Northeast Islands

Arrive in the Galápagos Islands and begin your adventure at Baltra Airport, where a naturalist guide greets you and assists with your transfer to the Itabaca Channel. Cross by ferry to Santa Cruz Island and take in your first views of the archipelago. Observe Baltra’s arid landscape and learn about its past as a former U.S. WWII airbase, setting the stage for the stories that unfold throughout your journey.

Explore North Seymour Island, a haven for birdwatchers. Watch large colonies of magnificent and great frigatebirds inflate their red throat pouches in striking courtship displays. Observe blue-footed boobies performing their iconic mating dance, while swallow-tailed gulls perch along cliffs overlooking the sea. Venture inland and encounter land iguanas thriving through conservation efforts, then spot marine iguanas basking on rocks near sea lions riding the waves.
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

Explore Santa Fe Island, set within one of the most beautiful bays in the Galápagos Islands. Walk along a trail lined with towering prickly-pear cacti and ancient lava formations. Relax on a white-sand beach where a large sea lion colony basks beside turquoise waters. Continue inland and spot the endemic Santa Fe land iguana, and with luck, observe a Galápagos hawk perched atop a cactus scanning for prey. Encounter Darwin’s finches, Galápagos doves, mockingbirds, and lava lizards along the way, creating a rich wildlife experience.
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

Visit South Plaza Island, one of the twin Plaza Islands open to visitors, while North Plaza remains a research site. Observe land iguanas resting beneath Opuntia cacti as they wait for fallen fruit. Walk along the shore and watch a large sea lion colony, where playful pups explore tide pools and dominant bulls guard their territory. Follow the trail to a dramatic cliffside and take in sweeping ocean views as frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, and swallow-tailed gulls glide overhead. Admire the island’s striking landscape, covered in a vibrant blanket of reddish succulents.
Highlights:  Stunning Views, Boobies, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos shearwaters, Galapagos land iguanas, Tropicbirds, Pelicans
Trail: 1.4 km / 0.8 mi
Level: Difficult
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.
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: Difficult
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.
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: Difficult
Activities: HIKING, SNORKELING, PANGA RIDE, PADDLE BOARD, KAYAK

Enjoy a scenic journey into the lush highlands of Santa Cruz. Walk through a reserve where you may spot giant tortoises—some weighing over 600 pounds—grazing peacefully. Observe endemic birds such as finches and flycatchers. If included in your itinerary, explore a lava tunnel, a fascinating remnant of the volcanic forces that shaped these islands.
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

Visit Las Bachas Beach, located on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. Snorkel in clear waters or take a relaxing walk along the shore. Make a wet landing by stepping from the panga directly onto the beach, and disembark barefoot before switching to light walking shoes for the rest of your visit. Walk toward the saltwater lagoon behind the beach and observe great blue herons and small shorebirds in their natural habitat. Discover that these beaches also serve as important nesting grounds for green sea turtles, offering a glimpse into the island’s thriving wildlife.
Highlights:  Stunning Views, Blue footed boobies, White-cheeked pintails, American flamingoes, Sandpipers, Lava gulls
Trail: 1.6 km / 1 mi
Level: Difficult
Activities: HIKING, SNORKELING, PANGA RIDE, PADDLE BOARD, KAYAK

León Dormido, also known as Kicker Rock, is one of the most iconic rock formations in the Galapagos. Located off the coast of San Cristóbal, this towering islet with sheer cliffs offers an unparalleled setting for diving and snorkeling. Dive into crystal-clear waters and swim alongside hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, and majestic manta rays. The marine life here is abundant, with schools of tropical fish and sea lions exploring the reefs. For those seeking adventure and a deep connection with the Galapagos’ underwater world, this is an experience not to be missed.
Highlights:  Boobies, Pelicans, Frigatebirds

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!