Alya 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

Commence your day at the enchanted Moreno Point. The extensive lava fields may first appear lifeless, but within its borders lie scattered brackish lagoons teeming with life such as flamingos, gallinules, ducks, and herons. Along the coast, keep an eye out for penguins, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, oystercatchers, and other shore birds.

Afternoon Activities | Elizabeth Bay - Isabela Island

Elizabeth Bay, your afternoon stop, is a sheltered bay encircled by towering mangroves and barren lava fields. There are no trails here, so you'll undertake a dinghy tour to explore the teeming channels, pools, and coves. This location is one of the finest to observe Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, rays, and sea turtles.

Morning Activities | Urbina Bay - Isabela Island

Urbina Bay, known for its dramatic uplift during the 1950s, awaits your visit in the morning. As you traverse the trail, observe small shells and corals, indicators that this area was submerged just over sixty years ago. Here you can encounter land iguanas and, during certain seasons, giant tortoises. Galapagos hawks nest in the area, often seen soaring or perched on trees.

Afternoon Activities | Espinoza Point - Fernandina Island

Espinoza Point is a National Park gem located at the base of an imposing volcano (the most active in the Galapagos islands). Upon landing, be greeted by hundreds of marine iguanas in the largest colony for the species. Also present are sea lions, flightless cormorants, herons, pelicans, oystercatchers, sea turtles, shorebirds, and more. Look to the mangroves where Galapagos hawks often perch, on the lookout for prey.

Morning Activities | Tagus Cove - Isabela Island

Tagus Cove, a location visited by Charles Darwin during his Galapagos exploration, offers a dry Palo Santo forest where Darwin finches and mockingbirds reside. Take in the marvelous views of Darwin's Lake and the grand volcanos of northern Isabela. A boat tour along the coast will reveal penguins, cormorants, marine iguanas, and the Galapagos martin, an endangered endemic species.

Afternoon Activities | Punta Vicente Roca - Isabela Island

Vicente Roca Point, surrounded by some of the tallest cliffs in the Galapagos, is ideal for observing breathtaking landscapes and interesting volcanic features. A dinghy tour will offer closer views of pelicans, flightless cormorants, sea turtles, boobies, Galapagos fur seals, and marine iguanas. Whales and dolphins also frequent the area.

Morning Activities | Espumilla Beach - Santiago Island

Begin your day at the picturesque Espumilla Beach, a long stretch of rusty-brown sand nestled on Santiago's northern coast. Surrounded by large mangrove trees and a captivating native dry forest, the area hosts Galapagos hawks and an array of finches, mockingbirds, and doves. During the rainy season, don't miss the chance to spot flamingoes and ducks in the salt pan.

Afternoon Activities | Puerto Egas - Santiago Island

Despite its name, there's no port at Puerto Egas, but remnants from the 60s colonization attempts still linger. The trail along the wildlife-rich coastline leads to "the grottos," home to a small colony of the endemic Galapagos fur seal. In 2019, land iguanas were reintroduced, so keep your eyes peeled for these fascinating reptiles.

Morning Activities | Bachas Beach - 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.