Naturalist Itinerary - Galaxy Diver II Yacht - Galapagos Cruise

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, the crew welcomes you and transfers you to the Galaxy Diver yacht. After settling in, visit Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island. Named after World War II barges, the beach features white sands and remains of the old barges visible at low tide. The area is an important nesting site for sea turtles and is home to lagoons where flamingos, herons, lava gulls, and other aquatic birds are often seen. This peaceful beach offers an ideal first glimpse into the Galapagos' incredible wildlife and volcanic beauty.

The day begins at Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, where you walk across striking Pahoehoe lava fields that seem frozen in time. Despite the barren look, life thrives with pioneer plants, lava lizards, and small birds. Later, dive into the ocean to snorkel among colorful fish, penguins, reef sharks, and turtles. In the afternoon, explore Rabida Island, known for its vivid red sands and a large colony of sea lions. Trails lead to a saltwater lagoon frequented by flamingos and a cliffside teeming with Nazca and blue-footed boobies. Snorkel again in a rocky underwater landscape rich with fish and invertebrates.

Land at Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island, home to the largest colony of marine iguanas, playful sea lions, and flightless cormorants. Rich plankton waters bring abundant wildlife, including herons and Galapagos hawks. Snorkel here alongside marine iguanas and vibrant reef life. In the afternoon, explore Tagus Cove on Isabela Island. A trail through dry forest reveals Darwin’s Lake and views of volcanic landscapes. Look for penguins, cormorants, and the rare Galapagos martin. Snorkeling here provides encounters with sea turtles, penguins, and cormorants darting through the reefs in pursuit of anchovies.

Discover Urbina Bay, a site uplifted by tectonic forces in the 1950s, exposing once-submerged coral beds. On land, spot land iguanas and, seasonally, giant tortoises. In the surrounding waters, snorkel with sea turtles, cormorants, and abundant reef fish. In the afternoon, explore Elizabeth Bay by panga (small boat), navigating through mangroves where penguins, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, rays, and sea turtles thrive. With no trails, this panga ride offers an intimate glimpse into untouched marine ecosystems.

Morning takes you to Tintoreras, a small islet near Puerto Villamil, full of marine life. Observe colonies of marine iguanas, sea lions, rays, reef sharks, and sea turtles in the shallow waters. Birds like herons and gulls are common, and a few Galapagos penguins may be spotted. In the afternoon, walk the Isabela Wetlands, a network of lagoons and mangrove channels teeming with flamingos, pintails, gallinules, and shorebirds. The trail leads to the Tortoise Breeding Center, offering a glimpse of conservation efforts to protect endemic species.

Visit historic Post Office Bay on Floreana Island, where 19th-century sailors left letters in a barrel—a tradition that continues today. Spot sea lions, sea turtles, and possibly penguins during a dinghy tour or snorkeling session. In the afternoon, visit Cormorant Point, where a large lagoon is home to flamingos and shorebirds. Nearby, the white-sand beach serves as a nesting site for green sea turtles. Keep an eye out for rays and reef sharks in the shallows and for blue-footed boobies nesting along the trail.

This morning, visit the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island, home to wild Galapagos giant tortoises and diverse birdlife like Darwin finches and flycatchers. Explore a natural lava tunnel formed by ancient volcanic activity. In the afternoon, tour the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, learning about conservation efforts and the history of giant tortoise breeding programs, surrounded by native dry forest.

On your final morning, explore Seymour Island, known for its vibrant colonies of magnificent frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, and land iguanas. Watch for marine iguanas and sea lions along the shore. After the visit, transfer back to Baltra Airport for your flight to mainland Ecuador, taking unforgettable memories of the Galapagos with you.