Itinerary A 2028: Beaches and Bays

Upon arriving in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, on San Cristobal Island, our guides will escort you to the expedition yacht. After a short bus ride and Zodiac trip to the anchored yacht, you’ll settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch. Following a welcome briefing and safety drill, choose your snorkeling gear. After lunch, the yacht departs the harbor toward Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), a stunning rock formation for sunset photography, teeming with blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Guests on the Evolve will visit La Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado (David Rodriguez Land Tortoise Breeding Center) before a welcome cocktail reception with the Captain and crew, followed by a four course dinner by our accomplished Relais & Châteaux chefs.

On your first day of exploration, hop on a Zodiac for a trip to Cerro Brujo (1). Spot various birds, from brown pelicans to blue-footed boobies, and learn about their age indicators. Marvel at the colorful Sally lightfoot crabs and geological formations.. After the tour, relax on the coral sand beach, stroll, or swim with sea lions, this is your chance to test your snorkeling skills. In the afternoon, hike Punta Pitt (4), famous for birdwatching, including all three boobies species. Snorkel at Pitt Islet (2) with sea lions and vibrant fish. As the yacht sails, enjoy reading or observing “Kicker Rock” from the top deck. Join us for gourmet snacks and local beer sampling on the sundeck, followed by stargazing with your guide after dinner.

This morning, you’ll touch down at Punta Suarez (5) on Española Island, renowned for its endemic species like the waved albatross. Witness their captivating courtship dance if you visit between April and December. Watch your step to avoid the marine iguanas lounging on the dark lava rocks, displaying vibrant hues during mating season. Follow the trail to the dramatic ocean blowhole and spot Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttling along the shore. Encounter various bird species including Darwin’s Finches, Galapagos Hawks, and Nazca boobies. Afterwards, enjoy a BBQ lunch on deck (weather permitting) and learn to make Ecuadorian ceviche in a cooking demo.

After lunch, opt for snorkeling at Gardner Islet (2) and explore caves teeming with invertebrates and sealions. Disembark at Gardner Bay (1), home to expansive white-sand beaches where sea lions bask. Snorkel, kayak, or simply stroll along the shore, observing wildlife like Darwin Finches. Afterward, return to the yacht for snacks, briefing and dinner.

Step ashore at Punta Cormorant’s (3) olive-sand beach on Floreana Island and immerse yourself in the sounds of sea lions, lava herons, and blue-footed boobies. The green mineral tinting the beach is a result of iron and manganese from basaltic lava. Explore a brackish lagoon teeming with birdlife, including flamingos, and observe diverse plant species like mangroves and Scalesia. Visit a beach where sea turtles nest and stingrays glide in shallow waters. Don’t miss snorkeling at Devil’s Crown or Champion Islet (2), home to a vibrant and abundant underwater world, where you can encounter King AngelFish and white tipped-sharks. Enjoy lunch onboard while learning about the island’s intriguing human history.

In the afternoon, experience the unique Galapagos tradition at Post Office Bay (1), where you can leave and pick up postcards without postage. Participate in a Zodiac excursion or paddleboard at Baroness Point, spotting sea turtles and rays in the lagoon. Savor an Espresso Martini made from Galapagos-grown coffee before the evening briefing and dinner aboard the yacht.

As you wake this morning, Puerto Ayora’s bustling harbor on Santa Cruz Island (2) awaits exploration. After a bus journey to Los Gemelos, massive craters formed over time, visit Rancho Primicias or El Chato to encounter giant tortoises and lava tunnels. In the afternoon, learn about Charles Darwin and conservation efforts at the Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena and the Charles Darwin Research Station Exhibition Hall (1). Explore the town before opting for dinner ashore or returning to the yacht for a delicious meal.

As you wake up this morning, prepare for another adventure on a remote island, with the iconic landscapes of the Galapagos as your backdrop. Choose between two morning activities: a challenging hike on Bartolome Island with breathtaking views of Pinnacle Rock, including about 400 wooden steps to reach the top (4), or a Zodiac ride to spot playful penguins (1). Dive into snorkeling, where you can encounter tropical fish, sea stars, white-tipped reef sharks, and Galapagos Penguins (2). Enjoy lunch on deck, weather permitting, with meats grilled on the BBQ.

In the afternoon, the itinerary varies depending on your yacht. Guests on the Origin explore Sombrero Chino, encountering sea lions, Galapagos Penguin, marine iguanas, and stunning volcanic formations. Snorkeling opportunities abound, often with penguins. Guests on the Theory visit Playa Las Bachas (1) for snorkeling and flamingo sightings. Those on the Evolve embark on a Zodiac excursion at Caleta Tortuga Negra (1), listening for sea turtles and observing golden rays. Join the crew for a pirate-themed party on the sundeck before the briefing and dinner.

This morning, venture to South Plaza (3), a small islet renowned for its tall cliffs and diverse flora and fauna. Witness efforts to protect the native prickly pear cactus, and spot nests of various bird species, including swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds. Encounter a colony of bachelor sea lions and observe land iguanas up close.

After lunch, sail to North Seymour Island (3) to witness frigate birds with inflated red sacs during mating season. Learn to distinguish between the Great and Magnificent species. Enjoy a final snorkeling opportunity in deeper waters, where you may encounter sharks, sea lions, and tropical fish. Conclude the week with a champagne toast at the Captain’s farewell gathering before a special presentation from your guides showcasing memories from your Galapagos adventure.

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll disembark from the yacht. As a fitting conclusion to your trip, you’ll visit the Interpretation Center on San Cristobal to delve into the human history of the Galapagos Islands. Take a brief walk along the paved trail before a bus ride into town. Enjoy some free time for last-minute photos before your transfer to the airport. Though it’s a quick flight back to the mainland, you’ll carry lifelong memories with you.