Xavier 8 Days - Itinerary C

After an early arrival to the airport in Baltra you will be transferred to the Xavier Yacht at the Bay. The activities begin at Santa Cruz Highlands, where you will have the opportunity to spot giant tortoises roaming freely , and also see the native species of flora and fauna of this particular ecosystem. End of the day and dinner onboard.

Full itinerary map here: http://bit.ly/xavier-8-days-c

Early start after landing at Rabida Island, a red sand beach, where you can walk through a short trail to a water lagoon, home to wading flamingos. We also visit a Palo Santo Forest. After lunch we make a wet landing at Bachas Beach, where a delightful swimming beach waits for you, which is an important nesting area for green sea turtle from November to February. After this activity head back to the yacht for dinner service.

Early in the morning we land at Cormorant Point, where you will be welcomed by a small Galapagos sea lion colony, and can visit two beaches: one with green sand containing olivine crystal, and the other a white coral beach, also an important nesting site for turtles. After lunch, we go to Post Office bay, established in 1793 by British whalers to send letters to and from England, and even today, visitors have the opportunity to send letters of their own.

Early in the morning head to Suarez Point. This point is the perfect place to spot nesting sea birds (boobies & albatross, this species from April to December), and Marine Iguanas along with sea lions.. In the afternoon, the yacht will take you to the beautiful white sand beach at Gardner Bay to see lazing sea lions, and you will also have the opportunity to snorkel or swim.

Early arrival to San Cristobal in the morning. After disembarking we visit the Interpretation Center to learn the history of the colonization of the island and its flora and fauna. After this activity you will visit Jacinto Gordillo Breeding Center, to learn about the conservations efforts to preserve galapagos giant tortoises and see this species that reside here. End of the day and dinner onboard.

Morning visit to Pitt Point, where you will see a group of eroded volcanic cones, and also spot different species, like boobies and frigate birds. Next we head to Kicker Rock (León Dormido), and take a dinghy ride to observe the narrow channel and the marine species that nest there. You may also practice snorkeling here. Lunch and dinner will be served onboard.

We disembark at Espumilla Beach, an important breeding site for sea turtles who return year after year to bury their eggs in the sand. Next to Buccaneer Cove where you can practice snorkeling. The activities continue spotting species such as marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals, and sea turtles. Then, we will head to Puerto Egas, and after a brief walk you will see some of the Galapagos Islands best tide pools, various species of fish, along with marine iguanas and sea lions. End of the day and dinner onboard.

After breakfast we disembark at Puerto Ayora and head to Charles Darwin Station, where you will learn about the protection and conservation of the endemic species at the island, and visit the Breeding and Rearing Centre for young tortoises and adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity. After this activity you will be transferred to Baltra Airport to take your flight back to the continent.