7-day Wildlife & Excursion in Galapagos - Hermes Catamaran

Upon arrival at San Cristóbal Island Airport (SCY), you will meet your naturalist guide and transfer to the Puerto Baquerizo Moreno pier to board the yacht. In the afternoon, visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Center, where exhibits introduce the volcanic and natural history of the archipelago as well as its delicate ecosystem and conservation efforts. Later, hike to Tijeretas Hill for panoramic coastal views that include Kicker Rock and the ship anchorage below. The area provides opportunities to observe frigatebirds soaring and nesting. Below the hill, a quiet cove offers the chance to swim alongside playful sea lions and colorful fish, completing the first day of exploration.

Begin the morning with a dry landing at Gardner Bay on Española Island. Its long white beach is composed of pulverized coral and is home to large colonies of sea lions. Spend time walking and relaxing along the shore while observing the animals and their social interactions. The calm, crystalline water also provides an opportunity to swim or snorkel directly from the beach, discovering colorful marine life and potentially seeing groups of sharks resting on the sandy bottom. In the afternoon, make a dry landing at Suarez Point and follow a two-mile (3.2 km) circular trail along dramatic lava cliffs. Wildlife observations include the red-and-green “Christmas Iguanas,” Nazca Boobies, Blue-footed Boobies, and Waved Albatrosses with their courtship behavior. The excursion concludes at the blowhole, where high tides send water dramatically into the air.

Start with a wet landing at Cormorant Point, where the landscape contrasts a green-sand beach colored by microscopic olivine crystals with the white coral sands of “Flour Sand Beach,” a nesting ground for Pacific Green Sea Turtles. Follow the inland trail to a brackish lagoon and look for Greater Flamingos, White-cheeked Pintails, and Black-necked Stilts. Snorkeling just offshore offers opportunities to encounter sea lions and possibly a sea turtle. In the afternoon, make a wet landing at Post Office Bay and discover the wooden barrel that has functioned as an unofficial postal service since the 18th century. Participate in the tradition by checking postcards for mail addressed near your home and, if you find one, delivering it by hand. Finish with a panga ride along the coast to observe the historic anchoring area, sea lions, and marine birds.

The morning focuses on conservation and science at the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. Walk through breeding and rearing facilities and learn about efforts to rescue and reintroduce endangered species, particularly Galapagos Giant Tortoises. The captive breeding program provides the opportunity to see tortoises ranging from small hatchlings to adults while gaining insight into conservation challenges and achievements. In the afternoon, travel inland to the lush Santa Cruz Highlands, where the environment changes noticeably as you ascend into the wet zone. At a private reserve, observe Galapagos Giant Tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat as they graze, rest, and bathe in the mud. The visit also explores the island’s volcanic history through lava tunnels and large craters formed by the collapse of volcanic chambers.

Begin at Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island with a dry landing followed by a hike through several coastal zones. Pass a brackish lagoon while looking for Greater Flamingos and other wading birds, then continue toward the dry forest to observe reintroduced Galapagos Land Iguanas roaming freely. Higher points along the route provide views of the anchorage and surrounding islands. In the afternoon, visit Chinese Hat Islet. Following a wet landing, take a short circular walk through its distinctive volcanic setting, observing marine iguanas resting on dark lava and looking for Galapagos penguins around the rocks and nearby water. The visit continues with snorkeling in the turquoise channel between Chinese Hat and Santiago Island, where encounters may include sea lions, tropical fish, and white-tipped reef sharks amid the submerged volcanic landscape.

Spend the morning at Prince Philip’s Steps on Genovesa Island. Climb the steep rocky path carved into the cliff to reach a flat plateau and follow a circular trail through an extensive nesting area. Red-footed Boobies nest in low Palo Santo trees, while Nazca Boobies and Storm Petrels can also be observed around the lava fields. A dinghy ride along the caldera cliffs adds another perspective on the island and its marine environment. Snorkeling takes place in deep water beside the Genovesa cliffs, with opportunities to look for Eagle Rays, sharks, large schools of pelagic fish, and diving Red-footed and Nazca Boobies. In the afternoon, make a wet landing at crescent-shaped Darwin Bay and walk a coastal trail through nesting colonies of Red-footed and Nazca Boobies. Swallow-tailed Gulls and Darwin’s Finches may also be seen. Finish with swimming or snorkeling in the sheltered bay, looking for sea lions and colorful reef fish.

The final morning takes you into the mangroves of Black Turtle Cove, a secluded inlet explored exclusively by panga. The quiet excursion provides an opportunity for non-invasive observation of the area’s marine nursery life as you glide through calm, shallow waters. Wildlife mentioned for this site includes juvenile Whitetip Reef Sharks, rays, and young sea turtles sheltering among the mangroves. After completing this peaceful final Galapagos experience, return to the yacht. The vessel then navigates to North Seymour Pier, where you will transfer by van to Baltra Airport, marking the conclusion of the 7-day/6-night Hermes Galapagos Mega Catamaran itinerary.