GALAXY DIVER II NATURALIST 2025

Upon your arrival at Seymour Airport (Baltra Island), you'll be greeted by our guide and the friendly Galaxy Diver team, who will assist with your luggage and transfer you to the yacht.

After settling into your cabin and enjoying a delicious lunch, you'll visit Bachas, named after the WWII-era barges left by the Americans. At low tide, you can still see the rusted remains of these barges buried in the sand. From November to May, Bachas is a key sea turtle nesting site, and the area is home to saltwater lagoons where you can often spot flamingos, herons, and other aquatic birds.

Your first activity today is a hike across a preserved Pahoehoe lava flow, where you'll marvel at its unique textures. Although the landscape may seem barren at first, you'll soon spot pioneer plants, lava lizards, and birds thriving in this rugged environment.

Next, swap your boots for flippers and enjoy a snorkeling adventure. Whether from the beach or the dinghies, you'll swim alongside vibrant fish, playful Galapagos penguins, reef sharks, turtles, and rays.

In the afternoon, head to Rábida Island, known for its red lava rocks and stunning crimson beach. Watch sea lions lounging around and explore a lagoon home to flamingos, ducks, and stilts. Keep an eye out for Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and blue-footed boobies along the trail.

Finish the day with a second snorkeling session, where you'll swim with sea lions, reef sharks, and colorful fish, while discovering small invertebrates on the underwater cliffs.

Begin your day at Punta Espinosa, where you'll find the largest colony of marine iguanas, playful sea lions, and unique flightless cormorants. The area is rich in wildlife, including herons and sea turtles, thriving in nutrient-rich waters. Snorkel here to see marine iguanas feeding and cormorants chasing fish through the reef.

Next, visit Tagus Cove, a historic site explored by Darwin. Hike through Palo Santo forests to spot finches and mockingbirds, with amazing views of Darwin's lake and volcanoes. A boat ride offers sights of penguins, cormorants, and marine iguanas. Snorkel in the area to see sea turtles, colorful fish, and penguins diving for food.

Explore the uplifted coastline of the 1950s, where part of the coast was raised, revealing ancient marine life in the form of small shells and corals. The area is home to land iguanas and, seasonally, giant tortoises. Look for Galapagos hawks in the trees and skies. Afterward, snorkel in the clear waters to see sea turtles, cormorants, penguins, and abundant fish.

Next, visit Elizabeth Bay, a serene bay surrounded by mangroves and lava fields. Take a dinghy tour through its channels and coves, home to Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, sea turtles, and rays. It's one of the best spots to observe these creatures in their natural habitat.

You will visit Tintoreras Islet, located near Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. This small islet is home to large colonies of marine iguanas and sea lions. You’ll have the chance to observe rays, sea turtles, and reef sharks (locally known as 'Tintoreras') in the crystal-clear waters. Keep an eye out for Galapagos penguins and various seabirds, including herons and gulls.

Next, you will explore the Villamil Wetlands, a beautiful network of lagoons and mangroves. These wetlands are a sanctuary for numerous bird species, such as flamingos, pintails, stilts, and other shorebirds. The trail here leads you from the town to the Tortoise Breeding Center, where you’ll learn about ongoing conservation efforts for the iconic Galapagos tortoises.

You will visit Post Office Bay on Floreana Island, a historic spot where sailors once left messages in a barrel. You can still send postcards the same way today. Enjoy the beach, lava tunnel, and look for sea lions, turtles, and birds. Snorkel to see sea turtles, rays, and maybe even penguins.

In the afternoon, explore Cormorant Point, known for its lagoon full of flamingos, pintails, and other shorebirds. The beach is a nesting site for sea turtles, and you may spot rays and sharks. Blue-footed boobies also nest here.

In the morning, you'll take a bus to the lush highlands of the Galapagos, home to the iconic Giant Tortoises and unique bird species. You may also explore a fascinating lava tunnel and learn about the islands' volcanic history.

In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Station, a key conservation center dedicated to protecting Galapagos wildlife. Discover their work with giant tortoise breeding programs and enjoy a walk through the native dry forest, where you'll spot endemic plants and birds.

On your final day, visit Seymour Island, home to frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. You’ll also see land iguanas and sea lions along the shore.

Afterward, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador.