Galapagos Cruise on the M/S BEAGLE 7 Day

TUESDAY

On arrival at Baltra airport you will be met by our guide and transferred to the yacht. Then we set course for North Seymour Island giving you the chance to become acquainted with the vessel and have lunch. On arrival there will be a dry landing followed by an excursion of approximately 2 hours. You can observe Galapagos Sea Lions, Blue footed-Boobies and Magnificent Frigate birds.

WEDNESDAY

AM: South Plaza Island, well known for its large sea lion colonies, Land Iguanas, Prickly-pear cacti, Swallow-tailed Gulls, Audubon Shearwaters and Red-billed Tropic-birds, etc. The land visit may last 2-3 hours.

PM: Santa Fe or Barrington Island, an extremely picturesque anchorage. There’s a circular trail with an unusual forest of large Prickly Pear Cacti where Santa Fe Land Iguanas roam. The beach is dotted with Galapagos Sea Lions. The morning program will last approximately 2 hours. Swimming and snorkeling are possible here.

THURSDAY

AM: Punta Suarez, there are large colonies of Blue-footed and Masked (Nazca) Boobies, Marine Iguanas, Albatrosses and Swallow-tailed Gulls. The walk will take 3-4 hours starting with a dry landing.

PM: Gardner Bay (Hood Island/Espanola Island), snorkeling along Gardner Islet, maybe kayaking, and a walk on the beach to observe sea lions and Hood Island Mockingbirds.

FRIDAY

AM: Charles Darwin Research Station (Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz), where we will learn about Giant Tortoises and Land Iguanas breeding programs on the islands, Afterwards, optional shopping and sight-seeing at Puerto Ayora.

PM: Highlands (Santa Cruz), we will have the opportunity to see Galapagos Giant Tortoises in the wild. This is also one of the best sites for watching land birds such as Darwin's Finches and Vermilion Flycatchers, and Galapagos Doves. The land visit may last 2-3 hours. Dinner will be at the “Rancho Escocia”.

SATURDAY

AM: Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island), a wet landing onto a mineral beach, followed by a short walk to a lagoon, where we find flamingos and other waders. At the end of this trail we reach a beautiful white sandy beach where sea turtles nest. This will be followed by a short panga ride to Devil’s Crown for some snorkeling. The morning activities will take around 3 hours.

PM: Post Office Bay (Floreana Island), we will visit the historic Post Office Barrel. This short visit starts with a wet landing, spending no longer that an hour at the site.

SUNDAY

AM: Puerto Egas (Santiago Island), a coastal walk exploring the great variety of tidal marine life, Galapagos Fur Seals, sea lions, Marine Iguanas. There is good swimming off the beach and a broad array of marine life to view when snorkeling.

PM: Bartolomé, this is an up-hill walk and once at the summit we will experience panoramic views of Bartolomé and its famous Pinnacle Rock. We will also be swimming and snorkeling off the beach where we may see more penguins. It will take approximately 3 hours which includes a dry landing for the walk and a wet beach landing.

MONDAY

AM: Prince Philip’s Steps or El Barranco (Genovesa / Tower Island), starting with a dry rocky landing, this is a great place to see various species of sea birds, especially Red-footed Boobies, storm petrels, and Great Frigate birds. The walk takes 2 hours and includes possibly snorkeling.

PM: Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island), a very beautiful place due to the great abundance of sea birds that nest on the Salt Bush plant: Great Frigate-birds, Redfooted Boobies, Masked (Nazca) Boobies, and Swallow-tailed Gulls. The afternoon itinerary will take around 2 1/2 hours. Swimming and snorkeling off the beach is a great option.

TUESDAY

AM: Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz Island), where we will take a panga ride to observe sea turtles, rays and sharks. Then we return to Baltra in time for the flight to mainland Ecuador.