Thursday: Arrival / Baltra
South Plaza
AM: Santa Fe
PM: Cerro Colorado
After lunch, we disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Galapagos’ capital; take a 45-minute drive to the southern shore. At Cerro Colorado, we visit the breeding center for highly endangered Giant Tortoises in the midst of a fantastic deciduous forest, home to dozens of bird species, including the San Cristobal mockingbird, and the San Cristobal lava lizard.
AM: Pitt Point
Landing at the eastern part of San Cristobal Island, the trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline; we can observe frigate birds and a colony of juvenile sea lions. After the walk, if conditions are favorable, there is a chance to swim from the beach and snorkel.
PM: Witch Hill
In the afternoon, a relaxing dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers takes us to Cerro Brujo’s expansive, white coral beach, great for walking, with rewarding bird-watching featuring seabirds and shore birds. Also, look out for Galapagos sea lions. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835
AM: Suarez Point
PM: Gardner Bay
In the afternoon, we set down at this beautiful, white coral beach for a short walk to observe the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches, or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkeling in this area, or else there’s time to kayak or ride the glass-bottom boat.
AM: Baltra