Day 1 Santa Cruz | Embark | Highlands
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 Highlands where you will hike and encounter giant tortoises in their natural hábitat, a natural wonder. For this visit, is recommended to use sport shoes, long pants, raincoat, hat and sun block.
Day 2 Isabela, Moreno Point | Elizabeth Bay
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.
Day 3 Isabela, Urbina Bay | Fernandina, Espinosa Point
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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, famous for the large colonies of marine iguanas and the home of the flightless cormorant, the Galapagos penguin, snakes, and more. From Espinoza Point, we can admire the beauty of Fernandina Island and its volcano which last erupted in May of 2005. Fernandina is the only island that doesn’t have mammals and the open areas are extremely fragile. From January to June, the nesting period of the marine iguana, we take great care when walking.
Day 4 Isabela, Tagus Cove | Vicente Roca Point
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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).
Day 5 Santiago, Espumilla Beach | Egas Port
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.
Day 6 Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz | Disembark
Today visit the beautiful beach, located in the north of Santa Cruz Island; Bachas is one km long. The site was named during WWII (World War II) when the American army left two barges on the beach. The early colonists couldn’t pronounce barges correctly, so they called the area “Bachas”. After this final visit, be transferred to Baltra's airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.