| Tuesday |
| AM: San Cristobal Island Airport: Arrival and
Transfer to the boat |
PM: Santa
Cristobal Island: Puerto Chino or Galapaguera
The Interpretation Center was opened in 1998 as a phase of the project “Interpretation and Environment
Education Project.” Visitors enjoy expositions on natural history, human history, and conservation. The
conservation efforts represent the movement to protect the wildlife and natural environment through
means of population and tourist control. The Interpretation Center has an outdoor stadium, audio-visual
equipment, and meeting rooms. |
| Wednesday |
AM: Santa Fe
Island
Santa Fe (Barrington) is home to the small picturesque bay and anchorage on the island’s northeast
coast. The bay has two visitor trails, one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other
spanning from a small beach to a tall prickly pear cactus forest. |
PM: South Plaza
Island
In the morning, you will head to South Plaza Island. This small island with steep cliffs was formed by
rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion
colonies as well as colorful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is the
Sesuvium. During the rainy season its color is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end
of June through January) a bright red. |
| Thursday |
AM: Charles
Darwin Station
The Charles Darwin Research Station is home to turtles ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet
long. Sub-species of turtles interact with one another and many of the older turtles are accustomed to
humans, stretching out their heads for a pet. The babies are kept until they are about four years old
and strong enough to survive on their own. |
PM: Santa Cruz
Island: Twin Craters
Los Gemelos, or the Twin Craters, are located opposite each other on both sides of the road leading
from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only figurative; Not real craters, these formations were
created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. The view is
breathtaking. |
| Friday |
AM: Isabela
Island: Wall of Tears, Tortoise Breeding Station
From 1945-1959, a penal colony hosted prisoners who were forced to build this wall, stone by stone, in
isolation. This now historical site (El Muro de las Lagrimas), towering at 65 feet (25m) high, took the
lives of thousands during its construction. Locals claim to hear cries emanating from the heavy energy
surrounding the site. |
PM: Isabela
Island: Sierra Negra Volcano
The Sierra Negra Volcano boasts the largest basaltic caldera in Galapagos at 9 x 10km. The site offers
impressive views and the opportunity to observe up to 7 species of finch and a rich display of
vegetation. The north side of the caldera provides evidence of its most recent volcanic activity in
2005. |
| Saturday |
AM: Isabela
Island: Moreno Point
The Sierra Negra Volcano boasts the largest basaltic caldera in Galapagos at 9 x 10km. The site offers
impressive views and the opportunity to observe up to 7 species of finch and a rich display of
vegetation. The north side of the caldera provides evidence of its most recent volcanic activity in
2005. |
PM: Isabela
Island: Urbina Bay
Urbina Bay is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast, between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth
Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954, causing the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast
expanded half a mile out, leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is also a great
place for snorkeling. |
| Sunday |
AM: Fernandina
Island: Espinoza Point
No foreign species have ever invaded Fernandina Island and therefore it is one of the world's most
pristine island ecosystems. The volcano “La Cumbre” dominates the landspace with lava fields reaching
the ocean. The island´s highlight features the Flightless Cormorant nesting site. This area provides a
great opportunity to see the Galapagos Hawk. |
PM: Isabela
Island: Vicente Roca Point
Located on the north-western coast of the island and comprised of two separate coves, this site is a
large bay with spectacular sea life. Seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola-mola
(sunfish) may be spotted here. This bay is great for diving and snorkeling. |
| Monday |
AM: Santiago
Island: Espumilla Beach or Bucanero Cove
Espumilla Beach is a popular place for marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot Crabs. The crabs attract the
hunting herons, performing the dance of predator and prey. With an abundance of marine life including
octopi, moray eel, and shark, snorkeling is highly recommended. |
PM: Bartholomew
Island
Home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red,
orange, black and even green volcanic formations. A trail of stairs leads to the summit of the volcano,
boasting one o the best views of the islands. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and possible
sightings of the Galapagos Penguin. |
| Tuesday |
AM: Daphne
Island
Daphne Mayor and Daphne Menor are located between Santa Cruz and Santiago Islands. Most tourists are
restricted from visiting these islands by the Galapagos National Park. However, the islands continue to
be a popular stop for scientists researching the unique qualities of the Galapagos
Finches. |
| PM: Transfer to the
Airport |
