Galapagos Islands Cruise on the Galapagos Legend

Depart mainland Ecuador for San Cristobal. Passengers are picked up at the airport by naturalist guides and taken on a short ride to the pier to board the M/V Galapagos Legend.

In the afternoon, visit the Interpretation Center, an excellent place to learn about natural history in the Galapagos. Discover information on the volcanic origins of the islands, their remoteness from the continent, ocean currents, climate, the arrival of the different species and their colonization, among other points of interest. The human history is also showcased, chronologically narrating the most significant events related to the discovery and colonization of the islands.

Then hike to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas). Walk amidst beautiful landscapes and enjoy a magnificent view at the foot of a frigatebird nesting colony.

In the morning, a wet landing on a beautiful white coral sand beach guarded by a colony of sea lions. There are no trails, so stay along the shore where there are spottings of Galapagos hawks, Galapagos Ground Doves, Hood mockingbirds, Yellow Warblers, lava lizards, marine iguanas, and three species of Darwin finches. Swimming and snorkeling offer a great variety of Galapagos marine wildlife: king angelfish, creole fish, parrotfish, manta rays, and white-tipped reef sharks.

In the afternoon, a dry landing that will appeal to those with geological interest. Explore volcanic formations and riveting wildlife. Large sea lion colonies and seabirds including the Española mockingbird, Nazca Boobies and the spectacular Red-billed Tropicbird. Encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the colorful Sally Lightfoot Crabs. Take a somewhat lengthy hike and spot Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies. Other birding favorites include the Galapagos Dove, Galapagos Hawk, Swallow-tailed Gulls and the world's largest colony of Waved Albatross. Admire the island's dramatic backdrop, featuring the famous Soplador, a seaward blowhole that shoots water some 23 m. (75 ft.) in the air.

In the morning, a wet landing on the north side of Floreana. The bay is so-named because in 1793 Captain James Colnett installed a wooden barrel which served as an informal post office for sailors passing through, who would take letters with them to their destinations. Today, our visitors continue the tradition by placing unstamped postcards inside the barrel that should reach their destinations for free. It can take weeks, months, even years, may not arrive at all, or even arrive before you!

Later, a wet landing on an olivine green sand beach. Hike from the black mangrove beds to a brackish lagoon, which usually holds one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galapagos. This island features some endemic plants such as the notable Scalesia villosa. The trail continues to a beautiful white-sand beach, one of the most important nesting sites of Green Pacific Sea Turtles. From the beach spot sea turtles, Blue-footed Boobies plunging into the water, and small reef sharks floating along the shoreline in search of food.

This coral-sand beach marks the end of the trail. Head back to the olivine beach to swim or snorkel amongst sea turtles, reef fish, sea lions and, on a good day, white-tipped reef sharks. A small colony of penguins resides on Floreana and can sometimes be observed as well.

In the morning, a dry landing and short bus ride to the Santa Cruz highlands, located to the northwest of Puerto Ayora, where a natural reserve with giant tortoises resides. These enormous and slow-moving reptiles are responsible for the island's name and therefore approaching them in their humid and forested abode is always an inspiring adventure. They can weigh between 250 and 300 kg and can live up to 150-200 years. Additionally, travelers can walk inside surprising lava tubes.

In the afternoon, a wet landing on Ballena Bay where a beautiful green sand cove rests. Explore the beach, where volcanic crystals have formed. While visiting, you may see tortoises, marine iguanas, sea birds, and more.

Today, explore the marine biodiversity of Santa Cruz Island. Snorkel with colorful fish, swim alongside stingrays and keep your eyes out for the chance to see the magnificent white tipped shark.

After the visit, transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight to Guayaquil, Quito, or your next destination.