Arrive at the San Cristobal airport this morning and transfer to the boat. Cruise the shores of San Cristobal en route to Galapaguera, located on the northern end of the island. Here view giant turtles living peaceably in the wild.

Enjoy the arid landscape of North Seymour Island and it's wildlife as blue-footed boobies, the royal frigate birds of Galapagos, and the sea lions.

Explore the shores of South Plaza Island, covered by the opuntia cactus and home to the largest sea lion colonies in the Galapagos. Also here you can find the lazy but colorful yellow and red land iguana. This animal likes this island because of its richness in the opuntia cactus, which is an iguana delicacy. There are about 700 iguanas on the island and this species seems to be one of the smallest iguana species.

Home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black, and even green volcanic formations. A trail of stairs leads to the summit of the volcano, boasting one of the best views of the islands. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos penguin.

Land on the black beach of Puerto Egas on the island of Santiago, once home to a salt mining enterprise. Explore this unique beach and its environs including plenty of sea lions and fur seals. Santiago provides habitat for many of the 30-40,000 fur seals that call the Galapagos home, and provides ample photography opportunities for these animals.

Tagus Cove on Isabela Island is one of the landing spots on the island and was historically used as an anchoring site for pirates and whalers. The trail that goes from Tagus Cove takes you through many different vegetation zones and offers spectacular views of Darwin Lake, which is a saltwater crater lake. Once you get to the top of the trail, you are able to see Darwin Volcano as well as Wolf Volcano, which is the highest point of the islands.

Continue to 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 causing 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 also a great place for snorkeling.

Sail to Fernandina for a visit to Espinoza Point. Fernandina Island has yet to be invaded by foreign species, making it one of the world's most pristine island ecosystems. The volcano “La Cumbre” dominates the landspace with lava fields reaching the ocean. This area provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos hawk.

Return to Isabela this afternoon and explore Vicente Roca Point, located on the northwestern coast of the island and comprised of two separate coves. This site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola mola (sunfish) may be spotted here. This bay is great for diving and snorkeling.

Today discover three of the most iconic spots on Santiago Island. Start with Buccaneer Cove, a testament to the fact that Santiago Island was once a refuge for British buccaneers. These pirates would anchor in the protected bay to make repairs and stock up on tortoise meat, among other things. The steep cliffs, where hundreds of seabirds perch in front of the dark red-sand beach, are a magnificent site. 

Then head to Espumilla Beach, a popular place for marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs. The crabs attract the hunting herons performing the dance of predator and prey. With an abundance of marine life including octopi, moray eels, and sharks, snorkeling is highly recommended.

Finally close with a flourish at Sullivan Bay,  where a coral beach landing leads you towards a lava field as far as the eye can see. Hunt and peck over the two distinguished types of lava, pahoehoe and 'a'a, for signs of plant life that have managed to emerge over the past 100 years since the most recent volcanic explosion. A truly amazing volcanic experience…up close and personal!

Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz, Las Bachas is a swimming beach. One of the few remnants of the U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos, a floating pier, can be seen here. You may see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and whimbrels. Sea turtles also nest off the beach.

The Charles Darwin Research Station is home to turtles ranging from 3 inches (new hatchlings) to 4 feet long. Subspecies of turtles interact with one another and many of the older turtles are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four years old and strong enough to survive on their own.

In the morning visit Kicker Rock. This striking rock formation is located a couple hours off the western shore of San Cristobal. Jutting out of the water, the rocks stand vertically at hundreds of feet above the ocean divided by a small channel. Although there are no landing areas, kayaking and scuba diving allow visitors to spot a variety of marine life. Continue to the airport for your journey home.