Cachalote 8 Days - Fernandina (West)

Upon arriving in Baltra, you will be transferred to Santa Cruz Island, where the activities will begin with a visit to the Highlands to see giant tortoises in the wild. After lunch, we visit the Charles Darwin Scientific Research Station to learn about conservation efforts. The rest of the afternoon you will have free time. Dinner and rest aboard the yacht.

Full itinerary map here: http://bit.ly/cachalote-fernandina-8-days-

The day begins with a morning visit to Chinese Hat, so named because of it's conical appearance. After a short walk around the island you can see flamingos and a small colony of sea lions, and have the opportunity for snorkeling too. After lunch, head to Rabida Island, where you take a trail to a salt water lagoon to see flamingos. You will also have the option to swim and snorkel on the beach.

Begin your day with a trekking excursion to Sierra Negra Volcano. Next we head to Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, to learn about the captive breeding program for tortoises from the populations of southern Isabela. Head back to the yacht and dinner.

The day begins with a dry landing at Punta Moreno, that is a young lava field, scenery that is interrupted by occasional lagoons, lush vegetation and brightly colored birds. There are also clear tidal pools that attract flamingos, herons and pelicans. After lunch, head to Elizabeth Bay to enjoy a ride through the mangrove area to see rays, turtles, sea lions, and Galapagos hawks. You may also see a colony of penguins at the entrance to the bay. Dinner onboard.

At the beginning of the day, you take a scenic cruise along the Bolivar Channel where it is sometimes possible to see whales and dolphins. Once you disembark at Urbina Bay you will see giant tortoises and land iguanas, and may also swim and practice snorkeling depending on local conditions. After lunch, head to Tagus Cove, that was originally the favorite landing point for pirates and whalers. You will see the native vegetation of this area which is Palo Santo, and during the walk to Darwin Crater you can enjoy a magnificent view of the island. You also have the option of swimming or snorkeling.

Early in the morning you will visit one of the youngest islands, Fernandina, at Espinosa Point, where you will see a vast population of marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins and flightless cormorants. During the afternoon, we go to Punta Vicente Roca, a wonderful snorkeling site, and place to see Nazca boobies, pelicans and marine iguanas from afar.

The day begins at James Island, specifically at Puerto Egas, where you can see land and marine birds, marine iguanas and fur sea lions. Snorkeling and swimming from the beach is an option. In the afternoon, you will disembark at Bartolome Island for a hike to the summit to enjoy an amazing view of the island. You will also have time to enjoy the beach or practice snorkeling.

Early start with a tour to North Seymour island, to observe bird colonies of blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls, sea lions and marine iguanas. Then you will be taken to the airport to take your flight back to the continent.