Epic Eastern Galapagos Odyssey

Arrive at the San Cristobal Airport and transfer to the Galapagos Odyssey.

Spend the afternoon visiting Cerro Colorado Tortoises Protection and Growing Center. The Center provides insight into tortoise protection efforts across the archipelago, and orients travelers with other endemic island species as well.

In the morning, visit Gardner Bay, a pristine beach on Española Island. The crystalline waters of Gardner Bay make it a prime spot for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Venture to Punta Suarez, a rocky area which is home to the most multifarious colonies of sea birds in the Galapagos. Enjoy watching these fascinating bird species swoop and dive along the spectacular seaside cliffs and crashing surf.

Visit Punta Cormorant, which features on of the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos. Located on Floreana Island, the lagoon is uniquely situated between two tuff lava cones and is also home to common stilts, white-checked pintail ducks, and many others. The area features two distinct beaches: "The Green Beach," made up of olivine crystals, and "The Flour Sand Beach," formed by particles of coral.

In the afternoon, pay a visit to historical Post Office Bay. In the 18th century, whalers placed a barrel at this site to serve as a post office for mariners and inhabitants of the island, and it's been in use ever since. Ascend to nearby Baroness Lookout along the north slope of Floreana. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Santa Fe, a southeastern island, has a unique history in relation to the rest of the Galapagos. Formed by and uplift rather than a volcano, the island is considerably flatter and more distinctive than its neighbors. Explore Santa Fe's trails, spot sea lions, and snorkel along the crystal clear shore.

After lunch, head to South Plaza Island. Although small, South Plaza is home to some of the archipelago's most unique and interesting wildlife species. Notable among these are the marine, land, and hybrid iguanas.

Disembark on North Seymour, a beautiful, uplifted island strewn with boulders and rich in birdlife. Observe the famous blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds as they perform their fascinating courtship rituals and attend to their nests.

From North Seymour, journey to Bachas Beach. This stunning beach is located on Santa Cruz Island, just west of Turtle Cove. The white sand of Bachas, the result of decomposed coral, is a favorite nesting site for sea turtles.

Travel to Mosquera, an islet located between Baltra and North Seymour. Meander along Mosquera's rocky coast, snorkel above its coral reef, and enjoy its entertaining wildlife.

Journey on to Dragon Hill. Located on northwestern Santa Cruz Island, the area features a hyper-saline lagoon, frequented by a variety of bird species. The walk up the hill culminates in a beautiful view of the bay below.

In the morning, cruise to Rabida Island, known for its unique coloration. Volcanic red rocks and sand create a stunning backdrop for wildlife viewing. Take the trail to a coastal lagoon and observe a myriad of native birds.

In the afternoon set off for a small islet just off the southeastern tip of Santiago Island, called Chinese Hat. Named for its distinctly conical shape, this island is an excellent place to view and learn about volcanic and other geological features.

Sail for Darwin Bay, which had its genesis when Genovesa Island's crater collapsed below sea level, leaving a pristine white coral sand beach in its stead. A favorite bird-watching destination, Darwin Bay provides habitat for red-footed and masked boobies, wandering tattlers, lava gulls, whimbrels, and yellow and black-crowned herons.

In the afternoon, climb up the southern plateau of Darwin Bay, known as El Barranco. Encounter large populations of masked and red-footed boobies, storm petrels, and short-eared owls, attracted to the area because of its ideal nesting habitat.

Cruise over to Bartolomé to take in one of the most scenic areas in the Galapagos. Set at an altitude of 114 meters, enjoy the view from Bartolomé of the volcanic features of the surrounding islands. Spot cones, craters, lava fields, and famous Toba pinnacle. Sparse in vegetation but rich in beaches, Bartolomé is home to sea turtles and a small colony of Galapagos penguins.

Travel to Santiago Island in the afternoon. Santiago is still an active volcano and is great for getting up close to young lava flows. The flows are also visible from Darwin's summit, and, more impressively, outer space!

Spend the morning at the Santa Cruz Highlands. Take a trail leading through the various unique zones of the highlands, and marvel at the beautiful scenes of rolling hills and volcanic formations that surround you.

Transfer back to San Cristobal for your departing flight.