Southern Galapagos Islands Cruise - ALYA M/Y

Arrival at Seymour Airport on Baltra Island (GPS)
Meet and greet your guide upon arrival at Seymour Airport on Baltra Island and transfer to the Alya Catamaran.
Your captain and crew will welcome you onboard the luxury 16 passenger vessel with a refreshing drink. Tour its sundeck and chic lounge, and settle into your new home for the next six days. Indulge in your first lunch on board.

North Seymour

The island of North Seymour was formed by the uplifting of underwater volcanic lava, which resulted in a small flat island 1.9 sq. km in size. Reach your first stop on the six-day Alya cruise after lunch by dry landing and learn about the 72 land iguanas that were introduced to North Seymour in 1932 to colonize the island. Captain Alan Hancock and his crew transported these undernourished iguanas from Baltra Island in the hopes that they will thrive in better conditions on North Seymour. And in 1934 just two years later, the species was identified to have adapted without issues. Walk the arid landscape with your guide and observe the diversity of birds that inhabit the island, ranging from nesting frigatebirds to blue-footed boobies.

Enjoy dinner and evening on the Alya.

South Plaza

South Plaza Island is half a pair of the Plazas Island off the eastern shores of Santa Cruz. While the North Plaza Island is visited for research purposes only, you will visit the South Plaza Island this morning to see one of the largest sea lion colonies in the Galapagos, which is estimated to be at about 1000. On a hike with your naturalist guide, you'll notice that the land iguanas on South Plaza Island are smaller. You'll also have the opportunity to observe them as they feed on the fruit of the prickly pear cactus as you wind along a rugged cliff where seabirds nest.

Santa Fe

At an estimated four million years, Santa Fe Island is recognized as one of the oldest in the Galapagos archipelago. With a relatively small land area of 24 sq. km, this island situated between Santa Cruz and San Cristobal boasts a diversity of endemic species, namely the Santa Fe land iguana and rice rat. Its landscape is unique for its population of the large prickly pear cactus, Opuntia Echios, which feeds Santa Fe's land iguanas. Following a wet landing at Barrington Bay, enjoy a swim or snorkel in its shimmering waters as hawks fly overhead, keeping your eyes peeled for rays, tropical fish and marine tortoises. Re-energize with snacks and refreshing beverages on the Alya while dinner is prepared.

Indulge in dinner on board the Alya after an afternoon of wildlife spotting.

Interpretation Center

Reach the easternmost island of the Galapagos this morning via dry landing and recount the history of the archipelago with your guide. With displays and exhibits in both Spanish and English, the Interpretation Center in San Cristobal Island's main port of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is an excellent source of information for visitors who are passionate about the natural and human history of the Galapagos. Discover the volcanic origins of the islands, the evolution and colonization of its species and the history of human settlement in the Galapagos.

Lobos Island

Its name of Lobos Island pays homage to the large population of sea lions that take over the land. Enjoy a panga ride to witness seals, marine iguanas and lava lizards at play on the rocks along the shoreline, then swim and snorkel in the calm waters of the channel that divide Lobos Island and San Cristobal. 

Enjoy dinner and the remainder of the night on board.

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 and witness lazy sea lions bask in the sun. Hop in the shallow water along the shoreline's rocks for a chance to swim with these playful and curious creatures, and enjoy a morning of snorkeling among tropical fish and sea turtles.

Suarez Point

Reach Suarez Point by dry landing this afternoon, and with a pair of comfortable sports shoes, hat and extra sunscreen, walk among the island's lava rocks to view its lava tubes. As a must-see destination for any passionate birdwatcher, Suarez Point affords the opportunity for visitors to observe its blue-footed boobies and waved albatrosses. 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. During the walk, you'll see these large birds take flight by using the rugged cliff of Suarez Point as a launching pad. Though a natural spectacle, these waved albatrosses can only be seen during their mating season between March and January. On your excursion to Suarez Point, you will also see colonies of marine iguanas, masked boobies and finches. Return to the Alya for delicious snacks and refreshing beverages.

Enjoy dinner and evening on board.

Cormorant Point

Situated on the western shores of Floreana Island, Cormorant Point is widely recognized for its olive green sands, thanks to its 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. Conclude your visit to Cormorant Point by snorkeling.

Devil's Crown

Situated off the coast of Floreana Island, Devil's Crown is aptly named for its ring shaped assembly of jagged rocks that resemble a crown when seen from afar. Here, enjoy a panga ride around this tiny island, and opt to hop into its enticing waters for a swim among the colonies of small fish and sea lions. With excellent visibility and a diverse population of marine wildlife, Devil's Crown is highly regarded by many as the premier snorkeling spot in the Galapagos.

Cerro Alieri

Situated east of Port Velasco Ibarra on Floreana Island, Cerro Alieri is visited for its characteristic vegetation. With your naturalist guide, embark on a hike as you discover the island's landscape composed of 56% native and 33% endemic vegetation, taking note of the critically endangered Catericola Linum, with the existence of some 40 recorded. As Cerro Alieri sees an annual rainfail of up to 300 mm, prepare for mud and rain by packing appropriate outerwear and footwear.

Indulge in dinner and enjoy the evening on the Alya.

The final morning of this six-day Southern Galapagos Islands cruise takes you to Santa Cruz where you will trek with your naturalist guide to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, long pants, a hat and sunblock.

Transfer to Seymour Airport on Baltra Island for your onward journey.