7-day, 6-night package
Description of activities by day
Day 1
Transfer from the airport to the hotel.
- Visit to the Charles Darwin Scientific Station or "La Estación" (as locals call it). The first stop will be at the "Fausto Llerena" Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, which was home to the legendary "Lonesome George." He was the last remaining tortoise of his species (Chelonoidis nigra abingdonii). "Lonesome George" was found on Pinta Island in 1971, and the introduction of goats and the hunting of tortoises on Pinta Island nearly drove this species to extinction. "Lonesome George" was transferred to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island in 1972 with the hope of mating him with closely related species. Unfortunately, no viable eggs were produced. "Lonesome George" passed away on June 24, 2012.
- The next stop will be the Charles Darwin Scientific Station, an amazing place to learn about the history, flora, and fauna of the Galápagos Islands. As you walk around "La Estación," you can observe Galápagos tortoises at different stages of life.
- After walking around the Charles Darwin Research Station, a beach with crystal clear waters awaits you, perfect for snorkeling and resting from the walk.
Day 2
- In the morning there will be a tour of the bay of Santa Cruz Island aboard the Aqua View, a glass bottom boat. Among the activities of the tour around the bay: a short walk along a path with endemic and native vegetation towards "Las Grietas", a geological formation where the water is less salty, transparent and fresh, which invites us to swim in a kind of pool natural; a surface diving point to observe underwater life. Then we will navigate to the Canal del Amor and the Tintoreras Shark Canal and after a short walk we will reach the beach "Los Perros" named after the abundant "dog crabs" who inhabit this area, we will also be able to observe Marine Iguanas and coastal birds. Finally we will have a snorkeling point to observe fish and maybe some sea turtle.
- In the afternoon we will visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island to observe the Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat, we will walk through lava tunnels. Finally we will visit "Los Gemelos" or "Gemelos", a geological formation with impressive landscapes. Endemic flora and fauna can be appreciated throughout this short walk.
Day 3
- Visit one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, "Tortuga Bay". White coral sand and a vast crystal-clear ocean await you after approximately a 45-minute walk through a trail surrounded by endemic flora. Accompanied by your Naturalist Guide, you can identify the diverse flora and fauna of Tortuga Bay, some examples are: Darwin’s finches, flamingos (depending on the season), blue-footed boobies, iguanas, Sally lightfoot crabs, sea urchins, sea turtles, among others.
- At this incredible beach, you can also practice kayaking, surfing, swimming, yoga, or simply relax in this paradise.
- Includes a snack.
Day 4
1-Day Expedition to Pinzon Island.
- The tour starts at 8:00 AM at the defined meeting point, where you can jump into the water and enjoy the best surface snorkeling spots. You will be able to observe sea lions, Galapagos penguins, dolphins, reef sharks, turtles, rays, and a wide variety of fish.
- On some occasions, if the weather conditions allow, a hands-on fishing activity is included.
- The tour ends between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
Includes:
- Lunch
- Snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, and fins)
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Wetsuit (optional for an additional fee)
Day 5
1-Day Tour to Santa Fe Island and Playa Escondida
- The tour begins at 8:00 am. Santa Fe, also called Barrington, is located between Isla Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. The tour departs from Isla Santa Cruz with a 1-hour navigation to Santa Fe. The activities on Santa Fe Island include bird watching upon arrival, two surface snorkeling dives with playful sea lions and turtles. Optionally, you can experience sport fishing.
- After time spent on Santa Fe, the tour continues to Playa Escondida, a hidden white sand beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for surface snorkeling. Marine life you may encounter here includes rays, sea lions, and white-tip reef sharks. The return time will be around 3:00 pm.
Includes:
- Lunch
- Snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, and fins)
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Wetsuit (optional for an additional fee)
Day 6
1-Day Tour to Garrapatero Beach and Cerro Mesa
- Garrapatero is a beautiful white sand beach with occasional visits from flamingos. Here you can also rent a kayak to paddle along the coast.
- Visit "Cerro Mesa", a lookout point in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, offering views of Baltra Island, Daphne Island, Santa Fe Island, and Gordon Rocks — depending on weather conditions.
- Another option is visiting El Trapiche, where you’ll learn about the artisanal production of sugarcane juice and coffee. You’ll also get to taste these delicious products.
- Includes a snack.
Day 7
Transfer to the Baltra Island Airport.
Please bring your personal water bottle for the excursions, so you don´t have to buy many plastic disposable ones, wich usually end up on the streets and the oceans!
Remember that most of the animal species are the Originals in this Archipelago, and we are the introduced ones. Therefore, do not fear or harm them, since they are harmless and even friendly. That is in fact why this ecosystem is so magical and peaceful!
We are also tourists in other places in the world, and we look for people with whom we feel safer and better cared for. We invite you to relax and let yourself be carried away by our experience and love for this wonder of our planet.