Galapagos Cruise - Alta

The Galapagos Islands are considered one of the most spectacular and pristine National Parks in the world. Visitors delight in the abundant, unusual, and surprisingly approachable wildlife--from Galapagos giant tortoises to playful sea lions to the fascinating Blue-footed Boobies.

This trip may be booked as a package, as seen below, or cruise only starting on Day 3 and ending on Day 10.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Quito

Deluxe Hotel or Premium Upgrade Hotel
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Quito.

Day 2: Quito

Deluxe Hotel or Premium Upgrade Hotel
Today is at your leisure. A variety of day tours are available for purchase. Overnight in Quito.

Day 3: San Cristobal Island / Embark - Cruise Only Starts

Upon to San Cristobal airport, your guides meet and escort you to the Galapagos National Park Visitor Center. Opened to the Public in 1998, the Galapagos National Park Visitor Center presents a complete and documented history of the Galapagos, its ecosystems, flora and fauna. Following the Visitor Center, you are transferred to the dock where motorized rafts called Â?PangasÂ? transport you to your ship for embarkation. After a briefing and a light lunch you will visit your first site, Playa Ochoa, a great beach with a colony of sea lions.

Day 4: Genovesa Island

Genovesa is one of the most fantastic islands because of its animals, its landscape, its remoteness and its unspoiled nature. At Prince PhilipÂ?s Steps, climb to a plateau that is part of the stretch of land that surrounds Darwin Bay on its eastern side. Here, observe Masked boobies, Red-Footed boobies, and thousands of storm petrels. Snorkeling can be done at the beach or alongside the cliffs.

Darwin Bay Beach is filled with frigate birds and their bustling activity. Along the trail are pairs of Swallow-tailed Gulls, the only nocturnal gulls in the world and Red-footed Boobies, with their contrasting red feet and blue bills.

Day 5: Isabela Island / Fernandina Island

Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago, is composed of six shield volcanoes that have merged into a single land mass. On the way to Tagus Cove, the boat will sail through Bolivar Channel. These are very productive waters and whales and dolphins are often seen here. At Tagus Cove, the nature trail offers spectacular views of Darwin Lake, and at the highest point, it is possible to observe the different vegetation zones, Darwin and Wolf Volcanoes, and Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants and pelicans.

Fernandina is the youngest and westernmost island in the Galapagos. Punta Espinosa is a narrow stretch of land where some of the most unique Galapagos species can be seen. Here, you will likely see penguins, Sally Lightfoot crabs, herons, sandpipers, and very large groups of Marine iguanas. This is one of the few places where you can watch iguanas feed underwater.

Day 6: Isabela Island

Urbina Bay is very interesting in that it is a perfect example of the geological activity of the islands. In 1954 over 3 miles of the marine reef at the edge of the shore were uplifted by 13 feet.

Located at the Â?mouthÂ? of the head of the sea horse, which forms the northern part of the islands, is Punta Vicente Roca. Here, the remnants of an ancient volcano form two turquoise coves with a bay well protected from the ocean swells. The spot is a popular anchorage from which to take panga rides along the cliff or explore a partially sunken cave at the waterÂ?s edge. Keep an eye out for Masked and Blue-footed Boobies and flightless cormorants.

Day 7: Bartolome Island / Santiago Island

Bartolome is famous for its Pinnacle Rock, which is the most representative landmark of the Galapagos. Galapagos penguins are usually found at the base of the rock. It is possible to climb to the highest point of Bartolome. Resembling the moon, the site is like a museum of volcanology, an eruption site left untouched after the explosion.

On the northwestern side of Santiago Island is South James Bay (Puerto Egas). The trail crosses the dry interior, where the remains of a salt-mining enterprise can still be seen and then continues along the coast. Inter-tidal pools are home to a variety of invertebrate organisms.

Day 8: Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galapagos, and the small town of Puerto Ayora is the economic center of the archipelago. Six different zones of vegetation can be seen here. The Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park offices are based on the island. Scientists, park rangers and park managers make huge efforts to preserve and protect the Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Station is also a tortoise breeding and rearing center, where tortoises of different subspecies are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats.

The lush greenery of the Santa Cruz Highlands is a definite contrast with the arid scenery of the smaller, lower islands. A point of interest is the famed lava tunnels, followed by a visit to the Twin Craters.

Day 9: Espanola Island

Espanola Island is the southernmost island of the archipelago and, due to its isolation, has a high proportion of endemic fauna. Gardner Bay offers some beach time with the extroverted mockingbirds.

Punta Suarez is one of the most popular and attractive visits of the Galapagos. The quantity and variety of wildlife at this site is remarkable. Encounter young sea lions, iguanas, and further inland, Masked and Blue-foot Boobies. The trail continues toward the cliffs and the blowhole, a fissure in the lava where water spurts high in the air like a geyser.

Day 10: Baltra Island / Disembark / Quito - Cruise Only Ends

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Disembark at Baltra Island and transfer by bus to the airport for your flight back to the mainland. This afternoon is at your leisure. Overnight in Quito.

Day 11: Quito / Home

This morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.