In the afternoon, dry landing on Santa Cruz Island. This is where there is the best opportunity to spot wild, Galapagos tortoises. Walk amongst these huge reptiles and spot other highland species, such as Darwin finches. Continue to a forest of endemic Scalesia trees and shrubs, and spot an abundance of diverse passerine bird species.

In the afternoon, a dry landing on Espinosa Point (Fernandina Island). Admire the diversity that calls Espinosa home. From the marine iguanas to the Galapagos Hawk, you won’t have trouble keeping entertained.

Later, check out Tagus Cove. Here, you will learn about the eruption of the five volcanoes that make up the area. Enjoy amazing views of the lava fields and volcanic formations as you hike around the island. And to end the day with a friendly face, check out the western part of the island, where the most penguins can be found.

Later, visit Sullivan Bay on the southeastern portion of Santiago Island. Here you can view the extensive water flows that formed during the 19th-century. It’s quite a colorful site, as reddish-yellow colored tuff cones appear in the middle of the lava flow.

After your visit at Bachas Beach, transfer to the airport where you will board your flight to Guayaquil, Quito, or to your next destination.

Then, visit the Galapagos giant tortoises and iguanas at the Fausto Lierena Breeding Center. This program takes the eggs from Santiago, Santa Cruz, and Pinzon to their center to be hatched without any danger. When they reach the age of 5, they are returned to their natural habitats. This center is a great way to learn about the endangered species and learn about how they returned over 2,000 animals. Also, the Charles Darwin Station provides environmental education to communities and schools in the Galapagos. If there is time, visit Puerto Ayora town.

Then, visit North Seymour Island, which was formed by underwater volcanic eruptions. You will be able to see layers of lava on the ocean floor. Take a 2-hour walk to see the nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls. During your walk, spot land iguanas and Galapagos snakes.

Then, visit the northern part of the Islet to see the cactus forest, colorful red and yellow iguanas, and other animals. During the dry season, see the fruits and flowers bloom on the opuntia cacti. Then, head to the South Plaza to see the hybrid iguana that can travel on both land and sea! When we reach the highest point of the Islet, we can spot tropical birds. During the dry season, from June to January, you can see the yellow and green plants change to bright red.

Later, visit Cerro Colorado. Learn about how the National Park works to conserve its tortoises and surrounding nature. Opt to explore the village’s busy port, where you can find handicrafts, and local restaurants to stop by for a drink or some delicious food.

After your Galapagos adventure, we will head to the San Cristobal Airport for your flight to return to Quito or Guayaquil. Once in mainland Ecuador, you can catch your international flight home, or you can continue your tour of Ecuador with one of our other fantastic Ecuador Tours.

In the afternoon, land in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos Islands. Visit the Interpretation Center, where you will learn about the history of the islands. The Museum of Natural History displays a plethora of information about the volcanic background of the islands, their remote location, the abundant life species that thrive here, and more. Then, take a high-intensity walk and spot exotic wildlife, including a frigatebird nesting colony.

In the afternoon, walk along the trail to see the olive sandy beach, volcanic rocks, three booby species, and a sea lion colony. Snorkel and kayak in the blue waters of Pitt Point.

In the afternoon, visit Gardner Bay, known for its sea lions lying on the white sandy beaches. There are no trails here, so visitors sit along the shore to spot the variety of birds around the island including the hood mockingbird, yellow warbler, Darwin finches, small ground finch, and cacti finch. Snorkel here to see the parrot fish, creole fish, damselfish, and king angelfish.

Then, travel to Cormorant Point, known for its green sand beach. Hike to a brackish lagoon to see the largest flamingo population in the Galapagos. Reach a white-sand beach that is one of the main nesting sites for the green Pacific sea turtles. After relaxing on the beach, head back to the green sand beach to snorkel or swim for an hour with the sea turtles, sea lions, penguins, and white-tipped reef sharks.

Later, visit Post Office Bay, named after Captain James Colnett who placed a wooden barrel to serve as a post office. Today, tourists leave unstamped postcards in the barrel. This is also a great place to snorkel with playful sea lions and sea turtles.

Then, stop by the Pit Craters that were formed by the collapse of some surface materials. Here, you will have a great chance of seeing giant tortoises as well.

Finally, head to the Baltra Airport, and board your flight to return to Quito or Guayaquil. Once in mainland Ecuador, catch an international flight home, or continue your tour of Ecuador with one of our other fantastic Ecuador Tours.