Central & Eastern Galapagos Islands Cruise - TREASURE OF GALAPAGOS M/C

Arrival at Seymour Airport on Baltra Island (GPS)

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 on board the Treasure of Galapagos where your captain and crew will welcome you.

Charles Darwin Research Station 

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island this afternoon. As the main breeding site of the Galapagos Islands, this facility is dedicated to marine life conservation and maintaining biodiversity in the region. Learn the story of Lonesome George, the fabled final survivor of the giant tortoise species who lived at the Charles Darwin Research Station for four decades, and tour the information center, the Van Staelen Exhibition Hall and the Breeding and Rearing Center to witness tortoises live in captivity.

Enjoy dinner and evening on the Treasure of Galapagos.

Sullivan Bay 

Sullivan Bay is a favorite stop on this five day Central Eastern Galapagos Islands itinerary because of its unique geological characteristics. Situated on the southeastern end of Santiago Island, reach Sullivan Bay by wet landing this morning and embark on an easy 1.5 km hike across a wild terrain of volcanic features, observing black lava flow, collapsed craters, and volcanic hornitos. Formed by two coalesced volcanoes, this stretch of Santiago Island was carpeted in flowing lava following an eruption in the early 1900s, formulating a relatively young landscape. Geologists and volcanologists will delight in experiencing hardened lava flow and pahoehoe - ropy lava, beneath your feet. Despite the island's barren landscape of tuff cones and eroded lava flow, you may be lucky enough to spot Pacific green turtles on the tiny white sand beach, along with stray herons and crabs.

Bartolome 

Situated across Sullivan Bay, this tiny 1.2 sq. km island has an altitude of 114 meters, from which you can observe a dramatic landscape of lava fields, volcanic cones and lunar like craters. Enjoy some leisurely time on this wild island by swimming or snorkeling at the base of Pinnacle Rock, or go on a nature walk instead for an opportunity to spot the endangered Galapagos penguins.

Enjoy dinner and evening on the Treasure of Galapagos.

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. Following a dry landing, 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 boulder strewn landscape with your guide, and follow along an easy circular path that takes you past the most extensive colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds in the archipelago.

Mosquera Islet 

Situated between Baltra and Seymour Islands, this islet is a popular stop on any Galapagos itinerary for its sizable sea lion colony. Observe as they sunbathe or splash in the water, and then enjoy time on Mosquera's white sand beach, keeping your eyes peeled for sightings of sea birds. Formed by a geological uplift, the rocks along this islet's shores commonly sees red lava and Sally Lightfoot crabs.

Enjoy dinner and evening on the Treasure of Galapagos.

South Plaza 

Half a pair of Plazas Island off the eastern shores of Santa Cruz, South Plaza is recognized for its outstanding collection of wildlife species despite its small size. While the North Plaza Island is visited for research purposes only, you'll 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, primarily due to overpopulation and heavy competition for food sources. You'll also have the opportunity to observe them as they feed on the fruit of the prickly pear cacti as you wind along a rugged cliff where swallow tailed gulls nest among colonies of frigatebirds, red-billed tropicbirds and brown pelicans.

Cerro Brujo 

One of the very first sites visited by Charles Darwin, Cerro Brujo boasts an impressive landscape of tuff cone remains. Visitors look forward to Cerro Brujo for its coral sand beach, sublime snorkelling conditions and opportunity to see pelicans, swallow-tailed gulls and blue-footed boobies, as well as colonies of sea lions and marine iguanas. Certain times of the year leave this saltwater lagoon completely dry, and the deposits of salt found at the bottom was once used as a salt mine by the people of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Enjoy dinner and evening on the Treasure of Galapagos.

Interpretation Center 

Reach the easternmost island of the Galapagos this afternoon 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.

Following your visit to the Interpretation Center, you'll be transferred to San Cristobal Airport on San Cristobal Island for your flight to Quito or Guayaquil.