South East Galapagos Islands

Day 1: San Cristobal airport - Interpretation Centre & Tijeretas Hill

Departure from Quito or Guayaquil to San Cristobal (2 ½ hours flight). Passengers are picked up at the airport by our naturalist guides and taken on a ten minute bus drive to the pier to board the M/V Galapagos Legend.

The Interpretation Centre is full of interesting information and offers the perfect overview to the formation of Galapagos, its significance in the world, threats and conservation efforts. Followed by a hike to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) we will have great looks at both species of frigatebird, with the bonus of a beautiful view of the bay below.

Day 2: Gardner Bay, Osborn or Gardner Islets - Suarez Point

Wet landing this morning on one of the most stunning beaches in all of Galapagos, Gardner Bay. The long, white, sandy beach, lapped by turquoise waters is home to a colony of Galapagos sea lions, indifferent to the humans that walk amongst them. The Hood mockingbirds, endemic to this particular island, will be eager to inspect the visitors and satisfy their innate curiosity. Darwin’s finches may also join the throng including the reclusive warbler finch. We can also snorkel here from the beach, in the shallows of the bay.

Dry landing on Suarez Point an island of geological interest, we explore volcanic formations and a riveting wildlife: large sea lion colonies and seabirds including Española mockingbird, Nazca Boobies and the spectacular Red-billed Tropicbird. You will also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the colourful Sally Lightfoot Crabs. A somewhat lengthy hike will bring you among Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies, right up to nesting grounds that sometimes overlap the trail. Other birding favourites include Galapagos Dove, Galapagos Hawk, Swallow-tailed Gulls and the world’s largest colony of Waved Albatross, an unequivocal highlight during mating season (May-December).

Admire the island’s dramatic backdrop, featuring the famous Soplador, a seaward blowhole that shoots water some 23m in the air.

Day 3: Post Office Bay - Cormorant Point, Devil’s Crown or Champion Islet

Wet landing - A very short walk from the beach leads us to the famous Post Office Barrel. Claimed to have been first setup in 1793 by Captain James Colnett it remains the oldest functioning “post office” in the Pacific. The system was that whalers and fur sealers would leave addressed letters in the barrel to be picked up by homeward bound colleagues. In the spirit of maintaining tradition visitors today will often take letters and hand-deliver them in their home countries.

Wet landing, on an olivine green sand beach. We hike from the black mangrove beds to a brackish lagoon, which usually holds one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galapagos. This island features some endemic plants such as Scalesia villosa, white and black mangrove, and holy stick. The trail continues to a beautiful white-sand beach, one of the most important nesting sites of Green Pacific Sea Turtles. It is important to avoid walking in the water due to the Sting Rays that may be hiding in the sand, which can be dangerous if accidentally stepped on. From the beach one can spot sea turtles, Blue-footed Boobies plunging into the water, and small reef sharks floating along the shoreline in search of food. This coral-sand beach marks the end of our trail, and we head back to the olivine beach we landed on to swim or snorkel amongst sea turtles, reef fish, sea lions and, on a good day, white-tipped reef sharks. A small colony of penguins resides on Floreana and can sometimes be observed as well.

Day 4: Charles Darwin Station, Fauso Llerena Breeding Centre & Ballena Bay

Dry landing on Santa Cruz Island. Once home to the famous Lonesome George, the last tortoise of the Pinta race, the breeding and relocation Charles Darwin Station is named in honour of his long-time guardian. The centre is set in the Galapagos National Park Service where various interpretative buildings are available to visit. The grounds, with large stands of native vegetation, are one of the better places to spot some of the seldom seen Darwin’s finches such as the woodpecker, cactus and vegetarian finches.

Dry landing on Ballena Bay. The perfect spot to enjoy our water activities of snorkelling, kayaking or the glass-bottom boat. Expect to see lots of fish species including king angelfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish, damsels, rays and sharks. From the land portion of the visit there will be sea lions and basking marine iguanas with herons and turtles in the mangrove areas. We might even discover some antique ceramic relics left behind by previous settlements.

Day 5: Carrion Point - Baltra airport

This morning we will make a visit to Carrion Point on a dinghy ride to the entrance of the Itabaca channel in a lagoon with turquoise water, where we can observe sharks, blue footed boobies, and different kinds of fish.

After the visit, you will be transferred to Baltra airport for your return flight to Guayaquil or Quito.

• On-board accommodation 
• All meals during the voyage 
• Activities/shore excursions as specified 
• Bilingual naturalist guides 
• Transfers

• International and internal airfares 
• Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable 
• Travel insurance 
• Galapagos National Park fee US$100
• Transit Control Card US$20
• Kayaking, and wetsuit equipment
• Possible fuel surcharges
• Gratuities
• Any items not mentioned as included