Essence of Galapagos: Wild Discoveries

Arrive in Quito and transfer to your central hotel. A group welcome meeting will be arranged with your representative at the hotel that evening detailing important information. You will have the rest of the afternoon and evening to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and cobbled streets of this Unesco World Heritage Site.

After breakfast, early morning group transfer to Airport for flight to Baltra in the Galapagos. $120 per person National Park fee to be paid on arrival. Transfer to your vessel. After orientation and safety drill enjoy lunch onboard as you sail around North Seymour Island. North Seymour Island is excellent for photography and here you can get close to sea lions, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and marine iguanas. Walking and snorkelling excursions will be offered.

In the morning, you will sail to the iconic Kicker Rock to witness the steep vertical stone walls rising from the ocean before continuing on to Cerro Brujo on San Cristobal Island to explore the coastline and observe sea lions and marine iguanas plus flamingos in the nearby lagoon accompanied by a Galapagos naturalist guide who will offer insights into the human and natural history of the area. In the afternoon you will head to Isla Lobos which is known for its friendly sea lions. Here you can explore on foot or by panga to see the sea and shore birds nesting and feeding, and a wonderful snorkelling excursion with sharks, turtles, rays and tropical fish will be offered. This excursion may be on the highlights of the cruise.

Morning landing at Bahia Gardner with its long sandy beach - sea birds, sealions and marine iguanas. Superb snorkelling with large schools of yellow-tailed surgeonfish, king angelfish, bump-head parrot-fish and more. An afternoon visit to the spectacular Punta Suarez will offer a guided hike to the top of the cliff for some fantastic photo opportunities and the chance to learn all about the fascinating geological history of the island from the naturalist, including its dramatic volcanic features, climate, flora, and fauna.

Morning landing at Santa Fé Island for amazing wildlife watching opportunities and the chance to hike along the cliffs to view the forest of giant prickly pear cactus (Opuntia), which is home to endemic land iguanas. This is also one of the Galapagos Islands’ best places for viewing sea turtles and sea lions. A panga ride may also reward in sightings of whitetip reef sharks.

The afternoon takes you to South Plaza Island which is home to colourful land iguanas. Walk through cactus forest and mixed vegetation. Good birding with red-billed tropicbirds and swallow tailed gulls resting on the cliffs, plus juvenile sea lions playing in the waves.

This morning you will land at Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island to visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center which will give you the opportunity to see the famous Galápagos tortoises up close and learn about the work done here to protect their existence. Then visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organisation which works to preserve the Galápagos' ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers, and volunteers. You will then have some free time to explore around the tiny town of Puerto Ayora which offers some unique shopping opportunities and a fish market.

In the afternoon you will head to the verdant highlands of Santa Cruz Island to see some of the many nature reserves which offer the opportunity to see giant tortoises in their natural environment, lava tunnels and lagoons.

This morning you can take a snorkel excursion at Devil's Crown, a coral reef surrounded by an eroded volcanic crater just north of Punta Cormorant. This is the perfect home for marine life and you may spot a number of species including reef sharks, rays, sea turtles and large schools of tropical fish. In the afternoon, visit Post Office Bay with its historic barrel post box – continue the tradition and leave or pick up mail yourself for posting!

Morning landing at eponymous Chinese Hat Island, great for snorkelling with sealions and penguins. Discover the white-coral sand beach and beautiful volcanic landscape of geological formations such as lava tubes and lava flows. In the afternoon you will visit Cerro Dragón for some fantastic birdwatching opportunities around the hypersalinic lagoon frequented by pink flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks, and other bird species.

On your last morning in the Galapagos Islands there will be time for an exploration by panga of the mangroves around Black Turtle Bay which is rich with marine wildlife including sea turtles, sting rays and Whitetip reef sharks. You will then board your flight back to Quito where you will be transferred to your overnight hotel. Enjoy your final night experiencing the delights of this ancient city.

Depart hotel after breakfast for onward or return travel. Transfer to airport included.
If you need extra transfers, onward flights or extensions to your itinerary, Wildfoot Travel can arrange this for you.