First Class GPS Cruises!

DAY 1 - SATURDAY: BALTRA ISLAND– MOSQUERA ISLET

Arrive to Baltra Island. Reception at airport. Transfer in. Welcome on board Galaxy Cruise Welcome drink and lunch. PM - MOSQUERA ISLET: This islet is located between Baltra Island and North Seymour. Here, we find the largest sea lion colony; it is also possible to observe several species of birds. Enjoy the white sand beach. Hiking. Dinner. (-/L/D)

DAY 2 - SUNDAY: SANTIAGO ISLAND: SULLIVAN BAY & BARTOLOME ISLAND

AM - SANTIAGO ISLAND: SULLIVAN BAY: wet landing and hiking. Description of the place: all roads and the island are composed of lava flows that are still virtually without erosion, covering an extensive area, including lava pahoehoe or cords, hornitos, and mollugo, which grows in the lava. Lava Colonizers. Snacks and refreshing beverages await you. Lunch.   PM - BARTOLOME ISLAND: Dry landing, wet landing for the beach. Activities on this island include: walking, swimming, snorkeling and photography. We will follow a path to the top (114m) where we can observe pioneering plants, such as tiquilia, chamaesyce, and scalesia. The island has been formed by cones, and lava pipes where lava once flowed. Following the wet landing at the beach, we will take a path through mangrove swamps and sand dune vegetation, to the south beach. At the north beach, guests can enjoy swimming and snorkeling. From the top of Bartolome, we will be able to see the islands of Santiago, Rabida and Isabela. We will see penguins in the Rock Pinnacle. Dinner (B/L/D)

DAY 3 - MONDAY: GENOVESA ISLAND: BARRANCO & DARWIN BAY

AM - BARRANCO: dry landing, activities: hiking. Also known as Prince Felipe’s stairs. Here, we will take a walk along the Barranco path. During our journey, we will observe tropical birds, petrels, common frigate birds, red-foot boobies, masked boobies, doves and finches. Return to Galaxy. Lunch PM - DARWIN BAY:  wet landing, coral beach, activities for this day: short walks, photography, swimming, snorkeling. Genovesa is a small island in the northern part of the Galapagos. Our landing in Darwin Bay will be wet. Near the beach is a mangrove swamp where we will find a colony of frigate birds, marine iguanas, red-footed boobies and masked boobies, the great terrestrial finch, seagulls, herons and cactus finches. Following the land visit, our passengers can enjoy a swim in the bay. Snacks and refreshments are available. Dinner. (B/L/D)

DAY 4 - TUESDAY: SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND: INTERPRETATION CENTER – TRANSFER OUT

AM - INTERPRETATION CENTER: Dry landing. This center is located in the main port. After breakfast, our first visit is to the Interpretation Center of San Cristobal. This modern and sophisticated architectural space was designed for the natural interpretation of the Galapagos. You will learn about the volcanic formation of the islands, evolution of species, the history of human settlement, and complex systems and management models. Transfer out.  (B/-/-)

** This itinerary is subject to change without notice; due to seasonal changes, weather conditions or Galapagos National Park regulations. **

DAY 1 - SUNDAY: BALTRA AIRPORT – CERRO DRAGON (DRAGON HILL)

CERRO DRAGON: After lunch our first visit is to Dragon Hill which is located in the northwestern area of Santa Cruz Island. It consists of a 1,600 m long trail running through 3 different environments. In 1975, it was one of the only places on Santa Cruz Island where healthy land iguanas (Conolophus Subcristatus) could be found. That same year, the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation initiated a program to conserve land iguanas. In the lagoons found here, there are shrimp (Artemia salina), the food of the flamingos. At certain times of the year, the shrimp are more abundant and the flamingo population increases. Dinner. (-/L/D)

DAY 2 - MONDAY: BUCANERO – PLAYA ESPUMILLA – PUERTO EGAS

ESPUMILLA BEACH & BUCCANEER COVE: The main attractions include Palo Santo Wood, the beach, and the stunning landscape; the beach is a very important site for tortoises because they use this place for nesting. Once time, the pigs were the main predatory of tortoise’s eggs; pigs were eradicated with the creation of Isabela Project. Lunch.   EGAS PORT: Here we find a beautiful black sand beach; to the south of the beach is the Pan de Azucar Volcano, whose volcanic deposits have contributed to the formation of the black sand beach. The crater of this volcano contains a saltwater lake that dries up during hot weather. Between 1928 and 1930, explorations to develop a salt mine were carried out, but it was decided that a mine was not feasible. The workers’ use of endemic woods also damaged the environment and the development was scrapped. Descent to the salt mine is not allowed. Dinner. (B/L/D)

DAY 3 - TUESDAY: ISABELA - FERNANDINA

ISABELA ISLAND: VICENTE ROCA POINT is comprised of two separate coves, this site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola-mola (sunfish). Lunch. FERNANDINA ISLAND – ESPINOZA POINT: Fernandina is the third biggest island in the Galapagos and has only one visiting site: Espinoza Point, famous for the large colonies of marine iguanas and the home of the flightless cormorant, the Galapagos penguin, snakes, and more. From Espinoza Point, we can admire the beauty of Fernandina Island and its volcano which last erupted in May of 2005. Fernandina is the only island that doesn’t have mammals and the open areas are extremely fragile. From January to June, the nesting period of the marine iguana, we take great care when walking. Dinner. (B/L/D)

DAY 4 - WEDNESDAY: ISABELA

ISABELA ISLAND - URBINA BAY: this place is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove. Wet landing. Trail length is around 3.20 Km; during this walk, we can observe land iguanas, hawks, and tortoises. It is also possible to see red and blue lobsters. Lunch.   ISABELA ISLAND - TAGUS COVE: It is located to the west of Darwin Volcano on Isabela Island. While walking, we will find several inscriptions (names of pirates) dating back to the 1800’s. From here, we can see Darwin Lake, a salt water lake with a depth of approximately 9 m. It contains no fish. It is very common to see a variety of bird species. Dinner. (B/L/D)

DAY 5 - THURSDAY: ISABELA

ISABELA ISLAND - MORENO POINT. We will disembark at Moreno Point which is located near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. The plethora of birds seen during a dinghy ride along the striking rocky shores or a hike along a path through lava rock leading to tide pools and mangroves, create a birdwatcher’s delight. In the tide pools, green sea turtles or white-tip sharks can be spotted. Lunch. ISABELA ISLAND - ELIZABETH BAY: After lunch, this is one of the island’s breeding sites for penguins. Located on the west coast of Isabela, Elizabeth Point is a marine visitor site. Visit Red Mangrove Cove: Brown pelicans, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays and sea lions are often seen. Dinner. (B/L/D)

DAY 6 - FRIDAY: ISABELA

ISABELA ISLAND - TINTORERAS: Located in the bay of Puerto Villamil, this small island, surrounded by calm, turquoise waters have an easy trail with great landscapes and very interesting fauna. Along the trail we will see large numbers of Marine Iguanas basking in the sun, lava lizards, herons, gulls and sea lions. In the coves, it is easy to find Sea Turtles, rays and even penguins. Among the many inlets and channels on the coast, we sometimes see White-tipped Reef Sharks (in Spanish “Tintoreras”). Following the excursion, we will return to the boat for breakfast and sail to our next destination. Lunch.   ISABELA ISLAND – HUMEDALES: Los Humedales is one of the Isabela Hidden Gems. “Humedales” translates to Wet Lands and this area is characterized by sandy beaches, rocky shores, and mangroves, which have an extremely important role in the Galapagos as they provide a nursery for young marine animals as well as a nesting site for birds. Following the various paths, you will find a fabulous destination for bird lovers, pink flamingos and migratory birds including black-bellied and semipalmated plovers, whimbrel, osprey, greater and lesser yellowlegs, wilson’s phalarope, short-billed dowitcher, common tern, blue-winged teal, to name a few. You can also observe young giant tortoises from the Isabela Breeding Center. Dinner (B/L/D)

DAY 7 - SATURDAY: CHARLES DARWIN – AIRPORT

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND – CHARLES DARWIN: After breakfast, we will visit Charles Darwin Station which is located in the main port on Santa Cruz Island; we will take a private bus to the entrance of the breeding center where we will see tortoises and land iguanas in captivity. This center is the main breeding site on the islands. Animals that were in danger of extinction on the various islands are maintained in captivity. Thanks to the dedicated work of several institutions, some species are being saved. Here lived Lonesome George, the famous last survivor of the giant tortoise species found on Pinta Island. Transfer to the airport. (B/-/-)

** This itinerary is subject to change without notice; due to seasonal changes, weather conditions or Galapagos National Park regulations. **

DAY 1 - TUESDAY: SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND

PM - San Cristobal airport. Reception at airport. Transfer IN. Welcome on board Galaxy Cruise. Welcome drink and lunch. LOBOS ISLAND: Panga ride, swimming and snorkeling. Here, we can walk, swim and snorkel among the seals, frigate birds, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the small endemic Galapagos snake. (-/L/D)

DAY 2 - WEDNESDAY: ESPAÑOLA ISLAND

Breakfast early in the morning. Our first visit: AM - GARDNER BAY: wet landing. Activities during this visit: short walk, swimming, snorkeling and observation of seal colony. The sea lion is one of the animals that receives a lot of attention from visitors in the Galapagos: they are curious and playful, but at times aggressive; they are nice and loving, but also lazy. We are going to find many of them relaxing on the beach enjoying the sun in Gardner Bay. In addition to observing these fascinating animals, we will be able to swim with sea lions, sea turtles, a diversity of tropical fish, marine iguanas, etc. while snorkeling. We will return to the ship and sail to Gardner and Osborn Islets. Lunch.   PM - SUAREZ POINT:  dry landing. Activities: Walking, sight-seeing. We recommend athletic shoes, hat or cap, and sunscreen. There is no color more amazing and outstanding in this tropical desert island than that of the blue-foot boobies. These birds have an impressive form of “greeting,” and it is a real thrill to see their mating dance. The blue-footed booby can be seen on several islands, as nesting grounds and food are located along several coastal locations. The albatross, an aristocratic bird weighing up to four kilograms, can be observed here. This is one of the largest birds of the islands, with approximately 12,000 couples nesting on Espanola Island and a smaller number nesting on Silver Island, near mainland Ecuador. This species is considered endemic to this island. During our walk, we will observe these fantastic birds while taking in the beautiful landscapes offered by this island. It is important to note that albatrosses will not be seen between January and March (non-breeding season). We will also see colonies of marine iguanas, zayapas, masked boobies, finches, Española mockingbirds, and seagulls endemic to the islands. Our walk will be along lava rock, where we will be able to see lava tubes. Red mangroves are found here. Delicious snacks and fresh beverages are waiting for you on the ship. Dinner (B/L/D)

DAY 3 - THURSDAY: FLOREANA ISLAND

Breakfast early in the morning. Our first visit will be:   AM - POST OFFICE: (Mail Bay): Wet landing. Activities: short walk, swimming, snorkeling, explanation of the mail system. Description: Mail Bay is located on the north side of Floreana Island. Captain James Colnett installed an empty barrel to be used as a post office for the whaling fleets that stopped at the Galapagos Islands. You can leave postcards to your friends and relatives here and/or pick up mail to deliver. Back at the ship, delicious snacks and beverages await.   PM - CORMORANT POINT: wet landing, snorkeling and short trek. This point is located on western Floreana Island, and it is famous for its dark green beach (due to the large quantity of olivine crystals).You can see many marine invertebrates here, as well as sea lions, sea iguanas, frigate birds and pelicans. Second visit: DEVIL´S CROWN: Activities here include: panga ride and optional swimming. Enjoy a panga ride around a small island, a satellite islet of Floreana Island. Here, we will find a group of rocks that resemble a crown due to the constant erosion caused by the sea. It is one of the better places to snorkel (shallow diving) in and around the crown. Excellent visibility allows guests to admire a great variety of fish and sea animals. Dinner. (B/L/D)

DAY 4 - FRIDAY: SANTA FE ISLAND & SOUTH PLAZAS ISLAND

AM - SANTA FE: Wet landing, activities on this day: hiking, swimming and snorkeling. With 24 km2 and 60 m above sea level, this central island is a unique place to visit. It has an incredible bay with turquoise water, protected by a natural barrier of rocks. You will see colonies of seals, while hawks fly overhead. This island is home to one of two species of land iguanas found in the Galapagos. Their main food source is the leaves and fruit of the large, thick cacti found here. Crabs, nocturnal herons, marine iguanas, mockingbirds and land doves are frequently seen. The bay is an excellent place to swim and snorkel. Marine tortoises, rays, sea lions and tropical fish are an amazing attraction! Snacks and refreshing beverages are waiting for you aboard the ship. Lunch. Navigate to South Plazas Island.   PM - SOUTH PLAZAS: two small islands created by uplifting of the land. The land iguanas are smaller here; nesting during the warm season. The hike runs along an extraordinary cliff where seabirds nest. There are approximately 1,000 sea lions (Zalophus Wollebaeki) located on the south side of Plazas Island. Dinner. (B/L/D)

DAY 5 - SATURDAY: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

AM - Breakfast is very early in the morning. Luggage and belongings should be ready for checkout, our last visit: CHARLES DARWIN STATION. Charles Darwin Station: located in the main port on Santa Cruz Island; we will take a private bus to the entrance of the breeding center where we will see tortoises and land iguanas in captivity. This center is the main breeding site on the islands. Animals that were in danger of extinction on various islands are maintained here in captivity. Thanks to the dedicated work of several institutions, some species are being saved. This is where Lonesome George lived, the famous last survivor of the species of giant tortoise found on Pinta Island. Transfer to the airport. (B/-/-)

** This itinerary is subject to change without notice; due to seasonal changes, weather conditions or Galapagos National Park regulations. **