Exploring the Enchanted Galápagos Isles

Your journey begins on Day 1 with a flight from Quito to the Baltra Airport in the Galápagos Islands. After you clear the Galápagos entry point, you’ll collect your baggage and exit the terminal. Your guide will be waiting for you in the arrivals area and your journey to Santa Cruz, the second-largest island in the Galápagos, will begin.

Your first stop will be at a Galápagos tortoise reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz. You’ll have the remarkable experience of walking among some of the oldest animals in the world. The island is home to giant tortoises that can grow up to 500 pounds and live for 175 years or more. Follow your guide along a scenic trail to the tortoises’ natural habitat in the highlands of Santa Cruz.

After lunch, you’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Center and National Park Information Center. Here you’ll learn all about the incredible species that call the islands home, including the giant tortoise as well as Darwin’s favorite finch. You will also be able to visit the tortoise and land iguana breeding program. 

After the visit to the Charles Darwin Center, you will have some time to walk around the lively town of Puerto Ayora, where you can also pick up some souvenirs. In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to the yacht. Once you have had a chance to settle into your accommodations, we’ll reunite for dinner. (L, D)

Sombrero Chino Island

Sombrero Chino (“Chinese Hat”), is a small islet situated just off the southeastern coast of Santiago. Its name is derived from its resemblance to a traditional bamboo or rice hat when viewed from the north, although from above, it appears more oval-shaped on satellite imagery. The islet’s rugged terrain, characterized by volcanic rubble and lava formations, serves as a stark reminder of the Galápagos’ fiery origins.

Along its western coast, a short hiking trail offers visitors a glimpse into this harsh landscape. Both Sombrero Chino and the adjacent Santiago shore are frequented by Galápagos sea lions and penguins, often seen basking in the sun or seeking refuge from the heat. The skies above may reveal sightings of the Galápagos hawk. The highlight of a visit to Sombrero Chino lies beneath the surface, in the turquoise channel that separates it from Santiago. Snorkeling here offers encounters with various species of sharks, penguins, rays, and tropical fish. Access to this area is limited, with permits granted to select boats.

Rábida Island

Rábida Island, formerly known as Jervis, stands out with its small yet striking landscape characterized by steep slopes and red-sand beaches. Its rich iron lava deposits lend the sands and soils their vibrant red hue, making it one of the most distinctive islands in the Enchanted Isles of Ecuador.

Exploring Rábida begins with a wet landing on its unique maroon beach along the northern coast, where marine iguanas and sea lions often seek shade in nearby caves. Rábida is renowned for its pelican colonies, which nest in the saltbushes along the coastline, offering visitors an intimate view of these majestic birds. Above the cliffs, blue-footed and Nazca boobies grace the skies. 

Adjacent to the beach lies a saltwater lagoon, occasionally serving as a feeding and breeding ground for flamingos. These vibrant birds, known for their pink hue, thrive on a diet of pink shrimp larvae and water boatmen. While their presence on Rábida fluctuates, pintail ducks and common stilts are frequently spotted in the lagoon.

Following the path inland, abundant Opuntia cacti and Palo Santo trees create habitat for various land birds, including Darwin’s finches, Galápagos doves, and Galápagos mockingbirds, offering a glimpse into the island’s unique ecosystem. The hiking path leads to a wonderful viewpoint where one can appreciate the color palette of this island. Depending on time and conditions, there may be the option to snorkel at Rábida; snorkeling is usually done from the beach.  (B, L, D)

Isabela Island stands as the largest of all the islands, stretching nearly 75 miles in length and surpassing the combined area of all other islands in the archipelago. Its northwestern edge harbors Tagus Cove, historically frequented by pirates, buccaneers, whalers, and fishermen alike.

Formed by the fusion of six shield volcanoes, Isabela Island is one of the Galápagos’ youngest and remains predominantly active, with the famed Wolf Volcano claiming the archipelago’s highest summit. Isabela boasts an unparalleled richness of wildlife, housing more wild tortoises than all other islands combined, each volcano nurturing distinct species. The nutrient-rich Cromwell Current along the west coast sustains a thriving ecosystem, attracting a diverse array of marine life, and making Isabela a premier destination for whale watching, with 16 species sighted in its waters.

You’ll start your day with a morning hike to Sierra Negra. Sierra Negra stands as the Galápagos’ most awe-inspiring volcano, boasting a crater stretching over 6 miles in diameter, ranking as the world’s second-largest. Accessible via a 45-minute drive, hikers can trek along a path leading to and running along part of the rim of the volcano. The journey also offers an option to traverse recent lava flows from the 1979 eruption of the parasitic cone, Volcan Chico. The trek rewards adventurers with breathtaking vistas from Sierra Negra’s rim, offering sweeping panoramas of Isabela’s other volcanoes and extending views across to Fernandina, making the journey well worth the endeavor.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the town of Puerto Villamil, a charming village that retains its quaint fishing port allure and is often regarded as the most picturesque in the entire archipelago. With its stunning, palm-fringed beach adorned with bright white coral sand, Villamil epitomizes tropical beauty. Nestled behind the beach are saltwater lagoons harboring pink flamingos, pintail ducks, and various other species. Depending on conditions, guests may visit Los Humedales, the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center, Flamingo Lagoon, or Tintoreras. (B, L, D)

You’ll start your day with a morning nature walk at Punta Moreno, a captivating excursion along Isabela Island’s western coast. Following a scenic panga ride along the rugged shoreline, you’ll encounter a vast lava field that stretches towards the distant Cero Azul volcano. Traversing this otherworldly terrain you will come across several tidal lagoons, pools, and mangroves teeming with diverse wildlife, particularly bird species. Keep an eye out for marine turtles or sharks in the larger tidal pools, where the crystal-clear waters afford unique viewing opportunities from the shore. During your hike back to the panga pick-up point, expect sightings of Galápagos penguins on the rocky shores, along with various bird species like herons and flamingos. This excursion offers a perfect blend of wildlife encounters and scenic hiking through impressive lava landscapes.

Your morning will continue with snorkeling at Punta Moreno, which is done from the panga. Snorkeling here offers the chance to swim with marine turtles, sea lions, marine iguanas, and penguins. If you keep an eye out you may even spot a seahorse!

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a panga ride to Elizabeth Bay, a tranquil refuge for diverse wildlife. Its shoreline features mangrove areas that stand out against the surrounding lava fields, while numerous small islets and rocky reefs dot the bay, contributing to its rich biodiversity. Accessed only by panga, an exploration of Elizabeth Bay offers an intimate encounter with Isabela’s inhabitants. During the boat ride, you’ll have the chance to observe rays, sharks, green sea turtles, Galápagos penguins, pelicans, and an abundance of sea lions. Closer to the shores and mangroves, sightings of Galápagos flightless cormorants and marine iguanas are common. Depending on conditions, there may be the option to kayak in this bay. Your guide will discuss options with you. (B, L, D) 

You’ll begin another day of exploration on the western shore of Isabela Island with a morning wildlife walk and snorkeling at Urbina Bay, nestled at the base of Alcedo Volcano. Remarkably, this area emerged from the sea during a dramatic uplift event in 1954. Its relatively level terrain showcases corals and marine formations lifted from the depths by this geological upheaval. Upon landing, a relatively long hiking path leads you inland, traversing the island’s arid zone. Here, you’ll encounter Galápagos land tortoises and land iguanas in their natural habitat. Returning towards the coastline, you’ll encounter colonies of the distinctive and endemic flightless cormorant.

Snorkeling at Urbina Bay is usually done from the beach. This spot offers delightful snorkeling opportunities, where you may find yourself swimming next to a Galápagos penguin! It’s also a great spot to observe the marine iguanas feeding beneath the surface.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Tagus Cove. The waters around Tagus Cove are the coldest and most productive in the Galápagos because of the upwelling of the Cromwell Current, and dolphins and whales are frequently seen. Tagus Cove was used historically as an anchorage for pirates and whalers. One can still find the names of the ships carved into the rock above the landing (a practice now prohibited). A steep yet brief hiking trail leads to the saltwater Darwin Lake, nestled within a volcanic cone. Further ascending from Darwin Lake, a series of 160 steps brings you to a breathtaking viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the Galápagos. Here, you may encounter unique wildlife such as Galápagos hawks, vermilion flycatchers, and various species of Darwin’s finches.

The cove’s quiet waters make for an ideal panga ride beneath its sheltered cliffs. This is also a place where both kayaking and snorkeling are permitted, depending on conditions. Your guide will discuss options with you. (B, L, D)

Fernandina Island

Fernandina, the youngest island of the Galápagos Islands, stands as a highlight in the archipelago. Surrounded by rich, cold water currents, it hosts a diverse array of species, including flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and both land and marine iguanas. 

Noted for its dramatic landscape changes, smoking craters, and tales of volcanic eruptions, Fernandina sits atop the volcanic hotspot that birthed the entire Galápagos archipelago. Its main volcano, La Cumbre, boasts a massive 4-mile summit crater. Recent eruptions, both within the crater and on its outer slopes, have seen lava flows reaching the sea. 

Home to a significant land iguana population, Fernandina’s volcanic crater serves as a nesting ground, where they nest both in and out of the crater. Its surrounding waters, influenced by the cold water Cromwell Current, teem with life, offering a superb feeding habitat for species like the flightless cormorant and Galápagos penguins.

You’ll begin your exploration of Fernandina with a morning wildlife walk at Punta Espinoza on the northeastern tip of the island just across from Tagus Cove. Punta Espinoza is a narrow ledge of lava and sand that extends from the base of the volcano to the sea and is bustling with wildlife. If conditions are good, snorkeling will be done around the bay of Punta Espinoza. 

Isabela Island

Back on Isabela, you’ll enjoy afternoon snorkeling and a panga ride at Punta Vicente Roca. There are no designated landing spots here; snorkeling is done directly from the boats. The surroundings here boast stunning scenery, shaped by the remnants of two ancient volcanoes, with cliffs and caves providing a breathtaking backdrop to the bay. Protected from ocean swells, the bay offers an ideal snorkeling experience. Cold-water currents attract a diverse array of marine life, often resulting in feeding frenzies that include whales, dolphins, Galápagos sea lions, tuna, blue-footed boobies, and other seabirds, creating spectacular sights.

Additionally, there is the option to go on a panga ride along the shore, allowing visitors to explore caves and encounter other species such as Galápagos flightless cormorants and a small colony of Galápagos fur seals. (B, L, D)

Santiago Island

Santiago Island is located between Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands. The island, which consists of two overlapping volcanoes, is the fourth largest in the archipelago. A favorite island for pirates and whalers, Santiago has a long human history as well as outstanding opportunities for wildlife viewing. The island has a wide variety of seabirds, marine iguanas, a fur seal grotto, a chance to see Galápagos hawks, and some amazing lava formations such as Sullivan Bay.

You’ll start your day with a morning wildlife walk at Espumilla Beach at the northern tip of James Bay, a vast bay on the northwest coast of Santiago. It boasts a picturesque shoreline bordered by lush green forests. The beach is a habitat for marine iguanas, commonly spotted feeding along the rocky edges.  Additionally, Espumilla Beach serves as a nesting ground for Galápagos green turtles. Inland, a hiking trail winds past a seasonal lagoon, often tinted bright green by algae, where Galápagos flamingos and pintail ducks can be observed. The trail then meanders through the arid zone, offering glimpses of various bird species, including Galápagos hawks.

Nearby the towering cliffs of Buccaneers Cove, which earned its name because it was once a haven for pirates, privateers, buccaneers, and whalers who anchored here and ventured ashore, serve as a habitat for various Galápagos seabirds, sea lions, and fur seals. The geological formations are captivating, characterized by layers of compacted tuff volcanic material shaped by wave and wind erosion. Boobies, pelicans, and gulls frequent these ledges for feeding and nesting, while Galápagos fur seals seek shelter among the rocks to escape the heat, and sea lions swim playfully along the coastline. With an abundance of marine life, this is also a good site to go snorkeling where moray eels, octopuses and sometimes even sharks can be seen. Your guide will discuss options with you, as this site also permits kayaking and panga rides. 

Bartolome Island

Bartolome Island, though lacking in lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, captivates visitors with its awe-inspiring landscape, centered around the iconic Pinnacle Rock. Named after Sir Bartholomew Sulivan, a British lieutenant and friend of Charles Darwin, this barren island showcases the Galápagos’ renowned geological formations. A hike will take you to the highest point on Bartolome for one of the most spectacular views in the whole archipelago. Depending on the conditions, snorkeling may be done before or after the hike. 

Despite its sparse terrestrial inhabitants, Bartolome boasts a colony of Galápagos penguins and serves as a prime snorkeling destination, teeming with marine life. Alongside penguins, snorkelers may also encounter marine turtles, sea lions, and white-tipped sharks. There is also a sandy beach with great swimming options. (B, L, D)

North Seymour Island

Renowned for its abundant wildlife, North Seymour hosts an array of iconic Galápagos species, notably boasting one of the largest nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies. A popular one-mile visitor trail traverses the island, offering immersive encounters with land iguanas, marine iguanas, Galápagos sea lions, frigatebirds, and pelicans, among other fascinating inhabitants.

Transfer to Baltra Airport

At the end of this all-encompassing Galápagos tour, you will disembark and transfer to Baltra Airport for your ongoing flight to Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport. (B)