5 Days Cruise Naturalist - Calipso Yacht - Galapagos

You'll touch down at San Cristobal Island in the AM. Upon completing immigration and collecting your luggage, a Calipso team member will be waiting to escort you to the yacht. Once aboard, you'll settle into your cabin before enjoying lunch and a welcome briefing.

PM: Witch Hill

Situated along the northern coastline, Witch Hill boasts one of the Galapagos' most picturesque beaches, characterized by its pristine white sands and abundant wildlife. Here, you can spot sea turtles, rays, and various species of booby birds. The crystal-clear waters offer ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.

Your morning adventure will take you to Bartholomew Island, renowned for the iconic Pinnacle Rock. Bartholomew showcases the remnants of an ancient volcano, adorned with a diverse array of volcanic formations in hues of red, orange, black, and even green. Embark on a stairway trail leading to the volcano's summit, offering unparalleled vistas of the surrounding islands. Following this ascent, you'll discover a quaint, picturesque beach nestled amidst the island's sparse vegetation. This idyllic spot is perfect for snorkeling, where you might have the chance to encounter and swim alongside Galapagos penguins.

PM: Exploration of Egas Port

Egas Port, also recognized as James Bay, situated on Santiago Island, is inhabited by the inquisitive Galapagos hawks and nimble Galapagos lava lizards. Traverse a trail leading to the shoreline, adorned with captivating tide pools and enchanting grottos teeming with wildlife. Here, bask in the sight of Galapagos fur seals soaking up the sun. This locale also presents a fantastic opportunity for snorkeling.

Embark on a journey to Espinoza Point by crossing the Bolivar Channel, which separates Isabela and Fernandina Islands. Upon arrival, you'll encounter a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions before reaching the highlight of the island: the nesting site of the flightless cormorant. This area also offers excellent opportunities to spot the majestic Galapagos hawk.

PM: Discovery at Tagus Cove

Your afternoon adventure takes you to Tagus Cove on Isabela Island, situated across from Fernandina Island near the Bolivar Channel. This historic site has served as an anchorage for ships since the 1800s. Follow trails winding past Lake Darwin up to a ridge, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Set at the foot of Alcedo Volcano on the western coast, Urbina Bay lies between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. In 1954, a significant uplift occurred in this area, causing the land to rise over 16 feet and expanding the coastline by half a mile. This geological event left marine life stranded on the newly formed shore, making Urbina Bay a fascinating site for snorkeling.

PM: Discovery at Moreno Point

Located southwest of Elizabeth Bay, Moreno Point offers a unique landscape formed by ancient lava flows. Here, you can disembark onto the hardened lava, which has left behind craters that now host crystal-clear tide pools. Peering into these pools offers a glimpse into another world, where marine life gracefully drifts by. Keep an eye out for pink flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, and common gallinules inhabiting the brackish pools. If you're observant, you may also spot white-tip reef sharks and sea turtles swimming within the pools.

North Seymour offers sightings of Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and magnificent frigatebirds, all abundant on this island. Its formation occurred through a series of submarine lava flows layered with sediment, subsequently uplifted by tectonic forces. The island is distinguished by its arid vegetation zone.

PM: Departure from Baltra Airport

Following this concluding excursion, you'll be transported to Baltra Airport, ensuring you reach there in time for your return flight to the mainland.