Galapagos Santa Cruz
ITINERARY DAY BY DAY
8 days / 7 nights
Monday to Monday
Day 6
Gardner Bay / Punta Suarez (Espanola Island)
Gardner Bay (wet landing) for a short walk along the whitest coral beach you can possibly imagine. As you walk along the sand, the many tractor-like marks is evidence of sea turtle nesting. There is much to do here, and you can observe the sea lions’ behavior, mockingbirds, finches, enjoy the beach, snorkel, or ride the glass-bottom boat around nearby islets. Rewarding snorkeling at these locations.
At Punta Suarez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca (masked boobies), and the famous blowhole. Great hike for observing blue-footed boobies, swallowtail gulls, the Hood island mockingbird, red-green-black marine iguanas, and of course a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. For those planning not to walk the entire trail, there will be a dinghy ride arranged along the coastline of Punta Suarez, followed by a very short walk under easy walking conditions.
Day 7
Urbina Bay (Isabela Island) / Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
Urbina Bay went through a volcanic uplifting event back in 1954 leaving gaunt marine skeletons, which make the walk remarkably interesting, specially for understanding island colonization. This area is also home to large and very colorful Galapagos land iguanas, and the famous giant tortoises from the population of Alcedo Volcano. Swimming and snorkeling will depend on local sea conditions. Back on board for lunch. As you sail along the Bolivar Channel, astonishing views of the Galapagos ’ youngest volcanoes can be seen. The nutrient-rich waters of the west can also bring surprises like encountering sea birds feeding, dolphins, and possibly whales.
In the youngest island, Fernandina, a dinghy ride to observe Galapagos penguins, as well as flightless cormorants and then disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their island habitat with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, and hawks. Lava terrain calls for good walking shoes. Snorkeling at this location depends on local sea conditions, and will be announced by the Expedition Staff. Farewell briefing and dinner.
Day 8
South Plazas Island / Baltra Island
South Plaza is one of the smallest islands visited, here there is a large colony of sea lions, numbering about 1,000 bulls, cows and pups, occupying the smooth rocks. The small cactus forest is populated by land iguanas, which can be seen sunning themselves or feeding on Opuntia pads and fruits.
Along the cliff edges nesting swallow-tailed gulls are the predominant seabirds, along with tropicbirds and shearwaters. Generally between the months of January to June, the dormant ground cover undergoes a drastic change; the red Sesuvium turns bright green and the leafless evening-blooming Portulaca bursts into large yellow flowers relished by the iguanas. Transfer to the Baltra Island airport and return to the mainland.