Galapagos by Land

Arrive at the airport and transfer to the pier to catch a ferry to Santa Cruz Island. Make your way across the island, passing through the highlands where you’ll stop for a stroll around ‘Los Gemelos’, the twin craters, for a unique perspective of the Galapagos’ geological history. Look out for the western Santa Cruz tortoise, a subspecies of the Galapagos tortoise endemic to Santa Cruz, as you explore, they roam freely around the western slopes of the island! Arrive at Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos and the base for your island adventure! The rest of the day is yours to relax, so why not wander down to the seafront to see the sea lions and pelicans that call it home.

Take a bus transfer across the island to Itabaca, where you and your fellow passengers will board the yacht, ‘Sea Lion’. On board, a naturalist guide will be on hand to point out plenty of the renowned Galapagos wildlife which you’ll be able to spot easily from the yacht’s ample viewing decks. The guide will also accompany you on hikes and snorkelling adventures. Setting sail, your first stop will be North Seymour Island. Hop into a ‘panga’ (dinghy) to land on the island and explore, walking trails that will take you past hotspots for both land and marine iguanas. Sail on to Las Bachas Beach where there’ll be time to snorkel, swim or relax on beautiful white sands. Lunch is served onboard before making your way back to Santa Cruz.

Today begins with a scenic walk to Tortuga Bay to stand on the sands of Playa Brava and admire the powerful waves and spot iconic Galapagos wildlife like herons, marine iguanas and sea lions. Continue to Playa Mansa, where the calm waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or snorkelling. Then visit the Charles Darwin Research Station which offers visitors a glimpse of ongoing research and conservation efforts and a chance to meet the scientists and researchers who are working to understand and preserve the Galapagos’ delicate ecosystems. Your guide will share plenty of fascinating insights about both the work and the islands as you explore.

Back on the ‘Sea Lion’, depart from Itabaca for Punta Carrion, a small bay that is perfect for snorkelling. Here you may spot a variety of fish, rays and white tip reef sharks. In a panga, cruise to South Plaza Island and enjoy a hike through its landscapes, admiring wildlife and geological features as you go. Return to the yacht, where lunch will be waiting, and sail back to Santa Cruz.

Another day trip on the ‘Sea Lion’ sees you sailing to the island of Santa Fe, considered one of the oldest islands of the Galapagos archipelago. Embark on an exciting wildlife walk, encountering sea lion harems and other unique wildlife. Cool off with a refreshing swim at the beautiful La Encañada. Then it’s time for a delicious lunch and some relaxation before sailing back to Santa Cruz.

A half-day adventure to Divine Bay awaits today, perfect for those searching for more wildlife encounters. Just a short walk from where you’re staying, this beautiful bay is framed by towering basalt cliffs on one side and mangrove forest on the other. Explore this peaceful haven, savouring the sounds of bird calls from the likes of blue-footed boobies, blue herons, lava gulls and noddy terns, and watch sea lions basking in the sun. Dive into the crystal clear waters to view vibrant marine life around colourful coral reefs, majestic sea turtles gliding by.

Your last voyage aboard the ‘Sea Lion’ takes you to Bartolome Island, arriving by panga. Hike the island’s wooden walkway, climbing a staircase to reach the summit of the island’s extinct volcanic cone. Back on the panga, follow Bartolome’s coastline to view more wildlife and fascinating features. Continue to Sullivan Bay, disembarking to explore the impressive lava fields on foot. Then, back on the yacht, sail to the iconic Pinnacle Rock for a snorkelling adventure. Lunch will be served onboard as you admire the spectacular views before sailing back to Santa Cruz.

Transfer back to Baltra airport for your return flight to Quito.