| Day | Visitor Site |
|---|---|
| Saturday | San Cristobal arrival and transfer to boat |
| San Cristobal: Lobos Island/Kicker Rock | |
| Sunday | San Cristobal: Witch Hill |
| San Cristobal: Pitt Point | |
| Monday | Floreana: Post Office Bay/Baroness V. Point |
| Floreana: Devil's Crown/Cormorant Point | |
| Tuesday | Santa Cruz: Black Turtle Cove |
| Bartholomew | |
| Wednesday | Genovesa: Darwin Bay |
| Genovesa: El Barranco | |
| Thursday | Santiago: Egas Port |
| Santiago: Espumilla Beach/Buccaneer Cove | |
| Friday | South Plaza |
| Santa Cruz: Highlands | |
| Saturday | Mosquera Islet* / Baltra |
| Transfer to the Airport |
Day 1 (Saturday)
- MORNING FLIGHT FROM MAINLAND TO SAN CRISTOBAL – GALAPAGOS – LA GALAPAGUERA & KICKER ROCK
Assistance at the airport by our representative for your Galapagos flight.
You will arrive at San Cristobal Island in the morning. After passing through immigration and baggage pick-up you will be met by Ocean Spray staff and transferred to the yacht. You will be shown to your cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.
In the afternoon we will visit Isla Lobos Island. The name of this island means ¨Sea Lion Island¨. This appropriately named island is ripe with noisy, frolicking, jolly sea lions who will welcome you to their home with open, well, fins. This island also offers great snorkeling opportunities as well as the chance to see Blue-Footed and Nazca Boobies.
A panga ride and snorkeling around the Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido) can be also done in the afternoon. Known as the Sleeping Lion because of its resemblance, this site is located off the coast of San Cristobal. The remains of a lava cone eroded by the sea, two vertical rocks rising 500 feet above the ocean, form a small channel that is navigable by small boats. This Galapagos Islands natural monument has become a favorite sight for cruises due to the many tropicbirds, frigatebirds and boobies that fill the surrounding air. Beneath the sea the crystal waters offer a brilliant show of colorful tropical fish and invertebrates.
Day 2 (Sunday)
- SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND – WITCH HILL & PITT POINT
We will visit Witch Hill (Cerro Brujo) in the morning where you will explore one of the nicest beaches in the Galápagos. You’ll be tantalized by the texture and sight of the powdered, soft white sand. With a colony of sea lions and Blue-footed Boobies, this scenic place is bustling with life. Just beyond the beach is a lagoon, thriving with Egrets and Great Blue Herons. The turquoise water and abundant marine life will invite you to snorkel their midst.
In the afternoon we will visit Pitt Point. Pitt Point holds its own as the northeastern most site on Isabela. After an easy hike, you will be rewarded with a unique treat. Herein lays the only nesting site which hosts all species of Galápagos Boobies. Photographers will be thrilled with this intimate natural experience. The attractive volcanic tuff formations will have geologists and laymen alike imagining the forces of nature that possessed the earth to create this land.
Day 3 (Monday)
- FLOREANA ISLAND –Post Office Bay/Baroness V. Point- Devil’s Crown/Cormorant Point
We will visit two sites on Floreana Island. In the morning, we will visit the famous Post Office Bay. You will land on a beach and head to a spot where 18th century whalers placed a wooden barrel for use as an unofficial mail box. The custom continues to this day with Galapagos visitors. So, don´t forget your postcards, and don´t be surprised if the post card arrives to its destination before you even get home!
Floreana is known for its fabulous snorkeling sites, its vibrantly pink flamingos and its black sand beaches. Baroness Viewpoint is a fantastic place to take it all in. Your guide will tell you about the murder and mystery in this island’s history. Suffice to say, it was once inhabited by an indulgent Baroness and her three lovers. There are easy trails in this area for exploring the flora and fauna of Floreana.
In the afternoon, we will head to Cormorant Point. Here you will enjoy a hike to a salt-water lagoon which is home to flamingoes. You will also get to swim in the crystal clear waters of the Devil’s Crown. This extinct volcano peaks out of the waters just off of Floreana´s coast and offers a magnificent snorkeling experience.
Day 4 (Tuesday)
- SANTA CRUZ ISLAND – BLACK TURTLE COVE & BARTHOLOMEW
Black Turtle Cove is located on the north side of the island and is only accessible by boat and with a guide. This shallow inlet is surrounded by mangroves and provides natural protection for a variety of marine life, attracting the vulnerable juveniles of many species. Below the surface of the water, you can see both blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, sea turtles, golden cownose rays, spotted eagle rays, and an occasional hammerhead shark. Pelicans and Boobies hunt here, diving gracefully into the water.
Our afternoon visit includes the Bartholomew Island, home of the famous Pinnacle Rock. Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. We will take a trail of stairs to the summit of the volcano (about 30 or 40 minutes) where you will enjoy one of the best views of the islands! You will also visit a small, beautiful beach, surrounded by the only vegetation found on this barren island. The beach is perfect for snorkeling where you may even see the Galapagos penguins.
Day 5 (Wednesday)
- GENOVESA ISLAND
Our morning visit will take us to the beach at Darwin Bay. This white-sand coral beach heads a (1/2 mi – 3/4 km) trail that winds through mangroves that are filled with land birds. You may see Nazca Boobies, Red-footed Boobies, and Swallow-tailed Gulls. Further down the path, you may see sea lions playing in tidal pools. You will arrive cliff-side and can let the spectacular views soak in, while the Boobies and iguanas keep you company.
The afternoon takes us to El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, whose steep, rocky path will lead you up 25 meters (82 mi) of cliff-face. After marveling at the view you will have the opportunity to take a (0.6 mi / 1 km) trek through Palo Santo vegetation. Here you will be dazzled by all the birds: Red-footed Boobies, Short-eared Lava Owls, Galápagos Swallows, and Galápagos Doves are abundant.
Day 6 (Thursday)
- SANTIAGO ISLAND
Our morning visit is to a site called Egas Port, also known as James Bay, on Santiago Island. Here, you will enjoy a hike over a dry trail known for being a hang-out for curious Galapagos Hawks and Quick-footed Galapagos Lava Lizards. The trail will then lead you to the coastline where you will visit the gorgeous tide pools and grottos which are full of fauna. You will be able to observe the shy Galapagos fur sea lions. You will also get to snorkel at Egas Port beach.
Later we will visit Espumilla Beach where marine iguanas lounge and the Sally Lightfoot Crabs attract the hunting herons, performing the dance of predator and prey right before your eyes. Snorkeling is highly recommended as you could find yourself face to face with an octopus, moray eel, shark, or a variety of other species of tropical fish.
Buccaneer Cove is a testament to the fact that Santiago Island was once a refuge for British buccaneers. They would anchor in the protected bay to make repairs and stock up on tortoise meat among other things. It is an excellent opportunity to take in the steep cliffs, where hundreds of seabirds perch in front of the dark red sand beach. See if you can spot ‘Monk’ or ‘Elephant’ Rock before your guide points them out!
Day 7 (Friday)
- SOUTH PLAZAS & SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
In the morning, you will head to South Plaza Island. This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colorful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is the Sesuvium. During the rainy season its color is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end of June through January) a bright red.
In the afternoon we will visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz where you will walk along a path, observing the hills, ferns, volcanoes, and rich wildlife. This area is home to giant tortoises, the exclusive Galápagos Rail, the Paint-billed Crane and many other species. You will come upon the underground lava tubes, which are more than one kilometer (half a mile) long. Local guides are required and will provide information and flashlights. Walking through the lava tubes is a unique and surreal experience.
The Charles Darwin Breeding Center “Fausto Llerena” is home to turtles ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long. Here you will observe the various sub-species of turtles interacting with each other, and possibly with you. Many of the older turtles are accustomed to humans, and will stretch out their heads for a pet. The babies are only kept until they are about four years old, or large enough to survive in the wild. These conservation efforts continue to be extremely successful.
Day 8 (Saturday)
- DAPHNE ISLAND & MOSQUERA*- DEPARTURE
Daphne is made up of two islands, Major and Minor. Daphne Minor is partially eroded and smooth, while Daphne Major has maintained an archetypal volcanic shape, called a tuff cone. Daphne is home to Red-billed Tropicbirds peaking out of crevices and Nazca Boobies nesting along the rim. Under the water there are sharp recesses and steep cliffs. It is highly likely that you will see whitetip, Galápagos, and possibly even hammerhead Sharks. There is also a wealth of sea turtles, and rays..
Mosquera* is the perfect place to relax on the beach and soak up the sun. Here, you can snorkel, dive, and go for a leisurely stroll. The white sand beaches are fantastic, flat and long. Their unique topography is characteristic of land masses created by geological uplift. You are likely to see Boobies, sea lions, Brown Pelicans, and tropical fish while you enjoy this small island.
Important: Itineraries and activities subject to change without prior notice. Depending on weather conditions and water currents, some wildlife described above may not be visible.
| Departure | Arrival | |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday 11th of May 2024 | Saturday 18th of May 2024 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 25th of May 2024 | Saturday 1st of June 2024 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 8th of June 2024 | Saturday 15th of June 2024 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 22nd of June 2024 | Saturday 29th of June 2024 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 6th of July 2024 | Saturday 13th of July 2024 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 20th of July 2024 | Saturday 27th of July 2024 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 3rd of August 2024 | Saturday 10th of August 2024 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 17th of August 2024 | Saturday 24th of August 2024 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 31st of August 2024 | Saturday 7th of September 2024 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 14th of September 2024 | Saturday 21st of September 2024 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 28th of September 2024 | Saturday 5th of October 2024 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 12th of October 2024 | Saturday 19th of October 2024 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 26th of October 2024 | Saturday 2nd of November 2024 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 9th of November 2024 | Saturday 16th of November 2024 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 23rd of November 2024 | Saturday 30th of November 2024 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 7th of December 2024 | Saturday 14th of December 2024 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 21st of December 2024 | Saturday 28th of December 2024 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 4th of January 2025 | Saturday 11th of January 2025 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 18th of January 2025 | Saturday 25th of January 2025 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 1st of February 2025 | Saturday 8th of February 2025 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 15th of February 2025 | Saturday 22nd of February 2025 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 1st of March 2025 | Saturday 8th of March 2025 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 15th of March 2025 | Saturday 22nd of March 2025 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 29th of March 2025 | Saturday 5th of April 2025 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 12th of April 2025 | Saturday 19th of April 2025 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 26th of April 2025 | Saturday 3rd of May 2025 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 10th of May 2025 | Saturday 17th of May 2025 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 24th of May 2025 | Saturday 31st of May 2025 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 7th of June 2025 | Saturday 14th of June 2025 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 21st of June 2025 | Saturday 28th of June 2025 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 5th of July 2025 | Saturday 12th of July 2025 | [request availability] |
| Saturday 19th of July 2025 | Saturday 26th of July 2025 | [request availability] |