Northeast Islands

Arrive at Baltra Airport to begin your Galapagos expedition. Meet your certified naturalist guide and head straight into the heart of the islands’ unique ecosystems.

Start with a visit to North Seymour Island, known for its dense wildlife population. Follow a marked trail through dry shrubland where blue-footed boobies nest and display their distinctive mating rituals. Along the coast, spot sea lions resting on the rocks and marine iguanas warming themselves in the sun. Overhead, frigatebirds soar and nest, with males inflating red throat pouches during mating season.

Birdwatching Experience: Watch blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds up close in a natural setting, ideal for observing behaviors and capturing clear photos.

Highlights: Galapagos sea lions, Magnificent and great frigatebirds, Land and marine iguanas, Darwin finches
Trail: 1.4 km / 0.8 mi
Level: Moderate
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, panga ride

Start your day on Santa Fe Island, where tall prickly pear cacti rise from a rugged volcanic terrain. Walk inland to find Santa Fe land iguanas resting among the rocks and Galapagos hawks watching from above. Along the trail, spot lava lizards, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds, and various species of Darwin’s finches.
Down by the bay, observe sea lions gathered along the white-sand beach and swimming in the clear, shallow water.

Snorkeling Experience: After hiking, explore the bay by kayak or snorkel. Swim alongside sea lions, reef sharks, sea turtles, rays, and schools of colorful fish such as surgeonfish and parrotfish.
 
Highlights: Stunning Views, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos doves, Santa Fe land iguanas, Reef sharks
Trail: 0.8 km / 0.5 mi
Level: Moderate
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, panga ride

Spend the afternoon on South Plazas, a small island packed with wildlife. As you land, watch Galapagos land iguanas gathered under cacti, feeding on fallen fruit. Walk the trail to see sea lions spread across the rocky shore—some resting, others engaging in territorial behavior or playing in tide pools.
Continue along the path to reach a cliffside viewpoint. From here, scan the skies and coastline for seabirds such as red-billed tropicbirds, frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, boobies, and pelicans. The ground is covered in reddish succulents and scattered cacti, creating a distinctive island landscape.
 
Highlights: Stunning Views, Boobies, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos shearwaters, Galapagos land iguanas, Tropicbirds, Pelicans
Trail: 1.4 km / 0.8 mi
Level: Hard
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling

Located in the southern part of Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island, El Barranco is a wildlife sanctuary. Its fragile lava cliffs provide shelter for storm petrels and a remarkable population of short-eared owls. Along the trail, red-footed and Nazca boobies nest on the volcanic rock. At the base of the cliffs, Galapagos fur seals rest in shaded areas, while seabirds soar above this breathtaking landscape, making El Barranco an unforgettable destination for nature lovers.

Snorkel Experience:  Snorkel into the waters of El Barranco and explore a vibrant underwater world. Swim among colorful fish and spot sharks, rays, and playful sea lions in their natural habitat.
 
Highlights: Nesting great frigatebirds, Galapagos sea lions, Genovesa ground finch, Genovesa cactus finch, Galapagos mockingbirds, Galapagos fur seals
Trail: 1.2 km / 0.7 mi
Level: Hard
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, panga ride, paddle board, kayak

Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island is a breathtaking sight for birdwatchers. As you step onto the beach, you’ll be amazed by the presence of hundreds of boobies, gulls, and frigatebirds soaring, nesting in bushes, or resting on the sand. Along the shore, sea lions and marine iguanas blend into the scenery, while inland you may spot night herons, swallow-tailed gulls, Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, and mockingbirds. This immersive experience brings you face-to-face with a thriving ecosystem.

Snorkel Experience: Darwin Bay offers incredible snorkeling spots, from deep waters along the cliffs to shallow areas near the beach. No matter where you dive, a vibrant underwater world awaits, filled with colorful fish and high chances of spotting sharks, rays, and playful sea lions
 
Highlights: Nesting great frigatebirds, Red-footed and Nazca boobies, Galapagos sea lions, Yellow-crowned night herons, Genovesa ground finch, Genovesa cactus finch, Galapagos mockingbirds
Trail: 1.2 km / 0.7 mi
Level: Hard
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, panga ride, paddle board, kayak

Your day begins with a journey to the highlands of San Cristobal Island, offering a different perspective of the Galapagos' unique ecosystem. This lush and verdant area contrasts sharply with the coastal zones. The highlands are home to a variety of bird species, giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and a rich array of plant life, including endemic trees and ferns. You'll have the opportunity to walk along paths that meander through this lush landscape, offering a chance to observe the giant tortoises up close and personal. The highlands also provide panoramic views of the island, showcasing its diverse topography.
 
Highlights: Lava tunnels, Darwin finches, Galapagos flycatchers, Giant tortoises, Barn owls, White-cheeked pintails
Trail: 1 - 1.5 km / 0.6 - 0.9 mi
Level: Easy
Activities: Hiking

End your Galapagos adventure at Bachas Beach, a key sea turtle nesting site from November to May. At low tide, remnants of WWII barges emerge from the white sand. Explore its saltwater lagoons, home to flamingos, herons, and aquatic birds. After this final stop, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the mainland, concluding an unforgettable journey.
 
Highlights: Stunning Views, Blue footed boobies, White-cheeked pintails, American flamingoes, Sandpipers, Lava gulls
Trail: 1.6 km / 1 mi
Level: Hard
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, panga ride, paddle board, kayak

In the afternoon, embark on an unforgettable panga (dinghy) ride around Kicker Rock, also known as León Dormido, off the coast of San Cristobal Island. This impressive rock formation, rising dramatically 500 feet above the ocean, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Galapagos. The natural erosion of this ancient volcanic tuff cone has created a channel between two towering rock walls, providing a haven for various marine life. This peaceful and scenic panga ride around Kicker Rock provides a relaxing yet awe-inspiring conclusion to your day, allowing you to appreciate the natural wonders and rich biodiversity of the Galapagos from the sea.

Panga Experience: Navigate the waters around Kicker Rock, marveling at the sheer size and beauty of the formation. The ride offers a unique perspective of the rock, with opportunities to observe seabirds such as frigate birds, boobies, and occasionally, pelicans nesting or resting on its cliffs. Keep an eye out for marine life in the surrounding waters, including sea turtles, rays, and even sharks that frequent the area.
 
Highlights: Boobies, Pelicans, Frigatebirds
Level: Easy

After exploring the breathtaking biodiversity and unique landscapes of the Galapagos, it’s time to return to mainland Ecuador. You’ll be transferred to the airport, bringing this unforgettable journey to a close. Every encounter with giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and volcanic landscapes will remain etched in your memory. Galapagos is not just a destination—it’s a transformative experience that will stay with you forever. Wishing you a wonderful journey back!