Central & Southern Galapagos Islands Cruise - ECO GALAXY 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 onboard the EcoGalaxy where your captain and crew will welcome you with drinks and lunch.

Bachas Beach

Arrive at Santa Cruz Island on the EcoGalaxy this afternoon and walk the white coral sands of Bachas Beach on the northern shores of Santa Cruz. This beach earned its name after World War II when the American army abandoned their barges on the beach. Unable to pronounce "barge" in the English language, "bachas" is the result of a mispronunciation, resulting in the name of the beach. Stroll the pristine coastline where its sands meet the turquoise bay, and orange Sally Lightfoot crabs scurry between the rocks at your feet. Reach a brackish lagoon on your walk, where white-cheeked pintails and hunting herons wade in the water, and catch a glimpse of the American flamingos that inhabit this island. From your naturalist guide, learn about the role Bachas Beach plays as one of the island's main sea turtle nesting sites. 

Enjoy dinner and evening on the EcoGalaxy. 

Sullivan Bay

Sullivan Bay is a highly anticipated attraction 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 Island

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, lunar-like craters and the islands of Santiago, Isabela and Rabida. Enjoy some leisure time on this rugged island by swimming or snorkeling at the base of Pinnacle Rock, or go on a nature walk for an opportunity to spot the endangered Galapagos penguins.

Enjoy dinner and evening on the EcoGalaxy.

Highlands

This morning you'll 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. Return to Puerto Ayora after your visit to the Highlands.

Charles Darwin Research Station

Arrive at the Charles Darwin Research Station on the outskirts of Puerto Ayora, the premiere breeding site of the Galapagos archipelago. Featuring a number of interpretations and information centers about the National Park throughout, 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. Enjoy some free time to stroll the quaint streets of Puerto Ayora before boarding the EcoGalaxy.

Enjoy dinner and evening on the EcoGalaxy.

Punta Cormorant

Situated on the western 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.  

Devil's Crown

Aptly named for its ring-shaped assembly of jagged rocks that resemble a crown when seen from afar, observe Devil's Crown on a panga ride. Then 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.

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. 

Enjoy dinner and evening on the EcoGalaxy.

Punta Suarez

Reach Suarez Point by dry landing this morning 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. Board the EcoGalaxy where snacks and refreshing beverages await you.

Gardner Bay

Following a wet landing at Gardner Bay this afternoon, 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 afternoon'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 an afternoon of snorkeling among tropical fish and sea turtles, and perhaps even observe sharks in the ocean's crystal clear waters. 

Enjoy dinner and evening on the EcoGalaxy.

Interpretation Centre

On the final morning of your EcoGalaxy cruise, reach the easternmost island of the Galapagos and recount the history of the archipelago with your guide. With displays and exhibits in both Spanish and English, the Interpretation Center on 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 Centre, you'll be transferred to San Cristobal Airport for your onward journey.