Explore the Wonders of the Galapagos

AM: ARRIVAL AT BALTRA AIRPORT

Today your trip to the fascinating Galapagos Islands begins. Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will be greeted by our National Park certified naturalist guide, who will be ready to introduce you to the iconic wonders of this unique archipelago.

PM: BLACK TURTLE CALETA

To begin our adventure through the Galapagos Islands we will visit the Ensenada de las Tortugas Negras, named after the flourishing population of green turtles. Next, we will navigate this natural sanctuary in motor boats, amid lush mangroves and calm water channels. Here you can spot reef sharks, various species of rays and a wide variety of birds, such as herons, pelicans and boobies. Remember that this magical cove is an important breeding ground for turtles and several species of sharks.

Highlights: Black and white tip reef sharks, green sea turtles, rays, herons, blue footed boobies and mangroves.

AM: RABIDA

Rábida Island, known for its unique iron-enriched reddish lava rocks, has a distinctive appearance in the Galapagos. The unusual red hue of its beach reflects this characteristic, serving as home to a small colony of sea lions. If you are lucky, you will be able to discover a small saltwater lagoon inhabited by ducks, stilts and flamingos.

The trail invites you inland, offering spectacular views of the beach and lagoon. Keep your eyes open for Darwin’s finches, flycatchers and mockingbirds. Along the coastal cliffs, you can spot Nazca and blue-footed boobies, monk terns, herons, and both species of sea lions: Galapagos fur seals and seals.

Snorkeling Experience: Embark on a snorkeling adventure from the beach and explore a protected rock area teeming with fish, sea lions and reef sharks. The vertical walls are a natural canvas displaying an impressive variety of small invertebrates.

Highlights: Red sand beach, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos falcons, flycatchers, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, ducks, flamingos.

PM: EDEN ISLET

Eden Islet, true to its biblical name, evokes a paradisiacal oasis. Located near Santa Cruz Island, this small island boasts heavenly beaches and crystal clear waters reminiscent of the typical “uninhabited islet.” With a diameter of only 600 meters and its highest point reaching 77 meters, its small size contrasts with its immense charm, home to nine species of turtles.

Snorkeling Experience: Marvel at the starfish that cover the ocean floor and the endemic fish, such as the whitetail damselfish, that inhabit it.

Highlights: Striped porcupine fish, reef sharks, blue-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies.

AM: SULLIVAN BAY

Step back in time at Sullivan Bay, an open book to the volcanic birth of these islands. Tour the preserved Pahoehoe lava field, studying its delicate and unique textures. The landscape, seemingly lifeless, little by little reveals a resistance of nature, with pioneer plants, lava lizards and tiny birds that emerge upon close observation. Keep an eye on the coast to see penguins, pelicans and oystercatchers.

Snorkeling experience: A jump into the water contrasts with the arid land. The coral sand beach and zodiac access point reveal a marine world with schools of fish, Galapagos penguins, reef sharks, turtles and rays.

Highlights: Pahoehoe Lava, Galapagos penguins, oystercatchers, Galapagos falcons.

PM: BARTOLOME

Perch atop Bartholomew Island for an unparalleled view of the lunar landscape, adorned by scattered volcanic cones, Pinnacle Rock and Sullivan Bay. Bartolomé is a crown jewel of the Galapagos Islands and home to a vibrant penguin population.

Snorkeling Experience: A swim or snorkel from the beach opens up a renowned underwater playground in the Galapagos. Penguins, multitudes of fish, colorful invertebrates, sea lions, turtles, rays and reef sharks make this snorkeling experience unforgettable.

Highlights: Galapagos Penguin, volcanic landscape, Pinnacle Rock, blue-footed boobies, herons, sea lions, sharks.

AM: CHINESE HAT

Welcome to the perfectly symmetrical Chinese Hat volcanic cone. Separated from Santiago by a narrow channel, this idyllic islet is framed by turquoise waters, coral sand beaches and dark lava rocks, an unexpected refuge for penguins. A path along the shore will bring you closer to a small colony of sea lions.

Snorkeling experience: Discover a world of brightly colored fish, elegant reef sharks and perhaps a fast penguin chasing a school of anchovies. It is a mesmerizing underwater spectacle that you will want to take advantage of.

Highlights: Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos penguins, lava tubes, oystercatchers, Galapagos falcons.

PM: MOSQUERA

Our afternoon destination is Mosquera, largely a barren sand bar with rocky outcrops and salt-resistant vegetation. Stroll the beach and watch the antics of sea lion pups in the surf and tide pools. Keep an eye out for the lava gulls, endemic to the area, which are often seen in flight searching for their next meal.

Snorkeling experience: If wave conditions are favorable, you can snorkel at the northern end of the island or one of the smaller, more sheltered beaches for another immersive marine encounter.

Highlights: Galapagos sea lions, lava gull, American oystercatcher, shorebird.

AM: CHARLES DARWIN STATION

Spend the morning at the famous Charles Darwin Station. As a non-profit organization that works closely with the Galapagos National Park, the station is committed to the conservation and study of the archipelago’s biodiversity. Discover the multiple initiatives being carried out to safeguard endemic species and combat invasive threats to the Galapagos ecosystem. This visit offers the unique opportunity to see captive-bred giant tortoises.

Highlights: Galapagos giant tortoises, land iguana breeding program, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, Galapagos flycatchers, yellow warblers.

After your visit to the Charles Darwin Station, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador, concluding your unforgettable trip to the Galapagos.