Central Islands I

Depart from Guayaquil to Galápagos (1½ hours of flight time). Baltra Island was a strategic point during the Second World War.  It is the main airport for the Galapagos Islands where tourists and colonists arrive and depart. Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, the naturalist English-speaking guide will assist you. Transfer to the yacht. Welcome and briefing.

After lunch, visit Hacienda Primicias to see the giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The tortoises are easy to spot, lumbering around eating grass and leaves, and wallowing. Some highland birds, like cattle egrets, mockingbirds, finches, or flycatchers can be seen here. After the hike return to the yacht. Dinner and briefing for the next day.
Activities: Hiking

After breakfast, disembark(wet landing) on a pristine beach. Walk along the coastal area and enjoy snorkeling in clear waters. Opportunity to observe reef fish such as parrotfish and salemas, as well as volcanic formations and corals. Lunch on board.
Activities: Hiking, Snorkeling

After lunch, disembark (wet landing) for a short walk (200 m. round trip, 30 mins., flat and rocky). Observation of lava tunnels, volcanic formations, lava cactus and endemic vegetation. Time for snorkeling. Return to the yacht. Dinner and briefing on board.
Activities: Hiking, Snorkeling

After breakfast disembark (wet landing) in one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago as well as a great snorkeling site. Start on Rabida's famous maroon sandy beach and after an easy hike (1 km approx) will arrive at a stunning lookout to enjoy the amazing landscapes. The island is a birdwatcher's delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance, such as nine varieties of finches, Large-billed Flycatchers, Galapagos Hawks, and Brown Pelicans. Lunch on board.
Activities: Hiking, Snorkeling

After lunch, dry landing at a dock, the walk takes you to a hypersalinic (saltier than the ocean) lagoon behind the beach, often frequented by flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks, and other species of birds. There is a short walk to the hill, which rewards a great view of the bay and a nesting site of land iguanas. Many of the Iguanas that nest here have been repatriated by the Charles Darwin Research Station. Dinner and briefing for the next day.
Activities: Hiking

After breakfast, ride a dinghy (panga) and visit Black Turtle Bay (Caleta Tortuga Negra). This is very close to Baltra. It is very special due to its lovely beach with sea lions and its clear, calm water. Black (Pacific Green) Turtles and many different types of birds can be seen feeding here as you are paddled around the beautiful lagoons hidden in the mangroves.
Activities: Hiking

After this visit transfer to Baltra Airport by bus for your return flight to Guayaquil/Quito.