We’re delighted to have you on board for this journey of discovery to some of the most beautiful islands in the Galapagos. Our itinerary together begins on Baltra Island, a former military base during World War II, and now an Ecuadorian naval and air force station. Once all formalities are completed, we venture east along the volcanic shores of North Seymour and Santa Cruz Islands, until we reach the Plazas Islands. Our adventures start with a dry landing at a manmade jetty on South Plaza Island. During the next day, we will explore Santa Fe Island and San Cristobal Island, home to the provincial capital of the Galapagos province. Then, we sail south to Española Island, with its remarkable visitor site (a favourite of many visitors): Punta Suarez. Here, we’ll wander along the rugged coastline, home to hundreds of marine iguanas, sea lions, marine birds, and even albatross (during much of the year).
Baltra, Ecuador
Once you land in Baltra, we will have an immediate transfer to the nearby dock to board Yacht La Pinta. After an introductory briefing onboard, you will partake in an emergency boat drill, be assigned to your cabin and then be invited to lunch. We will set anchor and get on our way to our next adventure.
d beach and volcanic rocks that make up the shoreline. A carpet of scarlet-colored sesuvium succulents sits at the base of a large cluster of luminescent-green prickly-pear cacti. Crawling around this entire scene are the yellow-greyish land iguanas. Along the coastline, we will walk right by sea lion colonies while seabirds play along the cliffs of this small but spectacular island.
Santa Fe Island, Ecuador
We take the dinghy from Yacht La Pinta over to this idyllic white-sand beach that’s populated with colonies of sea lions. Galapagos hawks are often easily observed here, typically found sitting perched atop the salt bushes. The brilliantly yellow Santa Fe land iguana, which is exclusive to just this island (in the whole world!), might also be spotted during the walk. Following the walk, you’ll have your choice of swimming and snorkeling along a natural wave barrier.
Galapagos National Park, Ecuador
After lunch, we will disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the archipelago’s capital city. Following this, we will take a 40-minute drive over to the island’s southern shore. Once there, at Cerro Colorado, we will visit the Breeding Center for the highly-endangered giant tortoises that amble around a fantastic deciduous forest. This forest is also home to dozens of bird species, including the San Cristobal mockingbird and the San Cristobal lava lizard
Ecuador
On this morning, we land at the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island. The trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline, allowing guests to observe frigatebirds plus a colony of bachelor sea lions. After the walk, you will have the chance to swim along the beach and snorkel, weather permitting.
Isola San Cristobal, Ecuador
After lunch, a dinghy ride along the shores will take us over to Cerro Brujo’s expansive, white coral beach. This is a great site for walking, with rewarding birdwatching opportunities that feature plenty of seabirds and shorebirds. Galapagos sea lions will also be present. History Fact: These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked along back in September of 1835.
., Ecuador
The morning outing at Punta Suárez provides an exciting walk across lava terrain to visit the unique seabird colonies that populate this area. Waved albatrosses (visible from April until January), boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and the famous “blowhole” geological formation await! Also, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the red-green-black marine iguanas! Many regard this site as one of the best in all Galapagos. Afterwards, we will head back onboard for lunch.
Espanola Island, Ecuador
In the afternoon, we will disembark at this beautiful, white coral beach for a short walk to observe the sea lions, mockingbirds and finches. You can also choose to simply enjoy the beach. There is great snorkeling in this area. Alternatively, you can opt to kayak or take a ride aboard our glass-bottom boat.
Ave Charles Darwin 854, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
After disembarking at the Puerto Ayora docks in the morning, we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and get a chance to check out the breeding program for giant tortoises. You will also get a good sense of the efforts and progress that the Foundation and National Park have made in terms of conservation. Afterwards, we will take a bus that will take us up and over Santa Cruz Island to the opposite coast. Once there, a short ferry ride will take us across the channel to Baltra Island and then the airport. This Galapagos journey ends at Baltra Island, where you will board your flight back to the mainland. Baltra’s flat substrate (due to its tectonically uplifted origin) is the reason for why this island was chosen back in the 1940’s as the construction site for an airport.
After you have processed the Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee, you will see our staff holding signs with La Pinta logo. They will assist you to transfer you to the ship.
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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