Endemic Galapagos Luxury Cruise

Sunday

Baltra Airport – Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill

Upon arrival, reception at the airport and transfer to the M/C Endemic.
In the afternoon you will visit the Dragon Hill in the northwest of Santa Cruz Island. On your hike you have the opportunity to observe land iguanas, a fascinating species that was threatened with extinction a few decades ago.

Monday morning:

San Cristobal Island: Leon Dormido and Cerro Brujo rock formations

Your first point of visit this morning is the Leon Dormido (Sleeping Lion), an impressive rock formation formed by erosion. The rock is a breeding ground for many seabirds and a nice place to take photos while the ships sail around the rock. Do not forget your camera!The next attraction is Cerro Brujo (Witches' Hill), a tuff hill in the southwest of the island. A boat ride takes you through the stunning rock formations along the coast to a white sandy beach. A fantastic opportunity for snorkeling.

Monday afternoon:

Lobo Island

In the afternoon, head to Lobos Island where you can spot blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and marine iguanas. The quiet bay invites you to snorkel.

Tuesday morning:

Española Island: Gardener Bay/Osborn Island

Today the island of Española is on the program. The southernmost island of the archipelago is a habitat for many endemic birds, such as the Spanish mockingbird. There are also large colonies of masked and blue-footed boobies. From the top of the cliff you have a breathtaking view.

After breakfast you can visit Gardener Bay, its beautiful beach invites you to swim. Between the rocks, snorkelers have the opportunity to observe fish as well as sea turtles and sharks. Sea lions often come by to play.

Tuesday afternoon:

Punta Suárez

In the afternoon we visit Punta Suarez, an absolute must for animal watchers. The countless species that inhabit this part of the island can be found along the cliffs and the sandy or pebble beach.

Wednesday morning:

Santa Fe Island

In the morning you will discover Santa Fe Island. This island offers two different hiking trails. One path leads to the largest Opuntia cactus in the Galapagos Islands. The other route takes you to the highlands of the island, where you can observe the land iguanas. No matter which hike you choose, the calm water invites you to swim afterwards.

Wednesday afternoon:

Santa Cruz Island: Fausto Llerena breeding center and highlands

In the afternoon you will visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Station, or better known as the Charles Darwin Research Station, on Santa Cruz. Here you will find an information center, a museum, a library and, above all, the turtle breeding station. This provides an overview of the different subspecies of giant tortoises, which are being prepared here for reintroduction into their natural habitats. The station's most famous resident was Lonesome George, the last of his kind, who died in 2012

Thursday morning: 

Island South Plaza

South Plaza is the next island you will discover. Sesuvium plants and Opuntia cacti are scattered across the landscape, offering some of the most interesting wildlife viewing in the Galapagos. The land iguanas laze in the shade of the opuntias and wait for a fruit to fall.

Thursday afternoon:

Bartolome Island

After lunch, visit Bartolome Island. Here, admire the magnificent views of Sullivan Bay and the famous Pinnacle Rock. The beach is very suitable for snorkeling and with a bit of luck a penguin will join your trip.

Friday morning:

Florean Island: Devil's Crown/Punta Cormorant

In the morning you can visit the Devil's Crown, a volcanic crater under the water. Only a small part of the rock formation peeks out of the water. The underwater world is rich in corals and other marine creatures. Seabirds can also be easily observed here.

Friday afternoon:

Baroness Viewpoint / Post Office

In the afternoon you will immerse yourself in the island's settler history. You climb to the Baroness viewpoint via an easy hiking trail. Your guide will tell you the story of the Baroness and her mysterious disappearance.

Saturday morning:

Santiago Island: Chinese hat

After breakfast, visit the Chinese Hut, a small island off the south coast of Santiago. The shape of the island, with its maximum elevation of only 52 meters, gave the island its funny name. Although located very close to Santa Cruz, this island is only served by cruise ships.

Saturday afternoon:

North Seymour Island

In the afternoon you will discover the island of North Seymour, just north of the island of Baltra. It is a low, flat island formed by the uplift of underwater lava. Covered with low, bushy vegetation, you will find the largest colony of frigatebirds in the Galapagos Islands here.

Sunday morning:

Santa Cruz Island: Black Turtle Bay – Baltra Airport

Before you say goodbye to the Galapagos Islands, visit Black Turtle Bay on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. It is a good example of how mangroves influence their environment and thus create a species-rich and unique habitat. Three different species of mangroves inhabit the bay and extend almost 2 kilometers inland.

As you glide through the water in the dinghy, you're likely to see spotted eagle rays, whitetip reef sharks and green sea turtles. Pelicans and herons find their food in the bay. Enjoy the tranquility of this peaceful place.

Then transfer to the airport and flight back to the continent. Assistance and farewell at the airport.

Sunday AM:

Baltra Island Airport.

Sunday PM:

Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz Island

Visit Dragon Hill will take place, which is located in the north-western part of Santa Cruz island. Here you will have the opportunity to walk into the island and view the land iguana. Be among these magnificent reptiles, that just a few decades ago were on the brink of extinction. Moreover, at Dragon Hill you will see a flamingos’ lagoon, pintail ducks and other endemic birds including flycatchers and warblers. After a short trek, amazing view awaits us up the hill. Offshore snorkeling before returning to the yacht.

Monday AM:

Kicker Rock, off San Cristobal Island

Witch Hill, San Cristobal Island

In the morning, the first spot to be visited is Kicker Rock, an impressive geological formation due to erosion. This is a nesting place of sea birds and a nice spot to take pictures while the vessels circumnavigate around the rock.

The next attraction to see is Witch Hill, a tuff cone hill located south west from San Cristobal. This name comes from the Spanish name of the bird known in English as Vermilion Flycatcher.

Monday PM:

lobos Island, off San Cristobal Island

In the afternoon, you will be taken to Lobos Island, where a small population of blue – footed boobies, frigates, marine iguanas, and great frigate birds nesting can be observed. Snorkeling with sea lions in this calm bay is also part of the excursion.

Tuesday AM:

Osborn and Gardner Islets, off Española Island
Gardner Bay, Espanola Island

Gardner Bay is a pristine white sandy beach (one of the longest in the Galapagos), that is home to colonies of sea lions and inquisitive mockingbirds. It is also one of the world’s most important breeding sites for the waved albatross. A short dinghy ride will take you to the Osborn and Gardner Islets, which are superb locations for snorkeling with young sea lions and a greater variety of tropical fish and corals.

Tuesday PM:

Suarez Point, Española Island

Suarez Point is an area with an outstanding variety of wildlife. The walking trail will take you past nesting sites of Nazca and blue-footed boobies, whilst Galapagos doves, mockingbirds and finches can be seen foraging nearby. You will also pass a geyser which can spray water up to 25m into the air; a spectacular feat of nature. Finally, when you reach the top of the breaktaking cliffs, you can enjoy watching waved albatrosses launching themselves out across the ocean.

Wednesday AM:

Santa Fe Island

This island was formed as a result of a volcanic uplift millions of years ago and is inhabited by the endemic yellow-green Santa Fe iguana, Galapagos snake and rice rat. There are two main trails on the island, one that leads to a beach through a forest of tall Opuntia (prickly pear) trees; another that takes you into the highlands and culminates in a stunning cliff top viewpoint where Galapagos hawks can be sighted.

Wednesday PM:

Breeding Center, Santa Cruz Island

The Darwin research centre is instrumental in carrying out important scientific research into the preservation of the archipelago’s ecosystems and initiating a significant breeding programme in 1970 for giant tortoises. As well as accessing a wealth of information about the flora and fauna found across the islands, you will have the chance to see tortoises at all stages of their development. Having been reared in captivity, they are very accustomed to humans, so don’t miss out on getting a photo with one of these remarkable animals.

As part of your day, we will head towards the Highlands of Santa Cruz to admire the famous giant tortoises in the wild. It is impressive to see these endemic animals that give the name to the archipelago, Galapagos. Birdwatching is also one of the activities in the highlands, since this area is home of finches and other Galapagos birds.

Thursday AM:

South Plaza Island

One of two small islets, South Plaza island houses a rich diversity of wildlife and vegetation. After passing a large colony of sea lions and ascending the slopes, you may catch a glimpse of swallow-tailed gulls, Nazca boobies, red-billed tropic birds, frigates or the rare lava gull. The ground is carpeted in Sesuvium, which transforms from bright red in the dry season to a vibrant green in the wet season, and land iguanas crowd around towering prickly pear cacti, waiting patiently for their juicy fruits to fall.

Departure from Baltra Island Airport

Friday AM:

Cormorant Point,
Devil’s Crown, Floreana Island

Cormorant Point features two distinctly beautiful beaches, one tinted a glistening green by a high content of olivine crystals; the other pure white and aptly referred to as ‘flour beach’.  The saltwater lagoon here is frequented by one of the largest populations of flamingos in the Galapagos as well as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails. Devil’s Crown is a stunning jagged volcanic crater, which has become mostly submerged beneath the water. It boasts a plethora of marine life making it an enthralling site for diving and snorkeling.

Friday PM:

Post Office Bay,
The Baroness’ Viewpoint, Floreana Island

Post Office Bay provides a fascinating insight into the human history of the island as you will discover the postal system developed by British whalers in the 18th century and can take part in the tradition that has continued to this day. The Baroness’ Viewpoint is named after an Australian baroness, who visited the island in the 1930’s and sparked a number of speculations about her mysterious disappearance. This vantage point is ideal for surveying the surrounding mangroves and other points of interest from above.

Saturday AM:

Chinese Hat, off Santiago Island

This small island off the coast of Santiago Island is a result of erupted lava, and the remaining cone curiously resembles the shape of a Chinese hat.  The short trail around the cove will guide you through a sea lion colony and provide opportunities to see eagles, oystercatchers and lava lizards. Furthermore, the channel of aquamarine water that runs between Santiago Island is very appealing to those who wish to enjoy some snorkeling, where you may be joined by sharks, rays and even a rare Galapagos penguin.

Saturday PM:

North Seymour Island

This island was formed by the uplifting of lava from underneath the ocean resulting in a relatively flat landscape. As well as land iguanas, sea lions and turtles along the coast, inland you will see colonies of blue-footed boobies who you may be lucky enough to catch performing their delightful courtship dance. Most notably though, the island is the largest nesting site for magnificent frigate birds, the male variety of which possess distinctive red gular pouches that they inflate during the mating season.

Sunday AM:

Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz Island

After breakfast, enjoy the visit to Black Turtle Cove, which is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz. It is a living illustration of how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat. Three mangrove species crowd the area from the shore out into the lagoon, which reaches almost a mile inland. As you drift through quiet waters in the zodiac, you are likely to see spotted eagle rays and diamond shaped mustard rays, which swim in a diamond formation. White – tipped reef sharks slip beneath the boat and Pacific green sea turtles come to the surface for air and to mate. Waterfowl, including pelicans, herons and egret, all feed in the cove. This is a peaceful place that will make you feel calm.

Sunday: PM:

Departure from Baltra Island Airport.

Thursday:

Baltra Airport – Bartolome Island

Upon arrival, reception at the airport and transfer to the M/C Endemic.
After lunch, visit Bartolome Island. Here, admire the magnificent views of Sullivan Bay and the famous Pinnacle Rock. The beach is very suitable for snorkeling and with a bit of luck a penguin will join your trip.

Friday morning:

Florean Island: Devil's Crown/Punta Cormorant

In the morning you can visit the Devil's Crown, a volcanic crater under the water. Only a small part of the rock formation peeks out of the water. The underwater world is rich in corals and other marine creatures. Seabirds can also be easily observed here.
Or visit Punta Cormorant, an olive green sandy beach. After 100 meters you will come to a lagoon with flamingos.

Friday afternoon:

Baroness Viewpoint / Post Office

In the afternoon you will immerse yourself in the island's settler history. You climb to the Baroness viewpoint via an easy hiking trail. Your guide will tell you the story of the Baroness and her mysterious disappearance.
Or you can visit the famous post office. A barrel that was used by sailors centuries ago for heavy correspondence.

Saturday morning:

Santiago Island: Chinese hat

After breakfast, visit the Chinese Hut, a small island off the south coast of Santiago. The shape of the island, with its maximum elevation of only 52 meters, gave the island its funny name. Although located very close to Santa Cruz, this island is only served by cruise ships.

Saturday afternoon:

North Seymour Island

In the afternoon you will discover the island of North Seymour, just north of the island of Baltra. It is a low, flat island formed by the uplift of underwater lava. Covered with low, bushy vegetation, you will find the largest colony of frigatebirds in the Galapagos Islands here. During nesting times you can watch the funny courtship dances of the blue-footed boobies.

Sunday morning:

Santa Cruz Island: Black Turtle Bay

Before you say goodbye to the Galapagos Islands, visit Black Turtle Bay on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. It is a good example of how mangroves influence their environment and thus create a species-rich and unique habitat. Three different species of mangroves inhabit the bay and extend almost 2 kilometers inland.
As you glide through the water in the dinghy, you're likely to see spotted eagle rays, whitetip reef sharks and green sea turtles. Pelicans and herons find their food in the bay. Enjoy the tranquility of this peaceful place.

Sunday afternoon:

Bachas Beach

In the afternoon visit Las Bachas, a beautiful white sand beach on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island.
Here you can stroll or practice snorkeling in the gentle surf. Sea turtles bury their eggs at the edge of vegetation. Look for a rusted pontoon, a relic from World War II.

Monday morning:

Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay

In the morning you will visit Darwin Bay, a beautiful sandy beach in the crater of Genovesa Island. Frigatebird colonies can be found along the beach. In the hope of impressing a female, the frigate males inflate their red throat pouch like a balloon.
Red-footed boobies nest in trees, unlike the other two booby species, which prefer the ground as a nesting site.

Monday afternoon:

El Barranco (Prince Philip Steps)

After lunch we go to the Prince Philip Steps, natural stone steps in the rock that lead to a plateau. Here you can observe large colonies of masked boobies, frigatebirds, Galapagos wave runners and Galapagos ducks. During the tour you will pass through a small Scalesia forest, among other habitats of the Galapagos eared owl. Take the same route back to the boat.

Tuesday morning:

Santa Cruz Island: Twin Craters – Baltra Airport

In the morning after breakfast you will visit the twin craters. These craters are approximately 30 meters deep and are located in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island between Baltra Airport and Puerto Ayora. The two karst funnels are surrounded by Scalesia forests and are home to a variety of birds such as the Yellow Warbler and the Purple Tyrant. Enjoy the impressive views of the green highland forests.
In the highlands of Santa Cruz Island you will see the giant tortoises in the wild. These impressive animals gave the archipelago its name. It's amazing how easy it is to see these Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural environment. If you're lucky, you'll also see the Galapagos eared owl, Darwin's finches, yellow warblers, Galapagos rails and the golden-billed moorhen. Another part of your tour is a visit to an underground lava tunnel, which was formed by the cooling lava.
Then transfer to the airport and flight back to the continent. Assistance and farewell at the airport.

Tuesday AM:

Arrival to Baltra Island Airport.

Tuesday PM:

Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island

As a result of a relatively recent volcanic eruption, Sullivan Bay is covered in unusual black rope like formations of cooled lava with small openings known as ‘hornitos’ (literally meaning ‘little ovens’), caused by the release of pressure built up under the surface. Despite the seemingly hostile environment, you will still find many Sally Lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas, and can top of your visit with a swim or snorkel with sea lions and penguins.

Wednesday AM:

Sierra Negra, Isabela Island

As the largest and one of the youngest islands, Isabela Island is still fairly volcanically active. The Sierra Negra is one of the six volcanoes that form the island, and it boasts the second largest caldera in the world, spanning an impressive 9 x 10 km. As you hike or horse ride up to and around the caldera, observe how the landscape changes seamlessly from barren lava fields to forests full of guava trees and revel in the breaktaking views across the island and the neighbouring volcanoes.

Wednesday PM:

Wetlands,
The Wall of tears,
Breeding Center, Isabela Island

Located just outside Puerto Villamil, the wetlands, comprising of lagoons, swamps and mangroves, are a paradise for migratory birds such as stilts and flamingos.  Next, a visit to the intriguing historical site known as The Wall of Tears built by prisoners between 1945-1959, sheds light on the island’s human history.  Finally, a visit to the Breeding Centre provides a rare opportunity to see giant tortoises at all stages of development and find out about the invaluable work that is being carried out to preserve and protect this incredible species.

Thursday AM:

Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island

This is an exclusive area teeming with wildlife, that is only accessible by dinghy. It is surrounded by a number of islets, where blue-footed boobies and penguins can be sighted on the rocks, and the bay itself features an unusually high and colourful mangrove forest. The cool, calm waters attract schools of fish, and make it a popular place for turtles, rays, sea lions and even sharks to gather, giving rise to a thrilling location for snorkeling and swimming.

Thursday PM:

Urbina Bay, Isabela Island

Located at the foot of the Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes, the Urbina Bay is a product of a major volcanic uplift that occurred in 1954. As a result, the shore is strewn with corals and remains of marine life. However, in a relatively short space of time, endemic plant species and wildlife have already started to thrive. It will certainly be hard to miss the impressive giant land iguanas (the largest in the Galapagos), but also keep an eye out for Galapagos hawks, giant tortoises and the Darwin’s cotton plant.

Friday AM:

Tagus Cove, Isabela Island

Known to have been a popular anchorage site since the 1800s, here you will be able to see where the names of ships have been carved into the rocks, providing an intriguing historical record. A scenic trail will lead you around Darwin Lake, and if you choose to continue up to the top of the hill you will be rewarded with a majestic view back over the crystal clear waters of the lagoon; an unmissable photo opportunity.

Friday PM:

Espinoza Point, Fernandina Island

This untouched area of natural beauty is home to a booming population of iguanas and is known as a key nesting site for flightless cormorants.  The combination of beautiful beaches and mangroves contrasted with the stark black lava flows create a memorable landscape. This is also one of the best locations to see the remarkably resilient lava cactus. To top it off, you will find several good diving spots where you can be entertained by the fearless and playful sea lions and penguins.

Saturday AM:

Espumilla Beach, Santiago Island

The name Espumilla,  literally meaning ‘meringue’, refers to the dream-like trail of foam left by the waves that lap this picturesque white sand beach. Here you will encounter an abundance of the brightly coloured Sally Lightfoot crabs, which attract predatory birds such as hawks, herons and pelicans. This peaceful setting on the northern coast of Santiago island provides an unmissable opportunity for snorkeling and swimming amongst a raft of marine life, including species of octopi, eels and sharks.

Saturday PM:

Buccaneer Cove, Santiago Island
Rabida Island

Buccaneer Cove was frequented over the centuries by pirates, buccaneers and whalers. Now, it is an important nesting site for turtles, and is also popular with sea lions and sting-rays. Intriguing formations in the rocks, caused by erosion, can also be observed. The arid Rabida island is characterized by steep volcanic hills and a red sand beach. The surrounding salt brush is home to nesting pelicans, and common stilts and flamingos can be seen feeding at the lagoon. Inland, keen bird watchers can also observe mockingbirds, yellow warblers and Darwin finches.

Sunday AM:

Mosquera Islet

In the morning, visit to Mosquera, a small islet found between Baltra & North Seymour Islands. Lava gulls, sea lions, Sally light foot crabs inhabit this sand bank with an extension of over 600 meters. It also hosts the largest populations of sea lions and orca whales that can be seen occasionally depending on the season you visit the islet.

Sunday PM:

Departure from Baltra Island Airport.