Galapagos: Extended Central Adventure - Galaxy Orion Yacht

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, your naturalist guide will greet you and begin your journey with a visit to Bachas Beach. This stretch of soft white sand on Santa Cruz Island was used by American troops during WWII. Remnants of old barges are still visible at low tide. The beach is now a vital nesting site for sea turtles between November and May, and nearby lagoons attract flamingos, herons, and other aquatic birds. It's the perfect serene introduction to the Galapagos’ unique environment and a prelude to the adventures ahead.

Begin your morning at Bartolome Island, famed for its panoramic views over Pinnacle Rock and Sullivan Bay. The lunar-like landscape, sculpted by volcanic activity, contrasts beautifully with the marine life found below. Snorkeling here offers the chance to swim with penguins, sea turtles, reef sharks, and a myriad of fish. In the afternoon, land at Sullivan Bay, walking across an expansive Pahoehoe lava field that tells the story of the island's fiery origins. A snorkeling session reveals vibrant marine ecosystems teeming with colorful fish, penguins, and rays.

Your day begins at South Plazas Island, where vibrant Sesuvium plants carpet the ground and giant cacti tower overhead. Watch land iguanas roam beneath the cacti while seabirds soar along the cliffs. Then head to Santa Fe Island, known for its calm turquoise bay and forests of massive prickly pear cacti. Here you’ll find the endemic Santa Fe land iguana. After a hike, snorkel in the bay's crystal waters, sharing the waves with sea turtles, rays, and colorful fish. It’s a day filled with terrestrial and marine wonders.

At Witch Hill on San Cristobal Island, stroll along a brilliant white sand beach, watch sea lions bask, and snorkel among vibrant reef life. The crystalline waters and dramatic backdrops make it one of the most beautiful locations in Galapagos. In the afternoon, visit Pitt Point, one of the few places where all three booby species (blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca) coexist. A hike up steep trails rewards with spectacular views and birdwatching opportunities. Afterward, snorkeling offers close encounters with a rich variety of marine creatures.

The day starts in San Cristobal’s highlands, where lush greenery houses giant tortoises and endemic bird species. Walking the trails, you'll witness the diverse ecosystems that thrive at higher elevations. In the afternoon, head to Lobos Island, a small paradise famous for its sea lion colonies. Explore the island’s trails where blue-footed boobies nest, then snorkel in calm waters alongside playful sea lions, rays, and turtles. It's a full day connecting land and sea, offering an incredible range of wildlife experiences.

At Suarez Point on Española Island, step into one of Galapagos’ richest wildlife hotspots. Follow rugged trails where waved albatrosses, Nazca boobies, and marine iguanas are everywhere. Watch dramatic courtship dances, sea lion colonies, and the awe-inspiring cliffs teeming with birdlife. In the afternoon, visit Gardner Bay, a beautiful white-sand beach dotted with sea lions. Snorkel off the coast among playful sea lions, colorful fish, and reef sharks, all while basking in the natural beauty of this untouched paradise.

Explore Floreana Island’s Post Office Bay, where sailors left mail over 200 years ago — a tradition that continues today. Walk the historic beach and snorkel offshore among turtles, rays, and tropical fish. In the afternoon, visit Cormorant Point’s flamingo lagoon and nearby olive-green sand beach, a critical nesting site for green sea turtles. Snorkeling here reveals yet another vibrant underwater world filled with marine life, rounding off a day rich in both history and nature.

Conclude your journey with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. Learn about ongoing conservation efforts, breeding programs for giant tortoises, and the fight against invasive species. Walk through a landscape dominated by towering cacti and spot endemic birds like Darwin’s finches and flycatchers. This visit provides a meaningful reflection on the importance of preserving these extraordinary islands before your transfer to the airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador.