puerto Ayora will allow you to see how Galapagueños live
in this magical paradise. Browse in the many handcraft shops.
Return aboard the MV SANTA CRUZ for tonight’s ECO Moment, and
expedition plan for next day’s adventure.
THURSDAY
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
A morning bus ride
will take guests to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island for a special
opportunity to view the islands’ most famous reptile: the
giant tortoises in their wild habitat. What a privilege to see an
endangered species roving in this lush environment! The vegetation
of the area includes the Scalesia Forest (an endemic giant daisy
tree) and birds such as the vermilion flycatcher, will delight
everyone with its scarlet feathers against an emerald green forest.
Look for Darwin’s finches (most of them from the tree-finch group),
particularly the famous Woodpecker Finch. Back on board the MV
SANTA CRUZ.
North Seymour Island
Today's afternoon starts with a dry
landing for a view of the coast and the interior of North Seymour
Island, one of the few uplifted islands in Galápagos Archipelago.
The trail leads guests to explore colonies of blue footed boobies,
Magnificent frigate birds, and swallow-tail gulls. The sandy shore
teems with Galápagos sea lions and marine iguanas. Vegetation is
made up of cacti, Palo Santo trees and Salt
Bushes. ECO Moment, and expedition plan for tomorrow’s
outings.
FRIDAY
Puerto Baquerizo
Moreno (San Cristóbal (Chatham) Island) Disembark at Puerto
Baquerizo Moreno. This small attractive port is the
provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands (population 4,000),
along a crescent-shaped bay. It was this very same island that
Charles Darwin first visited, back in September 1835. Visit the San
Cristóbal Interpretation Center, located in a natural setting, where
it allows visitors to obtain information that will help them
understand more the natural history of the Galápagos, with a great
emphasis on human history and conservation. Afterwards, you can
stroll through Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where souvenir shops and
Internet cafés welcome world travelers who are willing to catch up
with the world, and share the many wonders witnessed, before heading
back to the mainland. Transfer to the airport to take the flight
back to the continent.
FRIDAY
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San
Cristobal [Chatham] Island)
Arrival by plane to San Cristobal
Island and transfer to the MV SANTA CRUZ, which will be anchored at
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galápagos
Islands. Cabin assignment and lunch. After lunch, introductory
welcome talk and boat drill.
Cerro Brujo (San
Cristobal Island)
A dinghy ride along the shores of
tuff-stone layers will bring us to Cerro Brujo's white coraline
beach . Wet landing. The area will show us good views of seabirds
like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, and
some shore birds . Also, look for Galapagos sea lions. The beach is
a great open walking area, with rewarding birdwatching. Highlights
ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird, Chatham Lava
Lizard; both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere
else in Galapagos. We may also spot Yellow Warblers, Galapagos
flycatchers and with luck a Vermillion flycatcher (endemic
subspecies to San Cristobal). These are the same shores that
Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristobal
was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos. Back on
board for an ECO Moment and briefing on the next day's activities,
followed by a cocktail offered by the Captain and dinner.
SATURDAY
Punta Suarez (Española (Hood) Island)
Morning outing at Punta Suarez (dry
landing) for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its
unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April -
December), Nazca (masked boobies), blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail
gulls, and the famous blowhole. Among its landbirds, the Hood island
mockingbird, and three species of Darwin’s finches are common
highlights. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas, and of
course a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. For those
planning not to walk the entire trail, a very short walk under easy
walking conditions will be possible. Back on board for lunch.
Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)
Disembark at Punta Cormorant (wet
landing) at an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes
a brackish water lagoon where bird species like Greater flamingos,
pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others may be
observed. This outing also includes a white-sand beach where sea
turtles come out at night for nesting (from December to May).
Possibility of snorkeling from the beach. ECO Moment, briefing and
dinner.
SUNDAY
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
This morning brings us to the
youngest island, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile
walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with
lots of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a
very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas,
sharing their island habitat with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs,
and hawks. Lava terrain calls for good walking shoes. Back on board
for lunch. As we sail along the Bolívar Channel, astonishing views
of the Galápagos’ youngest volcanoes can be seen. The nutrient-rich
waters of the west can also bring surprises like encountering sea
birds feeding, dolphins, and possibly whales.
Punta Vicente Roca (Isla Isabela)
In the afternoon, depending on the
conditions of the ocean, we will schedule a snorkeling outing along
the cliffs of partly-sunken Ecuador Volcano, in the northern tip of
Isabela Island. Since there is no landing site at this location, we
will include a coastal exploration by dinghy, where our
naturalist-guides will commit to explaining the dramatic geology of
the area with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. This is
the nesting place for flightless cormorants, the only existing
marine birds in the world other than penguins that have changed
their condition of flying birds to diving birds. Wildlife here also
includes Sea lions, Galápagos Fur seals, Galápagos Penguins,
Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies and noddy terns. This area has a very
rich marine life, and is seasonally visited by green sea turtles.
Eco Moment, and details about the next day’s activities before
dinner.
MONDAY
Santa Cruz Island and Baltra Island
Visiting the famous Charles Darwin
Research Station will be certainly a rewarding adventure for this
morning's program. It will just require a different approach, in
order to accomplish all our travel plans. This outing is an
optional program and an early one. We arrive at the Itabaca
Channel, between the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz and disembark
at the public dock (dry landing) for a 30-minute bus ride along the
highlands in route to Puerto Ayora where changes in vegetation can
be witnessed. Upon arrival, we proceed to visit the Charles Darwin
Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the famous
giant tortoises. Here we will get to understand the conservation
efforts promoted by this institution, and stroll among an impressive
giant prickly-pear cactus forest where endemic land birds can
be seen. After an hour visit, return via the same route to cross
the Itabaca Channel by ferry and take the bus to Baltra Island
airport in time for the 12h15 flight back to the continent.
Guests not taking this optional
excursion may stay on board for a later wake up call, and then
disembark directly at Baltra Island and transfer to the airport.
NOTES:
The route and program may vary
according to National Park policies and regulations, weather
conditions, seasonal changes, safety reasons and wildlife
encounters. Our crew is trained to deal with all the elements of the
nature of this expedition. Safety will be always part of the daily
programming of activities. Kindly follow all suggestions. It is
compulsory to wear a life vest during all dinghy rides between the
ship and the shore. Flexibility is essential in order to cope with
nature's outstanding features. Given the islands’ volcanic origin,
and the fact that most walking is done over pristine and irregular
volcanic terrain, guests must be in suitable physical condition for
this kind of outings. The ship also organizes activities like
shorter walks, boat rides, glass-bottom boat trips, snorkeling,
swimming, lectures, all complementing everyone’s experience.
The Expedition Staff will provide you
with snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel, fins, floating vest and net
bag). The operation does not carry prescription masks. A shortie wet
suit is highly recommended from June to December. Cooperation of
guests is a key point when complying with the rules of the National
Park. This alone can guarantee a major success in the expedition.
For island visits, two types of
landings are planned:
Dry landing: guests step from the
dinghy directly onto rocks or a dock.
Wet landing: as the dinghy edges onto
a sandy beach, guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore.
Reservations
The
M.V. Santa Cruz |
