Day 1
Wednesday
Today we will take flight from Ecuador's mainland to Baltra. Upon arrival we will be greeted for airport reception and transferred to the Seaman Catamaran II to begin our Galapagos adventure.
Highlands, Santa Cruz Island
We disembark to board a bus taking us to the Highlands of Santa Cruz. Here we visit the native forest and the twin craters. The island is a good place to view the giant tortoise in their natural habitat and we have the opportunity to visit one of the island’s lava tunnels.
Day 2
Thursday
Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island
Genovesa is a collapsed volcano that ships are able to sail into through its large breached caldera and anchor at the foot of the steep crater walls. Genovesa is commonly referred to as ‘bird island’ because it is home to thousands of great frigate birds, red-footed boobies, noddy terns, lava gulls, tropic birds, doves, storm petrels, and Darwin’s finches. After a wet landing we follow a trail that leads from a coral beach past tidal lagoons to a cliff’s edge for amazing views. After the walk you can enjoy snorkeling and swimming along the cliffs.
Prince Philip’s Steps, Genovesa Island
We take a dingy ride to make a dry landing on Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps. Here we follow a trail through a Palo Santo forest to an open area full of nesting birds that include masked boobies, frigates, and red-footed boobies. At the end of this trail are thousands of band-rumbed storm petrels nesting in the crevices at the cliff’s edge. We will also be able to see the short-eared owls as they hunt the storm petrels during the daylight hours.
Day 3
Friday
Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island
We make a dry landing on Sullivan Bay, an area that had the latest volcanic activity in 1897. This is a site that is popular for those interested in volcanoes and geology because of the numerous lava formations, lava bubbles, and pahoehoe lava.
Bartolome Island
This island is perhaps the most photographed location in the entire archipelago. As we arrive on the island we see volcanic formations including lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. We make a dry landing and walk to the top of the island in order to see the most famous Galapagos vista: Pinnacle Rock & Santiago Island. This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase, but the view from the top is well worth the effort. After returning to the dingy we ride around Pinnacle Rock for our first chance to see the small Galapagos penguins. Before returning to our boat there is time for an optional swim or snorkel.
Day 4
Saturday
Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat)
This scenic little island gets its name from its appearance. Here we have a dry landing on a beach that is home to a small colony of sea lions. We will be on the lookout for a glimpse of then American oyster-catchers in action, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and sally light-foot crabs. This is an ideal location to enjoy snorkeling or swimming.
North Seymour Island
After a dry landing enjoy a walk along the coast and the interior of North Seymour Island. This island was not formed by volcanic activity but rather uplifted boulders that can be seen across the primarily flat terrain. The site is a well known nesting site for colonies of blue-footed boobies that perform a fascinating courtship dance in more open areas. North Seymour is also home to the largest colony of the magnificent frigate bird, a member of the frigate family that is known for the male’s vibrant display of red pouches in hopes of attracting a mate. On the island we will also see both endemic species of iguanas, the marine and land iguanas.
Day 5
Sunday
Plazas Island
We make a dry landing on the pier of Plaza Sur where we can enjoy the juvenile antics of the sea lions. This island was originally formed by uplifted lava and the terrain includes an impressive cactus forest. On land we will see land iguanas and several species of tropical birds.
Santa Fe Island
We make a wet landing on Santa Fe to visit the cactus forest and a colony of land iguanas that are native to the island. Here we can also see the Galapagos mockingbird, magnificent frigate, brown pelican, and several species of Darwin’s finches.
Day 6
Monday
Interpretation Center, San Cristobal
Today we will visit the Interpretation Center opened in 1998. The Center explores the history of the archipelago from its volcanic origins to present, representing the natural and cultural history of the Galapagos.
Kicker Rock
Kicker Rock is a magnificent rock that jets out 500 feet high from the middle of the ocean and is shaped similar to a sleeping lion. The rock is split with towering vertical walls on either side that forms a narrow channel through which small vessels can investigate. There is no landing site here but the view from the boat will make a lasting impression.
Isla Lobos
We visit the tiny rock island to see a colony of sea lions and a colony of blue-footed boobies.
Day 7
Tuesday
Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, San Cristobal
Today we will visit the southeastern part of the island, which is a protected dry forest and the breeding grounds of wild tortoises.
Punta Pitt, San Cristobal Island
This unusual volcanic formation is located in the northeast of San Cristobal Island. Here we are likely to see tiny lava lizards scurrying around the rocks as well as all three species of the Galapagos booby; Nazca, masked, and blue or red-footed boobies.
Day 8
Wednesday
Gardner Bay, Espanola Island
Gardner bay is located on the eastern shore of Espanola Island. After a wet landing we will walk the seemingly endless stretch of white sandy beach that is home to large colonies of sea lions. There is no trail to follow on Gardner Bay so the afternoon is at your leisure to swim, snorkel, explore, or relax.
Punta Suarez, Espanola Island
Today we will visit this rocky point that is home to impressive and varied colonies of Galapagos seabirds. Along its southern shore, high cliffs rise up from the sea affording the visitor spectacular views of soaring birds and of the blow whole where water spouts up to 50-75 feet into the air according to the intensity of the surf.
Day 9
Thursday
Punta Cormorant, Floreana Island
We make a wet landing on the greenish colored beach of Punta Cormorant. Here we take a brief walk through the black mangroves to Flamingo Lagoon which holds one of the largest populations of flamingos in the Galapagos. We continue our walk to La Picona to see the marine turtles and their spawning grounds on the beach. We return to Punta Cormorant where novice snorkelers can practice from the beach and more experience snorkelers can explore Devil’s Crown. Please be advised Devil’s Crown is an open water experience and there is no place to stand.
Post Office Bay, Floreana Island
We make a wet landing on Post Office Bay to visit the oldest postal system in the world. From this remote archipelago send letters to friends and family around the world.
Day 10
Friday
Charles Darwin Research Center, Santa Cruz Island
We make a dry landing to visit the Charles Darwin Station and its interpretive center. Here we witness the efforts and results of the ongoing field work conducted in the name of science. While on the island we have the chance to stroll the main street of Puerto Ayora and browse the many local handicraft shops.
Today we will transfer to Baltra airport for our flight back to Ecuador's mainland to connect with another Yampu add-on of your choice.
Ecuador
Seaman Catamaran II
Top Deck
Blue-footed boobies
