In Darwin Footsteps

Itinerary

Day 1: San Cristobal Island / Embarkation / Cerro Brujo

Santa Cruz Arrive at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This small attractive port is the provincial capital of the Galapagos Islands (population 4,000), along a crescent-shaped bay. Embark your ship, the Santa Cruz, and start your Galapago exerience. The ship then takes you to Cerro BrujoÂ’s white coralline beach. Here, you may spot blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, Yellow Warblers, Galapagos flycatchers, and some shore birds. Back on board enjoy a briefing on the next day's activities, followed by a cocktail offered by the Captain and dinner. Overnight onboard the Santa Cruz.

Day 2: Espanola Island / Florena Island

Santa Cruz Visit Espanola Island for an exciting walk on the lava terrain to visit the island’s unique sea bird colonies, including the Waved Albatrosses (May - December) and the famous blowhole. A shorter walk is also available. For those not planning to walk, there will be panga (dinghy) ride along the coastline of Punta Suárez. Lunch onboard. This afternoon, disembark at Point Cormorant for an easy walk to see the flamingos that inhabit a brackish water lagoon, and other birds such as ducks, stilts, sandpipers, etc. There is great snorkeling from the beach, or near by at the Devil's Crown. Those who do not snorkel can enjoy a ride on the glass-bottom boat.

Day 3: Fernandina Island / Isabela Island

Santa Cruz Disembark at Fernandina for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. This island has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant. Lunch on board. After lunch, you cruise along Bolívar Channel keeping an eye out for whales and dolphins. Disembark at Isabela Island for a medium-length walk at Urbina Bay to look for giant tortoises and land iguanas. You may take either a short walk along the beach or a longer walk towards the interior of the island. Swimming and snorkeling depending on local conditions.

Days 4-5: Disembarkation / Finch Bay Hotel, Santa Cruz Island

Finch Bay Hotel This morning, transfer early to the island of Santa Cruz, as you say goodbye to your expedition ship. Your Naturalist will introduce you to great features on Santa Cruz Island, including a bus ride up through the lush and vibrant green highlands. This area is perhaps the least seen by visitors to the Galápagos. Seeing the changes in vegetation will be new to you, and the wildlife found here will have no comparison to any other area explored. Travel by bus from the north shores of the island, towards the south end. In route, explore pit craters, lava tunnels, the Scalesia forest, and the giant tortoises’ wild habitat. Check-in at Finch Bay and lunch. Then, head out to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station, and some time afterwards to stroll in the town of Puerto Ayora. Overnight at the Finch Bay Hotel. Located on Santa Cruz, the charming Finch Bay Hotel is just steps from the beach on a private seaside location surrounded by mangroves. Guests cherish the privacy, natural surroundings, and superb service this hotel offers. Your outings on Day 5 include a list of activities that allow you to have a “Galápagos a la carte” adventure. You may enjoy ocean kayaking along the azure waters of Devine’s Bay, hiking to Las Grietas, a walk to Tortuga Bay—a coralline beach of about six miles in length— mountain biking up in the highlands, a refreshing swim right off your beach, or snorkeling to nearby shallows. Do it all, or do none. It’s your holiday! Concluding your Finch Bay stay, enjoy the view of the bay by dining at Angermeyer’s Point. Overnight at the Finch Bay Hotel.

Day 6: Baltra Island / Depart

This morning, check out of the Finch Bay and transfer from Santa Cruz to Baltra Island for your return flight to the mainland. All airport procedures will be assisted by Finch Bay EcohotelÂ’s staff. Make sure you have your passport ready for I.D. verification before entering the departure lounge. Your flight will take you first to Guayaquil and then to Quito.