Galapagos Santa Cruz
ITINERARY DAY BY DAY
8 days / 7 nights
Monday to Monday
Day 1
Baltra Island / Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island)
Arrival to Baltra Island and immediate transfer by bus to the dock to board the M/V Santa Cruz. The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts Dragon Hill. A dinghy ride among mangrove-lined islets allows the observation of the dramatic landscape and coastline, an area of amazing past volcanic activity. While exploring the nearby waters, various types of birds can be seen, such as boobies, frigates, pelicans.
Day 2
Bartolome Island / Puerto Egas (Santiago Island)
Disembark at Bartolome Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. Great way to start the day. This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase; the view from the top is worth the effort. Panga ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, time to enjoy the beach and snorkeling.
Puerto Egas is a great location to see particularly shore birds, while land birds can be observed a little more inland. The pitch black shores are great places for watching sea birds and their foraging duties.
Day 3
Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island) / North Seymour
Early morning entrance into Darwin Bay. Wet landing at a small white-coralline beach for an easy stroll observing hundreds of birds, mainly Great frigate birds, red footed and Nazca boobies, lava gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds.
Throughout the morning you will carefully observe how local conditions unfold, in order to choose the best option for you afternoon program. Therefore, you will either navigate towards North Seymour.
Day 4
Santa Fe Island / Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island)
Visit to Santa Fe Island. This island, according to the latest geological studies, shows the islands’ oldest rocks. The small bay on Santa Fe's northern coast provides one of the most picturesque harbors within the archipelago. A large sea lion colony inhabits most of the surrounding landing site.
A stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora will allow you to see how Galapagueños live in this magical paradise. In the afternoon drive up to the lush highlands, including the Scalesia (an endemic giant daisy tree) forest and the twin pit craters Los Gemelos. The trip to the highlands includes the islands’ most-famous reptile: the giant tortoises in their wild habitat.
Day 5
Kicker Rock / Isla Lobos (San Cristobal Island)
"Leon Dormido" also known as Kicker Rock is a magnificent rock in the middle of the sea. Rising 500 feet strait from the ocean, this giant uplifted rock has the shape of a sleeping lion.
It has a split with towering vertical walls on either side, forming a narrow channel through which small vessels can navigate
Isla Lobos (Sea-Lion Island) is located North of San Cristobal, 1 hour across a small channel. It is also a nesting place for blue-footed boobies and a good place for snorkeling; an early panga ride will be offer. There are several young sea lions on this island which are cute and curious.