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MV Santa Cruz - Galapagos Islands Cruise (8 days)8 days duration
After upon arrival at San Cristobal Island, you are transferred to the MV SANTA CRUZ, which will be anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands where you will have a welcome introductory briefing and lunch onboard.
This afternoon, a dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers will bring us to Cerro Brujo's white coraline beach. The area gives good views of seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, and some shore birds, as well as Galapagos sea lions. The beach is a great open walking area, with rewarding birdwatching. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird, Chatham Lava Lizard; both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. We may also spot Yellow Warblers, Galapagos flycatchers and with luck a Vermillion flycatcher (endemic subspecies to San Cristobal). These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristobal was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos. Back on board after a briefing on the next day's activities, enjoy a welcome cocktail from the Captain and dinner. (LD)
On arrival at Punta Suarez on Espanola Island, enjoy an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca (masked boobies), blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous blowhole. Among its landbirds, the Hood Island mockingbird, and three species of Darwin’s finches are common highlights. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas, and of course a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. Back on board for lunch.
This afternoon we disembark at Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island at an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish water lagoon where bird species like Greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others may be observed. This outing also includes a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night for nesting (from December to May). There is the possibility of snorkelling from the beach, or join our Glass Bottom Boat or advanced snorkeling panga if conditions permit. (BLD)
This morning brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina where we disembark at Punta Espinoza for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their island habitat with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs and hawks. Lava terrain calls for good walking shoes. Back on board, enjoy lunch before we sail along the Bolívar Channel, for astonishing views of the Galápagos’ youngest volcanoes. The nutrient-rich waters of the west can also bring surprises like encountering sea birds feeding, dolphins, and possibly whales.
In the afternoon, depending on the conditions of the ocean, we will schedule a snorkelling outing along the cliffs of partly-sunken Ecuador Volcano on the northern tip of Isabela Island. Since there is no landing site at this location, we will include a coastal exploration by dinghy, where our naturalist guides will explain the dramatic geology of the area with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. This is the nesting place for flightless cormorants, the only existing marine birds in the world other than penguins that have changed their condition of flying birds to diving birds. Wildlife here also includes Sea lions, Galápagos Fur seals, Galápagos Penguins, Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies and noddy terns. This area has a very rich marine life, and is seasonally visited by green sea turtles. (BLD)
We spend the morning at Baltra Island. Our ship will briefly stop at this location, mainly for voyage-related purposes and new guests join us and we are provided with fresh supplies. This morning can be a unique opportunity to grab your favorite book, write postcards, enjoy the Jacuzzi, just rest or worship the equatorial sun. If you prefer to get out and enjoy the island spirit, there is a beautiful coralline beach called Aeolian Beach (wet landing). This is a great place for swimming and snorkelling with plenty of sea turtles seen from December through March. From time to time flocks of plunging blue-footed boobies will delight beachcombers. Other options at Baltra Island may be planned by the Expedition Staff; these will be announced accordingly. After lunch on board, the landscapes of the central islands are worth photographing as we gently sail towards the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. Time to be up on deck, as we get ready for our afternoon adventure!
The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). After landing, our walk includes a brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, including stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings, and more. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western area of the archipelago. This area is a natural nesting site for land iguanas, which is constantly monitored and assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station. The arid-zone vegetation can be a rewarding location for bird watching, where Darwin’s finches, Galápagos mockingbirds, the endemic Galápagos flycatcher, and yellow warblers are regular sightings. Tonight our expedition plan will reveal the interesting sites of the day ahead. (BLD)
After disembarking at Bartolomé we hike to the island's summit - a great way to start the day! This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase with the view from the top worth the effort. We'll also take a dinghy ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, have time to enjoy the beach and snorkelling. Chance to snorkel next to Galápagos Penguins. There is also the possibility to ride on the glass bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.
Today we disembark on the red beach of Rabida Island, coloured due to the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. A gratifying stroll along the beach of this small island allows the observation of a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s Finches. Very close to the beach, hidden behind a strip of green saltbush, is a salt pond where at times Greater Flamingos migrate to. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach, both for beginners as well as for experienced snorkellers, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. During navigation to our next island, we will keep our eyes open for dolphins.
This afternoon starts with a dry landing for a view of the coast and the interior of North Seymour Island, one of the few uplifted islands in Galápagos Archipelago. The trail leads guests to explore colonies of blue footed boobies, Magnificent frigate birds, and swallow-tail gulls. The sandy shore teems with Galápagos sea lions and marine iguanas. Vegetation is made up of cacti, Palo Santo trees and Salt Bushes. (BLD)
Upon arrival, a morning bus ride will take guests to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island for a special opportunity to view the islands’ most famous reptile: the giant tortoises in their wild habitat. What a privilege it is to see an endangered species roving in this lush environment! The vegetation of the area includes the Scalesia Forest (an endemic giant daisy tree) and birds such as the vermilion flycatcher, will delight everyone with its scarlet feathers against an emerald green forest. Look for Darwin’s finches (most of them from the tree-finch group), particularly the famous Woodpecker Finch. Today we enjoy lunch at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel in Puerto Ayora.
After lunch, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the learn more about the rearing in captivity program for the giant tortoises. Here we witness the efforts and results of all the field work done in the name of science. Impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds can be also seen. Then, a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora will allow you to see how Galapagueños live in this magical paradise and browse in the many handicraft shops. (BLD)
We return to San Cristobal Island and disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This small attractive port is the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands (population 4,000), located along a crescent-shaped bay. Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Centre, located in a natural setting, where you can obtain information that will help you understand more the natural history of the Galápagos, with a great emphasis on human history and conservation. Afterwards, you can stroll through Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where souvenir shops and Internet cafés welcome travellers who are willing to catch up with the world, and share the many wonders witnessed. Travel to the airport for your flight back to Guayaquil or Quito. (BL)
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