8 Day Galapagos Itinerary
Day 1: Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island: Turtle Cove
Arrive at Baltra airport
Santa Cruz Island
The largest of the central islands, Santa Cruz is home to many tourist visitor sights and the largest human settlement, Puerto Ayora.
Turtle Cove
Turtle Cove is a red mangrove lagoon on Santa Cruz and a perfect example of how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat. You will have the opportunity to see sea turtles, rays, sharks, and sea birds.
Day 2: Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay & El Barraco
Genovesa Island
Genovesa is an eroded flat volcanic island, with a natural harbor, which is the submerged caldera of this volcanic island.
Darwin Bay
The steep cliffs of this area dominate the island. This area is home to thousands of frigate birds, red-footed boobies, Noddy terns, lava gulls, tropicbirds, doves, storm petrels and Darwin's finches.
El Barranco
There is a good possibility of seeing the unique "Short eared owl” at this site. During the dinghy rides along the cliffs fur seals and several species of seabirds can be spotted.
Day 3: Bartolome Island & Chinese Hat
Bartolome Island
A hike will take you to the highest point on Bartolome for a spectacular view. Sea lions and penguins can be seen around Pinnacle Rock. There is a sandy beach with great swimming and snorkeling.
Chinese Hat
Sombrero Chino is a small volcanic island just off the southeast tip of Santiago. The name of the island describes the shape of the island. Fauna includes Sea lions, marine iguanas, and the Galapagos penguin.
Day 4: Rabida Island & Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill
Rábida Island
Rábida is a small island with a dark red coral sand beach. Highlights include the lagoon with flamingoes, pelican nesting site, sea lion bachelor colony, and a snorkeling site at the end of the beach.
Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill
Dragon Hill is located in the northwestern side of Santa Cruz Island. Some highlights include small lagoons with flamingos, Palo Santo trees, and Opuntia cactus.
Day 5: Santa Cruz Islands: Highlands & Charles Darwin Station
Santa Cruz Island
Highlands of Santa Cruz
Galapagos giant tortoises can be seen in the wild in the highlands of Santa Cruz.
Charles Darwin Station
Visit the Charles Darwin Station which is a research facility and the National Park Information center. The Charles Darwin Station has a giant tortoise and land iguana breeding program and interpretation center.
Day 6: South Plaza Island & Santa Fe Island
South Plaza Island
Plazas consists of two very small islands that were uplifted from the sea, separated by a channel. Only South Plazas has a visitor site. The highlights include tall Opuntia cactus, land and marine iguanas, rocky cliff that looks out towards open ocean which is also a nesting site for red-billed tropic birds and gulls, and a seal lion bachelor colony.
Santa Fe Island
Santa Fe is a smaller island of 24 km2. The visitor site Santa Fe is located on the northeast end of the island. Highlights include Santa Fe land iguanas, pelican nesting site, sea lion colony, mockingbird, and Palo Santo trees.
Day 7: Española Island: Gardner Bay & Punta Suarez
Española Island
Española is the oldest of the Southern Islands and is the southernmost in the archipelago. Because of its remote location a unique range of endemic species evolved here.
Gardner Bay
Located on the northeast of the island, the site has a long and beautiful white sand beach inhabited by sea lion colonies.
Islote Garnder and Islote Osborn
These islets are snorkeling sites where visitors will see an abundance of tropical fish, reef sharks, and turtles.
Punta Suarez
The wildlife at Punta Suarez is plentiful and varied. Along the cliff visitors can enjoy the blowhole where seawater is forced about 20m into the air. The highlights are the Waved albatross (April-Dec) that are only found on Hood, Galapagos Hawks, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and Española lava lizards.
Day 8: Santa Cruz Island: Twin Craters & Departure
Santa Cruz Island
Twin Craters (Los Gemelos)
Surrounded by the endemic Scalecia trees, these two sunken craters are known as the twins. They are naturally beautiful and home to yellow warblers and finches.
Baltra
Return flight to Quito or Guayaquil
Itinerary Map
8 Day Galapagos Itinerary Includes
- Accommodation (sharing double cabins)
- Meals
- Excursions led by professional Naturalist guide
- Use of snorkel equipment
- Short wetsuit
- Use of kayaks
- All transport between visitor sites and yacht
- Tea, coffee, water and natural juices
8 Day Galapagos Itinerary Does not Include
- Air tickets to and from the Galapagos. Tickets have to be bought with Enchanted Expeditions - US$50 dollars net surcharge per pax if not
- National Park fees (US$100)
- Long wetsuits. Available for rent on board (US$60 per pax per week)
- Transit Control Card (US$20)
- Alcoholic and bottled beverages on board
8 Day Galapagos Itinerary Highlights
- A fantastic ride along the Mangroves of Black Turtle Cove
- Masked & Red-Footed Boobies, Hawks and more at must-visit Genovesa Islands.
- See endemic Penguins and walk up to Pinnacle Rock when visiting Bartolome.
- See different Darwin’s Finch species at Rabida Island.
- Visit Santa Cruz Highlands and Turtle Breeding Center.
- Enjoy a pleasant night sleep in your luxurious Suite even when sailing.
- Spot Hawks, Frigate Birds, Sea lions and more at Santa Fe and South Plaza.
Meals Included
- Breakfast Served Daily
- 7 Dinners
- 8 Lunches
