Galapagos Mary Anne
ITINERARY DAY BY DAY
8 days / 7 nights
Wednesday to Wednesday
Day 5
Prince Philip's Steps / Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island)
In Prince Philip's Steps (Tower Island) starts with a very interesting panga ride along the cliffs and then disembark (dry landing) on rocks for a steep climb (90 feet) and then a leveled walk for about a mile to the other side of this small island observing large colonies of masked boobies, frigate birds, storm petrels and the short-eared owl.
Darwin Bay (Tower Island) wet landing for an easy stroll observing thousands of bird life, mainly frigate birds, red footed and masked boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. If you wish you can continue walking over sharp lava and uneven terrain, or just go back to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbor. Those most adventurous can look for Hammerhead sharks, snorkeling along the cliffs.
Day 6
Puerto Egas / Espumilla Beach (Santiago Island)
Puerto Egas with its black sand beaches was the site of small salt mining industry in the 1960s and a hike inland to the salt crater is an excellent opportunity to sight land birds such as finches, doves, and hawks. A walk down the rugged shoreline, especially at low tide, will turn up many marine species as iguanas basking on the rocks and sea lions lazing in the tide pools.
Espumilla Beach, exceptional coffee-coloured beach is excellent for swimming. Behind the beach, the tranquil salt-water lagoon - occasionally flamingos and common stilts. Further inland, Palo Santo trees and possibility to find several species of Darwin finches, etc.
Day 7
Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island) / Bartolome Island
Espumilla beach, located at the north end of Puerto Egas. A wet landing on a large coffee-colored sand beach is just north of a fresh water supply that once attracted pirates and whalers. A short walk inland takes visitors through a mangrove forest normally inhabited by the Common Stilt. Beyond the mangroves is a brackish lagoon where flocks of Pink Flamingos and White Cheeked Pintails can be seen. The trail makes a loop heading over a knob into a sparely forested area then back to the beach. Along the way those with a watchful eye may spot a variety of Galapagos Finches or a Vermilion Fly Catcher. Once back at the beach you may have the chance to swim or snorkel time permitting. Sea turtles often lay their eggs in Playa Espumilla, so be careful where you step.
Bartolome, a lovely volcanic islet just off the east coast of Santiago Island. Few plant species can withstand the drought conditions that exist here, thus it is a volcanic moonscape of sooty lava flows where erosion has created graceful lines in the soft volcanic ash. Several gold-tinged beaches bordered by green mangroves add some color to this extremely unusual land.
Day 8
Mosquera Island / Baltra departure
Mosquera island is a great place for visitors to wander without the typical restrictions of the other Galapagos islands. It's ideal for snorkeling, strolling on the beach, and enjoying the animal life. Check out and board a bus, drive to the Baltra airport for a return flight to the Ecuador mainland to Quito or Guayaquil.