DAY 1
AM» Arrival at Baltra airport – Transfer to boat
PM» Baltra: Mosquera Islet

To ensure that no foreign plants or animals are brought into the islands, travelers passing through Baltra Airport must undergo an inspection and pay a park entrance fee of $100. A guide will meet and assist travelers with their luggage, and escort them on a short bus ride to the port of Seymour, where they will board the Yacht Darwin and be welcomed by the captain and crew.

Mosquera Islet

Mosquera Islet is a reef formed by rocks and coral, with a wide white sand beach that is around 160 meters at its narrowest point and an estimated length of 600 meters. This island has a large population of sea lions and is a great spot to observe various species of shorebirds. There have been occasional sightings of Orcas feeding on sea lions in the area.

DAY 2
AM» South Plaza: A walk on South Plaza
PM» Santa Fe island: A walk on Santa Fe

South Plaza Island

Plaza Sur Island, one of two islands known as Islas Plazas, can be found east of Santa Cruz Island. The landing spot is on the north coast of the island, in a channel that separates it from Plaza Norte Island. Plaza Sur is 13 hectares in size and has a height of 25m. The succulent plant, Sesuvium edmonstonei and Portulaca oleracea, are commonly found on the island and are the preferred food of the land iguanas. The land iguanas on Plaza Sur are smaller than those found on other sites and nest during the hot season. There are several hybrid iguanas found throughout the island, which are the result of a male marine iguana and a female land iguana mating. These hybrid iguanas are unique in appearance, recognizable by their black or gray color, with a land iguana’s crest, but face and tail of the marine iguana. The iguana population may decrease during consecutive dry years due to a lack of food and water. The allowed tour is a group tour with a naturalist guide, which includes guided walks.

Santa Fe Island

Santa Fe Island’s visitor site is located on the northeast part of the island. Of the two species of land iguanas found in the Galapagos, the Conolophus subcristatus inhabits Plaza Sur, Santa Cruz, North Seymour/Baltra, Isabela, and Fernandina, while the Conolophus pallidus species only lives in Santa Fe. This species is mainly distinguished by its larger and paler color. According to Geist D.J, Santa Fe could be the oldest Galapagos volcano, with sub-aerial rocks dating back 3.9 million years. The island of Santa Fe has a mix of underwater lava pushed to the surface by uprising and lava that were deposited subsequently to the uprising. Another attraction of Santa Fe Island is the presence of giant tunas with a wider trunk than any other island.

DAY 3
AM»: Española: Osborn Islet
PM» Española: Suarez Point

Gardner Bay

Gardner Bay is situated in the northern coast of Española Island, and the visitor area is made up of two beaches that have a combined length of 1300 meters. The main attraction in this area is the colony of sea lions during the breeding season. The location is also home to three species of Darwin’s finches and serves as an important nesting area for sea turtles.

Punta Suarez

Punta Suarez is found west of Española Island, and the trail is approximately 1670 meters long, taking around two hours to complete. Española Island is estimated to be 3.3 million years old and is mainly covered with basaltic lava rocks. The albatross, an endemic species to Española Island, can be seen between April and November or December. Española Island has a high level of endemism because it is isolated from other islands, which has led to the development of unique species such as turquoise-colored marine iguanas and carnivorous mockingbirds. Additionally, the island has the largest of the seven species of lava lizards that are endemic to the Galapagos.

DAY 4
AM» Post Office Bay
PM» Cormorant Point

Post Office Bay

The location known as Post Office Bay has a historical significance related to the whaling era, where ships came to collect supplies of Galapagos tortoises and water. It is believed that a whaling boat captain placed a barrel in the 18th century, for sailors passing through the bay to leave mail and deliver letters with the same destination. This tradition is still being followed by tourists visiting Galapagos today. Additionally, there is a lava tunnel of interest that was formed by the still liquid lava that leaks and spills outward, leaving a hollow cavity. Visitors are allowed to take a guided tour.

Punta Cormorant

On the other hand, Punta Cormorant, situated on the northern coast of Floreana Island, is a site for visitors to explore. The trail is approximately 720 meters long and leads to a lagoon, a fine sand beach, and scenic views. Flamingos can be spotted in large numbers in the lagoon, while sea turtles nest on the beach. Visitors can also witness other species of flora and fauna, including two plant species that are endemic to the place. The beach at Punta Cormorant has a greenish hue due to the large amount of olivine crystals that have been expelled from nearby tuff cones. The beach also has a smooth texture composed of polished Hermatypic coral sand that is preferred by stingrays to escape from natural predators.

DAY 5
AM» Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Research Station, Transfer from ship to Baltra airport

Charles Darwin Station

The Charles Darwin Station tour commences at the information booth of the GNP, leading visitors to the Van Straelen interpretation Center, the breeding center, and then an elevated circular path made of wood. The path provides a view of the Española Island tortoises and concludes in the tortoise exhibit corral. These tortoises are used to human presence, making it an ideal location for visitors to take photographs, although they are reminded not to touch them or step on the platform where their food is placed. The tour continues to the CDRS facilities and then to the town of Puerto Ayora. Guided walks with a naturalist guide are permitted. The trail is approximately 1.5 km long, and visitors can take around one hour and a half to explore it.