Board the Petrel Catamaran to begin the Galapagos adventure. Start with a short briefing on the boat and learn about the islands you will explore on this itinerary.

In the afternoon, sail to the 5th largest island in the Galapagos archipelago, San Cristobal. This was where Darwin first landed back in 1835.
Visit the Interpretation Center and learn about the history, ecosystems, geology and the flora and fauna of the islands. Then, head to La Galapaguera to learn about the Giant Tortoise breeding program that was established by the National Park.

In the morning, head to Espanola Island, the oldest island in the Galapagos. It is estimated that it is nearly 4 million years old. Espanola is the southernmost island in the archipelago and has the most endemic species, ideal for birders. Continue to Gardner Bay. Travelers love spending time at Gardner Bay’s beautiful white sandy beach with its turquoise waters. Keep your eyes open for a large colony of friendly sea lions. Also look for finches, the Espanola Mockingbird and green sea turtles. Later, visit the petite Osborn Islet. This small island is a marine-lovers dream, where you can enjoy fantastic snorkeling and swimming.

In the late afternoon, make a trip to Suárez Point. Suárez Point is one of the most outstanding wildlife areas of the archipelago. If you are lucky you might see a young albatross take off for its first flight. Other species found here are marine iguanas, Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and more.

Venture to Floreana Island to explore Cormorant Point. Enjoy a beautiful hike overlooking a saltwater lagoon that often attracts flocks of flamingoes. Later, visit the Devil’s Crown, arguably the best snorkeling site in the islands. Devil’s Crown boasts an amazing variety of marine life that you can spot while swimming in the crystal clear water.

In the late afternoon, make one more stop, this time at Post Office Bay. Post Office Bay is a white-sand beach where in the past sailors used to leave and receive their letters in a barrel. This is a great place to learn about the history of the island and who visited the area, many years ago.

Today is your final day aboard the Petrel Catamaran. It only seems fitting to end a fantastic trip to the Galapagos at Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. The station conducts research projects on the islands and plays an important role preserving and protecting the wildlife. Their most popular program is the Giant Tortoise restoration program.

After you’ve finished admiring the work of Darwin, transfer to the airport and board your flight home or to your next destination in Ecuador.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted and taken across the Itabaca Channel to visit Santa Cruz Island before boarding the catamaran. This visit includes a short hike to the highlands, so make sure to pack sturdy shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. The highlands are located in the northern part of the island and can reach drastically high elevations, offering spectacular views.

After you have explored Santa Cruz, board the catamaran and get ready for your Galapagos adventure.

This morning, visit Sullivan Bay, a satellite island of Santiago Island. Sullivan Bay was named after Bartholomew James Sullivan and features an eroded lava field detailed with a variety of patterns. Spend some time examining the shapes and textures of the trees that once existed there. This is also a fantastic spot to see the Galapagos fur seal. Possible activities here are hiking and snorkeling.

In the afternoon, head to Pinnacle Rock. Bartolomé Island’s Pinnacle Rock is famous for its distinctive shape, making it the most famous view in the Galapagos Islands. The huge rock also has a beach where you can spot plenty of green sea turtles nesting. Possible activities here are hiking, snorkeling and the panga ride.

Today, discover Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island. Genovesa Island is known as “Bird Island” because of the abundance of diverse bird species. Guests can enjoy exploring the small sand and coral beach and spotting red-footed boobies. Follow the trail along a tidal lagoon and then up a rocky hill for a fantastic view overlooking the cliffs and Darwin Bay.

In the afternoon, visit Prince Phillip’s Steps, a very steep, rocky path that takes guests up to a cliff with a beautiful view. On your way up, you might see some seabird colonies.

In the morning, head to Egas Port, also referred to as James Bay. Walk along the black sand beaches and spot Galapagos lava lizards, Galapagos fur seals, and more. This is a great area to hike and snorkel.

Later, visit Espumilla Beach, a popular place to spot marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs. If you snorkel here, you might come close to octopus, moray eel, shark, or other tropical fish species. After your visit at Espumilla Beach, visit Buccaneer Cove, this was once a refuge for British buccaneers and it is now a popular place to snorkel. The underwater formations and colorful fish here are a sight to see.

On this final day on the Petrel Catamaran, head to Santa Cruz. Visit Carrion Point; there are no landings here, so take a short panga ride to shore or snorkel near the vessel. Admire the beauty of the natural lagoons nearby, exuding turquoise water and a variety of colorful fish, rays and white-tip reef sharks.

After your visit to Santa Cruz, say goodbye to the Galapagos Islands and transfer back to the airport and board your flight home or to your next destination.