North Central Galapagos Islands

Day 1: Bartolome

ARRIVED IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS A.M. BALTRA AIRPORT
The first stop is Baltra, where we will transfer. P.M. Bartolomé 15:00 - 18:00h

After that, we will go to Bartolomé. This uninhabited island lies in Sullivan Bay, east of Santiago Island. The island is home to Pinnacle Rock, a volcanic cone that is the result of lava release from an underwater volcano. Bartolomé visitors may recognize the island and Pinnacle Rock from the 2003 blockbuster film Master and Commander. Today, tourists can choose between two locations: one that requires a trek to an excellent viewpoint, and another on the beach, where they can enjoy snorkeling and swimming. Birdwatchers will want to look out for Galapagos Penguins, Herons, and Galapagos Hawks.

Day 2: Genovesa - Darwin Bay - Prince Philip's Steps

It is a horseshoe-shaped island in the northeastern of the Galapagos archipelago. This island was formed by the eruption of a shield volcano and the subsequent collapse of one side of the caldera. There have been no recorded eruptions, but there is evidence of ongoing lava flows at the volcano's fringes. Genovesa is nicknamed 'The Bird Island' because of the large number and variety of bird species that nest there. These species include frigatebirds, Nazca and red-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, storm petrels, red-billed tropicbirds, finches, and mockingbirds. Visitors can visit two sites: one along the beach, where snorkeling and swimming are popular, and one at the point where the two sites meet.

A.M. Darwin Bay 08:00 - 12:00h
The star of the day is Darwin Bay. It is a tiny sand and coral beach that can be reached by walking. Visitors can see red-footed boobies, two plumage variants of the bird, and other bird species such as frigatebirds, Nazca birds, orange flocks, white-billed tropicbirds, finches, and mockingbirds. Genovesa is well known for its bird species, including frigatebirds, Nazca, red flocks, white-billed tropicbirds, finches, and mockingbirds. Visitors should look out for Galapagos penguins and herons.

P.M. Prince Philip's Steps 14:00 - 18:00h
After lunch, we head to El Barranco (Prince Philip's Steps): The Galapagos visitor attraction, Prince Philip's Steps, is named after Prince Philip, who visited the island in 1965 and 1981. Through the cracks in the lava cliffs, visitors can see marine life. The walk continues inland, passing more boobie nesting colonies in the Palo Santo forest. At the end, visitors can gaze out over a rocky lava plain with wedge-rumped storm petrels and short-eared owls.

Day 3: Plazas - Santa Fe

A.M. Plazas 08:00 - 12:00h
Off Santa Cruz's east coast, they consist of two tiny crescent-shaped islands: the North Plaza and the South Plaza. South Plaza is home to a wide variety of species and is known for its spectacular flora. Conservation issues include the decline of the cactus population, which is a vital food source for land iguanas. The long-term goal is to regenerate the cactus forest while maintaining a healthy land iguana population.

P.M. Santa Fe
Santa Fe: Santa Fe is a small island in the Galapagos archipelago that has no fresh water and has never had a human presence. It is home to many goats, which drink seawater. With two snorkeling sites in the landing bay and another in the next bay, it is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Day 4: El Chato Twin Craters - Charles Darwin

A.M. El Chato - Twin Craters 08:00 - 12:00h
It is located in Santa Rosa, 21.7 kilometers from Gus Angermeyer. It offers visitors the opportunity to observe giant tortoises, owls, Darwin's finches, and lava tunnels. Approximately 400 meters of formed lava have left a film tunnel nearby.

Then we'll enjoy Los Gemelos (Twin Craters): These two large pit craters on the road between Puerto Ayora and
Baltra were formed by the collapse of bare magma chambers. Both craters are accessible by stopping at the side of the road and exploring them by walking around their edges. A circular trail leads to the larger crater through the picturesque Scalesia forest. This is a great place to see land birds such as the Galapagos Dove, Vermilion Flycatcher, Short-eared Owl, and many finch species.

In this renowned national park site, just northeast of Puerto Ayora, over 200 scientists and volunteers are involved in research and conservation efforts, the most well-known of which involves giant tortoise captive breeding programs. Through the arid zone vegetation, you can observe Galápagos giant tortoises in their enclosures. A nursery with incubators is also available (the baby tortoises are repatriated to their home islands once they reach 1.5kg or about four years old).

Day 5: Borrero Bay

Even though this is our last day, we're excited to have fun! We start the day at Borrero Bay: Green turtles visit Borrero Bay, a white coral beach. Yellow warblers and Darwin's finches are attracted to palo santo, leather leaf and salt-tolerant plants here. The elevation of the extinct volcano reveals many vegetation zones, from littoral to arid, humid, and dry pampas. It is a stunning landscape that can be enjoyed while swimming in the azure waters of the bay or strolling along the beach.

• Accommodation in Twin/Double/Triple Standard cabin with private bathroom and complete amenities.
• One Bilingual licensed Naturalist Guide (English-Spanish) for all excursions and activities during cruise; expert Spanish-speaking crew on board during cruise.
• All meals during cruise (from Lunch on Day 1 to Breakfast on last day), snacks, natural juices, coffee, tea and fresh drinking water.
• Bus ticket from Baltra to Santa Cruz Island (and vice verse) Airport to Itabaca Channel & Ferry crossing fee.
• Complete Snorkeling Gear: mask, fins & snorkel. Double Sea-Kayaks available
• WiFi Internet service.
• Transfers between Islands and visitor sites; all shore excursions on board Zodiak from the Yacht.
• Airport transfers in Galapagos with Bilingual guide exclusively with operation flights from/to Mainland Ecuador.
• 24/7 assistance in Ecuador Mainland and in the Galapagos Islands.

• Flight tickets to & from Galapagos from/to Quito or Guayaquil: US$ 550.00 per adult (rate for Children between 6 & 11 years-old upon request).
• Galápagos National Park fee: US$200 per person
• Transit control card: US$20 per person
• Personal expenses, extras, soft-drinks, alcoholic drinks and other items of personal inature are not included.
• Wet-Suit rental on board for only US$20 per person for all cruise lengths (adult sizes).
• Tips for Guide and Crew: recommended US$15 in cash per person per day for Guide and US$15 in cash per person per day for the entire Crew.
• Travel and personal Insurance: We highly recommend for guests to purchase insurance that covers: trip cancellation, international flight delay/cancelation, trip interruption, medical coverage and baggage loss/damage coverage.