8 days – Eastern Islands


This 8-day itinerary includes some of the Galapagos' most famous islands. Santa Cruz Island is included in the itinerary, as are Genovesa Island and Bartolome Island. The highlights of this itinerary are hiking up to the highest point of Bartolome Island and swimming in the crystal clear waters surrounding Bartolome Island. You can also see sea lions and penguins at Rabida Island. The itinerary is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the Galapagos Islands' unique beauty and see many different species of animals.
Day 1: Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island: Turtle Cove

Arrival at Baltra Airport

Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz, the largest island in the Central Islands, is the home of many popular tourist attractions and Puerto Ayora, the biggest human settlement.

Turtle Cove

Turtle Cove, a lagoon of red mangroves on Santa Cruz Island is an excellent example of the way mangroves change marine environments to produce a unique and rich habitat. Sea turtles and rays will be visible, as well as sharks and seabirds.

Day 2: Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay & El Barraco

Genovesa Island

Genovesa, an eroded volcanic flat island with a submerged caldera, is a volcanic island that is flat and eroded.

Darwin Bay

This area is dominated by steep cliffs. The area hosts thousands of frigatebirds as well as red-footed bobies.

El Barranco

This site is an excellent place to see the "short-eared" owl. Fur seals, seabirds of different species and other wildlife can be seen during the boat rides.

Day 3: Bartolome Island & Chinese Hat

Bartolome Island

You can hike to the top of Bartolome and enjoy a breathtaking view. Around Pinnacle Rock, you can see sea lions or penguins. The sandy beach is great for swimming and snorkeling.

Chinese Hat

Sombrero Chino, a small island of volcanic origin located just southeast of Santiago. Named after its shape, the island is a small volcanic island. The fauna includes the Galapagos Penguin, Sea Lions and marine iguanas.

Day 4: Rabida Island & Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill

Rabida Island

Rabida, a tiny island in the Caribbean Sea with dark coral-sand beaches. The lagoon, with its flamingos, the pelican breeding site, the sea lion bachelor colonies, and the snorkeling area at the end are all highlights.

Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill

Dragon Hill can be found on the northwest side of Santa Cruz Island. There are small lagoons filled with flamingos and Palo Santos trees as well as Opuntia Cactus.

Day 5: Santa Cruz Islands: Highlands & Charles Darwin Station

Santa Cruz Island

The Highlands of Santa Cruz

In the Santa Cruz highlands, you can see Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat.

Charles Darwin Station

The Charles Darwin Station is both a National Park Information Center and a Research Facility. Charles Darwin Station is home to a land iguana and giant tortoise breeding program.

Day 6: South Plaza Island & Santa Fe Island

South Plaza Island

Plazas is made up of two small islands, which were raised from the ocean and separated by a narrow channel. South Plazas is the only one with a visitor's site. Highlights include tall Opuntia Cactus and land and marine Iguanas. A rocky cliff overlooking the ocean is also used as a nesting area for red-billed tropical birds, gulls and seal lion bachelor colonies.

Santa Fe Island

Santa Fe, a 24km2 island is smaller. Santa Fe visitor center is situated on the north-east end of the Island. Santa Fe's land iguanas are one of the highlights. Other attractions include a sea lion colony and mockingbirds.

Day 7: Española Island: Gardner Bay & Punta Suarez

Espanola Island

Espanola, the oldest island in the Southern Archipelago is also the most southern. Due to its isolated location, a wide range of unique endemic species have evolved.

Gardner Bay

The site is located in the northeastern part of the island. It has an extensive white-sand beach that's home to sea lion colonies.

Islote Garnder, Islote Isborn

Snorkeling is possible on these islands, where you can see a variety of fishes and animals, including turtles, coral reef sharks, tropical fishes, etc.

Punta Suarez

Punta Suarez has a wide variety of wildlife. The blowhole is located along the cliff where the seawater can be forced up to 20 metres into the air. Highlights include the Waved Albatross that is only found in Hood (April to December), Galapagos Hawks and blue-footed, Nazca, and Espanola Lava Lizards.

Day 8: Santa Cruz Island: Twin Craters & Departure

Santa Cruz Island

Twin Craters (Los Gemelos)

These twin sunken craters, surrounded by the Scalecia tree endemic to the area, are called the Twins. These twin craters are beautiful in their natural state and host yellow warblers, finches and other birds.

Baltra

Flights to Quito and Guayaquil

Included

  • Accommodation (sharing double cabins)
  • Meals
  • Excursions led by professional Naturalist guide
  • Use of snorkel equipment
  • Short wetsuit
  • Use of kayaks
  • All transport between visitor sites and yacht
  • Tea, coffee, water and natural juices

Not Included

  • Air tickets to and from the Galapagos. Tickets have to be bought with Enchanted Expeditions - US$50 dollars net surcharge per pax if not
  • National Park fees (US$100)
  • Long wetsuits. Available for rent on board (US$60 per pax per week)
  • Transit Control Card (US$20)
  • Alcoholic and bottled beverages on board

Highlights

  • A fantastic ride along the Mangroves of Black Turtle Cove
  • Masked & Red-Footed Boobies, Hawks and more at must-visit Genovesa Islands.
  • See endemic Penguins and walk up to Pinnacle Rock when visiting Bartolome.
  • See different Darwin’s Finch species at Rabida Island.
  • Visit Santa Cruz Highlands and Turtle Breeding Center.
  • Enjoy a pleasant night sleep in your luxurious Suite even when sailing.
  • Spot Hawks, Frigate Birds, Sea lions and more at Santa Fe and South Plaza.