AM: Arrival at San Cristobal Airport, San Cristobal Island
Land at San Cristobal airport where you will be directed towards the airport terminal building. You will need to queue here to pay your Galapagos National Park fee and have your luggage inspected for potential contaminants to the island, such as plant matter or seeds.

Please wait for you baggage to be unloaded. Collect it and then look for someone holding a card with your name or the name of your Galapagos yacht: Galaxy.

PM: Kicker Rock, San Cristobal Island
Kicker Rock is the remnant of a volcanic tuff cone about a 90-minute boat ride out from San Cristobal Island. Its sheer cliffs rise 150 metres above the sea surface, all around and through a giant split between its two sections. Above water, the rock itself and birdlife are of interest, with variable currents here attracting highlights such as Spotted Eagle Rays.

AM: Cerro Brujo (Witch Hill), San Cristobal
The primary attraction of this site is the coral sand beach, an excellent place to swim and snorkel. Witch Hill is the remains of a tuff cone and one of the first sites visited by Charles Darwin. It has an impressive landscape, where it is often possible to see coastal and migratory birds, including pelicans, blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. There are sealions and marine iguanas here too. At times, the lagoon is completely dry and deposits of salt can be found at the bottom. The people of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno used to use the lagoon as a salt mine.

PM: Punta Pitt (Pitt Point), San Cristobal Island
Two wind sculptured tuff cones at Pitt Point make up the extreme eastern end of San Cristóbal, and thus, the archipelago as well. These cliffs were the first sight of land when HMS Beagle and Charles Darwin arrived on the 15th of September 1835. On the small green sand beach, you will be welcomed by a group of barking Galapagos sea lions. This is a bachelor colony, where males usually relax and prepare themselves for fighting and mating.

From the saltbush and spiny shrubs behind the beach, a trail leads up to an area of tropical dry forest vegetation: most of the year you will find leafless palo santo trees, yellow Cordia shrubs, tiny Opuntia cacti and carpetweed that turns red in the dry season. After the somewhat steep climb through a gully to the clifftop, you can wander around the only location in the Galapagos that is home to all three species of boobies: blue-footed, red-footed and Nazca boobies; as well as both species of frigate bird (the Great and the Magnificent). Frigate birds are here to mug boobies as they return to their nests with food.

AM: Punta Suarez, Española Island
Huge ocean waves crash onto the southern basaltic cliffs of Suarez Point, forming a spectacular blowhole. where the water sprays metres high into the air (depending on the season, the tide and how strongly the sea breeze pushes the waves). This location is home to the only breeding colony of Waved Albatross in the Galapagos. You can also see wildlife such as marine iguanas, Nazca and Blue-Footed Boobies. Take your time for a meditative break in silence at this emblematic viewpoint and convert this unforgettable moment in a lifetime experience.

PM: Gardner Bay, Española Island
The striking white beach at Gardner Bay is an important breeding site for Pacific green turtles. However, without doubt its main attraction is the Galapagos sea lion colony. Females stay year-round in this nursery, suckling their pups up to an age of 3 years, although they start to fish after 5 months of their birth. During the breeding and mating season, the colony becomes even bigger.

AM: Punta Cormorant / Devil's Crown, Floreana Island
The peninsula of Punta Cormorant (Cormorant Point) marks the extreme northern cape of Floreana – an island formed from smaller volcanic cones, covered now by tropical dry forest (palo santo). At the landing beach, you are likely to be welcomed by a small colony of Galapagos sealions. The green sand on this beach contains a high percentage of glassy olivine crystals which have been blown out by the surrounding tuff cones.

The ‘flour sand’ beach on the southern side of the peninsula is made up of white coral ground into sand by Parrotfish. It feels very smooth on the feet. You may be able to spot stingrays who use the sandy bottom to bury themselves. During the first months of the year, Pacific green turtles come ashore to dig a nest in which to bury their eggs.

Devil’s Crown is a small outcrop of rocks off the coast of Floreana near Cormorant Point with a circular arrangement which gives them their name. Here, there is spectacular snorkelling with an abundance of reef fish such as Parrotfish, Surgeonfish & King Angelfish as well as Sharks, Manta Rays & Hammerhead Sharks.

PM: Post Office Bay, Floreana Island
Post Office Bay is primarily of cultural significance. In times before there was a reliable postal service, a barrel onshore was a point where British 16th century whalers and poachers could post a letter. You are encouraged to write and address one or two post cards; whilst at the same time picking out any which are addressed close to your home, which you are happy to hand deliver when you return.

AM: Charles Darwin Research Station
Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders, it is also interesting to learn how the protection and conservation of the islands are carried out. The main attractions are the National Park information centre, the Van Staelen Exhibition Hall, the Breeding and Rearing Centre for young tortoises, and adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity.

PM: Departure

AM: Arrival at Baltra Airport, Baltra Airport
Upon arrival Baltra, travellers pass through an airport inspection point to make sure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, and to pay the park entrance fee of $200 (unless it has been prepaid). A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbour.

PM: Highlands, Santa Cruz Islands
The road to the highlands leaves from Bellavista, a small village located a 15-minute drive from Santa Cruz’ main town of Puerto Ayora. The road passes through the Galapagos’ most productive agricultural zone, up to the National Park boundary. We find Miconia vegetation at this altitude, changing to the Fern and Sedge zone as we ascend further. With clear weather, we can enjoy beautiful scenes of rolling hills and extinct volcanic cones covered with grass and lush greenery all year round. In the Highlands is El Chato Reserve, where Giant Galapagos Tortoises can be observed in the wild – the iconic species which gave the Galapagos Islands their name. Other species to see at this reserve include Short-Eared Owls, Yellow Warblers & Finches. More elusive species which can be difficult to spot here are Galapagos Rails & Paint-Billed Crakes.

AM: Las Tintoreras Islets, Isabela Island
Las Tintoreras are small islands which lie just offshore from Puerto Villamil – the small, but main town on Isabela. A visit here can be very rewarding. If Galapagos Penguins are around then they might well be the first life you see as you approach by small boat – standing or lying on bare lava rocks, close to the spreading roots of mangroves. Blue-footed boobies are often seen on the same rocks and amongst bright green mangrove foliage.

As you step ashore, take care as there may be hundreds of small young marine iguanas. As you proceed past impossibly sharp and contorted lava, you will come to lava tunnels where white-tip reef sharks (tintoreras in Spanish) rest in shallow water. Sally Lightfoot crabs can be observed on the cliffs leading down to the water.
Further along, you will come to a lagoon and a beach occupied by bull sealion and his harem. In the lagoon you might see marine life such as a Spotted Eagle Ray in the shallows.

PM: Wetlands & Interpretation Centre, Isabela Island
Leading from the Centre to the western beaches of Puerto Villamil is a woodland trail and boardwalk through a series of saline lagoons. This can be a good place to see graceful American flamingos, filtering the saline water for shrimp and algae. They are joined by a handful of species of aquatic and shore birds; as well as marine iguanas as you approach the trail where it meets the sea.

The Interpretation Centre on Isabela Island will provide information about the history of Isabela Island, both natural & human. It also has information on current conservation & efforts to protect the World Heritage Site.

AM: Punta Moreno, Isabela Island
Moreno Point is located on the north coast of Isabela Island between the volcanoes Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul. The trail runs along a solid dry lava flow called Pahoehoe into a complex of lagoons. Its main attraction are birds, which are found around the lakes and mangroves.

PM: Mangle Point, Fernandina Island
Mangle Point is one of the most untouched locations in the Galapagos, where mangrove forests and coral reefs offer refuge to turtles, rays and tropical fish. The calm, shallow waters at Mangle Point make it a great snorkelling destination.

AM: Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island
Fernandina is the third largest island in the archipelago and has a single visitor site: Punta Espinoza, located at the northeastern tip of the island. Here, marine iguanas conglomerate in larger groups than on any other island. They bask around in the sand, swim near the shore and sometimes block the way at the landing dock. Among the unique species found here, we can find the flightless cormorant.

PM: Tagus Cove, Isabela Island
A tour along the cliffs will give visitors a good chance to see the Galapagos penguin, the flightless cormorant and other seabirds. From the landing dock, it is about a 30-minute hike along the trail up to the top of the cliff from where you can view Darwin Lake, an uplifted lake saltier than the sea. You can also see several volcanoes from this location. Look carefully at the graffiti on the surrounding cliffs of the cove, done by pirates, whalers and buccaneers in past centuries!

AM: Puerto Egas, Santiago Island
Puerto Egas is a black beach located at the west side of Santiago Island. Volcanic tuff deposits formed this special black sand beach and made it the main attraction of the Island. This site is called Puerto Egas because Hector Egas attempted to exploit the salt, which failed because the price of salt on mainland South America was too low to make it a viable export. There is a trail which follows the coastline here for sightings of Marine Iguanas, Galapagos Sea Lions and many sea birds. Land Iguanas were reintroduced to the island as recently as 2019, so look out for these as you walk. At the end of the trail is a small Galapagos Fur Seal colony. If you snorkel from the beach here, you may be able to see Turtles, a range of Fish and Reef Sharks.

PM: Sombrero Chino
Sombrero Chino, or Chinese Hat, aptly named due to its slowly sloping sides giving the island an appearance resembling that of a Chinese hat, is one of the smallest in the peninsula. The recent formation of the island gives it a unique environment where there are different stages of colonisation by pioneer species at this location compared to others you will have visited. Walking on the island is a great way to experience the island’s wildlife, including Sally Lightfoot Crabs, Marine Iguanas, Galapagos Sea Lions & Lava Lizards. Out of the cracks in dried-up lava, lava cacti are a common sight. The waters of the island are calm & home to White-Tip Reef Sharks, so there is ample opportunity for snorkelling & kayaking here too.

AM: Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz Island
Black Turtle Cove offers engineless activities, so you will explore it by dinghy, paddling across the mangrove forested coastline of this stretch of Santa Cruz. There is great wildlife here due to the high levels of protection of this environment such as Sea Turtles, Pelicans & Sharks.

PM: Departure

AM: Arrival at Baltra Airport, Baltra Island
Upon arrival Baltra, travellers pass through an airport inspection point to make sure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, and to pay the park entrance fee of $200 (unless it has been prepaid). A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbour.

PM: North Seymour Island
This islet is one of most visited sites in the Galapagos and it is teeming with birdlife. An easy circular path takes you through the archipelago’s most extensive colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. At the beginning of the breeding season, adult frigatebird-males blow up their vivid red pouches (gulas) to impressive football-sized balloons. This is one of the few spots where you can compare the magnificent and the great frigatebird breeding next to each other.

You are likely to come across several land iguanas on North Seymour and the coast can be a good place to spot Galapagos sealions.

AM: Bartolomé Islet
One of the Galapagos’ most iconic locations, the beautiful volcanic islet of Bartolomé is among the youngest islands in the archipelago. On a geological scale Bartolomé was only recently born out of volcanic activity. Although at first sight lifeless, Bartolomé offers some of the wildest landscapes and best panoramas of the entire archipelago. To enjoy the postcard view of the idyllic Pinnacle Bay, you have to climb steps to a viewpoint on top of the island (114m / 375ft). Enter a dramatic world of threatening (though extinguished) nearby spatter cones, craters, and lightweight lava droplets that have been spewed out by fiery fountains. The Summit Trail is also ideal for witnessing how scanty pioneer vegetation such as lava cacti manage to take root on the bare virgin lava fields.

PM: Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island
Setting foot at the lava stream covering Sullivan Bay is like landing on the moon. The desolate, stretched out lava fields seem mostly lifeless, but there is plenty to see on this highly popular site, with lots to photograph. Pacific green turtles seasonally bury eggs in the tiny white sand beach, where you might also encounter crabs, a stray blue heron or an American oystercatcher. On the lava flows sparse pioneer vegetation such as lava cacti and carpetweed are able to grow. You might also encounter a lava lizard, locusts or a small species of snake called the Galapagos racer.

AM: Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island
Inside the submerged caldera of Genovesa lies Darwin Bay, whose diameter is more than 1.5km (1 mile) and it is almost 200 m (650 ft) deep. The small area will surprise you repeatedly, walking along a coral sand beach, crossing barren lava formations and creeks, passing tidal pools, shrubs and further ahead following the top of some cliffs. With this peaceful surrounding, every species has occupied its own ecological niche (or habitat) without disturbing others. There is great birdlife here with starring species including Red-Footed Boobies, Great Frigatebirds & Laval Gulls. These often share the beach with Galapagos Sea Lions.

PM: El Barranco (Prince Philip's Steps), Genovesa Island
Before landing, you will take an inflatable dinghy-ride along the eastern arm of the caldera. As we approach, the soaring 25m / 80ft high walls become overwhelming. Sometimes, a Galapagos fur seal is resting or a seabird is nesting on one of the ledges at the base. You will then have to hike and overcome the steep stairs from the landing dock to a bush of palo santo shrubs on top. Red-footed boobies gratefully use these scarce nesting places so that they don’t have to nest on the rocky ground. Upon arriving at the edge of the rim, the bushes open up and you can enjoy panoramic views, a sea breeze and the amazing flying skills of countless seabirds. Following the exposed rim, you will first pass a place where we usually encounter a colony of Nazca boobies; and finally reach the extensive storm petrel nesting places. If you are lucky, you can spot the well camouflaged short-eared owl hunting for them on foot!

AM: South Plaza Island
South Plaza is a beautiful island formed out of lava which bubbled up to the sea surface. It is relatively small but very diverse in its botany and very good for spotting Land Iguanas. hybrid Iguanas exist here, created through the mating of male marine iguanas and female land iguanas.

There are approximately 1,000 Galapagos Sealions on the island and birdlife is plentiful. Cliffs on the western side are nesting sites for Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies, whilst we can find Darwin's Finches amongst the rocks of the eastern side, Lava Gulls and lovely Swallow-tail Gulls. Red-billed Tropicbirds often swoop low overhead, whilst in the sea beneath the western cliffs we can often see schools of fish close to the surface.

This island can be one of the best for photography.

PM: Santa Fé Island
Located in the southeastern part of the Galapagos, this island was formed from an uplift rather than being from a volcanic origin, which is why it is mostly flat. There are some theories claiming that this could be the oldest island in the archipelago. Santa Fé is home to a number of endemic species like the Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats and one of the two species of land iguanas on the islands. After disembarking into the beautiful and clear waters, you will be in contact with one of the many sea lion colonies. Along the trail, many saltbushes can be seen, as well some particularly impressive giant Opuntia cacti ‘trees’.

The island is some 24 km2 in area and a maximum 60 metres above sea level. The waters which surround it can be a lovely turquoise blue, with a protective barrier of rocks creating a semi-lagoon which is ideal for humans and sealions alike for swimming and snorkelling.

AM: Interpretation Centre, San Cristobal Island
The San Cristóbal Interpretation Centre just outside the provincial capital of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, is a perfect complement to the field explanations and briefings of your naturalist guide and host. Information panels are in English and Spanish, with many photographs, models and true to life dioramas which tell the background story of the islands in different ways. They really capture what makes the Galapagos Islands so unique. The well-maintained botanical garden with native species from the arid zone (including the giant prickly pear and candelabra cacti) is worth your visit as well; and you will probably spot the Chatham Mockingbird which is endemic to this island - a bird which put Darwin on track to his theory of evolution. The attractive exhibition is quite complete and explains a series of natural circumstances that create the Galapagos’ unique environment: such as the volcanic genesis of the islands, their remoteness from the continent, its ocean currents, its special climate, the arrival of different species, and their establishment, among others. It also recounts historic discovery and attempts of colonisation; and shows a diorama with ancient mail barrels from Post Office Bay.

PM: Isla Lobos, San Cristobal Island
The Lobos Islet’s beach harbours a colony of Galapagos sea lions. As in other colonies in the archipelago, you can approach nurturing females within a few metres. In the breeding season this colony is also visited by territorial males, defending and mating the harem on their section of beach. This low islet is home to more than just Galapagos sea lions. Two other emblematic species breed here: male blue-footed boobies and great frigate birds. In season, booby males try to impress females with clumsy dances, showing off how blue (and healthy) their feet are. Male frigatebirds inflate and wobble huge red throat poaches called gulas. Young fluffy offspring cry for food, whilst juveniles try out their wings ready to fly.

AM: Highlands, San Cristobal Island
The highlands of San Cristobal Island contrast greatly with the island’s coastal areas, with a rich diversity of denser and larger vegetation, such as endemic trees and ferns. This habitat is home to giant tortoises and abundant bird life. This will be a great opportunity to get large views of the archipelago and island as you climb up the paths here.

PM: Departure