5-Day Galapagos Cruise: Itinerary B (East) aboard Monserrat Yacht

After clearing customs and immigration you will be met by our guide and transferred to the M/Y Monserrat. In the afternoon, you will be transfer to the highlands of Santa Cruz. We will visit a tortoise ranch and see some of the amazing volcanic formations of this area.

Santa Cruz Highlands Excursion (PM) Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz and see the Galápagos giant tortoise in its natural surroundings. Explore the area and its incredible underground lava tunnels – some are more than 1km (.6 mi) long! Wander along the volcanic tubes and keep an eye out for the (mainly) nocturnal barn owls that sometimes roost here.

Explore Chinese Hat’s beautiful landscape and spectacular white-coral sand beach followed by snorkeling with sea lions and penguins and swimming opportunities in the cove. Snorkeling (Chinese Hat) (AM) Snorkel right from the white-coral sand beach and come face to face with playful sea lions and large schools of tropical fish. Keep an eye out for marine iguanas and penguins too!

Sullivan Bay (PM) Walking through Sullivan Bay offers an extraordinary journey into the volcanic origins of the Archipelago. The hike will take you across a perfectly preserved Pahoehoe lava flow, providing the opportunity to observe the delicate textures of this rare type of lava. While may appear barren and lifeless landscapes, a closer look reveals resilient pioneer plants, scurrying lava lizards, and small birds. Along the shore, penguins, pelicans, and oystercatchers add a touch of life to the stark environment.

The morning starts with a visit to North Seymour Island, a spectacular showcase of the Galapagos Islands' diverse wildlife. This fairly flat island is home to a thriving population of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. The trail will walk you through a forest of low, bushy vegetation, where you'll have the opportunity to witness the fascinating courtship dance of the blue-footed boobies. The island's coastline also let you observe sea lions and marine iguanas basking in the sun. The large frigate bird colonies are a sight, especially when the males expand their bright red throat pouches to attract mates. This is an ideal spot for birdwatching and photography.

This Island is known for its picturesque bay and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The island hosts a large amount of land iguanas unique to Santa Fe. Watching for these magnificent creatures as you walk through the giant prickly pear cactus forest will make a unique experience. The island's calm and clear waters are ideal for spotting the marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and colorful schools of fish. Santa Fe also offers a chance to see the Galapagos hawk and various endemic finches. This day offers a combination of terrestrial and marine activities as you will also do kayaking and panga rides, showcasing the diverse landscapes and wildlife the Galapagos Islands are famous for.

Enjoy amazing wildlife watching and interesting geological formations on this fascinating expedition. Arrive at a quiet cove on the eastern tip of San Cristóbal to explore Punta Pitt. Made up of volcanic tuff substrate, it's the only site in the Galápagos where it's possible to see three species of boobies and two species of frigatebirds. Snorkeling (Punta Pitt) (AM) Snorkel around Punta Pitt Island and spot schools of fish swimming below. On the shore admire the nesting birds and sun-bathing sea lions.

Cerro Brujo, is a breathtaking white sand beach on San Cristobal Island's northern coast. This beach was one of the first sites visited by Charles Darwin. It's an attractive spot for walking and enjoying the landscape, with its powdery white sand and turquoise waters. The area is home to a large sea lion colony, and the nearby lagoon often hosts several bird species, including pelicans and blue-footed boobies. The clear waters also make it an ideal spot for snorkeling, where you can encounter rich marine life.

Tijeretas Hill is a tourist attraction on the San Cristobal Island, offering visitors a spectacular panoramic view and the opportunity to enjoy the rich marine life that surrounds the area. The name “Tijeretas” refers to the frigate birds that inhabit the region, also known as earwigs. It is one of the only places where you can watch the two species of frigate birds nesting in the same colony.