High-class Western Islands Motor-Vessel Trip
Thursday: Arrival / Baltra
PM: Dragon Hill
AM: Vicente Roca Point
PM: Espinoza Point
AM: Charles Darwin Station
In the morning, guests disembark (dry landing) in Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. The Station consists of a giant tortoise Breeding Center and an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest that is home to many land birds. The Station also serves as the headquarters for scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Following this visit, guests will board a private transport to head up and enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, which is an entirely different ecosystem.
PM: Santa Cruz Highlands
Guests will have several options to choose from in the afternoon, these of which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition Leader. At the end of the afternoon’s activities, guests will return to Puerto Ayora and hop aboard the Santa Cruz II.
AM: Baroneses Lookout & Post Office Bay
In the morning, dinghy ride along the maze of channels on Floreana’s north shore can be enjoyed. Afterwards, guests will get to experience Baroness Cove with its breathtaking views. Later on, land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over 200 years; guests will be invited to leave their own postcard. Snorkeling activities are offered right off the beach. Afterwards, guests will head back aboard for lunch.
PM: Champion Islet & Cormorant Point
In the afternoon, hop aboard the dinghies (for snorkeling) or the glass-bottom boat to explore the underwater wonders around Champion Islet – an extinct shield volcano that’s regarded as one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago. From there, it’s onwards to Cormorant Point, beginning with a wet landing on an olivine-crystal beach for a leisurely walk that includes a brackish-water lagoon where bird species such as American flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and other birds tend to gather. After this, guests will continue their walk over to a white-sand beach, where sea turtles emerge from the sea at night to nest (from December to May).
In the morning, your journey ends with transfer to airport for flight back to Mainland.
Highlights
- Enjoy the comfort and luxury of your incredible vessel and its ample social areas
- Enjoy excursions on small groups to get the best out of each location with your experienced and friendly guide
- Amazing hiking and snorkeling at Egas Port
- Great variety of wildlife at Punta Espinoza, including endemic Penguins, Marine Iguanas and the Flightless Cormorant
