Xavier 8 Days - Itinerary D

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-d

Early in the morning we visit Chinese Hat, a volcanic cone that forms an islet with this particular shape, and is located off the rocky coast of Santiago where a small colony of Galapagos penguins have settled. You may also practice snorkeling here. After lunch, head to Black Turtle Cove by a panga ride to see the mangrove ecosystem inhabited by marine turtles, reef sharks and rays. End of the day and dinner onboard.

After breakfast, we head to Dragon Hill to visit a lagoon where flamingoes and other species of birds reside. During the afternoon we head to Daphne Island, located between Santa Cruz and Baltra, where you can see a great number of finch species, masked boobies and Galapagos Martins. This is also a great place for snorkeling to observe the diversity of marine life like turtles, rays or sharks.

We disembark at South Plazas Island where you can find various species of land iguanas, and swallow-tailed gulls. After lunch head to Santa Fe, a great place to watch and swim with sea lions. This place is also the home to endemic species such as the Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos snake and a variety of finches. After this activity, dinner will be served onboard.

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 we visit Isla Lobos, to see the slumbering sea lions, and take a walk along the beach.

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. After lunch, head to Mosquera Islet, located between Baltra and North Seymour, where one of the largest populations of sea lions resides. End of the day and dinner onboard.

Early in the morning we land at Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, where you can see tis place's giant lava formations, and sea lions that rest along the shore. After lunch we visit Bartolome Island, famous for the fabulous panoramic landscape of Pinnacle rock where you can take amazing pictures. You can also snorkel at this island. End of the day and dinner.

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.