BONITA ITINERARY

SUNDAY: BALTRA AIRPORT – CERRO DRAGON (DRAGON HILL)
➤ CERRO DRAGON: After lunch our first visit is to Dragon Hill which is located in the northwestern area of Santa Cruz Island. It consists of a 1,600 m long trail running through 3 different environments. In 1975, it was one of the only places on Santa Cruz Island where healthy land iguanas (Conolophus Subcristatus) could be found. That same year, the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation initiated a program to conserve land iguanas. In the lagoons found here, there are shrimp (Artemia salina), the food of the flamingos. At certain times of the year, the shrimp are more abundant and the flamingo population increases. Dinner.

MONDAY: BUCANERO – PLAYA ESPUMILLA – PUERTO EGAS
➤ ESPUMILLA BEACH & BOUCANIER COVE: The main attractions include Palo Santo Wood, the beach, and the stunning landscape; the beach is a very important site for tortoises because they use this place for nesting. Once time, the pigs were the main predatory of tortoise’s eggs; pigs were eradicated with the creation of Isabela Project. Lunch

➤ EGAS PORT: Here we find a beautiful black sand beach; to the south of the beach is the Pan de Azucar Volcano, whose volcanic deposits have contributed to the formation of the black sand beach. The crater of this volcano contains a saltwater lake that dries up during hot weather. Between 1928 and 1930, explorations to develop a salt mine were carried out, but it was decided that a mine was not feasible. The workers’ use of endemic woods also damaged the environment and the development was scrapped. Descent to the salt mine is not allowed. Dinner.

TUESDAY: ISABELA – FERNANDINA
➤ ISABELA ISLAND: VICENTE ROCA POINT is 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). Lunch.

➤FERNANDINA ISLAND – ESPINOZA POINT: Fernandina is the third biggest island in the Galapagos and has only one visiting site: Espinoza Point, famous for the large colonies of marine iguanas and the home of the flightless cormorant, the Galapagos penguin, snakes, and more. From Espinoza Point, we can admire the beauty of Fernandina Island and its volcano which last erupted in May of 2005. Fernandina is the only island that doesn’t have mammals and the open areas are extremely fragile. From January to June, the nesting period of the marine iguana, we take great care when walking. Dinner.

WEDNESDAY: ISABELA
➤ ISABELA ISLAND – URBINA BAY: this place is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove. Wet landing. Trail length is around 3.20 Km; during this walk, we can observe land iguanas, hawks, and tortoises. It is also possible to see red and blue lobsters. Lunch.

➤ ISABELA ISLAND – TAGUS COVE: It is located to the west of Darwin Volcano on Isabela Island. While walking, we will find several inscriptions (names of pirates) dating back to the 1800’s. From here, we can see Darwin Lake, a salt water lake with a depth of approximately 9 m. It contains no fish. It is very common to see a variety of bird species. Dinner.

THURSDAY: ISABELA
➤ ISABELA ISLAND – MORENO POINT. We will disembark at Moreno Point which 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 a 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. Lunch.

➤ ISABELA ISLAND – ELIZABETH BAY: After lunch, this is one of the island’s breeding sites for penguins. Located on the west coast of Isabela, Elizabeth Point is a marine visitor site. Visit Red Mangrove Cove: Brown pelicans, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays and sea lions are often seen. Dinner.

FRIDAY: SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS
➤ SANTA CRUZ ISLAND – CHARLES DARWIN STATION: We will visit Charles Darwin Station which is located in the main port on Santa Cruz Island; we will take a private bus to the entrance of the breeding center where we will see tortoises and land iguanas in captivity. This center is the main breeding site on the islands. Animals that were in danger of extinction on the various islands are maintained in captivity. Thanks to the dedicated work of several institutions, some species are being saved. Here lived Lonesome George, the famous last survivor of the giant tortoise species found on Pinta Island.

➤ SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS: HIGHLANDS we will visit the interesting HIGHLANDS OF SANTA CRUZ, where we will hike and encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat, a natural wonder. For this visit we recommend to use sport shoes, long pants, raincoat, hat and sun block.

SATURDAY: SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS – TWIN CRATERS
➤ SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS: TWIN CRATERS – AIRPORT
The Twin Craters or also known as “Los Gemelos”, are located on the way to the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island. You will find them on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. In fact, they are not real craters, they were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. You will have a wonderful view of the local flora, like Scalesia plants. On this site it is also possible to observe the endemic short-ear owl.

Transfer to Baltra airport

** This itinerary is subject to change without notice; due to seasonal changes, weather conditions or Galapagos National Park regulations. ** 

SATURDAY: SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS
➤ SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS: After your arrival and lunch on board, we will visit the interesting HIGHLANDS OF SANTA CRUZ, where we will hike and encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat, a natural wonder. For this visit we recommend to use sport shoes, long pants, raincoat, hat and sun block. Dinner.

SUNDAY: FLOREANA
➤ FLOREANA – CORMORANT POINT: Wet landing, snorkeling and short trekking. This point is located at west of Floreana Island and it is famous for its dark green beach (due to the great quantity of olivine crystals). You can see many marine invertebrates, as well as sea lions, sea iguanas, the frigates and pelicans.
Second visit: DEVIL´S CROWN: Activities in this place: panga ride and optional swimming. Enjoy a panga ride around a small island, a satellite islet of Floreana Island. Here, we will find a group of rocks that resemble a Crown due to the constant erosion caused by the sea. It is one of the better places to snorkel (shallow diving) in the interior and around the crown. Excellent visibility allows guests to admire a great variety of fish and sea animals. Lunch

➤ FLOREANA – POST OFFICE: (Mail Bay): Wet landing. Activities: short walk, swimming, snorkeling, explanation of the mail system. Description: Mail Bay is located on the north side of Floreana Island. Captain James Colnett installed an empty barrel to be used as a post office for the whaling fleets that stopped at the Galapagos Islands. You can leave postcards to your friends and relatives here and/or pick up mail to deliver. Back at the ship, Delicious snacks and beverages are waiting for you. Dinner.

MONDAY: ESPAÑOLA
The Suarez Point itinerary has been changed since September 20, 2023, due to a contingency conservation plan for the species on this island. By the authorization of the Galapagos National Park, only a 360-degree panga tour around the island will be allowed. This itinerary will return to normal once the Galapagos National Park deems it optimal for welcoming guests again.
➤ SUAREZ POINT:This is one of the most astonishing tours you can take in the Galapagos Islands on a panga. From the moment you arrive, the sheer amount and diversity of wildlife will immediately awe you. Sea lions and marine iguanas will be the first to welcome us, followed by large colonies of seabirds, including Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, gulls, and tropical birds. We’ll have the chance to observe a Galapagos albatross colony (from April to January) – the archipelago’s largest bird and one of the most intriguing due to its powerful flight and intricate courtship rituals. The Galapagos albatross only nests on Española, making this the only spot to see them up close.

➤ GARDNER BAY: wet landing, activities for this visit: short walk, swimming, snorkeling, and observation of seal colony. The sea lion is one of the animals in Galapagos which gets the total attention of the visitors in the Galapagos: they are curious and playful, but at times aggressive; they are nice and loving, but also lazy. In Gardner Bay, we are going to find many of them relaxing on the beach enjoying the sun. In addition to observing these fascinating animals, while snorkeling, we will be able to swim with sea lions, sea turtles, a diversity of tropical fish, marine iguanas, etc. Dinner.

TUESDAY: SAN CRISTOBAL
➤ SAN CRISTOBAL – INTERPRETATION CENTER: Dry landing. This center is location in the main port. After breakfast, our first visit is to the Interpretation Center of San Cristobal. This modern and sophisticated architectural space was designed for the natural interpretation of the Galapagos. You will learn about the volcanic formation of the islands, the evolution of the species, the history of human settlement, and complex systems and management models. Lunch

➤ LOBOS ISLANDS: Panga Riding, swimming and snorkeling. Here, we can walk, swim and snorkel among the seals, frigates, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the small endemic Galapagos snake. Here, we can swim and snorkeling in the same place it. Dinner.

WEDNESDAY: DAPHNE – TRANSFER OUT
➤ DAPHNE: Daphne Major is a rather large tuff cone somewhat eroded by the sea. Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, and blue-footed boobies can be found nesting here. Nearly all of the finches on the island are banded. At Daphne Major, we can also observe sea lions, sea turtles, Eagle Rays, various species of sharks, and other pelagic species.
Or

➤ BACHAS: This beautiful sandy white-coral beach is located in the north of Santa Cruz Island; the beach is one km long. The site was named during WWII (World War II) when the American army left two barges on the beach. The early colonists couldn’t pronounce barges correctly, so they called the area “Bachas”. It is considered as one of the nesting sites for sea turtles. We can also observe, flamingos, seabirds and white-cheeked pintail ducks.

Transfer to Baltra airport

** This itinerary is subject to change without notice; due to seasonal changes, weather conditions or Galapagos National Park regulations. **

WEDNESDAY: PLAZAS
➤ SOUTH PLAZAS: After your arrival and lunch on board, we will visit Plazas, two small islands, created by an uplifting of the land. The land iguanas are smaller here; they nest during the warm season. The hike goes along an extraordinary cliff where sea birds nest. There are approximately 1000 sea lions (Zalophus Wollebaeki) located on the south side of the Plazas. Dinner.

THURSDAY: BLACK TURTLE COVE – SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS
➤ BLACK TURTLE COVE: Our first visit is to Black Turtle Cove which is situated in the northern region of Santa Cruz. This bay is surrounded by mangroves and is accessible only by dinghy only. The shallow cove is a safe refuge for marine life. Black-tip reef sharks, marine turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here. Lunch

➤ SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS
Here we have a trekking and we will find the giant tortoises in their natural habitat, this is a natural spectacle. For this visit, we recommend good walking shoes, long pants, a raincoat, a hat, and sunblock. Dinner.

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: SANTIAGO ISLAND: SULLIVAN BAY & BARTOLOME ISLAND
➤ SANTIAGO ISLAND: SULLIVAN BAY: wet landing and hiking. Description: Virtually uneroded lava flows cover an extensive area of this island. Lava pahoehoe (basaltic lava that has a smooth, billowy, undulating or ropy surface), hornitos, and mollugo (a lava colonizer) can be seen. Snacks and refreshing beverages await you on board the ship. Lunch.
➤BARTOLOME ISLAND: dry landing, wet landing for the beach. Activities on this island include: walking, swimming, snorkeling, and photography. We will follow a path to the top (114m) where we can see pioneering plants such as tiquilia, chamaesyce, and scalesia. The island has been formed by cones, lava pipes where lava once flowed. Following the wet landing at the beach, we will follow a path through mangrove swamps and sand dune vegetation, to the south beach. At the north beach, guests can enjoy swimming and snorkeling. From the top of Bartolome, we will be able to see the islands of Santiago, Rabida, and Isabela. We will see penguins in the Rock Pinnacle. Dinner.

SATURDAY: SEYMOUR – TRANSFER OUT
➤ SEYMOUR: dry landing. Seymour was formed by the lifting of volcanic marine lava. Marine fossils dating back to the Pleistocene period were 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 Frigates of the
Galapagos.
Transfer to Baltra airport.

** This itinerary is subject to change without notice; due to seasonal changes, weather conditions or Galapagos National Park regulations. **