Itinerary A 8 days

Arrival at Baltra airport no later than 11:00 am. Transfer to Santa Cruz Island with the CEO to visit the highlands before arriving in Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Board the boat in the late afternoon. After arriving in Baltra, visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island for a special opportunity to see the islands' most famous reptile: the giant tortoises in their wild habitat. What a privilege to see an endangered species roaming in this lush environment! Vegetation in the area includes the Scalesia Forest (an endemic giant daisy tree) and birds such as the Vermilion Flycatcher will delight with their scarlet feathers against an emerald green forest. Look for Darwin's finches, particularly the famous woodpecker finch. Then visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center and the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn first-hand about conservation and research efforts on the islands. There, you will see several subspecies of adult tortoises, many hatchlings and learn about the repatriation programs that are saving several subspecies of tortoises and iguanas from extinction.

Visit the Santa Cruz highlands
Head to the verdant Santa Cruz Highlands. This is a perfect place to walk the grounds and see giant tortoises in their natural environment, before savoring an included lunch.

Visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center & Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, a great place to observe many species of tortoises and land iguanas in captivity. Rescued from the brink of extinction, see the famous Galapagos tortoise up close: a pen houses adult tortoises and a nursery cares for the hatchlings until they are about three years old, when their shells have hardened. This area also houses the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organization started in 1964, which works to preserve the Galapagos ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers and volunteers. While the offices themselves are not open to visitors, the research station provides a place of study for international scientists and environmental education for the local community.

Enjoy the day on Española Island, one of the oldest in the archipelago. Visit the white sandy beach of Gardner Bay and the bird colonies of Punta Suárez. Take guided walks to observe wildlife and have free time for swimming or snorkelling. Spend part of the day visiting spectacular Gardner Bay. Walk across a lovely white sand beach amongst a busy sea lion colony and nesting sea turtles (seasonal). Later, take some time exploring the Punta Suárez visitor site, on the north-western corner of the island. Here, birds are everywhere—underfoot, on the trail, overhead, diving into the sea, taking off from cliffs, sitting quietly, and if the timing is right, engaging in ritual mating dances or hatching eggs. As the panga driver guides us in through the surf to the landing, sea lions are often seen “hanging 10” on the waves. A great tangle of marine iguanas, stretched out in the sun on the beach, are usually present when we arrive.

Gardner Bay Visit
Visit Gardner Bay's magnificent white sandy beach and spectacular landscapes. This incredible place is home to sea lions, hood mockingbirds, Nazca boobies, waved albatross, red-billed tropic birds, lava lizards, Galapagos hawks, and blue-footed boobies. Be sure to explore the beautiful turquoise water and its incredible sea life.

 Snorkelling (Gardner Bay)
Strap on your snorkel and if conditions allow, see an abundance of sea life including; young sea lions and large schools of surprisingly big tropical fish, including yellow-tailed surgeonfish, king angelfish, and bump-head parrot fish.

Punta Suárez Visit
Visit Punta Suárez, one of most rich wildlife landing sites in the Galápagos. Be greeted by surfing young sea lions on arrival. Head to the trail to find many species of nesting sea birds, and, if lucky, see the waved albatross. Follow the path up to a cliff for great views over the ocean, and watch sea birds gliding in the wind.

Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness the giant lava formations contrasting the white-coral-sand beach. Continue to Bartolomé for a guided walk to see the island's dramatic volcanic features and the iconic Pinnacle Rock. The morning visit heads to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, located on the southeast part of the island. This place is interesting for its geology because the area has elevations in form of small volcanoes, formed by the lava flows. Later, head to Bartolomé Island, home of the famous Pinnacle Rock. This is an exceptional place to observe volcanic island geology and to snorkel. Among the many colorful species you will see Bi-color Parrotfish, Streamer Hogfish, and Flag Cabrilla. Sometimes you get a special treat—a penguin “snorkeling” right around you in hunt of fishy treats. The long climb up the wooden steps to the pinnacle of this cinder cone takes you through cinders and rough volcanic formations, a veritable moonscape. The lower slopes are graced with a light sprinkling of the delicate, silvery Taquilia, a ground hugging plant adapted to this harsh spot. On top you will enjoy the spectacular view of Bartolomé, Santiago, and several other nearby islands.

Sullivan Bay Visit
Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to see one of its star natural attractions – striking and fascinating giant lava formations. Very few plants have managed to survive on this island due to its harsh environment and relatively new lava flow. Enjoy a walk along the lava formations before coming to a white-coral sand beach, where abundant Sally Lightfoot crabs and sea lions gather on shore.

Snorkelling (Sullivan Bay)
Enjoy a cool dip after exploring Sullivan Bay on foot. Grab a snorkel and discover many species of fish and other marine life in the shallow waters. Keep an eye out for turtles, rays, and large schools of colourful fish.

Snorkelling (Bartolomé Island)
Take the opportunity to swim and snorkel along the shore, home to one of the most iconic volcanic rock formations on the islands. Home to Galápagos penguins, friendly sea lions, sea turtles, and a huge variety of fish, Bartolomé and its surrounding waters are a fantastic place to explore the natural wonders of the Galápagos.

Bartolomé Island
Visit Hike to Bartolomé's summit for a stronger perspective of the islands' not-too-distant volcanic origins, and enjoy a panoramic view – it’s one of the best among the islands! See other Galápagos Islands in the distance as well as Pinnacle Rock, the island’s famous towering landmark.

Spend the morning exploring the red sand beaches and salt water lagoons of this tiny island. Look for wading flamingos and nesting pelicans before heading out to do some snorkelling. In the afternoon, discover the lava flows and lava tunnels on the small island of Chinese Hat. After, enjoy a refreshing dip in turquoise waters. Search for fish and sea turtles in the protected bay. Rabida is a “small red island,” the colour of the volcanic cinders.The red beach is usually well populated with sea lions and pups. At times the low salt bushes are loaded with nesting California Brown Pelicans. Just behind the beach, in a brackish lagoon, see Bahamas White-cheeked Pintail Ducks, migratory shore and wading birds, and Greater Flamingos. Flamingos need the presence of a dozen or two other flamingos to stimulate their synchronous mating dance. If our timing is right, we will be able to observe this highly entertaining ritual as well as two species of boobies nest along the cliffs. Later, travel to Sombrero Chino, a tiny island just off the southeast tip of Santiago. Its name (Chinese Hat) describes the island’s shape. Though centrally located, it is one of the least visited sites in the area. Patches of pahoehoe lava, cracked lava and lava tubes can be found on the island. If you’re up for a walk, a path leads to some spectacular views of the waves crashing below. White-tipped sharks frequent the area, as do the playful Galapagos Penguins and sea lions.

Rábida Island Visit
Arrive at a red sand beach at Rábida to explore its trails. A short trail leads to a saltwater lagoon; another trail goes past the lagoon to the interior, where the revered palo santo trees grow. (When burned, the branches of this tree give off a pleasing aroma and ward off mosquitoes.)

Snorkelling (Rábida Island)
Grab a snorkel and discover many species of fish and other marine life. Keep an eye out for white-tip sharks and sea lions.Grab a snorkel and discover many species of fish and other marine life. Keep an eye out for white-tip sharks and sea lions.

Kayaking (Rabida)
Explore the red sand coastlines of Rabida island, and keep an eye out for Sea Lion colonies sunning themselves on the beach.

Chinese Hat Visit
Explore Chinese Hat’s beautiful landscape and view many geological formations such as lava tubes and lava flows.

Snorkelling (Chinese Hat)
Snorkel right from the white-coral sand beach and come face to face with playful sea lions and large schools of tropical fish. Keep an eye out for marine iguanas and penguins.

Kayaking (Chinese Hat)
Get a closer look at Chinese Hat Island's many geological lava formations. Your kayak will give you access to many areas not visible from land, so take your time to marvel at these natural wonders.

After breakfast, disembark and transfer from the boat to Baltra airport for onward travel. Tour concludes upon arrival to the airport.