Aida Maria 5 Days

Upon your arrival to Baltra Airport, you will be transferred to the Aida Maria Yacht. After lunch, you will visit Bachas beach, two small beaches made of decomposed coral, and a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind one of the beaches there is a small brackish water lagoon, where you may see flamingos and other coastal birds, such as blacknecked stilts and whimbrels. The other beach is longer, and has two old barges that were abandoned during the Second World War, when the USA used Baltra Island as a strategic point to protect the Panama Canal.

Full Itinerary map here: http://bit.ly/aida-maria-5-days

A wet landing at Darwin Bay, follow a trail to find red footed boobies, and great frigate birds trying to attract a female. You will also stumble upon Darwin’s Finches and native flora like mangroves and cactus. After lunch, the yacht will head to Prince Philip´s Steps (Barranco), where a steep climb takes you to a Palo Santo Forest and species like Nazca boobies. You will also have a panoramic view of all the Island from here.

We begin with a hike to enjoy the most amazing panoramic view at the Galapagos Islands. After, relax on the beach or take the opportunity to snorkel at the reef to see various fish, friendly sea lions, and sea turtles. In the afternoon, we visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, to see fascinating giant lava formations, due to the recent formation of the island, and where we may have the opportunity to swim and snorkel to see seals and penguins. Return to the yacht and dinner.

Early in the morning we arrive on Daphne Island, a cone formed by the accumulation of volcanic ash, which is home to thousands of birds such as blue footed boobies, frigate birds, tropic birds, and many more. Next we head to Black Turtle Cove, which is a red mangrove lagoon on Santa Cruz, and home to sharks, rays & turtles. After lunch, the yacht will navigate to Dragon Hill, where we make a dry landing on lava rocks. This site is a small bay on the west coast of Santa Cruz that got its name from the many land iguanas that live in the area. End of the day and dinner onboard.

After breakfast we land at Santa Cruz Island, where you will visit the famous Charles Darwin Station, a non-profit institution that dedicates itself to studying and protecting the flora and fauna of the Galapagos. This is one of the best places to see land tortoises. After this activity you will be transferred to the airport to take your flight back to the continent.