Galapagos Explorer II
ITINERARY DAY BY DAY
8 days / 7 nights
Wednesday to Wednesday or Saturday to Saturday
Day 5:
Bartolome Island / Puerto Egas (Santiago Island)
The first destination is Bartolome, an island of varied volcanic formations with a 350-foot summit and a fabulous 360º view. Depending upon the weather, you may be able to spot five other islands, one of the most spectacular views of the archipelago. You’ll make a wet landing in a cove to see a small colony of Galapagos penguins—the only penguins north of the equator. Sea lions are also found here.
This afternoon you’ll visit Puerto Egas on Santiago Island. The landing is on a black beach with eroded rock formations in the background. The trail crosses the dry interior, where the remains of a salt-mining enterprise can still be seen and then continues along the coast. Intertidal pools are home to a variety of invertebrate organisms. Land iguanas are scattered around feeding on exposed algae while Oyster Catchers try to capture Sally Lightfoot Crabs. The trail then leads to the Fur Seal Grottos, one of the only places in the islands where Fur Seals can be seen.
Day 6:
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina) / Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela)
On the youngest and westernmost island in Galapagos, you’ll land at Punta Espinoza, a narrow stretch of land where some of the most unusual Galapagos species can be seen. While the panga driver skillfully eludes the reef to reach the landing site near a small mangrove forest, look for penguins diving off the rocks into the water. Sally Lightfoot Crabs disperse on the lava near the shore and herons, sandpipers and wimbrels explore the mangrove roots. Marine iguanas congregate in larger groups here than on any other island. They are everywhere: basking in the sand, swimming near the shore, grazing on the exposed seaweed in the lava and blocking the way at the landing dock.
The Galapagos Explorer II is one of only a few faster, better-equipped boats able to make the long journey from the central islands to the visitor sites on the western side of Isabela. Wolf Volcano on Isabela is also the highest point in the archipelago. The trip is more than worthwhile, however, for the unique species that occur only in this part of the archipelago, and because the landscape, with massive volcanoes silhouetted against the sky, offers a striking contrast to the lower-lying islands of the east. Located on the north-western tip of Isabela Island, the visit of Punta Vicente Roca is completely by dingy.
Day 7:
North Seymour Island / Santa Cruz Island
A small flat island. Rocks then a long sandy stretch where sea lions and marine iguanas hang out next to a surf wave. The interior has a Palo Santo small Opuntia cactus forest with Blue footed boobies and magnificent Frigate bird colonies. An hour and a half visit. Dry landing.
You and your family will board a bus for a 45-minute ride through changing vegetation zones to the Santa Cruz Highlands.
Here, about 40 giant tortoises live in the wild. By approaching quietly, you can find and observe a turtle on your own. You also hike to tunnels made by cooling lava.
Day 8:
San Cristobal Island departure
This morning you will sail for San Cristobal Island. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the mainland Quito or Guayaquil.