Galapagos onboard the M/Y Infinity

In the morning: Arrival at Baltra Airport

Take a morning flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra, Galapagos Islands.
Upon your arrival at Baltra Island in the morning, you'll go through immigration and baggage claim. An Infinity staff member will be there to greet you and assist with your transfer to the yacht. Once you're settled into your cabin, you'll have some time before lunch for relaxation and a welcome briefing.

In the afternoon: Exploring Black Turtle Cove

Embark on a visit to Black Turtle Cove, located in the northern part of Santa Cruz. This secluded inlet is surrounded by mangroves and can only be reached by dinghy. The shallow cove serves as a sanctuary for young marine life. Keep an eye out for black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and various species of rays that are frequently sighted in this area.
 

In the morning: El Barranco

El Barranco, which is also referred to as Prince Phillip's Steps, presents a steep and rocky pathway that ascends a towering cliff rock formation. This vantage point offers a breathtaking view that's truly remarkable. Moreover, this location boasts Palo Santo vegetation and serves as the habitat for red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, Galapagos storm petrels, and Galapagos doves.

In the afternoon: Darwin Bay

Experience the pristine white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay, where a half-mile trail (approximately 0.75km) meanders through mangroves teeming with land birds. You'll have the opportunity to spot Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls, all easily observable in this area. Continuing along the trail, you'll come across tidal pools where sea lions frolic joyfully. The path leads to a stunning cliff, offering a truly breathtaking panoramic view.

In the morning: Sullivan Bay

During your journey, you'll have the chance to explore Sullivan Bay, situated in the southeastern region of Santiago. This destination holds particular intrigue due to its remarkable geology, characterized by a blanket of lava flows. Notably, the landscape features elevations resembling small volcanoes that have taken shape as a result of these lava flows.

In the afternoon: Rabida

A captivating adventure awaits as you set foot on Rabida Island (also known as Jervis), renowned for its vibrant colors and diverse volcanic formations. This island stands out as a captivating snorkeling destination as well. Your exploration begins on Rabida's iconic maroon-red sand beach, followed by a leisurely hike leading you to a breathtaking viewpoint, offering a panorama of awe-inspiring landscapes. Rabida is a haven for bird enthusiasts, teeming with a plethora of species. Abundant varieties of finches, Galapagos vermilion flycatchers, Galapagos hawks, and brown pelicans grace the island, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

In the morning: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center

Your expedition will lead you to the "Fausto Llerena" Giant Tortoises Breeding Center situated in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Here, a remarkable conservation effort takes place as giant tortoises are nurtured in captivity. This sanctuary shelters tortoises spanning a range from tiny 3-inch hatchlings to mature adults measuring up to 4 feet. The center is a captivating spectacle where diverse subspecies of giant tortoises coexist, interacting in their enclosures. Among the notable experiences, many of the elder tortoises have grown accustomed to human presence, often extending their heads for a unique photo opportunity. The youngest inhabitants are cared for until they reach about four years of age and attain the strength to thrive independently in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon: El Chato

The El Chato Reserve is divided into two distinct sections: Caseta and Chato. Embarking on the trail commences from Santa Rosa, which is located approximately 13.7 miles away from Puerto Ayora. Among the two routes, the Caseta path presents a more demanding challenge for adventurers. This reserve offers an incredible opportunity for visitors to witness giant tortoises in their natural habitat, particularly during the dry season. Additionally, the reserve serves as an excellent vantage point for observing a variety of bird species, including short-eared owls, Darwin's finches, yellow warblers, Galapagos rails, and paint-billed crakes.

In the morning: Dragon Hill

Nestled in the northwestern region of Santa Cruz Island, the Dragon Hill visitors' site offers a captivating experience. This site boasts a 1,600-meter-long trail that meanders through three distinct environments. The beach itself is characterized by rugged rocks, creating an intriguing landscape. During high tide, it transforms into an ideal location for snorkeling enthusiasts to explore the underwater wonders. Within this unique spot, you'll encounter vegetation representative of both the intertidal and dry zones, showcasing the diversity of this extraordinary ecosystem.

In the afternoon: Bachas Beach

Situated along the northern coastline of Santa Cruz, Bachas Beach offers a tranquil haven for swimming enthusiasts. This sandy expanse holds a unique historical touch, as it preserves one of the remaining traces of the U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos: a floating pier. A visit to this spot presents opportunities to encounter various wildlife, including elegant flamingos, lively Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, and graceful whimbrels. Notably, the beach serves as a nesting site for sea turtles, adding an extra layer of natural wonder to the experience.

In the morning: Post Office Bay

As you make landfall on a picturesque beach in Floreana Island, you'll venture towards a site where 18th-century whalers once stationed a wooden barrel, ingeniously serving as an unofficial mailbox. Remarkably, this tradition has endured through the years, captivating Galapagos visitors to this very day. Remember to bring along your postcards and drop them in the barrel—don't be astonished if your postcard reaches its intended destination even before you return home! It's a charming continuation of an age-old practice that adds a touch of enchantment to your journey.

In the afternoon: Cormorant Point

Cormorant Point is a captivating destination featuring a sprawling lagoon inhabited by majestic flamingos. Here, you'll also have the chance to observe other avian wonders, including common stilts and white-cheeked pintails. The island's beaches possess distinct characteristics. The Green Beach derives its name from the vibrant green hue of its sand, a result of a significant concentration of olivine crystals. On the other hand, the Four Sand Beach consists of pristine white coral sands. This diversity in beachscapes, combined with the abundance of unique wildlife, makes Cormorant Point.

Prepare for an exhilarating snorkeling experience as you explore the waters around Devil's Crown—a formation that stands as the remnants of an offshore volcano, proudly emerging from the ocean's surface. This remarkable site offers a fantastic opportunity to witness a diverse array of marine life. The underwater world around Devil's Crown teems with a captivating range of underwater creatures, making it an ideal location for underwater enthusiasts to encounter the wonders of the Galapagos marine ecosystem.

In the morning: Suarez Point

Embarking on the trail to Suarez Point in Espanola Island promises an enchanting journey filled with unique wildlife encounters. Keep an eye out for the distinctive blue-footed boobies, magnificent albatrosses, and graceful Nazca boobies as you traverse this path. The island holds a significant role as the breeding ground for a substantial portion of the world's wave albatross population—nearly 12,000 pairs call this place home.

During your visit, you'll also come across a stunning oceanfront location where a cliff serves as a launchpad for the grand albatrosses. Another highlight awaits in the form of the renowned blowhole, which sends seawater skyward in a captivating display. The landscape surrounding you is a photographer's dream, offering endless opportunities to capture the natural beauty and marvels of this incredible island.

In the afternoon: Gardner Bay, Gardner Islet & Osborn Islet

Embarking on this adventure leads you to the breathtaking Gardner Bay—a destination of unparalleled beauty. Upon arrival, you'll find yourself stepping onto a pristine white-sand beach, surrounded by a bustling community of sea lions. Take a leisurely stroll amidst these captivating creatures or choose to plunge into the azure waters for an unforgettable swim alongside playful sea lion pups. As you explore, keep an eye out for inquisitive mockingbirds gracing the shoreline, adding an extra touch of charm to this enchanting experience.

In the morning: Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center

This particular site stands as a testament to an impactful environmental project. The guided tour of this center delves into the rich tapestry of the islands' natural history, intricately woven with human interaction and dedicated conservation efforts. Within the Museum of Natural History, you'll uncover the fascinating narrative of the archipelago's volcanic genesis, the intricate dance of ocean currents, the shaping forces of climate, and the remarkable introduction of endemic species.

Additionally, the Human History exhibit presents a chronological journey through significant milestones, ranging from the islands' discovery to the pivotal era of colonization. This immersive experience encapsulates the interplay between human influence and the pristine environment. Together, these elements weave a captivating tapestry that unravels the intricate connection between the Galapagos Islands and the evolving human and natural world.

Afterwards: San Cristobal airport departure

As your journey draws to a close, you'll conclude with this last captivating visit. Following this final experience, you'll be seamlessly transferred to the San Cristobal airport, ensuring that you arrive in ample time for your return flight to the mainland. This marks the end of your remarkable adventure through the Galapagos Islands,