5 Days - 1 Island - Latin Experiences

5 Days - 1 Island

Duration

5D/4N

Highlights:

Santa Cruz Island

Overview

Complete operation and activities.
Breakfasts and all lunches.
Guides of the Galapagos National Park.
Snorkeling equipment (mask, tube and fins).
Transfer in and out from the airport.
Local transfers.

Accommodation (specified in rates chart).
Entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park.
Galapagos Government Transit Control Card.
Dinners and alcoholic beverages.
Tips

AM Arrival to Baltra Airport

PM Charles Darwin Foundation and Giant Turtle Breeding Center

A visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station is an opportunity to learn about Galapagos conservation in action. Today the principal attraction for visitors to the Charles Darwin Research Station are the baby tortoises that they raise in captivity. You can also see giant tortoises & land iguanas, as well as checking out interesting exhibits.

The main attraction at the Charles Darwin station is the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Here the stars of the show are the giant tortoises, reared in captivity until they reach an age where they can be introduced into the wild. Adult tortoises from various subspecies roam in large corrals.

AM Tortuga Bay Excursion (excursion + snorkeling)

Tortuga Bay beach is renowned for its vast and unspoiled coastline, gently sloping into the glistening waters of the Pacific Ocean. It offers an ideal setting for those looking to catch some waves and try their hand at surfing, or simply unwind and bask in the sun alongside the fascinating Marine Iguanas.

On this occasion you will have the opportunity to snorkel in this place where you can observe and enjoy marine species.

PM Highlands Tour (Giant Tortoises + Lava Tunnels)

The Highlands of Santa Cruz offer a verdant contrast to the beaches and arid lowlands that can be found elsewhere on the island. Embark on a guided tour with one of our knowledgeable Naturalist Guides to discover the highlights of the ‘Parte Alta’.

Next, immerse yourself in the enchanting natural habitat of the celebrated Giant Galapagos Tortoise at the Moreno family farm, Las Primicias. Witness these magnificent creatures as they roam freely, and marvel at their grandeur up close.

Additionally, delve into the depths of a cavernous underground Lava Tunnel, an extraordinary geological wonder that showcases the unique features of our volcanic islands. This fascinating excursion will leave you in awe of the forces that shape our natural world.

As you make your way to Puerto Ayora, take the opportunity to venture along the captivating “backroads” of Santa Cruz, unveiling hidden treasures and experiencing the charm of the island beyond its well-known attractions.

Full Day North Seymour:

We will leave from Puerto Ayora to the Itabaca channel by bus or a van. Once in the channel, we will board the boat for a short boat ride to North Seymour Island. This island is located at the center of the archipelago and has a relatively flat surface because of its formation by an uprising seabed, in comparison to other archipelago islands, which were formed by volcanic eruptions.

Once on the island, we will disembark to walk along the approximately two-kilometer-long trail, which goes through some of the largest frigate colonies in the archipelago. Besides the frigates, blue-footed boobies, seagulls, land iguanas, marine iguanas, and a colony of sea lions inhabit this island too. This is also one of the best places on the islands to see the frigates inflating their distinctive red featherless pouches to attract females. On this island, we will also find the endemic plant lignum vitae, a bushy tree that can remain without leaves during the entire summer but that it turns green with the first rains of the year.

After visiting Seymour, we will head to the beach known as Bachas, located in the north of Santa Cruz Island. On this visit site, we will have time to snorkel and enjoy the sea and beach. The name “Bachas” comes from the local pronunciation “barges” because the American army deserted two boats (barges) after the Second World War. Besides snorkeling, this beach is an excellent place to observe wildlife, including Flamingos, zayapas (Galapagos crabs) and many marine birds.

South Plazas Full Day Tour:

You will be picked up at 7:20 am from each of your hotels in Puerto Ayora, and we will head towards Itabaca Channel. The navigation time is approximately 1 hour. South Plaza Island is located on the east side of Santa Cruz Island, next to North Plaza. Plazas are two islets separated by a small canal with turquoise waters. We will admire reddish vegetation and cactus forests. Upon arriving at South Plaza Island, we will be greeted by one of the largest colonies of Galapagos sea lions. During the visit, we will observe a variety of seabirds fishing and flying near the cliffs. We can also see beautiful land iguanas characterized by their yellow color, marine iguanas, elegant swallow-tailed gulls, and Nazca boobies. It’s worth noting that South Plaza Island is the only island in Galapagos where hybridization occurs between marine and land iguanas. Lunch will be provided on board.

After a short break, we will be ready for snorkeling at Punta Carrión, where you can observe fish, manta rays, and there is a high chance of seeing whitetip sharks. We will return to Puerto Ayora between 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm approximately.