Galapagos Islands Cruise – Yacht Golondrina Experience 8 Days

AM

Departure from Guayaquil to Galapagos (1 ½ hours of flight time).

BALTRA ISLAND: The main airport of the Galapagos Islands is located on this island. It was a strategic place in the archipelago during the Second World War. Upon arrival, our bilingual guide will assist you. Transfer to the yacht. Welcome and information session.

PM – After lunch

BACHAS BEACH: Wet landing. This beach, located on the north coast of Santa Cruz, is one of the main nesting sites for sea turtles. Its crystal clear waters invite you to swim and relax. Return to the yacht. Dinner and informative talk for the next day.

A.M

THE BARRANCO: Also known as Escalera del Príncipe, this ravine is made up of rocky and steep paths that lead to a high cliff where you can enjoy an incredible view. It is also home to vegetation such as Palo Santo and you can observe countless birds such as Galapagos swallows, red-footed boobies and Galapagos pigeons. Hiking: 2 km, dry landing. Lunch on board.

P.M

DARWIN BAY: This enormous bay predominates on the island and, like La Escalera del Príncipe, is home to large colonies of frigate birds and a great variety of seabirds. Informative talk and dinner on board.

A.M

BARTOLOMÉ: This island is known for its lava formations and cinder cones. We climbed a wooden staircase for 30 to 40 minutes (Walk to the top of the 114 meter volcano, 375 wooden steps). Upon arrival you can admire a wide and beautiful view of the nearest bays. Its famous Pinnacle Rock, which consists of an extinct volcano with volcanic formations in red, green, orange and black, is one of the main tourist attractions of the island. Time for snorkeling and spotting the Galapagos penguin. Hiking: 2 km. Dry and wet landing.

P.M

SANTIAGO (SULLIVAN BAY): In this bay you can swim and dive with seals and penguins. The landing is done on a beautiful white sand beach where you can see lava formations. Wet landing. Informative talk and dinner on board.

A.M

PLAZAS ISLAND: This small island, covered by Opuntia cacti and cliffs, was formed as a result of volcanic eruptions. It is home to one of the largest colonies of sea lions, as well as colorful red and yellow land iguanas. Many species of birds, such as seagulls, rest on the cliffs. Sesuvium is the most characteristic plant. This plant goes from a greenish to yellowish tone in the rainy season and, during the dry season (end of January to June), it takes on a bright red color. Walk: 2 ½ km. Dry landing. Lunch on board.

P.M

SANTA FE: On this island you can see colonies of sea lions, fork-tailed gulls, land iguanas, petrels and terns. A trail leads to the heart of the island, where you will find a forest of giant cacti and Palo Santo trees. At the end of the visit, you can dive and swim in its beautiful turquoise waters. Wet landing. Briefing and dinner on board.

A.M

SLEEPING LION: This giant rock, the product of a volcanic eruption and divided in two by a narrow channel, is home to many seabirds. Small boats are allowed through and it is perfect for snorkeling and diving. It is not disembarked.

CERRO BRUJO: This area is located on the north coast of San Cristóbal Island. It is eroded and has one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos Islands. Its main attraction is the coral sand beach and it is home to sea turtles, rays and various types of boobies. Lunch on board.

P.M

LOBOS ISLAND: This island is home to the most important colony of sea lions and blue-footed boobies. It is full of the most beautiful landscapes and is perfect for diving. Return to the yacht. Dinner and informative talk for the next day.

A.M

PUNTA SUAREZ: Home to masked boobies, colonies of marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, incredible albatrosses (April to June), Galapagos pigeons, Darwin's finches and sea lions. Its most impressive natural attraction is “the Blower”, which can be observed when the waves crash on the shore and the water rises forcefully into the air. Walk: 3 km. Dry landing. Lunch on board

P.M

GARDNER BAY: This bay is located on the eastern side of the island of Española, and is the breeding place for almost all of the world's 12,000 pairs of Galapagos albatrosses. The boat ride to get to the site takes approximately 45 minutes. The beach is white sand where sea lions rest. Excellent snorkeling possibilities. Wet landing.

GARDNER ISLET: This area is perfect for observing finches, sea lions and sea turtles.

A.M
PUNTA CORMORANT: At this site there is a large lagoon of flamingos and other birds such as white-cheeked tiers. Its other great attraction is the Green Beach, which takes on this color due to its olivine crystals. On the other side of the island we find a beach of very fine white sand where, between December and May, sea turtles nest. Walk: 2 km. Wet landing.
DEVIL'S CROWN: This volcanic crater has been eroded by the impact of waves in the north and south. The coral formations and schools of multicolored fish, sea turtles and sharks make it ideal for divers to appreciate the underwater landscape. There is no disembarkation.
P.M
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND CHARLES DARWIN STATION: This research station is part of the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands, an international non-profit organization dedicated to scientific research in the Galapagos Islands since 1959. This visit offers very interesting information about the Islands, their origin and their formation.

A.M

NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND:

This island is known for its large number of colonies of frigate birds, fork-tailed gulls, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and sea lions. It has arid zone vegetation, the Palo Santo being the most notable tree species.

After this visit, transfer to Baltra airport to take the return flight to Guayaquil / Quito.