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Chinese Hat (Sombrero Chino) Island, Galapagos

Islands Circumnavigation II

Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Fragata
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Wrap under a spell in Galapagos Islands with the nature and facinating landscapes. Fragata gives you this expiriences in 15 days, you will observe sea lions, penguins, giant tortoises, iguanas and boobies. Visit Urbina Bay and Togus cove in Isabela island, Chinese hat, Santiago, Kicker rock in San Cristobal, among other. 
View from Bartolome Islandbaby tortoise at Charles Darwin Research StationExplore the GalapagosKicker rock in the GalapagosChinese Hat (Sombrero Chino) Island, Galapagos
Highlights
  • Enjoyment spectacular sea life in Vicente Roca Point
  • Make a short walk around Chinese Hat observing lava tunnels
  • Relax at Rabida's famous maroon sandy beach
  • Snorkel in Bartholomew with incredible view to Pinnacle Rock
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Baltra | Embark | Mosquera

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the morning, fly to Baltra from Guayaquil. This island was a strategic point during the Second World War. Once at the airport, a naturalist English speaking guide assists you and transfers you to the yacht.

After lunch, sail to Mosquera Island. This island consists of a long narrow stretch of white sand, rocks, and tide pools. Created by geological uplift, Mosquera has a flat look to it rather than the conical shape of the volcanically formed islands. It is a great place for snorkeling, strolling on the beach, and enjoying the wildlife. It is home to a huge population of sea lions and many shorebirds.

Day 2: Isabela | Fernandina

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, take a panga ride visit to Vicente Roca Point on Isabela Island. Comprised of two separate coves, this site is a large bay with spectacular sea life, observing seahorses, sea turtles, rays, puffer fish, and the strange yet fascinating Mola-mola (or sunfish). You may also see Galapagos penguins, blue-footed boobies and nazca boobies.

In the afternoon visiti Espinoza Point in Fernandina. Take a hike to see lava flows, a colony of marine iguanas (nesting time: January to June), penguins, pelicans and colonies of cormorants, and lava cactus. Spend the rest of the afternoon snorkeling before boarding the boat for dinner.

Day 3: Isabela

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning, disembark in Urbina Bay, located in the west of Isabela Island, at the food of the Alcedo volcano. Walk on a sandy and rocky defined path observing calcareous organisms (shells, corals)shells and corals above water. In this area we see a large colony of land iguanas, Darwin's finches, giant tortoises (between June – September) and flightless cormorants. After the hike, there is time for snorkeling along the shoreline where guests may observe penguins and flightless cormorants.

After lunch, visit Tagus Cove, a port where whaling ships arrived and left their ships’ names in a cave in 1800. In the high part is Darwin Lake, a round salt water crater. Disembark and take a walk begins from the shore by a wooden stairway that rises to the dusty trail passing through Palo Santo Forest to reach the Darwin Lake. Continue on the trail around the lake through the dry vegetation zone and admire panoramic views the overlook both Darwin and Wolf volcanoes. Later, take a panga ride through the cliffs and observe the historical graffiti, penguins, flightless cormorants, boobies, pelicans and sally lightfoot crabs. Then enjoy snorkeling time in the cove.

Day 4: Santiago | Chinese Hat

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning, visit Puerto Egas on Santiago Island. Walk along a rocky trail to the salt crater while observing Darwin Finches, the endemic Galapagos hawks, marine iguanas, sally light root crabs and fur seals and sea lions. Here, there is time for swimming and snorkeling.

In the afternoon, disembark and take a short walk around Chinese Hat observing lava tunnels, lava cactus, and Galápagos Sesuvium. Then take some time to swim and snorkel.

Day 5: Santa Cruz Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, walk for about 20 minutes to the Charles Darwin Station to observe Galapagos giant turtles breeding efforts. The Darwin Station is part of the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands, an international non-profit organization dedicated to scientific research in the Galapagos Islands since 1959.

After lunch, visit Hacienda Primicias and see 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 for dinner and briefing for next day.

Day 6: Isabela

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today, sail to Tintoreras, located south of Puerto Villamil. This area has a small bay of completely calm turquoise waters, where you can find sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, etc. The bay is connected to a crevice of crystal clear water, that's shallow and when the tide is low, the entrance closes. In this crevice, you can see how reef sharks swim along with other small fish and sea lions.

In the afternoon, head to the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center. This center has a captive breeding program for tortoises from the populations of southern Isabela. Then visit Humedales for a short hike. This area is characterized by sandy beaches, rocky shores, and mangroves. The area has a number of trails where you can see all four species of mangroves found in Galapagos and also migratory birds: whimbrel, short-billed dowitcher, wilson’s phalarope, common tern, blue-winged teal, osprey, black-bellied and semipalmated plovers, greater and lesser yellowlegs to name a few. Afterwards, take a bus to the Wall of Tears. The wall was constructed between 1946 and 1959 while Isabela was a penal colony. As punishment the prisoners were forced to build the wall from huge blocks of lava. The wall is named for the many convicts that died while building the wall. Then board the boat for dinner.

Day 7: Rabida | Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, take a zodiac to one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago as well as a great snorkeling site. Begin on Rabida's famous maroon sandy beach and take an easy hike to a stunning lookout that looks over the amazing landscapes of the Galapagos.

Rabida is a birdwatcher's delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance on this island, such as nine varieties of finches, Large-billed Flycatchers, Galapagos Hawks and Brown Pelicans.

After lunch, sail to Cerro Dragon on Santa Cruz Island. Take a walk to a hypersalinic (saltier than the ocean) lagoon behind the beach, often frequented by flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks and other species of birds. Then take a short walk to the hill, which offers 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.

Day 8: Santa Cruz Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning, take a panga ride to to Black Turtle Cove (Caleta Tortuga Negra). This area 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.

Visit Bachas Beach after lunch, which is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz. This beach is one of the main nesting sites of sea turtles and the crystal waters invite you to relax and swim.

Day 9: Genovesa

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Start the day on Prince Phillip's Steps. This series of steep, rocky paths lead up to a high cliff-face. A marvelous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to Palo Santo vegetation as well as Red-footed Boobies, Short-eared Lava Owls, Galapagos Swallows storm-petrels and Galapagos Doves.

After lunch, visit Darwin Bay. This enormous bay dominates the island and like the Prince Philip’s Steps, this site is the home of large colonies of frigate birds and a wide variety of seabirds.

Day 10: Bartholomew | Santiago

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Begin the day in Bartolome, where you can fina amazing lava formations and ash cones. Enjoy a beautiful view of the nearest bay after climbing a wood staircase for 30 to 40 minutes to the top . This is one of the most visited islands because of its unique and famous Pinnacle Rock that consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. Then there is time for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos Penguin.

Spend the afternoon swimming and snorkeling with seals and penguins in Sullivan Bay. The landing is on a beautiful white sand beach where you can admire unique lava formations.

Day 11: South Plaza Island | Santa Fe

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Start the day in South Plaza. This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. South Plaza is home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colorful yellow and red land iguanas. Many birds like the tropicbirds and fork-tailed seagulls rest on the cliffs. The most characteristic plant is the Sesuvium, during the rainy season its color is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end of June through January) a bright red.

After lunch, head to Santa Fe, where you can find colonies of sea lions, land iguanas, fork-tailed seagulls, terns and petrels. A trail leading into the heart of the island takes you to a forest of giant cactus and palo santo trees. After this visit on land, you can swim and snorkel.

Day 12: San Cristobal, Leon Dormido | Lobos

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning, visit Leon Dormido, or Kicker Rock. This giant rock was formed by a volcanic eruption. A narrow canal cuts through it and allows the passage of small boats. Leon Dormido is the home of many sea birds and is considered a great snorkeling and diving site. Then head to Cerro Brujo, located on the north shore of San Cristobal Island. This eroded hill and its surroundings present one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos with its main attraction that is the coral sand beach and its wildlife includes sea turtles, rays, and various types of Booby Birds.

After lunch, visit Lobos Island, one of the most important colonies of sea lions and blue-footed boobies
on this island. The scenery is beautiful and it is the perfect spot to snorkel.

Day 13: Española

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, visit Suarez Point, a great place to observe blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, colonies of marine iguanas, fascinating albatross from April to June, sea lions, Galapagos doves and Darwin finches. There is another natural attraction: the lava blowhole, spurting water high into the air.

After lunch, head to Gardner Bay, located on the eastern side of Espanola. This area is the breeding site of nearly all of the world´s 12,000 pairs of Waved Albatrosses. It takes 45 minutes by boat to reach this site. The white sand beach is home to a group of sea lions and provides an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling. Then visit both Gardner and Osborn Islets to observe wildlife, swim, and snorkel.

Day 14: Floreana | Santa Cruz

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Start this day at Cormorant Point on Floreana. This site hosts a large flamingo lagoon where other birds such as common stilts and White-cheeked Pintails can also be found. Olivine crystals in the beach make to name as the Green Beach. To the other side of the island, there is very fine white sand beach where marine turtles nest from December to May. Then head to Devil's Crown, a volcanic crater that has been eroded by the waves leaving the northern and southern sides poking out of the water. The coral formations make the underwater scenery impressive for snorkelers where there are schools of multi-colored fish, sharks and sea turtles.

In the afternoon, sail to the Darwin Station on Santa Cruz, which is part of the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galápagos Islands, an international non-profit organization dedicated to scientific research in the Galapagos Islands since 1959. This visit offers an excellent introduction to the Islands, their origin and their formation. Here, you can learn about the Galapagos giant turtle breeding.

Day 15: North Seymour | Embark | Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
Spend the morning on North Seymour. This island is known for its large number of blue-footed boobies, colonies of magnificent frigate birds, fork-tailed seagulls, marine iguanas and sea lions. North Seymour is characterized by its arid vegetation zone, palo santo (holy wood) the most remarkable tree in this island.  Then your journey is over, head to the Baltra airport and head home.

Ship/Hotel

Fragata

Exterior image of the Fragata.
The bridge of the Fragata.
Relax on the sun deck

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Upper DeckFragata's spacious cabins.
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Upper Deck Cabin
Cabin# 5 - 9 located at the Upper Deck. All our cabins have a private bathroom with hot and cold water shower, sink and dressing table. Upper deck feature picture windows with sea views
Lower deckFragata's cabins.
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Lower Deck Cabin
Cabin# 1 - 4 located at the Lower Deck. All our cabins have a private bathroom with hot and cold water shower, sink and dressing table.

Child Discount

10% discount for children under age 12 at time of Galapagos cruise. Discount not applicable for holiday departures

Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
  • 14 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Quito/Guayaquil Hotel and Transfers
  • Bilingual Naturalist Guide 
  • Adventure Life Pre-departure Services and In-Country Assistance (Quito Representative)
  • Shore Excursions, Swimming and Snorkeling 
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Galapagos Park Entrance Fee: $200 per adult, $100 per child under 12 (fees of $100 per adult and $50 per child valid on arrivals through Aug 1, 2024). Payable upon arrival to the Galapagos, only in cash dollars. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
  • Internal Flights: Mainland Ecuador - Galapagos - Mainland Ecuador: $475-675
  • Wetsuits are not included but are available to rent on board - $30 for 4-day and 5-day tours, and $35 for 8-day tours.
  • Snorkel equipment is not included but is available to rent on board - $20 for 4-day and 5-day tours, and $25 for 8-day tours.

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
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