Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Santa Cruz II

Arrive by plane at Baltra Island and transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz II where you receive your welcome introductory briefing, boat drill, and lunch.

The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). The first part of your walk passes a brackish-water lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks, and flamingos, while further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as the chance of observing land iguanas.

After breakfast, explore Vicente Roca Point the coast by panga while your naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of the area, a nesting place for several Galapagos highlights: flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, fur seals, boobies, etc. Depending on weather conditions, you can snorkel along the cliffs of this area rich in marine life, and seasonally visited by green sea turtles and oceanic sunfish (Mola mola).
Aquatic Activities: Snorkeling, Panga Ride, Glass-bottom boat

The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the youngest island of the archipelago, Fernandina, which boasts a very unique environment with a very high density of marine iguanas, who share their space with sea lions, Sally light-foot crabs, hawks, penguins, and the flightless cormorants.
Aquatic Activities: Snorkeling

In the morning,  disembark (dry landing followed by a brief bus ride) for your visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station’s giant tortoise Breeding Centre within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest, home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation, and the National Park administration. Following your visit, board your transport to enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem.
 
There are several options available for the afternoon, which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition Leader. Options include beach walks, kayaks, walks along the tortoise reserve, etc.  At the end of the afternoon’s activities, return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the Santa Cruz II.
Aquatic Activities: Kayaking

After breakfast, a panga ride along the maze of channels on Floreana’s north shore can be enjoyed. Follow this visit by continuing to Baroness Cove with its breathtaking views of Floreana. Land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries and where postcards are traditionally left for guests from other vessels to hand-deliver to their destinations. Snorkel off the beach then head back on board for lunch. 
Aquatic Activities: Snorkeling, Panga Ride, Kayaking, Glass-bottom boat, Beach, Swimming, Paddleboarding

Following lunch and a siesta,  take the pangas and glass-bottom boat to explore the underwater wonders around Champion Islet, an extinct shield volcano, regarded as one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago. From there, it’s on to Punta Cormorant, beginning with a wet landing on the olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish-water lagoon where bird species such as greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others gather. Continue your walk over to a white-sand beach, where sea turtles emerge from the sea at night to nest (from December to May).
Aquatic Activities: Snorkeling, Glass-bottom boat

Disembark at Baltra Island in order to transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.