Early arrival to Seymour Airport at Baltra and transfer to the Monserrat Yacht. After lunch, take a bus to visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz and see the Galapagos Giant Tortoise in their natural surroundings at the El Chato Reserve. Return to the yacht and dinner.
Full itinerary map here: http://bit.ly/monserrat-8-days-d
In the morning arrive at a red sand beach at Rábida to explore its trails. A short trail leads to a saltwater lagoon; another trail goes past the lagoon to the interior, where the revered palo santo trees grow. (When burned, the branches of this tree give off a pleasing aroma and ward off mosquitoes.) Head back to the beach to see prehistoric-looking pelicans nesting among low-lying bushes – it's a rare treat to watch parent pelicans return with gullets full of fish for the squawking youngsters.
Take a panga ride from the beach to a cliff wall that drops off into the water to find one of the best deep-water snorkeling spots in the islands.
Hike to Bartolomé's summit for a stronger perspective of the islands' not-toodistant volcanic origins, and enjoy a panoramic view – it’s one of the best among the islands! See other Galápagos Islands in the distance as well as Pinnacle Rock, the island’s famous towering landmark.
Take the opportunity to swim and snorkel around Pinnacle Rock, one of the most iconic volcanic rock formations on the islands. Home to Galápagos penguins, friendly sea lions, sea turtles, and a huge variety of fish, Bartolomé and its surrounding waters are a fantastic place to explore the natural wonders of the Galápagos.
Early in the morning you will visit South Plazas, located to the east of Santa Cruz Island, and forming a pair of islands known as “Islas Plazas”, where you may see outstanding species such as land and marine iguanas and hybrid iguanas too. After lunch we visit Santa Fe Island, to see some endemic species such as the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, and land iguanas. You will also see one of the many sea lion colonies. After this activity return to the yacht and dinner.
Morning landing at Punta Pitt on San Cristóbal Island to observe the marine iguanas and seabirds along the beach and enjoy a snorkelling excursion. On the afternoon, we land at Cerro Brujo to observe the sea lions, marine iguanas, and seabirds along the beach.
Enjoy amazing wildlife watching and interesting geological formations on this fascinating expedition. Arrive at a quiet cove on the eastern tip of San Cristóbal to explore Punta Pitt. Made up of volcanic tuff substrate, it's the only site in the Galápagos where it's possible to see three species of boobies and two species of frigatebirds.
Snorkel around Punta Pitt Island and spot schools of fish swimming below. On the shore admire the nesting birds and sun bathing sea lions.
Visit Cerro Brujo to explore its coastline, and look for wildlife on the beach, in the water, and in the air. Learn about the human and natural history of the area from the Galápagos CEO. Take a refreshing dip in the turquoise water, and head out on a short walk to a freshwater lagoon – a great place to see flamingos.
In the morning, visit Isla Lobos and be greeted by sea lions frolicking in the waves. Explore this tiny island by foot and boat for some great wildlife encounters. Take a panga ride to view the sea and shore birds nesting and feeding. Spot a small colony of blue-footed boobies as well as two species of sea lions.
Snorkel right off the beach at peaceful Isla Lobos, amid the families of sea lions and their inquisitive pups looking to play. Spot nesting frigate birds and the famous blue-footed boobies resting on the shore. Be sure to bring your camera to catch some snaps at this prime wildlife watching haven.
Learn about the origins of the Galapagos at the Interpretation Center. Learn about the history of the Galápagos Islands from the very beginning of their volcanic origins through to today’s conservation efforts.
Tour the Human History exhibit to learn about the islands’ discovery and colonization, and discover the natural history and variety of flora and fauna that make the Galápagos so fascinating.
After, visit Tijeretas Hill which bears its name thanks to the frigate birds as “Tijeretas” is how people locally call them. Here we will enjoy from a great view of beautiful landscapes at the foot of a frigate bird nesting colony.
Today begins at Gardner Bay, where you will visit a magnificent white sand beach to see a big colony of sea lions and sea birds. You may also practice snorkeling in Tortuga Rock, just ahead of Gardner bay, and see various species of fishes such as king angelfish, bump head parrot fish and white tipped reef sharks. After lunch, head to Punta Suarez where you will see sea lions by the landing dock, and find many species of nesting sea birds such as boobies and albatross. After this activity return to the yacht and dinner.
Begin your day with a visit to Punta Cormorant to discover two beaches, one with green sand, the other white sand known as “Flour Beach”. You can observe flamingos and other shore birds here, and practice snorkeling at Champion Islet with large groups of fish, sea turtles and reef sharks. After lunch, head to Post Office Bay, where you will learn about its unique history, which used to be used as a post office by whaling vessels and pirates during the 18th century. After this activity, return to the yacht and dinner.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Disembark in Puerto Ayora to visit Charles Darwin Research Station to observe many species of tortoises and land iguanas in captivity, and learn about the efforts of scientists, researchers and volunteers to conserve Galapagos Wildlife. Then, transfer to Baltra Airport and take your flight back to the continent.
Breakfast
