Galapagos Island Hopping for San Cristobal,Isabela, Floreana and Santa Cruz - Tour

San Cristobal Island: Loberia Beach and Sea Lion Colony

Flying from Quito or Guayaquil, you will arrive at around midday (local time) to the airport of San Cristobal Island on the small city of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and where you will be greeted at the lobby by our Naturalist Guide. Your baggage will be handled by one of our crew members who transport them directly to the Hotel while our bus transport will take us to the hotel where we welcome you with a drink before being allocated in your rooms.

During lunch time, the guide will give a short explanation about the afternoon activities. At around 2 PM, our transportation will take you to the place known as La Loberia, located at the South-Western coast of San Cristobal at about 2.5 kms from Pto. Baquerizo Moreno. Typically, this place is teeming with sea lions, so much that the Galapagos National Park has a park guard stationed at the beach to ensure the animals are not disturbed. The beach is a great place to snorkel in the company of the playful young animals. The outer ring of rocks means that the water close to shore is calm and protected. The water is crystal clear and a popular spot for not only sea lions and marine turtles, but surely you will see plenty of colorful fish as well.

We will then return to the Hotel to enjoy of some free time on the Island.

A.M.: San Cristobal Highlands (El Progreso – Centro de Crianza Tortugas – Puerto Chino)
P.M.: Frigate Bird Hill & Punta Carola.

After breakfast, our transport will take you up to the highlands of San Cristobal Island. Our first visitor point will be to Laguna El Junco (El Junco Lagoon). Rainwater and condensation have collected for hundreds of years in the caldera of an extinct volcano, creating this haven for frigate birds. The lake is the main water supplier for the island population and thus of vital importance today. Hiking around the lake offers views of practically the entire island including San Joaquin Hill, the island's highest point.

Our next stop will be at Cerro Colorado Tortoises Breading Center. Here we can learn about the hard work developed by scientists to preserve the species of the Giant Galapagos Tortoises. There is a nice walk on a trail which permits you to be in close contact with the tortoises of the different sizes, from the tiny ones to the giant oldest ones.

After this our transport will take us to the south east side of the Island, to a parking area from where a 15 minutes’ walk takes us to a beautiful beach known as Puerto Chino. This amazing place is located 24.5 km from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and it is composed by white sandy beach. Here and with little luck we can observe marine turtles, frigate birds, blue footed bobbies, Galapagos pelicans and other marine birds. The entire area is very scenic. After our visit, we will be transported back to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno where you will have time for lunch (on your own).

At around 2 PM we start our walking tour to visit the Interpretation Center of San Cristobal, where our guide gives us a great introduction to the islands, from the natural and human history to the actual efforts taken by the National Park to protect this fragile environment. Then, we walk up (20 minutes) to the top of the place known as Frigate Bird Hill. Once there, visitors are welcomed by a spectacular view of the white beaches and the amazing Kicker Rock formation emerging from the Pacific Ocean. The hill is often visited by frigate birds who nest here in certain times of the year. Both species of “Magnificent” frigate birds and “Great” frigate birds can be seen here! From the hill we descend towards the small cove known as Punta Carola, a place where we find a colony of cute sea lions. A great spectacle! After enjoying the beach, we walk back to the hotel.

Group dinner is included.
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A.M.: Navigation from San Cristobal to Floreana
P.M.: La Loberia

Our day starts with and early breakfast and then at 6:30 a.m., we start our 2.5 hours navigation towards the historical Floreana Island. Floreana has an area of 173 square km (67sq mi) formed by volcanic eruptions like most main islands of the archipelago, with the highest point being Cerro Pajas at 640m (2,100ft). In Puerto Velasco Ibarra, the small town existing in the area, is living a population of about 120 persons. The small town has a nice simplicity and exudes a lot of calm and tranquility.

Upon arrival at the shores of Puerto Velasco Ibarra, a local community “marine taxi” will transport us from the Yacht to the pier from where a local transport called “chiva” will take us up to the highlands to the place known as “Asilo de La Paz” (Haven of Peace), known for its bizarre history as one of the first occupied spaces of the islands by a German family with the last name of Wittmer. We will enjoy the beautiful surroundings with native flora and perhaps we will encounter some Giant Galapagos Tortoises roaming freely on the forest. Later we explore the caves where the Wittmer family used to live and then we return to the town to enjoy a lunch in one of the small local restaurants.

In the afternoon, we will go to “La Loberia”, a beautiful place where we will find a small colony of sea lions playing in the bay where we will participate in snorkeling activities, perhaps in the company of sea turtles. Afterwards, we return to our accommodations and enjoy the rest of the evening and a beautiful sunset on our own before our group dinner.

A.M.: Navigation from Floreana to Isabela
P.M.: Los Humedales

In the morning and after breakfast, at 8 AM, we start our navigation towards Isabela Island. Isabela is the largest island of the Galápagos with an area of 4,640 square kms, with an approximate length of 100 km. Puerto Villamil is the main town of the Island with a population of about 2000 inhabitants. During our navigation (around 2.5 hours), there are great chances to observe playful dolphins, manta rays, colorful fish, and marine birds. 

We will arrive to the beautiful bay of Puerto Villamil. Once there, a local water taxi will take us to the pier and from here, a local bus will take us to the hotel. After check-in, we will have time to enjoy the beach and a delicious lunch (included).

At about 3 PM, we will go for a walk to the place known as “Los Humedales” (Wetlands). This awesome area is characterized by sandy and rocky shores and is covered by 4 species of mangroves. Here, we can also observe pink flamingos and different species of migratory birds including whimbrel, short-billed dowitcher, Wilson’s phalarope, common tern, blue-winged teal, osprey, black-bellied and semipalmated plovers, greater and lesser yellowlegs – just to name a few. Continuing, we arrive to the Tortoise Breeding Center, where we can observe tortoises of all sizes and from different subspecies. After finishing our afternoon visit, our transportation will take us back to the hotel. Free time to spend on the beautiful beach of Puerto Villamil and for dinner. 

A.M.: Tintoreras
P.M.: Optional Sierra Negra Volcano Tour

At around 8 AM, we will visit the beautiful place known as Tintoreras. The small bay of completely calm turquoise water, is perfect for you to appreciate sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays and other species of ocean fauna and flora. The bay is connected to a shallow crevice of crystal clear water which closes when the tide is low and is a favorite resting spot for white tipped sharks and fish life.

The first beach is populated by sea lions and marine iguanas that nest in the area. You can also see some Nolana galapageia plants, a rare endemic plant in the area not common in Ecuador, since this species is typical of continental coastal zones and belongs to a genus whose distribution is restricted to Chile and Peru.
The second beach is surrounded by button mangrove (Conocarpus erecta) and white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa). Throughout the trail you can see marine iguanas on the rocks or under the mangroves.  Las Tintoreras is one of the few places where the iguanas breed successfully because of the absence of non-native animals that could kill the newborn reptiles. Various parts of Las Tintoreras are ideal for nesting marine iguanas. During nesting season, be careful when exploring the area. We will head back to the hotel for lunch (on your own).

Free afternoon to enjoy the beautiful beach of Isabela Island or optional Sierra Negra Volcano tour. Sierra Negra is a large shield-type volcano located at the South-Eastern end of Isabela Island and it rises to an altitude of 1124 ms. It sits between the volcanoes Cerro Azul to the West and Alcedo to the North. It is also one of the most active of the Galapagos volcanoes, with the most recent eruption in June, 2018. Our guided tour of the volcano starts in Puerto Villamil with an approximately 30 minute car drive to the place where we start our 1 to 1.5 hour walk towards the rim of the giant caldera along its Eastern side. The view is amazing and impressive with dimensions of 7.2 x 9.3 kms, this caldera is considered the 2nd biggest in the world (after the Ngorongoro crater in Tanzania). From the viewpoint, we can observe the inside of the crater and the recent lava flow of the 2005 volcanic eruption. Return to Pto. Villamil for dinner and afterwards you will have a free time to enjoy the beautiful sandy beach of Isabela.

Other options for the free afternoon include optional biking tour to the historic Muro de los Lamentos, a visit to the beautiful Concha Perla Bay or just relax at the gorgeous beach of Villamil.

 

A.M.: Navigation from Isabela to Santa Cruz
P.M.: Charles Darwin Research Station & Fausto Llerena Breeding Center

After breakfast, at around 8 AM, we transfer you to the pier of Pto. Villamil in order to board our vessel. We start the pleasant navigation towards Santa Cruz Island where we will expect to arrive at about 10:30 followed by the short transfer to the hotel and after check-in, we will enjoy a delicious lunch (included) and have some time to rest.

In the afternoon, with the company of our guide, we will head to the world famous Charles Darwin Research Station and Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center. From our Hotel, it's a short 15 minute walk to the center, where we learn about the Galapagos National Park´s work and observe tortoises of different species and size, as well as colorful land iguanas. Here, we will also be able to observe the world-famous tortoise, “Lonesome George”, whose body is in exhibition at the museum of the interpretation center in a special cooling chamber. Walking further, we will find the Charles Darwin Research Station where the scientists develop their work to protect and conserve the amazing nature of Galapagos. Here, we will visit the small museum of the station.

After the visit, we will have free time to explore the nice promenade, shop around for souvenirs, and taste one of the many delicious alternatives for dinner (not included)

 

A.M.: Tortuga Bay Beach
P.M.: Galapagos Coffee and delicious Ceviche

After breakfast, at around 8 AM, we start our morning hike of 1.5 mi. (2.5 km) towards the shores of the Pacific Ocean, to one of the most beautiful beaches of the Galapagos, known as Tortuga Bay Beach. After an approximately 45 to 60 minutes walk, we arrive to the heavenly spot. The soft coral sand and nice scenery make this a special location for anyone visiting. The first part of the beach has strong waves and therefore is not recommended for swimming, but an additional 10 minute walk will get us to a beautiful bay of calm water. Here, we can observe colonies of marine iguanas, blue footed boobies and other marine birds, as well as mangroves, cacti forest and interesting flora of the coast. We will have plenty of time to enjoy the beach, take part in some Kayaking or snorkel in the peaceful bay.

At around 2 PM, our transportation will take us to a local farm where they grow and produce the unique “Galapagos Coffee” said to be one of a kind. Later, we will visit a typical Galapagos family who offer the excellent and delicious “ceviche”, prepared with fresh local fish, tomato and onions and more-  all grown locally. The ceviche will be  accompanied by a cold beer or white wine as you prefer, while you have the opportunity to talk to the family and enjoy visiting the house that looks like a museum and which contains a series of very interesting elements of the family´s life on the Galapagos Islands.

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A.M.: Puerto Ayora - Los Gemelos - Baltra Island Airport In the morning, we enjoy breakfast in the hotel before our private transportation will take us (30 minute drive) up to the highlands of Santa Cruz in order to visit the place known as “Crater Los Gemelos” (The Twin Craters). These impressive holes in fact are not volcanic craters, they were lava domes formed thousands of years ago which hardened on the outside but inside continued the liquid lava flow leaving huge but empty chambers that by time finally collapsed, creating this breathtaking scenery that resembles two pit craters.

The whole area is surrounded by lush, green forest where the endemic Scalesia plants dominate the scenery. Scalesia is a genus in the family Asteraceae endemic to the Galapagos Islands and it contains fifteen species that grow as shrubs or trees. We will enjoy a short walk along the rim of the craters to better appreciate the magnitude of the holes as well as to enjoy the surrounding flora. Perhaps, we can observe the endemic Short-ear owl of Galapagos, Galapagos Doves, Darwin's Finches, Vermilion Flycatchers, as well as many other species here. Later, we will continue our trip to the Itabaca canal and after crossing it, a public airport bus will take us to the airport where our guide will assist you with the airline check-in process. Enjoy your flight back to the continent (Guayaquil or Quito)