Early in the morning we visit North Seymour to see the various species of birdlife that inhabit the island, such as blue footed boobies and frigate birds. Afterwards, you are transferred to Baltra Airport to take your flight back to the continent.
After an early arrival to the airport in Baltra you will be transferred to the Samba Yacht at the Bay. After lunch we take a bus to private estate “El Chato II” for one of the best possibilities to see the giant tortoises of Santa Cruz Island in their natural habitat.
Full itinerary map here: http://bit.ly/Samba-SW-8Days
Following a four-hour navigation from Puerto Ayora we will do a wet landing on a volcanic olivine beach. Punta Cormorant is located on the northern shore of Floreana and is the house of greater flamingos and sea turtles. On one side, the point is partially flooded with a brackish lagoon where flamingos occasionally feed. Whimbrels, herons and stilts are other common shore and migratory birds of the wetlands. On the other side sea turtles use every corner of a white sand beach to deliver their eggs. You often see stingrays and reef sharks from the shore and if you are lucky turtles ending basking.
Late that morning we will snorkel at one of the best spots in the world! Devil´s Crow is a magical start to the Galápagos underwater experience.
To make absolutely sure you get a full day from sunrise to sun set, we will kayak/panga ride and climb at the Baroness lookout. Navigating through a small set of islets with a sea lion colony, boobies and mangroves. Finally, following our ride we will start our short hike to the top of this eroded spatter cone to share the vivid obscurity of the human history of “Las Encantadas”. A fantastic landscape decorated with little islands is the perfect setting to engage with the fascinating story of the Wittmer´s, Doctor Ritter and Dora, and the famous Baroness and her three lovers. Charles, Floreana and Santa María are the official names of the Island that holds an overwhelming mystery of our human history.
Early in the morning head to Suarez Point, a basaltic cliff which forms a blowhole where water sprays high into the air, and where you can also watch sea lions, nesting sea birds (boobies and albatross) and Marine Iguanas. After lunch, we visit Gardner Bay, an important breeding site for pacific green turtles. But the main attraction is the Galapagos sea lion colony lazing on the white sand beach, along with marine iguanas, and Galapagos Hawks. You may also be able to snorkel at nearby Gardner and Osborn Islets. After this activity, return to the yacht for dinner.
First activity in the morning will be a visit to Pitt Point, offering an impressive view after climbing up a steep narrow path onto a plateau surrounded by reddish hills. After this visit, we head to Kicker Rock (León Dormido), to take a dinghy ride observing the narrow channel and the marine species that nest there. In the afternoon we head to Lobos Islet, where a colony of Galapagos sea lions live, in particular nurturing mothers with their babies. You may also spot male blue footed boobies and great frigate birds.
Early in the morning we land at Barrington Bay on Santa Fe Island, where a small forest of gigantic prickly pear cactus grows and keeps the bay sheltered. This place is home to an endemic species called Barrington Terrestrial Iguana. You may also practice snorkeling here. During the afternoon we head to South Plazas, to see various species of land iguana, and swallow-tailed gulls. If weather permits, we may swim or snorkel here too.
Early in the morning we visit Chinese Hat (Sombrero Chino), a volcanic cone that forms an islet off the rocky coast of Santiago, where a small colony of Galapagos penguins have settled. You may also see Galapagos sea lions and marine iguanas, and practice deep water snorkeling. After lunch, we visit Bartolome Island, famous for the panoramic view of Pinnacle rock where you can take amazing pictures. End of the day and dinner.
First activity of the day will be a wet landing at James Bay, also known as Puerto Egas. An easy walk takes you to observe iguanas and sea lions along the coast line. We may also swim or snorkel here. In the afternoon, we head to Rabida Island, where lavas rich in iron have turned the sand red. There is a Galapagos sea lion nursery, and nesting area for brown pelicans. You can also practice snorkeling at the beach. End of the day and dinner.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Early in the morning we visit North Seymour to see the various species of birdlife that inhabit the island, such as blue footed boobies and frigate birds. Afterwards we land at Puerto Ayora and are transferred to Baltra Airport to take your flight back to the continent.
Breakfast