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Punta Suárez (Hood Island)
Afternoon dry landing for an exciting walk on lava
terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including
the Waved Albatrosses (May - December) and the famous
blowhole. A shorter walk is also available. For those
not planning to walk there will be panga (dinghy)
ride along the coastline of Punta Suárez. Naturalist's
briefing and dinner.
THURSDAY. Point Cormorant (Floreana Island)
After breakfast, disembark at Point Cormorant (wet
landing) for an easy walk to see the flamingos that
inhabit a brackish-water lagoon, and other birds like
ducks, stilts, sandpipers, etc. There is great snorkeling
from the beach or near by, at the Devil's Crown. Those
who do not snorkel can enjoy a ride on the glass-bottom
boat. Lunch on board.
Post Office Bay (Floreana Island)
Wet landing at the historical Post Office Bay to learn
about the human side of the islands, its early inhabitants
and the adventures of pirates and whalers. Then, a
panga ride will take you to nearby islets to observe
sea lions, rays and sea turtles, boobies and possibly
the Galapagos penguin. Naturalist's briefing and dinner.
FRIDAY. Santa Cruz
Island
After breakfast, disembark (dry landing) to visit
the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant
tortoise pens, an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus
forest and many land birds. Then a stroll along the
main street of Puerto Ayora. Lunch at the Hotel Delfín.
Afternoon in the highlands, visiting the Scalesia
forest and the twin pit craters Los Gemelos. From
December to mid-April a visit to see the giant tortoises
in the wild may be included, if weather conditions
are good. Naturalist's briefing and dinner.
SATURDAY. Darwin
Bay (Tower Island)
Morning wet landing for an easy stroll observing thousands
of bird life, mainly frigate birds, red footed and
masked boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds.
If you wish you can continue walking over sharp lava
and uneven terrain, or just go back to the beach to
enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural
harbor. Those most adventurous can look for Hammerhead
sharks, snorkeling along the cliffs. Lunch on board.
Prince Philip's Steps (Tower Island)
The afternoon starts with a very interesting panga
ride along the cliffs and 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 masked boobies,
frigate birds, storm petrels and the short-eared owl.
Naturalist's briefing and dinner.
SUNDAY
Early risers will enjoy cruising right in front of
famous Ecuador Volcano, which rises off the water
line with one of its halves completely collapsed,
and now resting underwater, while crossing the Equator
line.
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
The morning brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina.
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 space
with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, hawks, penguins
and the flightless cormorant. Lunch on board.
Urbina Bay (Isabela Island)
After lunch, scenic cruise along Bolívar Channel
and possible observation of whales and/or dolphins.
Disembarkation (wet landing) for a medium-length walk
at Urbina Bay to look for giant tortoises and land
iguanas. This place went through a volcanic uplifting
event back in 1954 leaving gaunt marine skeletons,
which make the walk remarkably interesting. Those
who wish may take either only a short walk along the
beach, or a longer walk towards the interior of the
island. Swimming and snorkeling depending on local
conditions.
MONDAY. Puerto Egas
(James Island)
Wet landing for a mid-length walk. Most of the landscape
is tuff-stone layers and lava flows. This is a great
opportunity to see land and marine birds. At low tide,
marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds and there
is a colony of fur-sea lions. Good snorkeling and
swimming from the beach after the walk. Lunch on board.
Bartolome Island
Disembark at Bartolome Island (dry landing) for a
hike to the summit. This is a steep climb aided by
a wooden staircase; the view from the top is worth
the effort. There will be time for a panga ride around
Pinnacle Rock to observe penguins, to enjoy the beach
(wet landing), snorkeling and swimming from the beach,
or a ride on the glass-bottom boat. Farewell cocktail
and departure briefing.
TUESDAY.
After breakfast, departure to the port and
airport to take the flight back to the continent.
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