Baltra

Arrive at Baltra Airport, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to the yacht for embarkation. After settling into your cabin and a safety briefing, we set sail for our first adventure in the Galapagos.

Bachas Beach

In the afternoon we land at Bachas Beach on the north coast of Santa Cruz, a lovely white-sand beach formed by the remains of two sunken barges. Behind the beach there are lagoons where flamingos are often seen, and the sand is an important nesting site for green sea turtles.

Darwin Bay

In the morning we visit Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island, a horseshoe-shaped beach formed by a collapsed crater. A trail from the beach leads through a mangrove area and past colonies of red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and frigatebirds.

El Barranco

In the afternoon we explore El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps, where a steep stairway climbs the cliffs of Genovesa. The trail crosses a palo santo forest filled with nesting seabirds, including red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies and the short-eared owl that hunts storm petrels.

Bartholomew

In the morning we visit Bartolome Island, famous for its panoramic viewpoint reached by a wooden stairway of 372 steps. From the top you can see Pinnacle Rock, the island’s iconic lava formation, with Santiago and other islands beyond. Afterwards we enjoy snorkeling from the golden beach, often with sea lions and penguins.

Sullivan Bay

In the afternoon we land at Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, where a trail crosses a vast, rope-like lava flow formed just over a century ago. The stark black landscape contrasts with the pioneering plants that are slowly colonizing it, and the bay offers good snorkeling.

Black Turtle Cove

In the morning we visit Black Turtle Cove on the north coast of Santa Cruz, accessible only by zodiac with no landing. We glide silently through mangrove channels where green sea turtles, spotted eagle rays and reef sharks are often seen in the calm, clear water.

Dragon Hill

In the afternoon we hike up Dragon Hill, named for the large population of land iguanas that inhabit the area. The trail passes a flamingo lagoon before reaching the viewpoint, with sightings of land iguanas, Darwin’s finches and mockingbirds along the way.

Fausto Llerena Breeding Center

In the morning we visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora, where giant tortoises are raised from hatchlings and prepared for repatriation to their home islands. You will observe tortoises of different ages and learn about the conservation work that protects these iconic reptiles.

Highlands

After lunch, take a bus to visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz and El Chato Reserve, a perfect place to see giant tortoises in their natural environment. You can also explore the reserve’s lagoon and lava tunnels. Return to the yacht and dinner.

Post Office Bay

In the morning we land at Post Office Bay on Floreana Island, home to a historic barrel post office where 18th-century whalers left their mail to be hand-delivered by passing sailors. You can keep up the tradition by leaving your own postcards and picking up mail to deliver back home. Afterwards there is time to swim, snorkel or kayak from the beach.

Devil’s Crown

Off the coast we stop at Devil’s Crown, the eroded remains of a volcanic cone that now forms a ring of jagged rocks. This is one of the best snorkeling spots in the islands, with a strong chance of swimming alongside sea lions, sea turtles, rays and colorful reef fish.

Cormorant Point

Later we visit Cormorant Point, where a green-sand beach formed from olivine crystals leads to a trail past a brackish lagoon frequented by flamingos and other wading birds. The walk continues to a soft white-sand beach on the other side, a favorite nesting area for green sea turtles.

Suarez Point

In the morning we disembark at Suarez Point on Española Island, one of the most spectacular visitor sites in the archipelago. A scenic cliff-top trail leads past large colonies of blue-footed and Nazca boobies, the famous blowhole, and the waved albatross nesting grounds.

Gardner Bay/Islet

In the afternoon we visit Gardner Bay, a long white-sand beach where a large colony of Galapagos sea lions rests and plays. Behind the beach a short trail leads to a viewpoint, and nearby Gardner Islet offers excellent snorkeling with sea lions and tropical fish.

Lobos Island

Our last morning takes us to Lobos Island off the coast of San Cristobal, a small islet named after its colony of sea lions. A short walk offers close encounters with sea lions, blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Afterwards we transfer to San Cristobal Airport for your flight back to the mainland.