Galapagos onboard the Seaman (B)

AM: Arrival in San Cristobal Airport

Your guide will escort you to the M/C Seaman. This is a short transfer from the airport to Baltra´s dock. Boarding and cabin assignment. Lunch on board.

PM: Gianni Arismendy Environmental Interpretation Center - San Cristobal Island

This is an interpretation center with exuberant gardens and stunning ocean views. Visitors at the interpretation center can learn a lot from the geological and human history of the islands, conservation facts, and natural history. This is the oldest museum of Natural History in the Galapagos Islands, which attempts to preserve the archipelago. It is indeed inspiring and motivating to watch and learn about their research and educational programs for preserving Galapagos.

AM: Punta Pitt - San Cristobal Island

At the far eastern tip of San Cristóbal, Punta Pitt welcomes you with a 90-meter stretch of golden sand and sweeping natural viewpoints over a volcanic tuff hill.

A 1.4-kilometer trail climbs from Oliviana Beach to the ridge, where the ground shifts in brilliant shades shaped by different lava flows. The ever-present winds sculpt the landscape into otherworldly forms, evoking the scenery of a science fiction film.

Oliviana Beach itself glitters with crystals from eroded lava mixed with seashells—an inviting resting ground for playful sea lions. Along the shore and cliffs, you’ll spot frigatebirds, pelicans, herons, and gulls. But the true highlight is that Punta Pitt is one of the rare places in the Galápagos where all three booby species—blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca—nest side by side, alongside two species of frigatebirds.

PM: Lobos Island  - San Cristobal Island

Just 20 minutes by boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno lies Isla Lobos, a small and flat islet best known for its lively sea lion colony. These playful creatures often bask on the white sand beach and swim alongside visitors in the turquoise waters.

Two quiet beaches invite you into the water, where snorkeling reveals a vibrant world beneath the surface, often in the company of sea lions. An easy 850-meter trail winds through the low, salt-tolerant vegetation, making it one of the most accessible walks in the Galápagos. Along the way, you’ll find blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds nesting, completing the island’s charm as both a wildlife haven and a gentle introduction to the archipelago’s wonders.

AM:   Española Island - Gardner Bay

Located on the north-eastern coast of Hood, Gardner Bay offers an excellent beach to relax, swim, and even kayak, plus the opportunity to observe sea lions (Zalophus wollebaki),. Here we can also observe sharks in the crystal clear ocean waters. At this place one can see three species of Darwin finches: A subspecies of the large-billed cactus finch (Geospiza fuliginosa), which is similar to the large-billed terrestrial finch; The small-beaked ground finch (Geospiza fuliginosa and the singing finch (Certhidea Olivacea) which is another endemic subspecies. Both resident and migratory birds are observed.

PM: Española Island - Suarez Point

This area is great for spotting blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. A beautiful sight on the oceanfront, the large waved albatrosses use the cliff as a launching pad. The famous attraction is the magnificent blowhole, spurting water high into the air at least from 50 to 75 meters high. This site presents wonderful photograph opportunities.

AM: Cormorant Point, Champion Islet

This site offers probably the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos; it is also one of the largest in the islands. It’s situated between two tuff lava cones that give the area a special atmosphere. There are various species of shorebirds to observe besides flamingos; the most frequent are common stilts, white-checked pintail ducks, and other migratory birds. It is very interesting to see the two distinct beaches: “The Green Beach” (due to its high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand) and the “Flour Sand Beach” which is made up of coral.

After the interesting walk, the group is taken to Champion Islet, a great place to enjoy snorkeling and underwater wildlife. Some of the animals that can be seen are sea turtles, sea lions, and schools of fish thanks to the nearby coral reef.

PM: Post Office Bay

Historically, this site is the location of a wooden barrel that was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used since this time by marines and tourists as a post office. The idea is to carry letters or postcards to their destination by hand. Besides, this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists.

This day’s afternoon is thought to be a relaxing time for visitors to enjoy the beach and the beauty of the Galapagos.

AM: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center - Santa Cruz Island

Located within the Galápagos National Park along Charles Darwin Avenue, the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center is about a 40-minute walk from the Gus Angermeyer Tourist Pier.

Your visit begins at the National Park Service information booth before following the trail to the Van Straelen Interpretation Center and onward to the breeding facility. An elevated wooden walkway takes you past enclosures where you can observe several species of Santa Cruz tortoises as well as the unique tortoises of Española Island. The route culminates at the baby-tortoise corral, where conservation in action is on full display.

Following your visit, you will transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight to the mainland.