Enchanted Galapagos Southern and Central Islands Cruise

AM: Journey to the Galapagos

Today marks the beginning of your trip to the Galapagos Islands. As per the regulations set by the Galapagos Government, a fee of 20 USD is required for the migration control card.

Upon reaching San Cristobal, passengers will undergo an airport inspection to ensure the exclusion of foreign plants or animals in the archipelago. Additionally, at this inspection point, visitors must make payments for entry to the Galapagos National Park, with the fees set at $200 for foreign passengers and $100 for children under 12 years old as of September 2024.

Subsequently, your guide will meet you and assist with transferring your luggage to the bus. Passengers will then board a motorized boat, known as a panga, to reach the Catamaran Seaman Journey.

PM: Gianni Arismendy Environmental Interpretation Centre

In the afternoon, explore the Gianni Arismendy Environmental Interpretation Centre, characterized by lush gardens and breathtaking ocean views. This center serves as a repository of knowledge on the geological and human history of the islands, conservation efforts, and natural history. As the oldest Natural History museum in the Galapagos Islands, it is dedicated to preserving the archipelago. Witnessing their research and conservation initiatives is not only informative but also truly inspiring and motivational.

AM: Exploration of Punta Pitt

Punta Pitt, situated at the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island, boasts a 90-meter beach and natural vantage points overlooking a weathered volcanic tuff hill. A 1,400-meter trail, named Oliviana, guides visitors from the beach to the summit, revealing diverse lava formations.

The hill, shaped by relentless winds, showcases awe-inspiring and otherworldly landscapes reminiscent of scenes from a science fiction film. Oliviana beach, adorned with an exquisite olive-yellow hue and bright crystals from lava and shell erosion, serves as a sunbathing spot for sea lions. Here, the spectacle unfolds as frigate birds, pelicans, herons, and seagulls soar overhead.

Pitt Islet stands out as a unique location where all three booby species (blue-footed, red-footed, and masked) and both frigate bird species coexist.

PM: Adventure on Lobos Island

Isla Lobos, a small and level islet, earns its name from the sea lions that playfully inhabit its beaches, their brown fur contrasting against the white sand. Accessible by a 20-minute boat ride (10 kilometers) from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island, it holds tourist diving status with two piers for underwater exploration accompanied by sea lions.

The protected channel surrounding the islet provides an exceptional snorkeling experience. A scenic 850-meter trail connects the piers, offering a one-hour walk to observe saltwater-tolerant coastal vegetation. The island derives its name from two sea lion species residing there—the California sea lions and the fur seals with dual fur layers, originating from Antarctica.