Endemic Catamaran

Today you'll fly out to the Galapagos Islands from mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil). On arrival you will be met by your ship's guide and you'll make your way to the vessel to begin your activities in the islands. On board, the crew will welcome you and you'll be briefed on your adventure for the upcoming days.
 

Afternoon Activities | Bachas Beach - Santa Cruz Island

Prepare to be welcomed ashore by a stunning white sand beach which is known as a popular nesting site for turtles. You will surely be guaranteed to see an array of vibrant red Sally Lightfoot crabs and hermit crabs and may even be lucky enough to spot some flamingos in the lagoons behind the beach. The remnants of a rusted barge, that was likely to have been abandoned by the Americans during WWII, also provide an insight into the human history of the island.

Morning Activities | Darwin Bay - Genovesa Island

Arrive at this horse-shoe shaped island and step ashore the white sand and coral beach that was formed by a submerged volcanic crater. This is an ideal place to snorkel in calm, sheltered waters amongst hammerhead sharks, rays and a plethora of colourful reef fish. A short trail leads past a tidal lagoon and mangroves, home to a variety of land bird species, including Nazca and red-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. The top of the craggy hill provides the perfect viewpoint to pause and look down on the bay below.

Afternoon Activities | Prince Phillip's Steps - Genovesa Island

Begin your expedition at the bottom of the rocky stairway where you may be lucky enough to spot a small colony of seals. As you ascend the steep steps up the 25-meter cliff face, be sure to look out for the sea life nestled in the crevices and flocks of storm petrels, short-eared lava owls, and Galapagos doves. Catch your breath at the top and take in the dramatic view before continuing along a rocky lava plateau that is a popular nesting spot for red-footed boobies and frigates.

Morning Activities | Highlands - Santa Cruz Island

On the highlands of Santa Cruz, you’ll have the opportunity to see the famous giant tortoises in the wild. So renowned are these endemic animals that they gave the archipelago its name. Birdwatching is also one of the activities do to in the Santa Cruz highlands, since this area is home of finches and other Galapagos birds.

Afternoon Activities | 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.

Morning Activities | Sierra Negra Volcano - 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 breathtaking views across the island and the neighbouring volcanoes.

Afternoon Activities | Tupiza Breeding Center - Isabela Island

After lunch visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center of Isabela, infant and juvenile giant tortoises can be seen until they are ready to be released and survive in the wild. On the way back to the yacht, be ready to spot flamingos and other water birds.

Morning Activities | Elizabeth Bay Point - 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 snorkelling and swimming.

Afternoon Activities | 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.

Morning Activities | 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.

Afternoon Activities | Epinoza 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 snorkeling spots where you can be entertained by the fearless and playful sea lions and penguins.

Morning Activities | 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 snorkelling and swimming amongst a raft of marine life, including species of octopi, eels and sharks.

Afternoon Activities | 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 characterised 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 birdwatchers can also observe mockingbirds, yellow warblers and Darwin finches.

Morning Activities | Mosquera Islet

This small, sandy islet, located between Baltra and North Seymour, is known for its untouched beauty. Bird watchers can delight in seeing a plentitude of shore birds such as lava gulls herons, and you will be sure to see a number of sea lions lounging on the beach and Sally Lightfoot crabs clinging to the rocks. With no fixed trail on the island you can do a bit of exploring or jump into the water for a snorkel for a chance to lay eyes on some sharks, turtles and rays.

After your visit, you'll depart and head back to the mainland to travel home or continue your trip.