Central Galapagos Small Group Journey

Arrival at Baltra Airport and transfer to the Itabaca Channel to take a ferry across to Santa Cruz Island. A 30-minute bus ride takes us to a restaurant in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island to enjoy lunch, and then continue to Puerto Ayora. Drive down from the highlands and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. Late afternoon stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking on Yacht Isabela II for captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner. (D)

A stunning anchorage provides our jumping-off point for our visit to this sandy white beach with many sea lion harems. Snorkelling and swimming from the beach, kayaking or a ride in our glass-bottom boat rounds off the rewarding experience. Continue to South Plaza Island where one finds sea lion colonies, while sea birds play with the thermals that form along the cliffs of this small but amazing island. (B,L,D)

The morning starts with an enjoyable walk along the coast and the interior of North Seymour island, a favourite of many visitors, observing numerous bird colonies as well as sea lions and marine iguanas. There are opportunities for snorkelling or coastal exploration. We can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world. Continue to Las Bachas after WWII, US military barges were beached and abandoned here. Today it is an important nesting area for the east Pacific green sea turtle. Swimming and/or snorkelling from the beach. (B,L,D)

This morning, a Galápagos icon awaits: Bartolomé Island. A great way to start the day, with a steep climb up a wooden staircase: the view from the top is worth the effort! Following the walk, we take to the dinghies for a ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, followed by time to enjoy the beach and some snorkelling. We can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world. Continue to Sullivan Bay (James Island) after lunch, we board the pangas to land at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago, a white coral sand beach great for swimming or snorkeling, and with a trail over a lava field that flowed here less than 100 years ago. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we leave for the airport to take the flight back to the mainland. (B)