AM: Isabela Island / Vicente Roca

We will head towards the Vicente Roca viewpoint after breakfast. Amazing granite formations at Vicente Roca Point provide as a haven for several bird species. The calm, turquoise waters of the nutrient-rich Cromwell Current, where the tourist site is located on Isabela’s western coast, provide the setting for remarkable feeding frenzys of both bird species and underwater creatures.

PM: Fernandina Island / Espinosa Point

We’ll go to Fernandina Island in the afternoon. In addition to being the youngest island in the archipelago, Fernandina Island is also one of the most pure because no alien species have ever invaded there. In addition to being more volcanically active than its brothers, it is the westernmost island in the Galapagos. The single visitor center on Fernandina is Espinosa Point, which offers a wealth of sights, including the rare flightless cormorant, marine iguanas, and Galapagos Hawks. While hiking, savor the expansive vistas of the surreal scenery.

AM: Isabela Island / Tagus Cove

You will visit Tagus Cove in the morning after breakfast. Due to its human history, Tagus Cove is among the most fascinating tourist destinations in the Galapagos. Visitors enjoy reading the intriguing names and locations inscribed on the cove’s walls, which were a favorite resting area for pirates, sailors, and whalers for hundreds of years. Aside from providing you with sweeping views of the cove and its surrounds, this trip also passes through a mangrove forest that is home to the last 35 pairs of Mangrove finches. The beach of the cove offers snorkeling opportunities; if you’re lucky, you might observe a marine iguana diving for food.

PM: Isabela Island / Urbina Bay

You will travel to Urbina Bay after lunch. Urbina Bay, a volcanic uplift that has been protruding from the ocean floor for millions of years, hosts land and marine iguanas, raucous sea lions, and the curious flightless cormorant. There are a few hiking trails near Urbina Bay that will allow you to get a better glimpse of the various shorebird species that live nearby the water. The bay is a perfect area to unwind on the beach or go snorkeling in its waters.

AM: Isabela Island / Elizabeth Bay

After breakfast, you will visit Elizabeth’s Bay. Visitors can view a huge diversity and abundance of marine life from the Zodiacs in the bay’s shockingly blue waters, including Galapagos sharks and giant sea turtles.

PM: Isabela Island / Moreno Point

After lunch, you will visit Moreno Point. Moreno Point is a fascinating destination for birdwatchers due to the scores of different bird species that call the unearthly rocky shoreline of the point home. More unusual bird species can be seen in some saltwater lagoons that are accessible by a short stroll from the shore. Moreno Point is a very beautiful and gorgeous visitor location due to the jet-black lava flows with the deep blue waters, the bright green vegetation around the lagoons, and the looming Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes in the distance.

AM: Santa Cruz Island / Charles Darwin Research Station

Given its long history of conservation in the archipelago and its enormous collection of Galapagos plant specimens and other exciting items, like a whole whale skeleton, the Charles Darwin Research Station is a fascinating destination for anybody setting foot on the islands. Galapagos Giant Tortoise breeding is also actively conducted here, and it is still used as a biological research facility today, overseeing numerous projects throughout the archipelago.

PM: Santa Cruz Island / Highlands

On Santa Cruz Island, the highlands can rise up to 1,500 meters above sea level, creating completely distinct climate zones. Volcanoes, wildlife, lush vegetation, and rolling hills are all present in the region. Visitors can view finches, mockingbirds, and a variety of other bird species here, where they can see Galapagos Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. Guests can occasionally observe whales breaching or rays jumping over the waves from the highlands’ breathtaking panoramic views of the nearby oceans.

AM: South Plaza

One of the lesser tourist attractions in the archipelago, South Plaza Island is home to various plant and animal species. The land iguana’s primary source of food, the prickly pear cactus tree, and other Sesuvium species are particularly prevalent there. The iguanas were established on land, eradicating the local mice population. South Plaza Island is a favorite among photographers due to its surrounding landscape of jet-black lava set against turquoise waters.

PM: Santa Fe Island

There is only one small island on the earth where the endangered pink land iguanas can be found. The famed Santa Fe Iguana lives on Santa Fe Island, originally formed by volcanic uplift. Palo Santo and Opuntia trees now grow there in woodland. On Santa Fe Island, there are two trails: one descends to a little beach, while the other leads to a vantage point with views of the island and the surrounding water. Giant Tortoises, who were native to this island and had their population at one time, were completely exterminated by centuries of overhunting.

AM: Española Island / Suarez Point

Española Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the archipelago since it is home to various amazing species and geological characteristics. In the Galapagos, Suarez Point is the only place where Waved Albatrosses breed, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a young albatross making its first flight out to sea, where it will stay for up to five years! Visitors to Espaola Island frequently spot sea lions, marine iguanas, and sharks swimming in the area’s waters because they are nutrient-rich. In addition to the Waved Albatross, many other bird species call Espaola home, including Galapagos Doves, red-billed tropic birds, swallow-tailed gulls, Nazca, blue-footed boobies, and more

PM: Gardner Bay / Osborn Islet

Sea lions that live in Gardner Bay’s vicinity frolic loudly in the area’s crystal-clear turquoise waters. The endemic Espaola mockingbird, renowned for being exceptionally friendly with visitors, is also present here, along with various finch species. Visitors must not feed or handle any wildlife, even the more amiable species.

AM: San Cristobal Interpretation Center / Fly back home

Since it opened to the public more than 20 years ago, the Interpretation Center has provided visitors with information on the development of the Giant Tortoise breeding program as well as the history of the Galapagos archipelago. The province and the Ecuadorian navy seat are based on San Cristobal, the easternmost of the group of islands, which Charles Darwin visited for the first time. In the vicinity of the center, giant tortoises raised in captivity roam a semi-natural habitat.

Afterward, get transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home.

AM: San Cristobal – Pitt Point

You’ll have the impression that you’ve landed on an alien world when you get to Pitt Point. You can observe the various historical developments that resulted from the island’s formation by volcanic activity. Amazing views of the nearby waterways can be seen after a climb to the summit. Once you reach the island’s top, keep an eye out for red-footed boobie nests in the trees and watch out for blue-footed boobie nests on the ground.

PM: San Cristobal – Witch Hill

In the afternoon, you will visit Witch Hill, a cone-shaped tuff hill located southwest of San Cristobal. This lovely place includes a white sand beach and stunningly clean waters. A fantastic chance to go snorkeling.

AM: Floreana – Post Office Bay

On this day, you will visit the Postal Office on Floreana Island, which has remained the same since pirate times. Request a free postcard from the cruise manager to write a note, send it home, and leave it in the previously-used pirate and sailor-used barrel. 

PM: Floreana – Cormorant Point / Devil’s Crown

Two stunning beaches can be found near Cormorant Point, one of which is pristine white and appropriately called «flour beach,» and the other is stained a dazzling green by a high concentration of olivine crystals. One of the most significant concentrations of flamingos in the Galapagos, as well as white-cheeked pintails and common stilts, frequent this saltwater lagoon. Devil’s Crown is a volcanic crater, beautifully cratered and primarily buried in water. It has a wide variety of marine life, making it an attractive location for diving and snorkeling.

AM: Santa Cruz – Black Turtle Cove

After breakfast, enjoy your excursion to Black Turtle Cove, which is on Santa Cruz’s north shore. It is a tangible example of how mangroves transform the maritime ecosystem to provide a diverse and special habitat. The lagoon extends about a mile inland and is covered in three different mangroves.

You will have the opportunity to spot eagles and mustard rays that swim in a diamond configuration as you float over calm seas in the zodiac. While Pacific green sea turtles surface for air and mate, white-tipped reef sharks swim beneath the boat.

Pelicans, herons, and egrets feed on fish in the cove. You will feel at ease in this serene setting.

PM: Bartholomew – Pinnacle Rock

Pinnacle Rock, a ragged spear-like rock that has become a defining characteristic of the Galapagos, can be seen in its best light at this location. You must climb a set of stairs to reach the summit of the now-extinct volcano, where you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view after passing through various colored lava rocks. The sandy bay of the island is a fantastic place for snorkeling as well, with the potential to see rays, reef sharks, and penguins.

AM: Genovesa – Darwin Bay

Visit the outstanding Darwin Bay in the morning. Along the beach, one can find Great Frigate colonies. Here, you will experience an amazing show of  Males showing females their crimson balloon pouch, hoping to find a mate.

In contrast to the other two booby species, which build their nests on the ground, red-footed boobies do it in trees.

PM: Genovesa – El Barranco

In the afternoon, you will visit El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps. This will take you to a broad plateau where you can see several masked boobies, frigate birds, storm petrels, and duck colonies in their natural habitats.

During this leisurely stroll, you will pass through a small Scalesia woodland, home to the unique and glamorous short-eared owl. Afterward, you will return to the boat to rest and recharge for your next day of adventure.

AM: Santiago – Espumilla Beach / Buccaneer Cove

Espumilla, which translates to «meringue,» refers to the surreal trail of foam that the waves leave as they lap this lovely white sand beach. The vividly colored Sally Lightfoot crabs that are abundant here draw pelicans, hawks, and other raptors like herons and eagles. This serene location on Santiago Island’s northern coast offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance for snorkeling and swimming among various aquatic life, including octopi, eels, and sharks.

Over the years, pirates, buccaneers, and whalers have frequented Buccaneer Cove. Today, it is an essential location for turtle nesting and is well-liked by sea lions, sting rays, and turtles. An amazing location for snorkeling and enjoying the views of its majestic rock formations.

PM: Santiago – Egas Port

James Bay, also known as Egas port, is the habitat of quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. There are tide pools and caves filled with various marine animals. Egas Port is One of the top snorkeling locations in the Galapagos by far.

AM: North Seymour Island

A relatively flat surface resulted from the elevation of lava beneath the water that created this island. You might witness land iguanas, sea lions, and turtles along the coast. Inland, you can find colonies of blue-footed boobies, which you might be lucky enough to see doing their charming courtship dance. The majestic frigate bird, whose males have recognizable red gular pouches that inflate during the mating season, makes the island its most notable breeding location.

PM: Santa Cruz – Highlands

The highlands are situated in Santa Cruz’s northern region and have an elevation range of up to 1500 meters. This region has many hills, ferns, volcanoes, and animals. A striking contrast to the previously witnessed rocky terrain and beaches of neighboring islands that were hardened by molten lava. Mockingbirds, finches, giant tortoises, and many other species can be found there.

AM: Mosquera Islet

This little, sandy islet, which is halfway between North Seymour and Baltra, is well-known for its unspoiled beauty. A variety of shorebirds, including lava gulls and herons, sea lions relaxing on the beach, and Sally Lightfoot crabs clinging to the rocks, will excite bird lovers. There is no set track on the island, so you can explore a little or dive in for a snorkel to see some sharks, turtles, and rays.

PM: Departure from Baltra Island Airport

AM: Isabela – Vicente Roca Point

Vicente Roca Point is a fantastic location to watch various birds and has impressive geological formations. The Cromwell Current, which offers cold water and numerous nutrients for both land and aquatic animals, is present since this visitor site is situated in the western part of the island, allowing visitors to witness incredible feeding frenzies.

PM: Fernandina – Espinosa Point

Fernandina has never experienced an invasion by an alien species because it is one of the archipelago’s most unspoiled islands. In addition, it is the farthest west and most active island. On the entire island, Espinosa Point is the lone tourist destination. You may go on a hike or go snorkeling at one of the world’s most natural and pristine locations while seeing marine iguanas and Galapagos hawks.

AM: Isabela – Tagus Cove:

You will love discovering what pirates and sailors in the 1800s left behind if you like historical relics. One of their favorite rest stops when sailing the ocean was this location. The trip here offers stunning views of the cove and the mangrove forest, which is home to the remaining 35 pairs of Mangrove finches.

PM: Isabela – Urbina Bay

Urbina Bay was once on the ocean floor millions of years ago. It rose as a result of volcanic uplifts, and now sea lions, land iguanas, and flightless cormorants live there. The beach is a terrific area to spend some spare time, or the tour guide can recommend a trek.

AM: Isabela – Elizabeth Bay

Only pangas can access this visitation spot because the park administration does not have a landing permit to safeguard the island. In the panga, you can enjoy the large variety of marine life visible in crystal-clear waters. For snorkeling, it is excellent.

PM: Isabela – Moreno Point

Numerous birds can be found on Moreno Point’s stunning rocky shoreline. It is a true birder’s paradise. White-tipped sharks can be spotted in the coastal lagoons, and you can’t miss the panoramic vistas of the Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes.

AM: Santa Cruz – Charles Darwin Research Station

One of the most popular tourist destinations on the Galapagos Islands is the Charles Darwin Research Station. It serves as a biological research station and active breeding center run by the Charles Darwin Foundation, and it houses a sizable collection of meticulously kept Galapagos plant specimens. Their main conservation initiatives center on eradicating noxious and alien species killing the islands’ endemic wildlife.

PM: Santa Cruz – Highlands

The highlands are situated in Santa Cruz’s northern region and have an elevation range of up to 1500 meters. This region has many hills, ferns, volcanoes, and animals. A striking contrast to the previously witnessed rocky terrain and beaches of neighboring islands that were hardened by molten lava. Mockingbirds, finches, giant tortoises, and many other species can be found there.

AM: South Plaza Island

Despite being one of the smaller islands with a visiting site, South Plaza is home to various plants and animals. The land iguana relies heavily on food sources provided by Sesuvium plants like the prickly pear cactus tree in this region. Mice were finally eliminated from the island just a few years ago, which helped the land iguana population recover its healthy growth. Fantastic photo opportunities are created by the contrast between the black lava and the stunning colors of the blue seas.

Transfer to the airport in Baltra for your journey back to mainland Ecuador after this final stop.

AM: Española – Suarez Point

There is a remarkable variety of fauna in Suarez Point. You can spot Galapagos doves, mockingbirds, and finches grazing close as you go by the nesting sites of Nazca and blue-footed boobies. Additionally, a geyser that may shoot water up to 25 meters into the air will be visible to you. You can enjoy seeing waved albatrosses take off across the water when you finally reach the top of the jaw-dropping cliffs.

PM: Española – Gardner Bay / Osborn Islet

One of the longest white sand beaches in the Galapagos, Gardner Bay is home to sea lion populations and curious mockingbirds. The waved albatross uses it as one of the most significant nesting grounds in the world. You may snorkel with baby sea lions and a wider variety of tropical fish and corals in the Osborn and Gardner Islets, which are only accessible by small boats.

AM: San Cristobal – Interpretation Center and Galapaguera

Since being opened to the public in 1998, the Interpretation Center has provided significant information about Galapagos’ past. Charles Darwin made his first landing on San Cristobal Island. It presently serves as the Galapagos Islands’ capital and is home to numerous government offices and a portion of the Ecuadorian Navy. The Galapaguera Center has built a semi-natural setting where giant tortoises can roam freely while tourists enjoy their beauty.

PM: San Cristobal – Lobos Island/Kicker Rock

You will be brought to Lobos Island in the afternoon, where you can see a small population of blue-footed boobies, frigates, marine iguanas, and excellent frigate bird breeding. The experience includes swimming with sea lions while snorkeling in this serene bay.

Afterward, you will visit Kicker Rock, a unique eroded geological phenomenon. While the boats cruise around the rock, you can take incredible shots of where seabirds build their nests.

AM: San Cristobal – Pitt Point

You’ll have the impression that you’ve landed on an alien world when you get to Pitt Point. You can observe the various historical developments that resulted from the island’s formation by volcanic activity. Amazing views of the nearby waterways can be seen after a climb to the summit. Once you reach the island’s top, keep an eye out for red-footed boobie nests in the trees and watch out for blue-footed boobie nests on the ground.

PM: San Cristobal – Witch Hill

In the afternoon, you will visit Witch Hill, a cone-shaped tuff hill located southwest of San Cristobal. This lovely place includes a white sand beach and stunningly clean waters. A fantastic chance to go snorkeling.

AM: Floreana – Post Office Bay

On this day, you will visit the Postal Office on Floreana Island, which has remained the same since pirate times. Request a free postcard from the cruise manager to write a note, send it home, and leave it in the previously-used pirate and sailor-used barrel.

PM: Floreana – Cormorant Point / Devil’s Crown

Two stunning beaches can be found near Cormorant Point, one of which is pristine white and appropriately called «flour beach,» and the other is stained a dazzling green by a high concentration of olivine crystals. One of the most significant concentrations of flamingos in the Galapagos, as well as white-cheeked pintails and common stilts, frequent this saltwater lagoon. Devil’s Crown is a volcanic crater, beautifully cratered and primarily buried in water. It has a wide variety of marine life, making it an attractive location for diving and snorkeling.

AM: Santa Cruz – Black Turtle Cove

After breakfast, enjoy your excursion to Black Turtle Cove, which is on Santa Cruz’s north shore. It is a tangible example of how mangroves transform the maritime ecosystem to provide a diverse and special habitat. The lagoon extends about a mile inland and is covered in three different mangroves.

You will have the opportunity to spot eagles and mustard rays that swim in a diamond configuration as you float over calm seas in the zodiac. While Pacific green sea turtles surface for air and mate, white-tipped reef sharks swim beneath the boat.

Pelicans, herons, and egrets feed on fish in the cove. You will feel at ease in this serene setting.

Transfer to the airport in Baltra for your journey back to mainland Ecuador after this final stop.

AM: Genovesa / Darwin Bay

Visit Darwin Bay in the morning. Darwin Bay was formerly a shield volcano, and today you can see where one of its caldera’s sides collapsed due to centuries’ worth of erosion. The variety of birds that can be seen there is well-known. The trees and bushes of Genovesa Island are considered home to more than 20,000 red-footed boobies.

PM: El Barranco.

El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, will be our second stop during this day. After a short hike, the trail will take you to a cliff with a fantastic vista of the island. Additionally, it has a Palo Santo forest where red-footed boobies and other shorebirds breed.

AM: Santiago – Espumilla Beach / Buccaneer Cove

Visit Espumilla beach in the morning. This gorgeous white sand beach is on Santiago island’s northern coast, and its name comes from the trails of foamy water left by the waves that resemble meringue. As a result of the abundance of Sally Lightfoot crabs in this area, hawks, herons, and pelicans are frequently spotted.

In this picturesque setting, you can kayak, paddle board, or snorkel among various fish species, including octopuses, eels, and sharks. Buccaneer Cove has a fascinating history as a place where sailors, buccaneers, and whalers frequently anchored their ships in search of food and water. It has recently grown in importance as a turtle nesting location and is also well-liked by sea lions.

An interesting perspective of the unique rock formations that serve as good ledges for boobies, pelicans, and gulls may be seen from a panga ride along the eroding beach.

PM: Santiago – Egas Port

Visit Egas Port after lunch. This beautiful black sand beach, which was previously the home of a salt mine, is now a great place for snorkeling and viewing shorebirds, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and marine iguanas.

Wide paths inland take you through tidal pools and rugged volcanic outcrops known as grottoes, where you might see fur seals relaxing in the shade.

AM: North Seymour Island

Visit Seymour Island after breakfast. Lord Hugh Seymour, an English lord, was honored with the island’s name. A massive colony of about 2,500 land iguanas and sizable populations of sea lions, blue-footed boobies, common noddies, and frigatebirds live on the island, which was formed by raised subsurface lava. The largest population of Magnificent Frigatebirds and land and marine iguanas can be seen along the shore.

PM: Santa Cruz – Highlands

Head to Santa Cruz after lunch. Due to the abundance of flora and fauna, hills, ferns, volcanoes, and lava tubes, the Highlands of Santa Cruz are a highly fascinating location.

The lava tubes are a weird and unusual place to explore. The many agricultural zones in the Galapagos can be seen here in one location. Due to its location, it is one of the best places to spot birds.

AM: Mosquera Islet

After breakfast, explore the islet of Mosquera, located between the islands of North Seymour and Baltra. It has a long white sand beach and a reef made of rocks and coral that formed due to an uprising. It has an estimated length of 600 meters and the narrowest width of roughly 160 meters. Except for the southwest side where the landing takes place, most of the perimeter has a base of lava rocks as proof of the lava uprising. One of the greatest sea lion populations is found on this island. A variety of shorebird species can also be seen. There have been sporadic reports of orcas (Orcinus orca) at this location feeding on sea lions.

Afterward, get transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home.