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This area is a natural nesting site
of a fairly large number of land iguanas, which is
constantly monitored and assisted by the Charles Darwin
Research Station. The arid-zone vegetation can be
a rewarding location for birdwatching, where Darwin’s
finches, Galápagos mockingbirds, the endemic
Galápagos flycatcher, and yellow warblers are
regular sightings.
TUESDAY Bartolomé
Island
Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry landing)
for a hike to the summit. Great way to start the day.
This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase;
the view from the top is worth the effort. Panga ride
around colossal Pinnacle Rock, time to enjoy the beach
(wet landing) and snorkeling. 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. Lunch on board.
Puerto Egas (Santiago (James) Island)
Afternoon outing at Puerto Egas (wet landing). This
is a great location to see particularly shore birds,
while land birds can be observed a little more inland.
The pitch black shores are great places for watching
sea birds and their foraging duties. The trail brings
us to a colony of the endemic Galápagos fur-sea
lions. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon emerald
green algae beds. Outstanding snorkeling and swimming
from the beach before the walk. ECO Moment and briefing
before dinner. Weather permitting, stargazing on deck.
WEDNESDAY Darwin
Bay (Genovesa (Tower) Island)
Before breakfast, early morning entrance into Darwin
Bay. Wet landing at a small white-coralline beach
for an easy stroll observing hundreds of birds, mainly
Great frigate birds, red footed and Nazca (masked)
boobies, lava gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds.
Later, the trail leads to an area of sharp lava and
uneven terrain, but you may return to the beach or
continue observing wildlife within the sandy portions
of the walk. Those more adventurous can snorkel along
the cliffs while looking for colorful tropical fish,
and hopefully some Hammerhead Sharks. Lunch on board.
Throughout the morning we will carefully observe how
local conditions unfold, in order to choose the best
option for our afternoon program. Therefore, we will
either navigate towards North Seymour, or shall remain
anchored at impressive Darwin Bay, and spend the afternoon
at Prince Philip Steps. The Expedition Staff will
announce accordingly. Please find below full description
of both possible sites.
North Seymour Island
During navigation, spend some time on deck looking
for dolphins or possibly whales. This is one of the
few uplifted islands in Galápagos. In previous
times, this was the ocean's bed. Today's afternoon
walk includes a dry landing for a view of the coast
and the interior of the island, while exploring colonies
of blue footed boobies, Magnificent frigate birds,
and swallowtail gulls. The sandy shore teems with
Galápagos sea lions and marine iguanas. A shorter
walk may be also offered. ECO Moment, Naturalist's
briefing, and dinner.
Prince Philip Steps (Genovesa (Tower) Island)
As we explore the coastline of Darwin Bay, the cliffs
of this eroded caldera will reveal its past geological
power, with features like lava tubes where red-billed
tropic birds nest, and some odd ones like cactus next
to a tropical ocean. Then, disembark (dry landing)
on rocks for a steep climb (90 feet) and then a leveled
walk for about a mile to the other side of this small
island observing large colonies of Nazca (masked)
boobies, frigate birds, storm petrels and the well
camouflaged short-eared owl. ECO Moment, Naturalist's
briefing and dinner.
THURSDAY Santa Fé
(Barrington) Island
Early morning (pre-breakfast) visit to Santa Fé
(Barrington) Island. This island, according to the
latest geological studies, shows the islands’
oldest rocks. The small bay on Santa Fe's northern
coast provides one of the most picturesque harbors
within the archipelago. A large sea lion colony inhabits
most of the surrounding landing site. Follow the trail
among a very tall forest of opuntia cacti, where large
and somewhat pale land iguanas, that are island endemics,
can be seen. A variety of finches and the Galápagos
mockingbird abound. Back to the ship for breakfast,
as we sail to Santa Cruz Island.
Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island)
Mid morning disembarkation (dry landing) to visit
the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing
in captivity program for the giant tortoises. 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. We believe that our
presence should benefit local communities too. Lunch
at beautiful Finch Bay Hotel. In the afternoon drive
up to the lush highlands, including the Scalesia (an
endemic giant daisy tree) forest and the twin pit
craters Los Gemelos. The trip to the highlands includes
the islands’ most-famous reptile: the giant
tortoises in their wild habitat. What a privilege
to see an endangered species roving in this lush environment.
The vermilion flycatcher will delight all participants
with its scarlet feathers against an emerald green
forest. Look for the Darwin’s finches of the
highlands (most of them from the tree-finch group),
particularly the famous Woodpecker Finch. Return aboard
the MV SANTA CRUZ for tonight’s ECO Moment,
briefing and dinner.
Please note that aside from our regular program,
the day spent at Santa Cruz Island offers some multisport
activities like sea kayaking, hiking to Tortuga Bay,
beach combing at Finch Bay Hotel, scuba diving, as
well as other options that can be taken at your own
pace. The Expedition Staff will carefully explain
what is there to do at this dazzling island. Of course,
some of these options are at an additional cost, and
must be paid on site.
FRIDAY Puerto Baquerizo
Moreno (San Cristóbal (Chatham) Island)
Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This small attractive
port is the provincial capital of the Galápagos
Islands (population 4,000), along a crescent-shaped
bay. This morning we visit the breeding center for
tortoises (La Galapaguera) at Cerro Colorado, including
a 45-minute bus ride. Seeing the semi-saddle back
shape of the tortoises can be a great way to understand
adaptation to dry-tropical environments. The rewarding
fauna of this island may not only be the giant tortoises,
since many island-specific endemics are found here.
It includes mockingbirds, lava lizards, and the vermilion
flycatchers. If time allows, a quick visit to El Junco
Lagoon (the only permanent freshwater lagoon of the
islands) could bring many surprises. Return to the
MV SANTA CRUZ for lunch. Today, new guests will join
our voyage.
If you plan not to take our official morning program
at San Cristóbal, an “at your own pace
option” is to visit the San Cristóbal
Interpretation Center, located in a natural setting,
where visitors can obtain information that will help
them 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 world travelers who are willing to catch up
with the world, and share the many wonders witnessed
so far. Return to the MV SANTA CRUZ for lunch.
Exploring the Coastline of Stephen’s Bay, San
Cristóbal (Chatham) Island
As we navigate the irregular coastline adjacent to
Stephen's Bay, an odd-shaped rock called León
Dormido (Sleeping Lion or Kicker Rock) will delight
our first contact with this island. Later, our Expedition
Staff will carefully select this afternoon's site
for some rewarding wildlife observation. Some of the
animal highlights to be encountered include a small
sea lion colony, whose shores are also home to many
sea birds, including frigate birds and blue-footed
boobies. The chosen landing beach will offer a coraline
white beach, and a little inland walking may give
us a close look at Darwin's Finches, and the island
endemic San Cristóbal (Chatham) Mockingbird.
Lava lizards are also examples of an island endemic
species. Great landscape photography. These are the
same shores that Charles Darwin sailed and walked
upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristóbal
was the first island where he set foot in the Galápagos.
ECO Moment and briefing on the next day's activities,
followed by a welcome cocktail offered by the Captain
and dinner.
SATURDAY Gardner Bay (Española
(Hood) Island)
After breakfast, disembark at Gardner Bay (wet landing)
for a short walk along the whitest coral beach you
can possibly imagine. As you walk along the sand,
the many tractor-like marks is evidence of sea turtle
nesting. There is much to do here, and you can observe
the sea lions’ behavior, mockingbirds, finches,
enjoy the beach, snorkel, or ride the glass-bottom
boat around nearby islets. Rewarding snorkeling at
these locations. Back on board for lunch.
Punta Suarez (Española (Hood) Island)
Afternoon outing at Punta Suarez (dry landing) for
an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit
its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved
albatrosses (April - December), Nazca (masked boobies),
and the famous blowhole. Great hike for observing
blue-footed boobies, swallowtail gulls, the Hood island
mockingbird, red-green-black marine iguanas, and of
course a rookery of sea lions right at the landing
site. For those planning not to walk the entire trail,
there will be a dinghy ride arranged along the coastline
of Punta Suarez, followed by a very short walk under
easy walking conditions. ECO Moment, briefing and
dinner.
SUNDAY Urbina Bay
(Isabela Island)
Breakfast and disembarkation (wet landing) for a walk
at Urbina Bay. This area went through a volcanic uplifting
event back in 1954 leaving gaunt marine skeletons,
which make the walk remarkably interesting, specially
for understanding island colonization. This area is
also home to large and very colorful Galápagos
land iguanas, and the famous giant tortoises from
the population of Alcedo Volcano. Swimming and snorkeling
will depend on local sea conditions. Back on board
for lunch. As we sail along the Bolívar Channel,
astonishing views of the Galápagos’ youngest
volcanoes can be seen. The nutrient-rich waters of
the west can also bring surprises like encountering
sea birds feeding, dolphins, and possibly whales.
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
The afternoon brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina.
First, a dinghy ride to observe Galápagos penguins,
as well as flightless cormorants and then disembark
(dry landing) 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. Snorkeling at
this location depends on local sea conditions, and
will be announced by the Expedition Staff. Farewell
briefing and dinner.
MONDAY
Arrival to Baltra and transfer by bus to the airport
for the flight back to the continent.
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