Petrel 6 Days - Itinerary B

The Galapagos Islands are filled with surprises and the highlands of Santa Cruz are one of them. The presence of the now extinct volcanic cones, that once gave birth to the island, have created unique and complex ecosystems among them, the cloud forest of the highlands. Hidden in the mist, this exuberant forest is the home of giant Galapagos tortoises, colorful birds, and hundreds of plants that give a unique touch of green to the slopes of the now extinct volcanoes. We will hike with our guide, discovering this buoyant habitat, and then we will head to the town of Puerto Ayora where we board our yacht and continue our adventure.

Full itinerary map here: http://bit.ly/petrel-6-days-b

First activity of this day, will be a short visit to South Plaza Island, one of the smallest islands, home to an incredible amount of diverse flora and fauna, like frigate birds, sea lions, and swallow-tailed gulls, but most importantly, a recent population of land iguanas, that grew healthily after the mice were eradicated from this place. After this activity, you will visit Santa Fe Island, home to the endemic Santa Fe iguana, and a place where you can visit a forest of opuntia and Palo Santo Trees. After this visit, head back to the yacht for dinner and rest

Early in the morning, the catamaran will take you to Lobos Island, named after the sea lions that reside here. This place is also home to many different species of birds like pelicans and frigate birds, and there is also a small channel where you can easily spot sea turtles, sea lions and white - tipped sharks. We visit the Galapaguera of San Cristobal, where we are able to see these peaceful giants during all their live stages. From small eggs, no larger than a chicken’s, to cute hatchlings that require lots of care, to the amazing adult Galapagos tortoise that can weigh up to 400 pounds. We learn more about the efforts undertaken to preserve these animals and the persons in charge of this noble task.

Early in the morning, you will head to Gardner Bay on Española Island, this place is home to a large and varied wildlife population, like boobies, frigate birds, sea lions and endemic Española mockingbird. You can also swim or relax at the beach, or head for a dinghy read to Osborn Islet for snorkeling or diving. In the afternoon you will visit Suarez Point site where you will get to see many species such as sea lions, marine iguanas, Galapagos Hawks, and Nazca boobies, but the most important of all is the waved albatross, since this is their breeding site. If you are lucky enough you may see a young albatross take off for its first flight to the sea. End of the day and dinner onboard.

First activity of the day will visit Cormorant Point, place recognized by its two types of beaches, a green one, composed by olivine crystals, and a white one, composed of coral, used as nesting site for sea turtles. After his visit you will head to Devil ́s Crown, a volcano structure emerged form under water, that is the perfect place for snorkel along with sharks, rays, sea turtles, sea lions and rays. During the afternoon, you will head to Post Office Bay in which a wooden barrel was placed, by whalers during the 18th century to use as a mailbox. Nowadays visitors can also post their letters here, as a tradition. You can also swim of snorkel from this place ́s beach.

First activity of the day will be disembarking on Puerto Ayora at Santa Cruz Island, where you will visit Charles Darwin Research Station, place created to show information about the wildlife and geology of Galapagos Islands, and where you will learn about the endemic wildlife and the conservation efforts that have been made to observe the species that reside in the archipelago. After this activity you will be transferred to the airport at Baltra Island to take your flight back to the continent.