Islands Circumnavigation II

Flight from Quito or Guayaquil to the Galápagos Islands.

Upon your arrival at Baltra Airport, the guide greets you in the lobby, assists you with your luggage, and accompanies you on the short bus ride (15 minutes) to the Itabaca Channel. After crossing, travel for 45 minutes to 1 hour by bus toward the highlands of the island of Santa Cruz. Then, enjoy lunch on a private ranch. Passengers who embark on the yacht in Puerto Ayora will be transported up to the highlands to join the group and start the visit.

The guide takes you on a walk through a beautiful forest full of ferns, sedges, and miconias, while you might also observe some giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Later, head to one of the many lava tunnels in the area. Here, enjoy a short walk through the tunnel, where we can admire the results of a powerful volcanic eruption that occurred millions of years ago.
Possible activities: Walking

After your visit, head to Puerto Ayora and board the yacht, enjoy an official welcome drink, followed by dinner. After dinner, the guide explains the following day’s activities as well as some general recommendations for visitors to the Galápagos Islands.

Isabela is the name of the largest and the youngest island within the Galápagos Archipelago. In the morning, begin your first visit to the islets known as Las Tintoreras, located south of Puerto Villamil. This area has a small bay of calm turquoise water, observe sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, stingrays, and many more aquatic species. Next, walk along a path and explore two different beaches. The first beach to encounter is a popular place for sea lions and marine iguanas that nest in the area, while the second beach is surrounded by button mangroves (Conocarpus erecta) and white mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa).
Possible activities: Walking

After the visit to "Las Tintoreras", disembark at Puerto Villamil to head to the Sierra Negra Volcano, found in the highlands of the island, as it rises to an altitude of 1124m. It is located between the Cerro Azul volcano to the west, and the Alcedo volcano to the north. Furthermore, it is one of the most active volcanoes of the Galápagos, with the latest eruption occurring in June 2018.

After lunch, during the afternoon, visit the wetlands known as “Los Humedales”, see a wide variety of wetland birds with the majority of them being endemic to the island. After your visit, have some free time in the small town of Puerto Villamil. At the end of the day, board the yacht for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Punta Moreno is located on the north coast of Isabela Island, between the Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes. The distance of the trail is about 2100 meters, but this grants you a panoramic view of the three most active volcanoes in the Galápagos: Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul on Isabela Island, and the summit of Fernandina Island. Take the opportunity to do a surface dive in this area, where, despite the cold waters, marine life is abundant. After this visit, return to the yacht for lunch and a little rest before heading out for your afternoon activity.

In the afternoon visit Elizabeth Bay. The trip begins in a cove surrounded by red mangroves. Here you may observe sea turtles, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans, and sea lions. Visitors have often been able to see Galápagos falcons fly over their heads, while Pompano and Mahi-mahi fish schools are seen swimming below. This is an amazing site due to the large amount of marine and terrestrial fauna as well as the unique and beautiful landscape of the area. After this visit, return to the yacht for dinner and rest.

Urbina Bay is located at the east base of the Alcedo volcano, with an approximately 3200m path connecting it to the beach, where, after a beach landing, cross through the coastal zone, traversing sand, rocks, lava, corals, and plant formations. At this site, you may see large-sized land iguanas, as well as giant Galápagos tortoises, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, Galápagos penguins, pelicans, and marine iguanas.

Return to the yacht to enjoy a delicious lunch, followed by a short sailing towards Tagus Cove. Here take the opportunity to snorkel, surface dive, or kayak. At around 4 pm, hike to the top of the cliff that takes you to a viewpoint of Lake Darwin, a lake that has high saline concentrations.
Possible activities: Kayaking, Snorkeling

Finally, observe Lake Darwin. It doesn’t contain any fish, and only a few lifeforms due to its high salinity. Supposedly, in the past there was an explosive volcanic eruption in the area, since there are large number of volcanic rocks of varying sizes that can be found here. Among the most common are small spherical balls, that are almost perfect in shape, referred to as “lapili” or petrified rain.

Fernandina is the third largest island in the archipelago and has only one point of interest. Punta Espinoza is located on the far northeast part of the island and is a narrow platform of lava and sand that extends from the base of the volcano to the sea. Punta Espinoza is well known for its large colonies of marine iguanas, and its unique fauna full of species such as the flightless cormorant, the Galápagos penguin, the Galápagos falcon, and the Galápagos racer snake. After this visit, there's a possibility to snorkel in the area, swim with marine iguanas and large colonies of sea turtles, and if you are lucky even with beautiful seahorses.
Possible activities: Snorkeling

Isabela Island is believed to have the shape of a seahorse, where Punta Vicente Roca would be considered the mouth. At this location, you may find the remains of an ancient volcano that forms two coves with clear turquoise water, in conjunction with a bay protected from the waves of the ocean. From this point, experience a snorkeling activity, followed by a panga ride along the cliffs to observe the remains of the volcano, or you may explore a cave that is partially found underwater. Nazca boobies and blue-footed boobies perch along the steep cliffs, while the flightless cormorants inhabit the coast.
Possible activities: Snorkeling, Panga ride

At the end of your activity, begin navigating the ship, approach, and cross the equator line. At this point, take a special cocktail to celebrate your crossing to the northern hemisphere.

Puerto Egas is a black sand beach located on the west side of James Bay, northwest of Santiago Island. The site gets its name after Mr. Héctor Egas, who tried to exploit the salt found in this area but failed due to the price of salt in other parts of the country. The hike along the rugged coastline, especially during low tides, allows you to observe many marine species, such as the iguanas relaxing on the rocks, and the sea lions resting in the tidal pools.
Take the opportunity to snorkel near the beach of Puerto Egas in order to enjoy the marine landscape that is relatively different from previously visited locations.
Possible activities: Snorkeling

In the afternoon visit Rábida Island, said to be unique due to the red color of its rocks and sand. The volcanic material on this island is very porous and external factors such as rain, saltwater, and sea breeze have acted as an oxidizing agent. When you arrive, enjoy a snorkeling activity, in order to learn about the marine life in this area, which is full of interesting aquatic species. 
Possible activities: Snorkeling

A short walk along a trail takes you to a lagoon to observe the beautiful terrestrial birds, such as finches, pigeons, yellow warblers, and mockingbirds. This lagoon is also home to a colony of flamingos. The red sand beach, along with the animals, lagoons, and vegetation make this place an excellent location to visit.
Possible activities: Walking

After a short night sailing, the sun dawns on the beautiful “Sombrero Chino” channel. This small islet is located near the southeastern coast of Santiago Island. Your visit provides an excellent opportunity for the observation and understanding of geological characteristics such as lava tubes and lava flows. The landscape is covered by colonies of sea lions, marine iguanas, and occasionally Galápagos penguins.

The trail is 700 meters (there and back) and the minimum time that is required for this hike is one hour at a moderate pace. Take your time to swim in this beautiful bay area, and be amongst sharks, stingrays, unique species of fish, and occasionally penguins, before returning to the yacht to enjoy a barbecue on the top deck. You can also spend time exploring the area with kayaks and visiting the magnificent geological formations from the surface.
Possible activities: Kayaking

Bartolomé Island is one of the most famous spots in the Galápagos, located in front of Sullivan Bay near the island of Santiago. When arriving at this unique location, have the opportunity to enter the water and swim around the famous Pinnacle Rock, and between the rocks that come out from below the surface of the water, forming an incredible labyrinth for marine life.

Later, visit the top of the island, and observe a variety of volcanic formations, including volcanic bombs, ash cones, lava flows, and lava tubes. This lunar scenery provides one of the most scenic landscapes of the archipelago.
At the second site, you'll have the opportunity to relax on a beautiful beach, which offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling. Multicolored fish, and occasionally penguins and sea turtles have been seen at the base of the Pinnacle Rock, which dominates the landscape of Bartolomé.
Possible activities: Snorkeling

North Seymour is a small island located to the north of Baltra and acts as your last visit on the itinerary aboard Catamaran Yacht Anahí, and to observe the land iguanas of Baltra.

The sand of Bachas Beach is made of decomposed coral, making it white and soft, and it is also one of the favorite nesting places of sea turtles. Nearby, you can also find a small lagoon and be able to observe flamingos, black-necked stilts, and thrushes, as well as two old ships that were abandoned during the Second World War. Furthermore, you may also find sea lions, marine iguanas, and seabirds resting on the beach. Enjoy the tranquility of the beach as well as spend some time with the playful sea lions that like to swim with the visitors.

Darwin Bay is a beautiful bay area due to the great diversity of seabirds that nest in the mangroves that dominate the area. These include red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, Galápagos petrels, seabirds, Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and Galápagos doves.

Climb 25 meters of stairs to Prince Philip's Steps, one of the best bird nesting sites on the islands. Experience the opportunity to snorkel, kayak, hike, and take a ride in a panga.
Possible activities: Kayaking, Snorkeling, Panga Ride

Plaza Islands have unusual vegetation, which creates an interesting landscape that helps to enhance the fauna and flora of the Galápagos. It is also possible to observe land iguanas in the shade of cacti. The main attractions of the Plaza Islands include land iguanas, sea lions, and swallow-tailed gulls, as well as lizards, island insects, red-beaked sparrows, frigate birds, and pelicans that glide down the cliffs. Then return to the yacht for lunch and a deserved rest.

Santa Fe Island is an extremely scenic island, where you can visit two different trails, with one of them leading to a beautiful viewpoint on the top of a cliff, where you can find endemic land iguanas on the island. The other trail is a small circular path close to the beach, where you may observe another colony of land iguanas. Here you may also have the possibility to kayak, snorkel, panga ride, or walk, in order to observe and enjoy nature. Then return to the yacht for dinner and a time of relaxation.
Possible activities: Walking, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Panga Ride

Punta Pitt is considered as one of the most beautiful and impressive sites in the Galápagos, it has become one of the favorite nesting sites for seabirds. Here, see three species of frigate birds and their nesting sites in the same area. Then return to the yacht for lunch.

Kicker Rock is a gigantic and impressive rock formation known locally as ‘León Dormido’ where you can see a multitude of blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, pelicans, and sea birds that will delight you with their majestic flights to be photographed. Later head towards Isla Lobos, an islet separated from San Cristóbal Island by a narrow stretch of calm waters. On the islet, take a walk that will allow you to observe frigates, blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, and a colony of sea lions and snorkel in the arm of the sea, probably with the company of sea lions and different kinds of colorful fish. The atmosphere is one of tranquility and primitive beauty, a typical environment of the Galapagos Islands.
Possible activities: Walking, Snorkeling

In the morning, the guide will take you to the top of San Cristóbal Island. Following, the tour has 2 options. The first option starts from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and involves a visit to the El Junco Lagoon. For hundreds of years, rainwater and condensation have caused an accumulation of water in the caldera of an extinct volcano, creating a paradise for frigate birds and turtles. 

Alternatively, visit the “Cerro Colorado” turtle breeding center. There, enjoy a pleasant walk along a path that allows you to be in close contact with the turtles, which can vary from the smallest to the oldest of giants.
Possible activities: Walking

Interpretation Center of San Cristobal, located on the outskirts of the small town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital city of the Galápagos province. The interpretation center gives an introduction to the islands and their natural, as well as human history. After, walk to the place known as ‘La Colina de las Fragatas’, or ‘Cerro Tijeretas. This short 30-minute walk starts from the interpretation center and takes you to the top of the hill. Once there, the visitors can enjoy a spectacular sight of the surrounding white beaches and the incredible geographical formations of the Pacific Ocean. The hill is often visited by Frigate birds that nest there in certain seasons of the year. From the hill descend into a small cove known as Punta Carola, and observe a colony of sea lions. At night (if you want) you can go into the city for a walk and maybe have a drink at one of the local bars.
Possible activities: Walking

Punta Suárez is a destination of great interest due to the abundance of birds. This island also has its own species of animals, like the Española Mockingbird, which has a distinctively longer and more curved beak than variations found on other islands; The Galápagos lava lizard; The marine iguana of the venustissimus subspecies, which has red marks on its back; among others. You can also observe seagulls and other tropical birds that live on the rocky slopes. Among the more interesting attractions is the waved albatross, as almost the entire world population comes to breed here between March and December, and the mating dance of the blue-footed booby. There are hundreds of Nazca boobies, colonies of sea lions, large colonies of marine iguanas, and different species of birds.

Bahía Gardner is a beautiful beach that is excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Here you can find a large colony of playful sea lions and hopefully observe the Galápagos Peregrine Falcons and local species of snakes, undoubtedly see Darwin’s finches, mockingbirds, and sea turtles.
Possible activities: Snorkeling

Punta Cormorant is a site that has the best and the biggest flamingo lagoon in the Galápagos. It is located between two volcanic hills that give the area a special atmosphere. There are varieties of seabirds that can be seen in addition to flamingos, the most frequent ones being stilts, white-tailed ducks, and other migratory birds. This is a unique area due to the high percentage of endemic plants (unique to the island). Here you can see the “Green Beach” (due to the high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand) and the “Flour Sand Beach” mainly composed of coral reefs, making these the two most interesting beaches of the islands. Then return to the yacht to begin your snorkeling activity at the location known as the Devil’s Crown. This is a sunken volcanic crater where the interior of the formation is ideal for the sustainability of a marvelous coral reef habitat, making it one of the most fascinating marine sites in the Galápagos.
Possible activities: Snorkeling

Bahía “Post Office” historically, served as a letter exchange station in the 18th century when the crew of a whaling ship utilized a wooden barrel. Both sailors and tourists have used this system to communicate with people from all around the world. The idea is to bring letters or postcards to their destination by hand, creating a very special “postal service” This site was also the landing place for some of the first settlers on the islands. Then visit the Asilo de la Paz, known for its strange history as one of the first occupied areas of the islands by the German Witmer family. Return to the yacht and head to Puerto Ayora, the largest city in the Galápagos. If you are lucky, you may see a pod of dolphins during your trip, as well as manta rays and sea turtles.

After breakfast, visit an interesting location, before departing for the airport. Visit the Fausto Llerena Interpretation Center where you can see different sizes and species of tortoises. If you have time, you can also visit the special compartment where the embalmed body of the famous giant tortoise “Solitario George” is on display.

Then be transported to the Itabaca channel, cross with a local ferry, and then take a bus to the Baltra Island Airport. Your trip ends here. Say goodbye to your guide and to the Galápagos Islands, who will be waiting for your next visit.