Galapagos Adventure - Independent

Itinerary

Day 1 Quito/Baltra/Bachas

Perhaps arrive early to discover Quito's compact Old Town. Enjoy a first glimpse of the Galapagos wildlife in action on Bachas Beach and get flippered-up for the first snorkelling action of the trip.

Day 2 Plazas/Santa Fe

Jump on board a zodiac and power to Plazas Island. Look out for land iguanas, sea lions and great flocks of gulls. Cruise to Santa Fe, a tiny island brimming with sea birds. Swim in Santa Fe Bay then follow walking trails through a forest of prickly pear cacti on the way to a cliff-top lookout.

Day 3 Espanola

The southernmost island in the Galapagos chain, Espanola boasts a large number of unique endemic creatures. Chill out on Gardner Bay's beautiful white sands, then continue on to Punta Suarez, a rocky point sustaining a huge array of wildlife. Spot huge marine iguanas, sea lions and lava lizards, and marvel at the vivid appendages of the blue-footed boobies.

Day 4 Floreana

With a history of buccaneers, whalers, convicts and colonists, Floreana has plenty of tales to tell. Discover Punta Cormorant's unique green beach and watch the crowds of colourful crabs and sleepy sea lions that call this place home. Sail around to Post Office Bay, a spot that mariners have relied on to deliver their letters home for hundreds of years. Spend time in the waters at the Devil's Crown, perhaps the best snorkelling spot in the Galapagos.

Day 5 Santa Cruz

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and meet some young Galapagos tortoises in the centre's nursery. Jump back on board the boat and cruise out to see the highlights of Santa Cruz. See giant tortoises in their natural environment, visit a long lava tunnel and take a hike to explore the high country.

Day 6 Genovesa

Also known as Bird Island, Genovesa boasts nesting cliffs up to 25 m high. Spot red-footed and masked boobies, storm petrels and mockingbirds, and look out for fur seals and marine iguanas. Pull on a mask and snorkel to explore the exotic underwater world of Darwin Bay.

Day 7 Rabida/Bartolome

Explore Rabida Island and discover its striking colours, which are the result of lava eruptions and consequent erosion. Keep an eye out for flamingos, pintail ducks and brown pelicans. Journey to Bartolome Island, an extinct volcano, where strange lava formations in a variety of colours can be seen.

Day 8 North Seymour/Baltra/Quito

Enjoy one last chance to see the birds of the Galapagos and playful sea lions on Seymour Island before returning to Quito.