Amazing East & Central Islands Boat Journey


Truly a majestic and one of a kind 9 days boat tour discovering the many marvels that the East and the North Archipelago can offer with a carefully crafted itinerary filled with wonderful highlights. This amazing journey is definitely more enjoyable when you are cruising a spectacular Deluxe medium-size boat like La Pinta, offering quality and personalized services on board plus the promise of a memorable adventure.
Day 1: Baltra Island & South Plaza Island

 Thursday: Arrival / Baltra

Departure from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island (2 ½-hour flight). Arriving in the Galapagos, passengers are picked up at the airport by our natural guides and taken to a ten-minute bus drive to the pier to board your Yacht.

PM: South Plaza

The turquoise waters of the channel here contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline, while a carpet of scarlet Sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus beyond, populated by yellow-grey land iguanas. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while sea birds play with the thermals that form along the cliffs of this small but spectacular island. 

Day 2: Santa Fe Island & San Cristobal Island: Cerro Colorado

AM: Santa Fe

In the morning, take the dinghy over to this idyllic sandy-white beach populated by large colonies of curious sea lions; majestic Hawks are often observed perched atop salt bushes. Santa Fe’s Land Iguana is unique to this island and can be spotted during the walk. We can also enjoy snorkeling and swimming along a natural wave barrier or a great ride on board the glass-bottom boat.

PM: Cerro Colorado

After lunch, we disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Galapagos’ capital; take a 45-minute drive to the southern shore. At Cerro Colorado, we visit the breeding center for highly endangered Giant Tortoises in the midst of a fantastic deciduous forest, home to dozens of bird species, including the San Cristobal mockingbird, and the San Cristobal lava lizard.

 
Day 3: San Cristobal: Pitt Point & Witch Hill

AM: Pitt Point

Landing at the eastern part of San Cristobal Island, the trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline; we can observe frigate birds and a colony of juvenile sea lions. After the walk, if conditions are favorable, there is a chance to swim from the beach and snorkel. 
 

PM: Witch Hill

In the afternoon, a relaxing dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers takes us to Cerro Brujo’s expansive, white coral beach, great for walking, with rewarding bird-watching featuring seabirds and shore birds. Also, look out for Galapagos sea lions. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835.

Day 4: Española Island: Suarez Point & Gardner Bay

AM: Suarez Point

Our morning outing at Punta Suarez provides an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April – January), boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous “blowhole” lava formation; also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas.

PM: Gardner Bay

In the afternoon, we set down at this beautiful, white coral beach for a short walk to observe the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches, or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkeling in this area, or else there’s time to kayak or ride the glass-bottom boat.

 
Day 5: Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Station & Highlands

AM: Charles Darwin Station

The morning visit heads towards the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora; These are the Galapagos’ headquarters of scientific investigation, Tortoise breeding center, conservation and the National Park administration. A delicious lunch is served at the poolside of the Finch Bay Eco Hotel.

PM: Santa Cruz Highlands

After lunch, we head up to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island by vehicle. This is a great place to look for the emblematic Darwin’s Finches and the endemic Scalesia trees. The highlands are also great for exploring the exuberant vegetation where giant tortoises roam in the wild.

 
Day 6: Chinese Hat Islet: Eden Islet & Chinese Hat

AM: Eden Islet

In the morning a panga ride takes us to Eden Islet, located off the coast of Santa Cruz, where we can observe blue footed boobies diving into the water for food, frigates and also reef sharks. There is the chance of snorkeling and, if weather conditions permit, to ride in the glass-bottom boat. The volcanic setting of this area is quite stunning due to its variety of volcanic debris, including cinder cones, tuff cones, and semi-eroded lava flows. 

PM: Chinese Hat
The small island of Sombrero Chino gets its name from its appearance, reminiscent of a Chinese hat. This islet, formed only fairly recently, makes a beautiful visit as one explores the wildlife along its 400-metre long trail, which begins at a crescent-shaped white sandy beach. The cove offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities amid endemic Penguins and white-tipped reef sharks.

 
Day 7: Bartolome Island & Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay

AM: Bartolome

On this morning, 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 immense Pinnacle Rock, followed by time to enjoy the beach and some snorkeling or discover marine life on board he glass-bottom boat. 

PM: Sullivan Bay

After lunch, we board the pangas to land at Sullivan Bay (east coast of Santiago); wet-landing at  a white coral sand beach great for snorkeling, and with a trail over a lava field that flowed here less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galapagos while observing its wildlife. 

Day 8: Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay & Prince Philips Steps

AM: Darwin Bay

In the morning, we begin our exploration of this island with an easy stroll to observe marine and land birds. There is an optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or else we can return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbour. The more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs or Paddle Sea kayaks. 

PM: Prince Philip’s Steps

Our afternoon starts with a very interesting panga ride along the cliffs before we disembark for a short, yet steep climb up a wooden staircase. Once at the top, the land is flat, allowing for a captivating walk of about a mile to the other side of this small island, observing large colonies of Frigate birds, Nazca boobies, storm petrels and the elusive short eared owl.

 
Day 9: Baltra Airport & Transfer out

AM: Baltra

After a nostalgic farewell Breakfast, we prepare for transfer to the airport for flight back to Mainland, carrying great memories of this unforgettable experience.

Highlights

  • Delight to your senses as you enjoy Ecuadorian and International cuisine on the many dining areas of your boat.
  • Snorkel with Penguins, Sea lions and school of fishes at Bartolome.
  • Pristine white coral beaches and clear ocean waters to recreate an Eden-like scenario.
  • Explore the long trail of Chinese Hat filled with untamed and fearless wildlife.
  • Wonderful picture opportunity in Española at the amazing blow-hole and Waved-albatrosses.
  • Land Iguanas, Hawks and large Sea Lion colonies in such small terrain at Santa Fe Island.
  • A paradise of adventure awaits in Sullivan Bay with unreal volcanic landscapes and a pristine sandy beach.
  • Fantastic opportunity for birdwatching at Pitt Point and Witch Hill.
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