Alya - 6 Days - Itinerary C

Upon your arrival to the airport in Baltra Island, you will be transferred to Alya Catamaran at the bay.  After lunch our first visit  will be at  SEYMOUR: dry landing. Seymour was formed by the lifting of volcanic marine lava. Marine fossils dating back to the Pleistocene period were found on this island. In 1932, Captain Alan Hancock and his crew took 72 malnourished land iguanas from Baltra Island to North Seymour Island so that the iguanas could live in better conditions.  In 1934, colonists verified that the iguanas were in good condition. The vegetation of North Seymour is bushy and is host to nesting Real Frigates of the Galapagos. Return to Alya and dinner.

Full itinerary map here: http://bit.ly/2lvwGWz

SOUTH PLAZAS: are two small islands, created by an uplifting of the land.  The land iguanas are smaller here; they nest during the warm season. The hike goes along an extraordinary cliff where sea birds nest. There are approximately 1000 sea lions (Zalophus Wollebaeki) located on the south side of the Plazas.

SANTA FE: Wet landing, activities for this day: hiking, swimming and snorkeling. With 24 km2 and 60 m of height above sea level, this central island is a unique place to visit.  It has an incredible bay of turquoise water, protected by a natural barrier of rocks.  You will see colonies of seals as hawks fly overhead.  This island is home to one of the two species of land iguanas found in the Galapagos. Their main food source is the leaves and fruit of the large, thick cactus found here. 

Crabs, nocturnal herons, marine iguanas, cucuves and land doves are seen frequently. The Bay is excellent place to swim and to do snorkel. Marine tortoises, rays, sea lions and tropical fish are an amazing attraction! Snacks and refreshing beverages are waiting for you on board. Dinner.

INTERPRETATION CENTER: Dry landing. This center is location in the main port.  After breakfast, our first visit is to the Interpretation Center of San Cristobal.  This modern and sophisticated architectural space was designed for the natural interpretation of the Galapagos.  You will learn about the volcanic formation of the islands, the evolution of the species, the history of human settlement, and complex systems and management models. After, we head to Kicker Rock, a spectecular snorkel site

LOBOS ISLANDS: Panga Riding, swimming and snorkeling. Here, we can walk, swim and snorkel among the seals, frigates, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the small endemic Galapagos snake. Here, we can swim and snorkeling in the same place it. Return to Alya and dinner. 

GARDNER BAY: wet landing, activities for this visit: short walk, swimming, snorkeling, and observation of seal colony.  The sea lion is one of the animals in Galapagos which gets the total attention of the visitors in the Galapagos: they are curious and playful, but at times aggressive; they are nice and loving, but also lazy. In Gardner Bay, we are going to find many of them relaxing on the beach enjoying the sun.  In addition to observing these fascinating animals, while snorkeling, we will be able to swim with sea lions, sea turtles, a diversity of tropical fish, marine iguanas, etc. After lunch we will go to SUAREZ POINT: Dry landing.  Activities:  Walking, sight-seeing.  We recommend sports shoes, hat or cap, and sunscreen.  There is no color more amazing and outstanding in this tropical desert island, than that of the blue-foot boobies.  These birds have an impressive form of “greeting” and it is a real thrill to see their mating dance.  The blue-footed booby can be seen on several of the islands as nesting grounds and feed are located in several coastal locations.  The albatross, an aristocratic bird weighing up to four kilograms, can be observed here.  One of the largest birds of the islands, approximately 12,000 couples nest on Espanola Island and a smaller number nest on Silver Island, near mainland Ecuador.  This species is considered endemic to this island; during our walk, we will observe these fantastic birds while taking in the beautiful landscapes offered by this island.  It is important to note that albatrosses will not be seen between January and March (non-breeding) season.  We will also see colonies of marine iguanas, zayapas, masked boobies, finches, Espanola cucuves, and seagulls unique to the islands.  Our walk will be on lava rock where we will be able to see lava tubes.  Red mangroves are found here.  Delicious snacks and fresh beverages are waiting for you on the ship. Return to Alya and dinner. 

CORMORANT POINT: wet landing, snorkeling and short trekking. This point is located at west of Floreana Island and it is famous for its dark green beach (due to the great quantity of olivine crystals).You can see many marine invertebrates, as well as sea lions, sea iguanas, the frigates and pelicans.

Second visit: DEVIL´S CROWN: Activities in this place: panga ride and optional swimming. Enjoy a panga ride around a small island, a satellite islet of Floreana Island. Here, we will find a group of rocks that resemble a Crown due to the constant erosion caused by the sea. It is one of the better places to snorkel (shallow diving) in the interior and around the crown.  Excellent visibility allows guests to admire a great variety of fish and sea animals. After lunch we will visit CERRO ALIERI: is located east of Port Velasco Ibarra. Hiking. This place may be muddy and it may rain. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for this type of weather. There are trees and shrubs characteristic of the place, the 56% of vegetation is native such as: Lippia salicifolia, Linum cratericola, Lecocarpus pinnatifidus, Scalesia Pedunculata. In this place there are a plant that is critically endangered: The Catericola Linum there are 40 individuals found. Return to Alya and dinner. 

Where we have a trekking and we will find the giant tortoises in their natural habitat, this is a natural spectacular. For this visit, we recommend good walking shoes, long pants, a raincoat, a hat, and sunblock. Transfer Out.