Itinerary B 2028: Volcanic Wonders

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. Join us for a welcome cocktail reception with the Captain and crew, followed by a multi-course dinner by our accomplished Relais & Châteaux chefs.

In the morning, you’ll touch down at Prince Philip’s Steps (4) on Genovesa Island, famed for its spectacular bird watching opportunities. Keep your camera handy as your guides point out red-footed boobies nesting in palo santo trees, Nazca boobies near the trail, and storm petrels in an open lava field. With luck, catch a glimpse of the elusive short-eared owl. Lunch, served on the sundeck weather permitting, features BBQ seafood and a ceviche cooking demonstration. Opt to explore the cliffs by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or join a deep-water snorkeling excursion from the Zodiac (2).

In the afternoon, land at Darwin Bay (1), boasting a stunning coral sand beach. Spot swallow-tailed and lava gulls near tide pools, while Opuntia cacti and mangroves provide shelter for Great frigatebirds. Males inflate red pouches to attract mates. Relax on the beach or swim with playful sea lions in the warmer northern waters. Join us on the sundeck for gourmet snacks and local beer sampling, followed by a briefing and dinner. If the night sky is clear, venture out to see a sky full of stars, with guides available to identify constellations and birds flying alongside the yacht.

This morning, you’ll explore Las Bachas (1), on the northern side of Santa Cruz. Marvel at bright pink flamingos in the lagoons, and take a leisurely stroll along the long white sand beach. Guides will highlight endemic plant species and share intriguing Galapagos history. Before lunch onboard the yacht, snorkel or swim from the beach. Guests on board Theory will enjoy a Zodiac excursion into the mangroves of Black Turtle Cove (1) to encounter sea turtles, golden and white spotted eagle rays and more.

In the afternoon, step ashore at Cerro Dragon (3), to enjoy panoramic views of the bay and island landscape. Spot flamingos in the brackish lagoon and observe a variety of plants, including opuntia cactus and Palo Santo trees. Keep an eye out for Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, and Audubon shearwaters as you walk the trail. Guides will point out bird species like stilts, pintail ducks, and sandpipers. Look for golden land iguanas basking in the sun, unique to the Galapagos and once part of a breeding program at the Charles Darwin Station. After a leisurely walk, return to the yacht for a briefing and dinner.

Begin your morning with a thrilling Zodiac ride at Punta Vicente Roca (1). Glide through wave-sculpted caves and marvel at tuff walls adorned with colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs. Don’t miss the chance to snorkel (2) alongside playful penguins and graceful sea turtles. Guests aboard the Theory and Evolve can also enjoy a hike and snorkeling at Punta Espinoza, where thousands of marine iguanas bask in the sun. After lunch, relax on the sun deck as we sail through the Bolivar Channel, keeping an eye out for breaching whales and playful dolphins.

In the afternoon, disembark at Urbina Bay on Isabela Island (2) to witness evidence of volcanic activity. Explore exposed coastal seabed and encounter a variety of animal species, including land iguanas, Darwin finches, and giant Galapagos tortoises. Return to the vessel for gourmet snacks, an Espresso Martini demonstration with local coffee followed by briefing, and dinner. As night falls, step outside to admire the Milky Way and witness our Equator crossing from the bridge.

This morning, prepare for another geological marvel as we stop at Punta Espinoza on Fernandina (4), the youngest and most pristine island in the Galapagos. With no introduced animals, witness the ecosystem at its purest. Watch sea lion harems nap on the beach, guarded by vigilant bulls, while hundreds of marine iguanas warm themselves along the rugged shoreline. Spot flightless cormorant nests and snorkel (2) with sea turtles and marine iguanas feeding underwater. Guests on board Theory and Evolve will enjoy an outstanding panga ride at the mangroves of Elizabeth Bay (1) to spot penguins, golden and white spotted eagle rays, sea lions, sea turtles and more.

Lunch is served on the shaded sun deck, followed by a feast of grilled seafood and a complimentary beer tasting featuring local breweries. Afterward, explore Tagus Cove to discover the human history of the Galapagos. Hike to a saltwater lagoon and scenic overview, or explore the shoreline by kayak or paddleboard, spotting Galapagos penguins, boobies, and pelicans. Tonight, as we sail toward the geographic center of the archipelago, we’ll cross the equator once again.

This morning, set foot on Rabida’s dark red beach (2), renowned as the Galapagos’ geographic center for its diverse volcanic rocks. Follow a short trail to a saltwater lagoon, home to American Flamingos, while spotting marine iguanas, mockingbirds, and Darwin’s finches along the way. Opt for snorkeling (2) to encounter sea lions, rays, and large schools of surgeonfish, king angelfish, and salema fish.

Guests on the Theory and Evolve will explore Puerto Egas on Santiago (3), strolling along the shoreline to observe octopus, starfish, and various sea life in tide pools. Keep an eye out for herons, oystercatchers, and marine iguanas feeding on algae. Snorkel from the beach (1) before returning to the yacht for a complimentary beer tasting featuring local breweries.

After lunch, relax on deck, enjoying the scenery, with the chance to spot dolphins. Guests on the Origin will embark on a Zodiac excursion at Black Turtle Cove (1), exploring peaceful coves and mangroves teeming with marine life, including mating sea turtles, reef sharks, and cow-nosed rays. Return to the vessel for gourmet snacks, cocktails, and an evening briefing, with the possibility of a visit from King Neptune himself during a pirate-themed maritime ritual in which participation is optional.

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.

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.