Southern Galapagos Islands Cruise - ARCHIPEL I M/C

Baltra Island

Arrival at Seymour Airport on Baltra Island. Meet and greet your naturalist guide upon arrival at Seymour Airport on Baltra Island. Before leaving the airport, you'll pass an inspection point where your Transit Control Card will be stamped. Be sure to store this with your travel documents as you'll need to show it again when you depart the Galapagos Islands. If you haven't already, you'll also pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee of 100 USD here.

You'll then be escorted onboard the Archipel I where your captain and crew will welcome you.

Santa Cruz Highlands

Visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz where you'll trek with your naturalist guide to see the Twin Craters and visit a local ranch to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat. If the weather permits, you'll also be able to view the stunning scenery of extinct volcanic cones carpeted with lush greenery.

Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, long pants, a hat, and sunblock.

Onboard Archipel M/C.

Punta Cormorant

Situated on the northern shores of Floreana Island, Cormorant Point is widely recognized for its olive green sands, due to a surplus of olivine crystals. Following a wet landing, join your naturalist guide on a short trek to observe sea lions, frigatebirds and pelicans in their natural habitat. In the glistening waters, observe schools of stingrays, and if you visit during the beginning of the year, witness Pacific green turtles bury their eggs ashore.

Post Office Bay

Arrive at Post Office Bay this afternoon, one of three visitor’s sites on Floreana’s northern shores. Mail home a postcard from the traditional barrel on this historic site, which pays homage to an improvised mail system that was set-up for communication between British whalers and poachers in the 16th century. Learn about the history of the whaling industry here and how this post box revealed the positions of the whaling vessels to the American frigate USS Essex during the Anglo-American War between 1812 and 1815. Climb Baroness Lookout for a striking panorama of the Galapagos, and admire the blue waters of the ocean against lush red mangroves below. From your guide, learn about the self-proclaimed Empress of the Galapagos, Baroness Eloisa von Wagner Bosquet, who was one of the early settlers of this island, and view the ruins of what used to be her home. By inflatable dinghy or kayak at your own pace, explore a submerged crater rim near the Baroness Lookout.

Evening onboard the Archipel M/C. 

Gardner Bay

Following a wet landing at Gardner Bay this morning, go for a short walk along Española Island's pristine stretch of white sand beach, perfect for relaxing and swimming. Though Gardner Bay is an important breeding site for Pacific green turtles, the star of this morning's stop is the colony of lazy sea lions napping in the sun. Hop in the shallow water along the shoreline's rocks for a chance to swim with these playful creatures, and enjoy a morning of snorkeling among tropical fish and sea turtles, and perhaps observe sharks in the ocean's crystal clear waters.

Punta Suarez

Reach Suarez Point by dry landing this afternoon and walk among the island's lava rocks to view its lava tubes. A must-see destination for any passionate bird watcher because of its impressive and varied colonies of sea birds, Suarez Point also affords the exclusive opportunity for visitors to observe its endangered waved albatrosses in their natural habitat. Time your visit to their mating dances, which takes place primarily between May and November, when waved albatrosses engage in synchronized courtship dances by whistling and bowing. You'll also be able to witness these large birds take flight by using the rugged cliff of Suarez Point as a launching pad. Weighing up to four kilograms, these waved albatrosses are one of the largest birds in the Galapagos, with some 12,000 pairs nesting on Española Island. Enthusiastic birdwatchers will also appreciate sightings of Nazca and blue-footed boobies. With your naturalist guide, point out colonies of marine iguanas and hood lava lizards on your afternoon excursion to Suarez Point.

Evening onboard Archipel M/C.

Pitt Point

Reach Pitt Point on the northeastern tip of San Cristobal, and embark on a steep but rewarding hike with your naturalist guide to observe the only colony in the Galapagos archipelago where all three species of boobies live - the blue-footed, red-footed and Nazca booby. Bird lovers will also delight in sightings of both species of the frigatebird - the great and magnificent. Encounter Pitt Point's surrounding vegetation on your hike and identify species of palo santo trees, yellow cordia shrubs, and tiny prickly pear cacti.

Witch Hill

Sail to the northern coast of San Cristobal Island and visit its idyllic coral sand beach. Laze on the powdery sands or dive into the clear waters for a swim or snorkel and see sea lions and marine iguanas at play along the shoreline.

Evening onboard Archipel M/C. 

Lobos Island

Its name of Lobos Island pays homage to the large population of sea lions that inhabit the land, where visitors have the exciting opportunity to approach females within a few meters. On a short guided walk around the islet, witness seals, marine iguanas and lava lizards at play along the shoreline, and learn about two other species that breed here - the male blue-footed boobies and great frigatebirds.

Transfer out to San Cristobal Airport (SCY) - Your visit to Lobos Island concludes this five-day cruise on the Archipel I. Your guide and friendly crew members will transfer you to San Cristobal Airport for your onward journey, and accompany you to the check-in counters and departure hall.