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Among the many species, the Hooded
Mocking bird and Red Billed Tropic After crossing
the nesting grounds you will reach the world's largest
colony of Waved Albatross (15000 approx.)
Their mating rituals are a highlight of the visit.
Nearing the end of this excursion passengers will
visit the famous blowhole, where water shoots into
the air at almost 23 mts. ( 75 ft .)
Española Island (Gardner Bay)
In the afternoon the passengers visit Gardner Bay
. This is a wet landing on a white coral beach amidst
a large colony of Sea Lions.
This site has no trails, therefore hiking, is not
possible. But it is considered as open area where
you can spot Galapagos Hawks, American Oyster Catchers,
Galapagos Doves, Hood Mockingbirds, 3 species of Darwin
Finches and Yellow Warblers, Lava Lizards, Marine
Iguanas and a great place for swimming and snorkeling,
the best place for this spot is by the rock outcropping
that looks like a turtle.
Often snorkelers see many of the Galapagos marine
species such as King Angelfish, Creole Fish, Damsel
Fish, Parrot Fish, Manta Rays, White Tipped Reef Sharks,
and many more.
DAY 3 – TUESDAY
Floreana Island (Cormorant Point)
Wet landing on a greenish colored sand beach. Passengers
will hike a well marked trail beginning in the Black
Mangrove beds heading towards the back of the lagoon.
The large, brackish lagoon holds one of the biggest
populations of flamingos in the Galápagos.
This island is best known for its endemic plant life,
such as the Galápagos millwork, Passion flower,
and unique button mangrove. Novice snorkelers can
practice back on the main beach where the sea lions
are playful, while experienced snorkelers can roam
the waters around Devils Crown.
Santa Fe Island / Barrington
Santa Fe is located in the southeastern part of Galapagos,
2 1/2 hours from Santa Cruz , is home to a number
of endemic species, which have bounced back from the
outside threat. They include the Galapagos Hawk, Land
Iguanas, a variety of Finches and the Galapagos Mockingbird,
Sea Lion, Marine Turtles.
Other attractive is one of the most beautiful coves
in all the Galapagos, Santa Fe was formed from an
uplift (rather than a volcano) giving the island a
relatively flat surface rather than the typical conical
shape. The trail leads out along the coast into the
Opuntia Forest . Santa Fe 's trees are the largest
in the Galapagos
DAY 4 – WEDNESDAY
North Seymour Island
After a dry landing guests will encounter Swallow
Tailed Gulls and Sea Lions. This site is also known
of being a major nesting colony of Blue Footed Boobies,
and the largest colony of the Magnificent Frigate
Bird. (a different species from the Great Frigate
Bird).
Travelers will also spot both endemic species of iguanas,
the Marine Iguanas and Land Iguanas. Passengers will
enjoy this relaxed hike around the nesting sites.
*END OF THE 3 NIGHTS
CRUISE ITINERARY
Santa Cruz Island (Dragon Hill)
During this excursion visitors head for Dragon Hill.
After a wet landing, passengers walk to a hypersalinic
lagoon behind the beach. Observers report a high number
of Pink Flamingos. The trail then leads up to Dragon
Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay,. This
area is a nesting site for a big number of reintroduced
Land Iguanas, again thanks to the Charles Darwin Research
Station. There is also a bizarre Scalesia tree forest.
DAY 5 – THURSDAY
Rábida Island / Jervis
Dry landing at the dark red colored beach of volcanic
origin, frequented by sea lions. It is often considered
the geographic center of Galapagos because it has
the most diversified volcanic rocks of all the Islands
. Here a short trail leads to a salt water lagoon,
where we find small colonies of Flamingos feeding.
The brown pelican nests in the mangrovesan be found
at the far side of the lagoon. Also to be observed
are boobies and 9 species of Darwin 's finches. Dinghie
ride by the reefs with an excellent snorkeling opportunity.
Santiago Island (Egas Port)
Visit the dark sand beach at Puerto Egas during a
wet landing. Most of the landscape are tuff-stone
layers and lava flows, the surrounding area is prime
for spotting and observing Hunting Herons, Great Blue
Herons, Lava Herons, Oyster Catchers, and the Yellow
Crowned Night Heron. Cocktail of the day at the Sun
Deck. Briefing by guides on next days activities.
DAY 6 – FRIDAY
Fernandina Island (Espinosa Point)
After a dry landing at Espinosa Point, passengers
will see the largest colony of Marine Iguanas mingling
with Sally-light Foot Crabs. They also will enjoy
the Flightless Cormorants nesting sites, the Galapagos
Penguins, Galapagos Hawks, and Sea lions. Among the
flora and volcanic formations observers will note
Brachycereus Cactus, “pa-hoe-hoe” lava,
and other unusual lava formations. Travelers will
see recent lava flows from a safe distance. Also numerous
mangrove beds extend into the sea, depicting a healthy
and thriving eco-system.
Isabela Island (Point Vicente Roca)
Another possible excursion is at Point Vicente Roca,
on Isabela Island . There are no landings for this
excursion. Only open for dinghy sightseeing, snorkeling,
and scuba. Travelers will enjoy high cliffs with tuff
stone, ash, and other lava formations. Caves and plenty
of nesting sites for Brown Noddies and Blue Footed
Boobies. Up close encounters with the occasional Dolphin,
followed by Sea Cocktail of the day at the Sun Deck.
Briefing by guides on next days activities.
DAY 7 – SATURDAY
Bartolomé Island
Dry landing. Arriving on this island, passengers will
see volcanic formations including lava bombs, spatter,
and cinder cones. After a hike to the summit visitors
will have an impressive view of the surrounding islands,
including the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock.
During the ascent travelers will often see a large
colony of Marine Iguanas and Lava Lizards. Red Mangroves,
Tiquilla, and various cacti all add to the experience.
Visitors also enjoy a chance to cool off while snorkeling.
Here travelers often see the Galapagos Penguin, Sea
Turtles, and White Tipped Sharks from a safe distance.
Santa Cruz Island (Black Turtle Cove)
Arrive at Black Turtle Cove located near Las Bachas
beach in the north of Santa Cruz Island . This excursion
provides passengers with a “panga” ride
though the mangrove, during which the outboard motor
of the small boat is turned off. This allows the close
observation of Sea Turtles, White Tipped Reef Sharks,
Spotted Eagle Rays, and Yellow Rays.
DAY 8 – SUNDAY
Santa Cruz Island (Charles Darwin station)
On another visit, travelers have the chance to investigate
the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora,
staffed with international scientists conducting biological
research and conservation projects. Here you can also
admire Giant Tortoises, that are part of the breeding
program.
Travelers can also admire the impressive
Giant Prickly-Pear Cactus forest and many land birds.
The visit to the station takes around 40 minutes.
After this visit passengers have some free time to
walk around town and shop for souvenirs.
* Disembark at the docks (Isle of Baltra), passengers
board a bus that drives them to the airport for their
flight back to mainland via Guayaquil to Quito.
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