Seaman Journey Galapagos Cruises

Today explore the eastern coast of Fernandina Island. Mangle Point is a superior snorkeling site and beautiful location for panga rides through a grove of mangrove trees. Options here include a half-mile hike, snorkeling, or a panga ride through a grove of mangrove trees, watching out for sea lions, tortoises, pelicans, rays and birds too numerous to name them all. This afternoon, visit Punta Moreno on the north coast of Isabela Island between the Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes. The trail runs along a lava flow Pahoehoe (solidified lava in the form of corrugation or an accordion) into a complex of coastal lagoons, where several species of birds can be found around the lakes and mangroves.

Begin today with a wet landing in Urbina Bay, located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954, which caused the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out, leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is a great place to snorkel, but first stroll a long path made up of sand, pumice, lava, coral and vegetation where you can observe iguana burrows. Keep watch for red and blue lobster, Darwin’s finches and land iguanas, as well as vegetation like chamomile and rosewood and the beautiful flowers of cotton Darwin, endemic to the Galapagos Islands.

After lunch, experience Tagus Cove, west of Darwin Volcano on Isabela Island. This was a favorite spot for pirates and whalers, who were among the first to add inscriptions of names of boats. At the beginning of the trail, discover a small cave with inscriptions dating to the 1800s. Its name originated from a British warship, whose crew sailed her across the islands in 1814 looking for Galapagos tortoises for food. Due to former eruptions, the substrate has a large amount of volcanic rocks of different sizes, among the most common are little balls of nearly spherical shape known as the lapilli or petrified rain.

Espinoza Point is a place famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas and as the habitat of unique species like the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk and Galapagos snake. In the afternoon visit Vicente Roca Point on Isabela Island, one of the most impressive and spectacular places of the enchanted Galapagos Islands with its majestic high cliffs, tuffstone, ash and lava formations. Located in the northwestern coast of the island, it comprises two distinct inlets. Snorkel in a large bay rich with marine life including seahorses, sea turtles, stingrays, puffer fish and perhaps the fascinating mola-mola or sunfish. There is also an optional panga ride in search of penguins, blue-footed boobies, terns and sea lions.

This morning, explore Espumilla Beach on the northern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay. During the last presence of the El Niño phenomenon, one of the two lagoons in this site underwent a process of sedimentation, causing the disappearance of a representative colony of flamingos. Now main attractions are the palo santo forest and the marvelous beach, an important site for nesting marine turtles.

After lunch visit Puerto Egas’s main attraction, the black beach located at the west side of the island. Volcanic tuff deposits have enabled the formation of this special black sand beach. Puerto Egas is named after Hector Egas, who tried to start an exploitation of salt, which failed because the price of salt on the continent was cheap and did not justify exporting it from the Galapagos. They abandoned the project but left the infrastructure.

Rábida Island is unique due to the red color of its rocks and sand. The volcanic material in this island is very porous and external factors such as rain, salt water and sea breeze have acted as an oxidizing agent. A short walk along a trail leads to a coastal lagoon behind the beach where guests can observe finches, doves, yellow warblers, mocking birds and a colony of flamingos.

After lunch visit the small islet (roughly one half mile) of Chinese Hat. Located just off the southeastern tip of Santiago Island, this islet is a recent volcanic cone, shaped like a Chinese hat when seen from north side. The west provides views of lava formations and their coral heads formed under the sea and raised upward. This landing site is an excellent place to view geological features such as lava tubes and lava flows. In addition, the landscape is covered by sea lion colonies, marine iguanas and Galapagos penguins.

Santiago, also called James or San Salvador Island, is located in the west central part of the Galapagos archipelago. It is the fourth largest island in the archipelago (following Isabela, Fernandina and Santa Cruz). Along with some of the large western volcanoes of Isabela and Fernandina, Santiago is also volcanically active, with many young flows and cones to be seen, particularly along the south, west and east coasts. A number of historic eruptions have been reported over the last two centuries. Santiago actually consists of two coalesced volcanoes: a typical shield volcano on the northwest end and a low, linear fissure volcano on the southeast end.

Bartolome Island, the afternoon’s landing site, is situated across Sullivan Bay. It has an altitude of 374 feet, with beautiful views of volcanic cones, lunar-like craters, lava fields and the famous Toba-formed pinnacle eroded by the sea. There is very little vegetation on this island, but there are two breathtaking beaches where marine turtles and a very small colony of Galapagos penguins exist.

This morning visit two small beaches found just to the west of Turtle Cove. Their sand is made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft and a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind one of the beaches there is a small brackish water lagoon, where it is occasionally possible to observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels. The other beach is longer, with two old barges that were abandoned during the Second World War, when the USA used nearby Baltra Island as a strategic point to protect the Panama Channel. After the morning excursion, head to Baltra, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your flight to the mainland.

This morning, enjoy a short visit to the Galapaguera, a good place to observe Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat. San Cristobal Island has many endemic species such as the San Cristobal mockingbird, lava lizard, chatham leaf-toed gecko and tortoises that can be observed along vast beaches where nesting sites for marine tortoises are common. Between January and May, look for footprints of the female tortoises who have climbed to the sand dunes to deposit their eggs.

In the afternoon, make a wet landing at Cerro Brujo, a beautiful white coral beach perfect for snorkeling, swimming and watching birds and sea lions. This is the first coast Charles Darwin walked on in 1835. In this marvelous lava landscape, watch seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds and shore birds. The protected bay is well known for its young tortoises that like to swim. The pools with salty water behind the sand dunes were used by fishermen as a salt mine for preserving food for the local population. Among the fauna search for Chatham mockingbirds and the San Cristobal lava lizard, both endemic species to the island that are unique to the area. Look for Galapagos turtles and with luck, the little bird known in Spanish as the Pájaro Brujo, another endemic species on San Cristobal Island. Vegetation surrounds the route with fauna like the candelabrum cactus and carob trees. Located on the north coast of San Cristobal, Cerro Brujo is a peaceful place to relax.

Begin today on the north-eastern coast of Espanola, in Gardner Bay, on an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming, kayaking, and even observing sea lions and sharks in the crystal clear ocean waters. This landing site has opportunities to see three species of Darwin finches: a subspecies of the large-billed cactus finch that is similar to the large-billed terrestrial finch, the small-beaked ground finch and the singing finch that is another endemic subspecies. Both resident and migratory birds can be observed on this relaxing day, in a zone that is extremely important for nesting marine tortoises as well.

In the afternoon, visit Punta Suarez, a great place for spotting blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and Nazca boobies. Large waved albatrosses use the beautiful cliffs along the oceanfront as a launching pad. High cliffs rise up from the sea affording spectacular views of soaring birds and of the blow hole where water spouts up to 165-245 feet into the air according to the intensity of the surf, a photographer’s playground.

Cormorant Point on Floreana Island offers probably the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos; it is also one of the largest in the islands. It’s situated between two tuff lava cones that give the area a special atmosphere. There are various species of shorebirds to observe besides flamingos; the most frequent are common stilts, white-cheeked pintail ducks and other migratory birds. It is very interesting to see the two distinct beaches. The Green Beach has a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand and the Flour Sand Beach is made up of coral.

After lunch, visit historical Post Office Bay, where a wooden barrel was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used ever since by mariners and tourists alike as a post office. Deposit a letter or postcard and carry one back to its destination by hand. Apart from hosting the Post Office Barrel, this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists. Continue north and ascend an elevated slope to a beautiful vista at the Baroness lookout. It is said that Baroness Eloisa Von Wagner loved this place and spent several hours watching the horizon; within walking distance (approximately 100 feet) are the ruins of what is known as her house. From this lookout, the landscape covers the coastline from the Enderby Islet to Post Office Bay, as well as Cerro Pajas, the pool of flamingos and wide forest of Palo Santo.

This morning, visit the Charles Darwin Station, a hub of information about the protection and conservation of the islands. Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders, it is also interesting to learn how the protection and conservation of the islands are carried out. Some of the main attractions are the National Park information center; the Van Straelen Exhibition Hall; the Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises; an exhibit on the famous Lonesome George, the last Pinta Island tortoise; and adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity. After the morning’s excursion, disembark the ship and transfer to the Baltra airport for your flight to the mainland.

This morning visit El Barranco, located in the southern part of Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island. This trail, just under one mile long, is on volcanic rock and can be done in about two hours. The youngest part of the island, from a geological point of view, lies in this area. The cliffs located in the south are composed of very fragile lava and natural erosion has made these lava flows the ideal place for nesting storm petrels. Try to spy two species of petrels that nest in the lava’s cavities and holes, as well as one of their main predators—the short-eared owl. The red-footed booby nests only in the outer islands of the archipelago, Punta Pitt, Gardner (Floreana), Wolf, Darwin and here on Genovesa. Also present on the island is the masked booby. During a panga ride along the cliffs, be sure to watch for fur sea lions and several species of seabirds.

In the afternoon, visit Darwin Bay, formed when its crater collapsed below sea level. The wet landing is on a beautiful white coral sandy beach. This is a favorite island for birdwatchers, with opportunities to see red footed-boobies, masked boobies, wandering tattlers, lava gulls, whimbrels, yellow- and black-crowned lava herons, and yellow warblers. Climb gradually to the edge of the cliff to see red-foots nesting in the mangrove trees below. Bird watching includes possible sightings of sharp-beaked finches, large cactus and ground finches, Galapagos doves and swallow-tailed gulls. At the end the trail, the cliff’s edge offers an incredible view of the island and the many birds living there.

This morning enjoy one of two islands known as Islas Plazas east of Santa Cruz Island. Despite its small size, this island is home to some of the most interesting and outstanding species in the Galapagos. The Plazas land iguanas are smaller than their relatives found at other islands. Throughout the island are several hybrid iguanas, a result of crossing a male marine iguana and a female land iguana. They are unique and recognizable at first glance by their black-gray color, with a land iguana’s crest but the face and tail of the marine iguana. The big population of iguanas is due to the presence of tuna, their favorite food. Look for swallow-tailed gulls nesting along the cliffs with other seabirds such as Audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds and brown pelicans.

In the afternoon experience Santa Fe, an island in the southeastern part of the Galapagos formed by an uplift instead of volcanic origin, which is why it is mostly flat. It is believed to be the oldest island in the archipelago and is the home of a number of endemic species like the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats and one of the two species of land iguanas. After disembarkation in the beautiful and clear waters, snorkel with playful sea lions and tropical fish, or hike a trail lined with salt bushes and giant prickly pear cactus. There are great possibilities for snorkeling with playful sea lions and tropical fish.

Visit Cerro Colorado in the southeast of San Cristobal via bus. In 2004 the breeding and rearing center for young tortoises, named after the famous settler Jacinto Gordillo, was located in Cerro Colorado. In 2008 an assisted reproduction program started on the island due to the birth of a little turtle in captivity. Learn this and more at the Jacinto Breeding Center, including the breeding process and why this breeding center does what it does. After the morning excursion, disembark the ship and transfer to the San Cristobal airport for your flight to the mainland.

Located between North Seymour and Baltra, Mosquera Islet is one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos. It is of volcanic origin, formed by geological uplift, has no visible crater and its terrain is very flat. One of the most striking features of Mosquera is the contrast of colors: a beautiful beach of white sand, transparent turquoise waters, lush green vegetation and jet-black lava rocks. Landscape photography is highly recommended here, especially in the golden light conditions of early morning or at sunset.

North Seymour is an uplifted (as opposed to volcanic) island and so is generally flat and strewn with boulders. There are good nesting sites here for a large population of magnificent frigate birds. Blue-footed boobies seasonally perform their courtship dance in the more open areas and swallow-tailed gulls perch on the cliff edges. Despite the tremendous surf that can pound the outer shore, sea lions haul out onto the beach and can be found bodysurfing.

This morning visit El Barranco, located in the southern part of Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island. This trail, just under one mile long, is on volcanic rock and can be done in about two hours. The youngest part of the island, from a geological point of view, lies in this area. The cliffs located in the south are composed of very fragile lava and natural erosion has made these lava flows the ideal place for nesting storm petrels. Try to spy two species of petrels that nest in the lava’s cavities and holes, as well as one of their main predators—the short-eared owl. The red-footed booby nests only in the outer islands of the archipelago, Punta Pitt, Gardner (Floreana), Wolf, Darwin and here on Genovesa. Also present on the island is the masked booby. During a panga ride along the cliffs, be sure to watch for fur sea lions and several species of seabirds.

In the afternoon, visit Darwin Bay, formed when its crater collapsed below sea level. The wet landing is on a beautiful white coral sandy beach. This is a favorite island for birdwatchers, with opportunities to see red footed-boobies, masked boobies, wandering tattlers, lava gulls, whimbrels, yellow- and black-crowned lava herons, and yellow warblers. Climb gradually to the edge of the cliff to see red-foots nesting in the mangrove trees below. Bird watching includes sightings of sharp-beaked finches, large cactus and ground finches, Galapagos doves and swallow-tailed gulls. At the end of the trail, the cliff’s edge offers an incredible view of the island and the many birds living there.

This morning enjoy one of two islands known as Islas Plazas east of Santa Cruz Island. Despite its small size, this island is home to some of the most interesting and outstanding species in the Galapagos. The Plazas land iguanas are smaller than their relatives found at other islands. Throughout the island are several hybrid iguanas, a result of crossing a male marine iguana and a female land iguana. They are unique and recognizable at first glance by their black-gray color, with a land iguana’s crest but the face and tail of the marine iguana. The big population of iguanas is due to the presence of tuna, their favorite food. Look for swallow-tailed gulls nesting along the cliffs with other seabirds such as Audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds and brown pelicans.

In the afternoon experience Santa Fe, an island in the southeastern part of the Galapagos formed by an uplift instead of volcanic origin, which is why it is mostly flat. It is believed to be the oldest island in the archipelago and is the home of a number of endemic species like the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats and one of the two species of land iguanas. After disembarkation in the beautiful and clear waters, snorkel with playful sea lions and tropical fish, or hike a trail lined with salt bushes and giant prickly pear cactus.

In 2002, the Galapagos National Park Service undertook a program for the breeding and care of tortoises in captivity, establishing for this purpose the Tortoise Breeding Centre at that time with the name of Jacinto Gordillo. In 2016, it changed its name to the Tortoise Breeding Centre with the name of “David Rodriguez,” in recognition of the 39 years of service to the Institution of the Park Ranger. The David Rodriguez Tortoise Breeding Centre is located in the southeast of San Cristobal, 14 miles (22.5 km) from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Access is by land; the bus trip takes approximately 40 minutes and is located in the vicinity of Cerro Colorado. This breeding center has been built to improve the population status of giant tortoises, Chelonoides chathamensis of San Cristóbal Island in an environment with conditions similar to their natural state, and in this way, promote the tourist development of San Cristóbal.

After lunch, visit the island’s Interpretation Center where lush gardens and sweeping ocean views greet visitors, who can learn about both the geological and human history of the islands, conservation issues and natural history. The older Museum of Natural History attempts to preserve the natural history of the islands.

Punta Pitt is located at the eastern end of San Cristóbal Island, boasting a beach of approximately 295 feet (90 meters) and several natural viewpoints overlooking an eroded hill of volcanic tuff. A 4,593-foot (1,400 meters) trail leads from the beach called Oliviana to the top of the hill, which is adorned with various types of lava formations. The strong winds prevailing on the hill have naturally sculpted the landscape, creating breathtaking and unforgettable vistas reminiscent of scenes from a science fiction movie. The sand of Oliviana Beach is painted with a beautiful olive-yellow hue, adorned with bright crystals formed from the erosion of lava and shells. Here, sea lions bask in the sun while observing the flight of frigatebirds, pelicans, herons and seagulls. Pitt Islet is one of the few places where all three species of boobies (blue-footed, red-footed, and masked) and the two species of frigatebirds can be observed within the same vicinity.

Isla Lobos is a small, flat islet. The name Isla Lobos is given to it as it is home to several sea lions, which frolic on the beach; their brown fur stands out against the white sand. Isla Lobos is approximately 20 minutes by boat (6.2 miles/10 kilometers) from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island. Classified as a tourist diving site, it has two piers from which visitors can explore the bottom of the ocean accompanied by sea lions. In its waters, a protected channel offers a fantastic place for snorkeling. A 2,788-foot-long (850 meters) trail runs along the island, connecting the two piers. The estimated time for the walk is one hour, during which you can observe coastal vegetation of saltwater-tolerant plants. Its name is due to the two species of sea lions that inhabit it. The sea lions are related to the California sea lions, while the two-furred sea lions, known as fur seals, have their origins in Antarctica.

Begin today on the north-eastern coast of Espanola, in Gardner Bay, on an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming, kayaking, and even observing sea lions and sharks in the crystal clear ocean waters. In the afternoon, visit Suarez Point, a great area for spotting blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and Nazca boobies. Large waved albatrosses use the beautiful cliffs along the oceanfront as a launching pad. High cliffs rise up from the sea affording spectacular views of soaring birds and of the famous blow hole where water spouts up to approximately 165-245 feet into the air according to the intensity of the surf, a photographer’s playground.

Cormorant Point on Floreana Island offers probably the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos; it is also one of the largest in the islands. It’s situated between two tuff lava cones that give the area a special atmosphere. There are various species of shorebirds to observe besides flamingos; the most frequent are common stilts, white-cheeked pintail ducks and other migratory birds. It is very interesting to see the two distinct beaches. The Green Beach has a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand and the Flour Sand Beach is made up of coral. After the interesting walk, head to Champion Islet, a great place to enjoy snorkeling and underwater wildlife. Some of the animals that can be seen are sea turtles, sea lions and multiple fish thanks to the nearby coral reef.

After lunch, visit historical Post Office Bay, where a wooden barrel was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used ever since by mariners and tourists alike as a post office. Deposit a letter or postcard and carry one back to its destination by hand. Apart from hosting the Post Office Barrel, this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists. Continue north and ascend an elevated slope to a beautiful vista at the Baroness lookout. It is said that Baroness Eloisa Von Wagner loved this place and spent several hours watching the horizon; within walking distance (approximately 100 feet) are the ruins of what is known as her house. From this lookout, the landscape covers the coastline from the Enderby Islet to Post Office Bay, as well as Cerro Pajas, the pool of flamingos and wide forest of Palo Santo.

The Fausto Llerena Breeding Center is located in the Galapagos National Park, on Charles Darwin Avenue, at a distance of 0.62 miles (1 km) from the Gus Angermeyer Tourist Pier. After a 40-minute walk, the attraction is part of the network of visitor sites of the Charles Darwin Foundation. The visit starts at the information booth of the Galapagos National Park Service (SPNG). The trail leads tot he Van Straelen Interpretation Center, then to the breeding center. From there, an elevated circular path begins, made of wood, from where you can observe Lonesome George and the tortoises of Española Island. It ends at the tortoise exhibition corral. After the morning’s excursion, disembark the ship and transfer to the Baltra airport for your flight to the mainland.

Punta Moreno is located on the north coast of Isabela Island, between the Sierra Negra volcano and Cerro Azul volcano. The trail runs along a Pahoehoe lava flow(solidified lava in the form of corrugated or an accordion) into a complex of coastal lagoons. Several species of birds can be found around these lakes and mangroves.

Off the eastern coast of Fernandina, Mangle Point can be found. It is a superior snorkeling site and a beautiful location for riding in a panga or Zodiac through a grove of mangrove trees. A hike of about 1/2 mile is possible. While you are on your ride, you are likely to see sea lions, tortoises, pelicans, rays and too many birds to name them all.

Begin today with a wet landing in Urbina Bay, located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954, which caused the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out, leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is a great place to snorkel, but first stroll a long path made up of sand, pumice, lava, coral and vegetation where you can observe iguana burrows. Keep watch for red and blue lobster, Darwin’s finches and land iguanas, as well as vegetation like chamomile and rosewood and the beautiful flowers of cotton Darwin, endemic to the Galapagos Islands.

After lunch, experience Tagus Cove, west of Darwin Volcano on Isabela Island. This was a favorite spot for pirates and whalers, who were among the first to add inscriptions of names of boats. At the beginning of the trail, discover a small cave with inscriptions dating to the 1800s. Its name originated from a British warship, whose crew sailed her across the islands in 1814 looking for Galapagos tortoises for food. Due to former eruptions, the substrate has a large amount of volcanic rocks of different sizes, among the most common are little balls of nearly spherical shape known as the lapilli or petrified rain.

Espinoza Point is a place famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas and as the habitat of unique species like the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk and Galapagos snake. In the afternoon visit Vicente Roca Point on Isabela Island, one of the most impressive and spectacular places of the enchanted Galapagos Islands with its majestic high cliffs, tuffstone, ash and lava formations. Located in the northwestern coast of the island, it comprises two distinct inlets. Snorkel in a large bay rich with marine life including seahorses, sea turtles, stingrays, puffer fish and perhaps the fascinating mola-mola or sunfish. This bay is a great place for practicing panga rides and snorkeling. You can also find penguins, blue-footed boobies, terns, boobies and sea lions. Additionally, youc an snorkel and observe sea turtles, stingrays and pufferfish.

This morning, explore Espumilla Beach on the northern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay. During the last presence of the El Niño phenomenon, one of the two lagoons in this site underwent a process of sedimentation, causing the disappearance of a representative colony of flamingos. Now main attractions are the palo santo forest and the marvelous beach, an important site for nesting marine turtles.

After lunch visit Puerto Egas’s main attraction, the black beach located at the west side of the island. Volcanic tuff deposits have enabled the formation of this special black sand beach. Puerto Egas is named after Hector Egas, who tried to start an exploitation of salt, which failed because the price of salt on the continent was cheap and did not justify exporting it from the Galapagos. They abandoned the project but left the infrastructure.

Rábida Island is unique due to the red color of its rocks and sand. The volcanic material in this island is very porous and external factors such as rain, salt water and sea breeze have acted as an oxidizing agent. A short walk along a trail leads to a coastal lagoon behind the beach where guests can observe finches, doves, yellow warblers, mocking birds and a colony of flamingos.

After lunch visit the small islet (roughly one half mile) of Chinese Hat. Located just off the southeastern tip of Santiago Island, this islet is a recent volcanic cone, shaped like a Chinese hat when seen from north side. The west provides views of lava formations and their coral heads formed under the sea and raised upward. This landing site is an excellent place to view geological features such as lava tubes and lava flows. In addition, the landscape is covered by sea lion colonies, marine iguanas and Galapagos penguins.

A dinghy ride to Black Turtle Cove, located on the north coast of Santa Cruz, just west of Baltra, offers a window into a quiet hideaway of the Galapagos. Once in the cove, the boat continues with the engines off and begins to explore the mangrove-protected cove. Sea turtles feed and mate in the calm waters, and three species of sharks are found here: the black-tip shark, the white-tip shark and the Galapagos shark. Groups of spotted rays are also often seen, as well as egrets and herons. After the morning excursion, head to Baltra, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your flight to the mainland.

Located between North Seymour and Baltra, Mosquera Islet is one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos. It is of volcanic origin, formed by geological uplift, has no visible crater and its terrain is very flat. One of the most striking features of Mosquera is the contrast of colors. A beautiful beach of white sand, transparent turquoise waters, lush green vegetation and jet-black lava rocks. Landscape photography is highly recommended here, especially in the golden light conditions of early morning or at sunset.

After lunch, visit North Seymour, which is an uplifted (as opposed to volcanic) island, generally fl­at and strewn with boulders. There are good nesting sites here for a large population of magnificent frigate birds. Blue-footed boobies seasonally perform their courtship dance in the more open areas and swallow-tailed gulls perch on the cliff edges. Despite the tremendous surf that can pound the outer shore, sea lions haul out onto the beach and can be found bodysurfing.

This morning visit El Barranco, located in the southern part of Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island. This trail, just under one mile long, is on volcanic rock and can be done in about two hours. The youngest part of the island, from a geological point of view, lies in this area. The cliffs located in the south are composed of very fragile lava and natural erosion has made these lava flows the ideal place for nesting storm petrels. Try to spy two species of petrels that nest in the lava’s cavities and holes, as well as one of their main predators—the short-eared owl. The red-footed booby nests only in the outer islands of the archipelago, Punta Pitt, Gardner (Floreana), Wolf, Darwin and here on Genovesa. Also present on the island is the masked booby. During a panga ride along the cliffs, be sure to watch for fur sea lions and several species of seabirds.

In the afternoon, visit Darwin Bay, formed when its crater collapsed below sea level. The wet landing is on a beautiful white coral sandy beach. This is a favorite island for birdwatchers, with opportunities to see red footed-boobies, masked boobies, wandering tattlers, lava gulls, whimbrels, yellow- and black-crowned lava herons, and yellow warblers. Climb gradually to the edge of the cliff to see red-foots nesting in the mangrove trees below. Bird watching includes possible sightings of sharp-beaked finches, large cactus and ground finches, Galapagos doves and swallow-tailed gulls. At the end the trail, the cliff’s edge offers an incredible view of the island and the many birds living there.

This morning enjoy one of two islands known as Islas Plazas east of Santa Cruz Island. Despite its small size, this island is home to some of the most interesting and outstanding species in the Galapagos. The Plazas land iguanas are smaller than their relatives found at other islands. Throughout the island are several hybrid iguanas, a result of crossing a male marine iguana and a female land iguana. They are unique and recognizable at first glance by their black-gray color, with a land iguana’s crest but the face and tail of the marine iguana. The big population of iguanas is due to the presence of tuna, their favorite food. Look for swallow-tailed gulls nesting along the cliffs with other seabirds such as Audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds and brown pelicans.

In the afternoon experience Santa Fe, an island in the southeastern part of the Galapagos formed by an uplift instead of volcanic origin, which is why it is mostly flat. It is believed to be the oldest island in the archipelago and is the home of a number of endemic species like the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats and one of the two species of land iguanas. After disembarkation in the beautiful and clear waters, snorkel with playful sea lions and tropical fish, or hike a trail lined with salt bushes and giant prickly pear cactus.

In 2002, the Galapagos National Park Service undertook a program for the breeding and care of tortoises in captivity, establishing for this purpose the Tortoise Breeding Centre at that time with the name of Jacinto Gordillo. In 2016, it changed its name to the Tortoise Breeding Centre with the name of “David Rodriguez,” in recognition of the 39 years of service to the Institution of the Park Ranger. The David Rodriguez Tortoise Breeding Centre is located in the southeast of San Cristobal, 14 miles (22.5 km) from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Access is by land; the bus trip takes approximately 40 minutes and is located in the vicinity of Cerro Colorado. This breeding center has been built to improve the population status of giant tortoises, Chelonoides chathamensis of San Cristóbal Island in an environment with conditions similar to their natural state, and in this way, promote the tourist development of San Cristóbal.

Punta Pitt is located at the eastern end of San Cristóbal Island, boasting a beach of approximately 295 feet (90 meters) and several natural viewpoints overlooking an eroded hill of volcanic tuff. A 4,593-foot (1,400 meters) trail leads from the beach called Oliviana to the top of the hill, which is adorned with various types of lava formations. The strong winds prevailing on the hill have naturally sculpted the landscape, creating breathtaking and unforgettable vistas reminiscent of scenes from a science fiction movie. The sand of Oliviana Beach is painted with a beautiful olive-yellow hue, adorned with bright crystals formed from the erosion of lava and shells. Here, sea lions bask in the sun while observing the flight of frigatebirds, pelicans, herons and seagulls. Pitt Islet is one of the few places where all three species of boobies (blue-footed, red-footed, and masked) and the two species of frigatebirds can be observed within the same vicinity.

Isla Lobos is a small, flat islet. The name Isla Lobos is given to it as it is home to several sea lions, which frolic on the beach; their brown fur stands out against the white sand. Isla Lobos is approximately 20 minutes by boat (6.2 miles/10 kilometers) from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island. Classified as a tourist diving site, it has two piers from which visitors can explore the bottom of the ocean accompanied by sea lions. In its waters, a protected channel offers a fantastic place for snorkeling. A 2,788-foot-long (850 meters) trail runs along the island, connecting the two piers. The estimated time for the walk is one hour, during which you can observe coastal vegetation of saltwater-tolerant plants. Its name is due to the two species of sea lions that inhabit it. The sea lions are related to the California sea lions, while the two-furred sea lions, known as fur seals, have their origins in Antarctica.

Begin today on the north-eastern coast of Espanola, in Gardner Bay, on an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming, kayaking, and even observing sea lions and sharks in the crystal clear ocean waters. This landing site has opportunities to see three species of Darwin finches: a subspecies of the large-billed cactus finch that is similar to the large-billed terrestrial finch, the small-beaked ground finch and the singing finch that is another endemic subspecies. Both resident and migratory birds can be observed on this relaxing day, in a zone that is extremely important for nesting marine tortoises as well.

In the afternoon, visit Punta Suarez, a great place for spotting blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and Nazca boobies. Large waved albatrosses use the beautiful cliffs along the oceanfront as a launching pad. High cliffs rise up from the sea affording spectacular views of soaring birds and of the blow hole where water spouts up to 165-245 feet (50-75 meters) into the air according to the intensity of the surf, a photographer’s playground.

Cormorant Point on Floreana Island offers probably the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos; it is also one of the largest in the islands. It’s situated between two tuff lava cones that give the area a special atmosphere. There are various species of shorebirds to observe besides flamingos; the most frequent are common stilts, white-cheeked pintail ducks and other migratory birds. It is very interesting to see the two distinct beaches. The Green Beach has a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand and the Flour Sand Beach is made up of coral. After the interesting walk, head to Champion Islet, a great place to enjoy snorkeling and underwater wildlife. Some of the animals that can be seen are sea turtles, sea lions and multiple fish thanks to the nearby coral reef.

After lunch, visit historical Post Office Bay, where a wooden barrel was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used ever since by mariners and tourists alike as a post office. Deposit a letter or postcard and carry one back to its destination by hand. Apart from hosting the Post Office Barrel, this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists. Continue north and ascend an elevated slope to a beautiful vista at the Baroness lookout. It is said that Baroness Eloisa Von Wagner loved this place and spent several hours watching the horizon; within walking distance (approximately 100 feet) are the ruins of what is known as her house. From this lookout, the landscape covers the coastline from the Enderby Islet to Post Office Bay, as well as Cerro Pajas, the pool of flamingos and wide forest of Palo Santo.

The Fausto Llerena Breeding Center is located in the Galapagos National Park, on Charles Darwin Avenue, at a distance of 0.62 miles (1 km) from the Gus Angermeyer Tourist Pier. After a 40-minute walk, the attraction is part of the network of visitor sites of the Charles Darwin Foundation. The visit starts at the information booth of the Galapagos National Park Service (SPNG). The trail leads tot he Van Straelen Interpretation Center, then to the breeding center. From there, an elevated circular path begins, made of wood, from where you can observe Lonesome George and the tortoises of Española Island. It ends at the tortoise exhibition corral. After the morning’s excursion, disembark the ship and transfer to the Baltra airport for your flight to the mainland.