TUESDAY: SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND: LOBOS ISLAND
☑ Arrival Baltra airport.
☑ Assitance and transfer IN.
☑ Welcome onboard EcoGalaxy Catamaran.
☑ Welcome drink and lunch.
➤ PM – LOBOS ISLAND: Panga ride, swimming and snorkeling. Here, we can walk, swim and snorkel among the seals, frigate birds, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the small endemic Galapagos snake. Dinner (-/L/D)
WEDNESDAY: SANTA FE ISLAND & SOUTH PLAZAS ISLAND
➤ AM – SANTA FE: Wet landing, activities on this day: hiking, swimming and snorkeling. With 24 km2 and 60 m above sea level, this central island is a unique place to visit. It has an incredible bay with turquoise water, protected by a natural barrier of rocks. You will see colonies of seals, while hawks fly overhead. This island is home to one of two species of land iguanas found in the Galapagos. Their main food source is the leaves and fruit of the large, thick cacti found here. Crabs, nocturnal herons, marine iguanas, mockingbirds and land doves are frequently seen. The bay is an excellent place to swim and snorkel. Marine tortoises, rays, sea lions and tropical fish are an amazing attraction! Snacks and refreshing beverages are waiting for you aboard the ship. Lunch.
➤ PM – SOUTH PLAZAS: two small islands created by uplifting of the land. The land iguanas are smaller here; nesting during the warm season. The hike runs along an extraordinary cliff where seabirds nest. There are approximately 1,000 sea lions (Zalophus Wollebaeki) located on the south side of Plazas Island. (B/L/D)
THURSDAY: NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND – MOSQUERA ISLET
➤ AM – NORTH SEYMOUR: dry landing. Seymour was formed by the lifting of volcanic marine lava. Marine fossils dating back to the Pleistocene period are found on this island. In 1932, Captain Alan Hancock and his crew took 72 malnourished land iguanas from Baltra Island to North Seymour Island so that the iguanas could live in better conditions. In 1934, colonists verified that the iguanas were in good condition. The vegetation of North Seymour is bushy and is host to nesting Real Frigate birds of the Galapagos. Return to EcoGalaxy. Lunch
➤ PM – MOSQUERA ISLET: This islet is located between Baltra Island and North Seymour. Here, we find the largest sea lion colony; it is also possible to observe several species of birds. (B/L/D)
FRIDAY: GENOVESA ISLAND: DARWIN BAY & BARRANCO
* The Genovesa itinerary has been changed since September 20, 2023, due to a contingency conservation plan for the species on this island. As a replacement, visits will be made to the neighboring Marchena Island, known for its abundant flora and fauna. This itinerary will return to normal once the Galapagos National Park deems it optimal for the reception of guests again.
➤ ESPEJO POINT: Espejo (Mirror) Point is one of the most intriguing and spectacular sites in the Galapagos Islands. Its name, reminiscent of reflections and clarity, rings true: the waters are so clear that you can see the ocean floor in all its glory. It’s a prime spot for underwater enthusiasts due to its rich marine biodiversity. Visitors can admire a spectrum of tropical fish and corals of various shapes and colors.
➤ BLACK BEACH: Black Beach is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and least explored beaches in the Galapagos Islands. It’s dark sand, a result of the volcanic activity that formed the archipelago, contrasts beautifully with the clear turquoise waters, creating an unparalleled natural scene. Here, visitors will have the chance to learn about the biology of various endemic species, such as the marine iguanas sunbathing on nearby rocks.
SATURDAY: SANTA CRUZ: HIGHLANDS – AIRPORT
AM – Here we go trekking and will find giant tortoises in their natural habitat; this is a natural spectacle. For this visit we recommend the use of athletic shoes, long pants, raincoat, hat and sun block. Transfer Out. (B/-/-).
B= Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
** This itinerary is subject to change without notice; due to seasonal changes, weather conditions or Galapagos National Park regulations. **