Galaxy Sirius 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 | Highlands - Santa Cruz Island

A short shuttle ride will usher you into the verdant embrace of the highlands. En route, we'll pause at a reserve, where you'll step into lush highland forests to seek out Galapagos Giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Witness these gentle titans - some weighing more than 300 kg / 600 pounds - as they graze and recline in tranquil freshwater ponds. These highlands are also a sanctuary for many bird species seldom found in the lowlands, such as finches (tree, woodpecker, and vegetarian), flycatchers, and numerous waterbirds. Depending on your itinerary, you'll also visit a lava tunnel. Here, you'll delve into the fascinating geological history of the Galapagos, understanding how ancient volcanic eruptions crafted these extraordinary formations.

Morning Activities | Moreno Point Point - Isabela Island

Begin your day at the seemingly barren yet enchanting landscape of Moreno Point, a vast tableau of lava fields that unfolds into a tapestry of life. As you venture inland, discover brackish lagoons acting as life's oasis, teeming with flamingos, gallinules, ducks, and herons. Along the coastline, keep an eye out for the playful penguins, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, oystercatchers, and a chorus of other shorebirds.

Afternoon Activities | Elizabeth Bay - Isabela Island

As the afternoon unfolds, we explore the beautiful Elizabeth Bay, a tranquil refuge encircled by towering mangroves and desolate lava fields. Devoid of any trails, we'll navigate the area via a dinghy, exploring the intricate network of channels, pools, and coves bustling with marine life. This site is one of the prime locations to observe the rare Galapagos penguins, which count only around 3,000 in total population across the islands. The region is also a nesting ground for flightless cormorants, while blue-footed boobies and pelicans often fish in these shallow, nutrient-rich waters. Look for the graceful rays and sea turtles that abound in this location.

Morning Activities | Urbina Bay - Isabela Island

Our journey starts at Urbina Bay, a unique location known for a dramatic geological event in the 1950s. A significant uplift pushed a large coastal area upwards, revealing hectares of previously submerged land. Discover small shells and corals along the trail, a testament to the region's underwater past. This path also provides a chance to see land iguanas and, during certain seasons, giant tortoises. Galapagos hawks are often spotted in the area, flying or perched on trees.

Afternoon Activities | Tagus Cove - Isabela Island

In the afternoon, we visit the historical Tagus Cove, a site Charles Darwin once explored during his travels around the Galapagos islands. Traverse the arid Palo Santo forests, where Darwin finches and mockingbirds make their home, and take in the panoramic views of Darwin’s Lake and the towering volcanoes of northern Isabela. A boat tour along the shore offers chances to observe penguins, cormorants, marine iguanas, and the rare Galapagos martin - an endemic, petite bird considered one of the most endangered species on the island.

Morning Activities | Espinoza Point - Fernandina Island

Begin your day at Espinoza Point, located at the base of an imposing volcano - the most active in the Galapagos islands. This site, one of the crown jewels of the Galapagos National Park, presents a unique spectacle right from the moment you step ashore. Hundreds of marine iguanas, forming the largest colony of the species, greet you upon arrival. Sea lions lounge on the beaches, their pups playfully exploring the tide pools. Along the shore, catch sight of flightless cormorants, a species confined to the western areas of the archipelago. Blessed with cold, plankton-rich waters, Punta Espinosa is a sanctuary for diverse species, including herons, pelicans, oystercatchers, sea turtles, shorebirds, and more. Also, keep an eye on the mangroves where Galapagos hawks often perch, scanning for prey.

Afternoon Activities | Albemarle Point - Isabela Island

In the afternoon, visit Albemarle Point, where wildlife and history intersect. During World War II, the Americans constructed a radar base here to detect the presence of Japanese warships approaching the Galapagos. The remains of the radar can still be seen today. Despite being barren and surrounded by infinite lava fields, the coast is home to some of the largest marine iguanas on the islands, Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and shorebirds.

Morning Activities | Puerto Egas - Santiago Island

Despite its misleading name, there isn't a traditional "port" at Puerto Egas, yet some remnants of past attempts to colonize the island during the 1960s can still be seen. The trail here follows the coastline, an area rich in wildlife. You will see marine iguanas basking in the sun everywhere you turn, along with Galapagos sea lions, herons, oystercatchers, and many shorebirds. Towards the trail’s end, you'll encounter "the grottos,” home to a small colony of the elusive endemic Galapagos fur seal, much more challenging to spot than its cousin. As recently as 2019, land iguanas were reintroduced to the area, so keep an eye out for these impressive reptiles, which had been extinct from Santiago for over a century.

Afternoon Activities | Espumilla Beach & Buccaneer Cove - Santiago Island

Espumilla Beach, located on the northern coast of Santiago, is a stunning 1km (0.6 mi) long expanse of rusty-brown sand. The beach is surrounded by large mangrove trees and a fascinating native dry forest, which houses Galapagos hawks and a wide variety of finches, mockingbirds, and doves. Don't forget to check the salt pan; it could be home to flamingoes and ducks during the rainy season. Buccaneer Cove, named for its use by pirates and buccaneers during the 17th and 18th centuries as a hiding place and source of freshwater and tortoises, is an incredibly scenic site with beautiful cliffs and interesting rock formations. Although there's no trail here, you will take a dinghy ride to observe the wildlife from the small boats.

Morning Activities | Dragon Hill - Santa Cruz Island

Dragon Hill is located on the northwest coast of Santa Cruz and is named after the land iguanas that inhabit the area. This place is notable for the conservation and recovery of iguanas, once on the brink of extinction. Additionally, a nearby saltwater lagoon attracts flamingos, ducks, and shorebirds, making it an exceptional site for wildlife observation.

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