GALAXY ITINERARY

6 DAY-CRUISE – ITINERARY C (THURSDAY – TUESDAY)
(6 Days / 5 Nights)

THURSDAY: DRAGON HILL – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: BLACK TURTLE COVE
Arrival to Baltra Island. This island is known known for being inhabited only by military members. This island is home to one of our main airports on the Galapagos. Your guide will be waiting for you upon arrival. Transfer to the boat.
➤ PM – BLACK TURTLE COVE: After lunch 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. 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. Dinner. (B/L/D)

FRIDAY: RABIDA ISLAND – CHINESE HAT
➤ AM – RABIDA ISLAND: The visitor site, located on the east coast of Rabida Island, consists of a red sand beach, a coastal lagoon behind the beach, and a loop trail approximately 1.1 km in length. The red color of the rocks and sand on the beach is due to the interaction of the very porous volcanic material with environmental factors. Rain, saltwater and the sea breeze, act as oxidizing agents, creating the red color. The scenery, arid zone vegetation and the presence of native and endemic species add to the beauty of this island. Lunch
➤ PM – CHINESE HAT: A small islet located near the southeast coast of Santiago. It’s shaped like a Chinese hat when seen from afar. It is an island consisting of a cone type “Splatter” (ejected lava drops and falls close to where it came from, which forms an inclined cone) that forms the summit and many lava tubes that run down to the coast. On the west side, you can see pillow-type lava formations, which are an indicator that the flows were formed under the sea and have raised upward, and therefore coral heads are found on the lava. This visit provides an excellent opportunity for the interpretation of geological features, such as lava tubes and lava flows. The trail is 700 m (round trip) and the minimum time it takes for this trek is 30 minutes. (B/L/D)

SATURDAY: 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.
➤ 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. Enjoy the white sand beach. Hiking. Dinner. (-/L/D)

SUNDAY: SANTIAGO ISLAND: SULLIVAN BAY & BARTOLOME ISLAND
➤ AM – SANTIAGO ISLAND: SULLIVAN BAY: wet landing and hiking. Description of the place: all the road and the island is composed of lava flows that still they are virtually without eroding and they cover an extensive area, lava pahoehoe or of cords, hornitos, mollugo, this plant grows in the lava. Lava Colonizers. Snacks and refreshing beverages expect for you. Lunch.
➤ PM – 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 observe pioneering plants, such as tiquilia, chamaesyce, and scalesia. The island has been formed by cones, and lava pipes where lava once flowed. Following the wet landing at the beach, we will take 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. (B/L/D)

MONDAY: GENOVESA ISLAND: BARRANCO & DARWIN BAY
* 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.

➤ AM – 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.

➤ PM – 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.

TUESDAY: SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND: INTERPRETATION CENTER
➤ AM – INTERPRETATION CENTER: Dry landing. This center is located 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, evolution of species, the history of human settlement, and complex systems and management models.  Transfer to the airport. (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. **