8 Days Western and Northern Galapagos Islands catamaran cruise - Cormorant II Catamaran

In the morning: Arrival at Baltra Airport

Take a morning flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra, Galapagos Islands. After immigration and baggage claim, a staff member from Cormorant II will welcome you and escort you onto a private bus to begin your Galapagos adventure. Your first excursion will occur before boarding the cruise, so make sure you're dressed comfortably, with good closed-toe shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunblock, sunglasses, and a camera ready.

In the afternoon: Santa Cruz Highlands

Travel by bus from Puerto Ayora to explore the lush green highlands of Santa Cruz, a stark contrast to the drier lowlands. Scalesia trees dominate the highland forests, and you’ll walk through fascinating lava tunnels. Lunch will be provided here.

Afterwards: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center

Visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora, where giant tortoises are bred in captivity. You’ll see tortoises of all sizes, from hatchlings to four-foot-long adults. The older tortoises often extend their heads for photos, while the young ones stay until they are strong enough to survive on their own.

In the morning: Tintoreras Islet

Head to Tintoreras Islet near Puerto Villamil, home to a wide variety of wildlife. The clear turquoise waters host white-tip reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, and sea lions. This area is one of the few places where marine iguanas can successfully reproduce.

Afterwards: Sierra Negra Volcano

Explore the Sierra Negra Volcano, which has the largest basaltic caldera in the Galapagos at 10 km wide. Enjoy impressive views and observe up to seven species of finches. The north side shows evidence of its most recent volcanic activity in 2005.

In the afternoon: Isabela Wetlands

Visit the Isabela Wetlands, located near Puerto Villamil, where you’ll find lagoons, mangroves, and swamps. These wetlands are home to bird species such as common stilts, white-cheeked pintails, and whimbrels. A path through the swamps allows for exploration on foot.

Afterwards: Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center

Visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, located 1.5 km from Puerto Villamil. This center houses tortoises bred in captivity from different regions of Isabela Island. You’ll see around 330 juvenile and adult tortoises.

In the morning: Moreno Point

Land at Moreno Point, located southwest of Elizabeth Bay, on a once-active lava flow. Craters formed by lava now hold crystal tide pools where you can observe marine life. In the brackish pools, pink flamingos, sea turtles, and reef sharks may be visible.

In the afternoon: Elizabeth Bay

Take a dinghy ride through the islets of Elizabeth Bay on the east coast of Isabela Island. Watch for penguins and blue-footed boobies on rocky outcrops, and enjoy snorkeling in the clear water with abundant marine life, including colorful fish and sea lions.

In the morning: Espinoza Point

Arrive at Espinoza Point, located on Fernandina Island, after crossing the Bolivar Channel. Walk past colonies of marine iguanas and sea lions to the flightless cormorant nesting site. You might also spot the Galapagos hawk in this area.

In the afternoon: Vicente Roca Point

Snorkel around Vicente Roca Point, where you may see sea turtles, seahorses, and the fascinating Mola mola (sunfish). This large bay offers excellent opportunities to observe sea life in its two separate coves.

In the morning: Egas Port

Visit Egas Port (James Bay) on Santiago Island. The trail will take you to tide pools and grottos, home to Galapagos fur seals. You may also spot Galapagos hawks and lava lizards. This is also an excellent site for snorkeling.

In the afternoon: Espumilla Beach

Relax on Espumilla Beach, where you can observe marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Snorkeling here offers the chance to encounter octopuses, moray eels, and various tropical fish.

Afterwards: Buccaneer Cove

Visit Buccaneer Cove on Santiago Island, a former hideout for British pirates. The dramatic cliffs and dark red sand beaches are home to hundreds of seabirds.

In the morning: Pinnacle Rock

Explore Bartholomew Island, home to the famous Pinnacle Rock. Climb the trail to the summit of the extinct volcano for breathtaking views. Snorkel near the beach and swim with Galapagos penguins.

In the afternoon: Sullivan Bay

Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, where the landscape is covered in lava flows. The unique geological formations, including small volcanoes formed by the flows, make this a fascinating place to explore.

In the morning: Chinese Hat Islet

Head to Chinese Hat Islet near Santiago Island, named for its distinctive shape. Explore geological formations like lava tunnels and underwater lava flows that have since been raised above sea level.

In the afternoon: Dragon Hill

Visit Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island, one of the newest visitor sites. Hike the trail to the lagoon lookout to spot flamingos, pintail ducks, and land iguanas.

In the morning: North Seymour

Visit North Seymour Island, where you may encounter sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and magnificent frigatebirds. The island was uplifted by tectonic activity, and its arid landscape is home to a variety of wildlife.

Afterwards: Baltra Airport Departure

Conclude your adventure with a transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to the mainland.