Elite 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 | Espumilla Beach & Buccaneer Cove - 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.

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.

Afternoon Activities | Egas Port - Santiago Island

Egas Port was once the site of a salt mine, but now this impressive black sand beach is an excellent location for snorkeling and observing shorebirds, Sally Lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas. A stroll along the wide trails inland leads you past tidal pools and rocky volcanic formations known as grottoes where it is possible to spot fur seals enjoying a spot of shade.

Morning Activities | Black Turtle Cove - Santa Cruz Island

The first visit of the day is to Black Turtle Cove, which is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz. It is a living illustration of how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat. Three mangrove species crowd the area from the shore out into a shallow lake which reaches almost a mile inland. As you drift through quiet waters in the dinghy you are likely to see spotted eagle rays and diamond-shaped mustard rays, which swim in a diamond formation. White-tipped reef sharks slip beneath the dinghy and Pacific green sea turtles come to the surface for air and to mate. Waterfowl, including pelicans, herons and egrets, all feed in the cove. It’s a peaceful place where visitors often have up-close encounters with Galapagos wildlife, often making it a highlight of the trip!

Afternoon 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. After the visit to the highlands, we continue to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station that provides guests with a unique opportunity to find out about the vital work that is being carried out to preserve the archipelago’s ecosystems. The Research Center is also home to a significant breeding program for Galapagos tortoises, whose numbers have been in decline since the 1970’s.

Morning Activities | Lobos Island - San Cristobal Island

Accessed by dinghy, Lobos Island gets its name from the herds of sea lions that have made their home here. Snorkeling in the calm clear water provides a unique opportunity to see these inquisitive and playful animals up close and it is also common to be accompanied by green turtles and rays as well. Inland, there is a trail where you can expect to encounter nesting sites for blue-footed boobies and frigates.

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