Arrive at the Galapagos, pass through an airport inspection point to ensure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, and pay the park entrance fee of $100 (unless prepaid). A guide meets you, helps you collect your luggage, and escorts you on a short bus ride to the harbor, where you board the Estrella cruise. You are assigned to your cabins, and lunch is served shortly after.

Visit an Interpretation Center where photos, historic documents, and maquettes help you glimpse the seriousness and complexity of preserving the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos. Then, head to Cerro Colorado, where a Tortoise breeding center manages conservation efforts for this animal. Learn about the environmental concerns of the islands, observe breeding tortoises, and follow an interpretive trail. Along the trail, spot different species of native and endemic plants, as well as birds like the San Cristobal Mockingbird, Yellow Warblers, and many species of finches and the Galapagos flycatcher. Return onboard for refreshment, dinner, and enjoyment of the amenities.

Activities: Hiking

Arrive at the wind-sculpted cliffs of Pitt Point, the first sight of land when Charles Darwin arrived in the Galapagos aboard the HMS Beagle on September 15, 1835. Disembark to that very same small green sand beach, where a group of barking sea lions first greets you.

Behind this dreamy beach, cross some thorny bushes, and begin a trail that takes you to the top of the cliff through a ravine. As you ascend, marvel at the landscapes of this geological wonder, where you can find three species of boobies breeding and playing: blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca. Two species of frigate birds can be found as well (Great and Magnificent). Don't miss the chance to snorkel or kayak around these far-away, dreamlike shores.

Activities: Hiking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride

Navigate to Kicker Rock, an impressive natural sculpture rising up from the ocean on the northeast coast of San Cristobal Island. From the side, it takes the shape of a giant shoe upside down with the tower as a high heel (hence its name Kicker Rock). In its longitudinal direction, it resembles a sleeping lion (explaining its Spanish name Leon Dormido). After, begin your adventure at Witch Hill.

Witch Hill is the remains of a tuff cone, and its primary attraction is a coral sand beach that opens into a tranquil bay. Snorkeling here leads to a marine habitat for marine iguanas, stingrays, white-tipped sharks, eagle rays, turtles, morays, garden eels, and many kinds of reef fishes.

Behind the sand dunes of the beach, there is a dry dark lava flow with salty ponds, which serve as a refreshment spot for iguanas, as well as a strategic place to observe coastal and migratory birds, including pelicans, blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls.

​Activities: Hiking, Snorkeling

Keep exploring Española island, the oldest in the archipelago, estimated at over 4 million years old, located in the extreme southeast of the archipelago. On the north-eastern coast of this island, Gardner Bay offers a wonderful place to refresh in the turquoise sea and to snorkel side by side with eagle rays, golden rays, barracudas, batfish, turtles, sea lions, and white-tipped sharks.

​Activities: Hiking, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride

Española Island is one of the greatest in the world for birdwatchers. Different kinds of finches, frigates, blue-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies can be found, as well as the endemic Española mockingbird, Albatross, and Galapagos hawk. Watch your step, because each Albatross couple lays an egg on the floor and makes it roll over to improve hatching success. The juveniles attend the cliffs of the island to learn to fly by jumping into the abysm. The chicks are organized in nurseries where they will safely remain while the adults are away at sea.

Another highlight during this visit is “El Soplador”, a 25 m water geiser produced by ocean waves crashing with great pressure with cracks in the island’s cliff, spouting up through a lava tunnel. This site offers a fantastic background for a meditative experience or a memorable photo.

​Activities: Hiking, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride

Navigate to Post Office Bay. This mailing station intermittently served since the eighteenth century when the Galapagos was a resupplying port for Pacific pirates. Join their tradition and send greeting cards to your loved ones worldwide using the historical barrel (it works). Nearby, the beach is normally visited by sea lions, pacific green turtles, golden rays, and even penguins.

Next, climb the miniature basaltic cone of Baroness Lookout and take in the paradisiacal coastal views. This viewpoint is the favorite spot of one of Floreana’s first modern-era colonists, the eccentric self-proclaimed Baroness and ‘Empress of Galapagos’ Eloisa von Wagner Bosquet, who even built her house a few meters behind. She and one of her lovers were the first in a series of mysterious disappearances and deaths occurring on this island during the 1930s.

​Activities: Hiking

Experience a wet landing on the aromatic palo santo forest-covered peninsula. The beach sand appears green because it contains a high percentage of glassy olivine crystals blown out by surrounding tuff cones. On the other side of the peninsula, discover a 'flour sand' beach formed from coral pulverized by Parrotfish.

Spot schools of stingrays burying themselves in the sandy bottom as you stand on the shore. In the first months of the year, witness Pacific green turtles coming ashore to bury their eggs. Return on board.

​Activities: Hiking, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride

Visit a bird's paradise today. The islet of North Seymour is actually part of the seabed that was uplifted by the movement of tectonic plates and now hosts the largest breeding colonies of both the Magnificent and Great Frigatebirds in the Galapagos. Explore a circular trail that allows approaching these and many other birds from a distance of only a few respectful steps. The islet is also home to adorable blue-footed boobies, which can be observed courtshipping, mating, or nurturing their fuzzy chicks. They might approach, as they are fearless and very curious.

​Activities: Hiking, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride

Transferred from Baltra to the dock in Puerto Ayora.