Private Charter - Galapagos Central Islands Aboard Corals

Departing from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island (approx. 2 hour and 30 min flight). Arriving in the Galapagos, passengers are picked up at the airport by naturist guides to take advantage of the time in the archipelago. Then be taken directly to Santa Cruz Island for lunch. First visit of the itinerary.

Dinghy ride at the entry of the Itabaca Channel in a lagoon with turquoise water, where you can observe sharks, blue-footed boobies, and different kinds of fish.
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: none
Activities: 1-hour dinghy ride

Be marveled at the variety of sea life that uses the crevices of the lava cliffs for shelter. Red-billed Tropicbirds fly overhead, switching between their nests and the bay, and a small colony of fur seals may be found near the landing site. Dropped off at a steep stairway that begins on rocks at the foot of a path that leads through a seabird colony full of Nazca and Red-footed Boobies. At the plateau, the trail continues inland allowing you to see more nesting booby colonies in the thin Palo Santo forest. Near the end of the trail, over a rocky lava plain, Wedge-rumped Storm Petrels can be observed flying in all directions. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a Short-eared Owl.
Difficulty level: moderate
Type of terrain: rocky - lava
Activities: 45 min walk

Disembark onto a small sand and coral beach. A short trail heads west along a tidal lagoon and then up a rocky hill that leads to a point overlooking the cliffs and Darwin Bay. Along the trail near the tidal lagoon, visitors can see pairs of Swallow-tailed Gulls, Lava Gulls, Yellow-crowned and Lava Herons. The trail continues through Palo Santo trees, Opuntia cacti, and Saltbushes inhabited by Great Frigate birds and Red-footed Boobies. This is one of the few places in the islands where visitors are guaranteed to see Red-footed Boobies. It is estimated that more than 200,000 Red-footed Boobies live in the trees and bushes of Genovesa.
Difficulty level: moderate
Type of terrain: Sand & Lava
Activities: 2 hours and 30 min walk approx / Snorkeling

Wet landing. Dark-red sand covers the unique beaches of this island, home of sea lions colonies; Rabida is considered the epicenter of the Galapagos Islands due to the diversity of its volcanic geology. Nesting brown pelicans are found from July through September plus nine species of the famous Darwin’s finches. Here a dinghy ride along marine cliffs is done, to observe nesting seabirds. Snorkel off the coast, where marine life is particularly active.
Disembarking: wet landing
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Activities: 1 hour 30 min walk/1-hour snorkeling / 1-hour dinghy ride

Discover a fascinating landscape formed by different volcanic parasitic cones —lava bombs, spatter, cinder cones — that resembles the moon. Going up to the summit with impressive views of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone Pinnacle Rock. Encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and blue-footed boobies. Beach time is a great opportunity to do snorkeling and see the famous Galapagos Penguins, sea turtles and White-tipped Reef Sharks among a great variety of colorful fish. For many visitors, this may turn out to be the best snorkeling experience. Crystal clear water is the perfect spot to appreciate the incredible marine life it has to offer. Due to its geographical location, the lack of vegetation is immediately noticeable however, there are pioneer plants including the endemic Tiquilia nesiotica and Chamaesyce (known as sand mat or spurge in English), lava cactus, and Scalesia bushes.
Disembarking: dry or wet landing
Difficulty level: intermediate
Type of terrain: trail made of 372 steps
Activities: 1 hour and 30 min walk / 1-hour snorkeling
 

In the mountains of the Galapagos is possible to admire different kinds of birds, such as tree and ground finches, vermillion flycatchers, paint-billed crakes, yellow warblers, and cattle egrets (usually standing on the tortoises’ shell). The journey to the reserve offers great opportunities to see the contrasts that the island offers in reference to the variety of ecosystems. The road goes from the coast through the agricultural zone and straight up to the dense humid forests. Often, Galapagos giant tortoises are also seen on the way, wandering through pastures in the paddocks. This spot is a birdwatchers’ haven since almost every land bird present on the island lives or migrates here.
Disembarking: dry landing
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: flat & muddy (depending on the season)
Activities: 45 min drive / 1 hour and 30 min walk

After the visit, passengers are transferred to the airport for their return flight to Guayaquil or Quito.