Morning flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra, Galapagos Islands.

Arrive at Baltra Island in the morning. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, meet an Alya staff member and transferred to the yacht. Seeto your cabin where you have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.

In the afternoon, visit the Twin Craters located opposite to each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only gurative; not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground ssures and chambers. The view is breathtaking.

​In the morning, visit Moreno Point located southwest of Elizabeth Bay. Here experience a dry landing on to what was once flowing lava. The lava has left craters in its wake which formed crystal tide pools. By looking into the pools, you can peer into another world as the marine life drifts by the window. In the brackish pools of this area, you may see pink flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, and white-tip reef sharks and some sea turtles.

Elizabeth Bay is located on the east coast of Isabela Island. The bay contains many islets which can be visited by dinghy. Penguins and blue-footed boobies can be spotted on the rocky islets. With an abundance of marine life and clear water, the area is perfect for snorkeling and viewing schools of colorful fish.

In the morning, visit 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.

In the afternoon, cross the Bolivar Channel that divides Isabela and Fernandina Islands, land at Espinosa Point, and after walking past a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions, reach the island’s highlight: the fightless cormorant nesting site. This area provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos hawk.

In the morning visit Tagus Cove on Isabela Island, located across from Fernandina Island, near the Bolivar Channel dividing the two islands. This spot has been frequented by ships since the 1800s, using the area as an anchorage site. Trails winding by Lake Darwin up to a ridge display wonderful views. Punta Tortuga, just north of Tagus Cove, is another lovely beach surrounded by mangroves.

In the afternoon, visit Vicente Roca Point. Comprised of two separate coves, this site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola mola (or sun fish).

In the morning, sail to Espumilla Beach where marine iguanas lounge and the Sally Lightfoot crabs attract the hunting herons performing the dance of predator and prey right before your eyes. Snorkel and find yourself face to face with an octopus, moray eel, shark, and a variety of other species of tropical fish.

In the afternoon visit Egas Port (also known as James Bay) on Santiago Island, which is home to the curious Galapagos hawks and quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. The trail leads to the coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos fur sea lions bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site.

In the morning, cruise to Rabida Island (or Jervis), one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago as well as a great snorkeling site. Start on Rabida’s famous maroon sandy beach, and after an easy hike, arrive at a stunning lookout to enjoy the amazing landscapes. The island is a birdwatcher’s delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance such as nine varieties of finches, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks, and brown pelicans.

In the afternoon, visit Chinese Hat Islet. This small islet is located near the southeast coast of Santiago Island. Its name comes from the distinct shape of the islet’s summit. This is a great location to view many geological formations such as lava tubes and lava flows. Some of the lava flows were formed underwater and subsequently raised above sea level. The presence of coral heads on the lava indicates this phenomenon.

In the morning visit Bachas Beach, a swimming beach located on the north shore of Santa Cruz. 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, black-necked stilts, and sea turtles also nesting on the beach.

In the afternoon, head to South Plaza Island. This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colorful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is the Sesuvium. During the rainy season its color is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end of June through January) a bright red.

Visit the Interpretation Center, a conservation project that represents the effort to protect wildlife and the environment through population and tourism controls.

After this final visit, be transferred to San Cristobal’s airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.