Fly to San Cristobal Island's Capital of Galapagos. Enjoy a tasty lunch aboard with the crew, meet the friendly crew, and settle into your cabin.
This striking rock formation, located just a few hours from San Cristobal's western shore, is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in the Galapagos. The rocks rise vertically hundreds of feet from the sea, separated by a narrow channel. You will be able to see amazing marine life such as sea turtles, tropical fish, and even sharks. You will be greeted by hundreds of seabirds on this rock formation.
Rabida Island (Jervis), one of the most beautiful and volcanically diverse islands in the archipelago, is a great snorkeling spot. The island is home to a beautiful maroon sandy beach with stunning views of breathtaking landscapes. It is home to nine species of Galapagos Hawks, nine types of finches, brown pelicans and large-billed flycatchers.
The island is home to the Pinnacle Rock. It is an extinct volcano that has a variety red, orange and black volcanic formations. The summit is reached via a series of steps known as Prince Philip's Steps. It boasts one of the most spectacular views in the world. This beach is ideal for snorkeling, and you may be able to spot the Galapagos penguin.
On the southeast side of Santiago, you will find Sullivan Bay. Because of the lava flows, this area is very interesting. The lava flows have created small volcanoes that rise to the top of the mountain.
Dragon Hill, located in northern Santa Cruz Island, is a visitors' spot that consists of a 1,600m long trail that passes through three environments. It is very rugged. It's great for snorkeling at high tide. This is where you will find the typical intertidal and dry zones of vegetation.
The highlands of Santa Cruz can be reached by bus from Puerto Ayora. They are richly green and contrast well with the lower islands. Scalesia trees are the dominant vegetation in these highlands, creating a lush green forest. Walking through the underground lava tunnels that run over half a mile is an amazing, surreal experience. Here you can have lunch.
Los Gemelos or the Twin Craters are located on opposite sides of the road from Puerto Ayora and Baltra. These formations are not real craters. They were formed by the collapse of material in fissures or underground chambers. It is stunning.
El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip's Steps, is steep and rocky. It leads to a high cliff-face, from which you can enjoy breathtaking views.
The white sand coral beach is the beginning of a half-mile trail that winds through mangroves full of land birds such as swallow-tailed and Nazca boobies. Further along the path, you will find tidal swimming pools where sea-lions playfully. The cliff at the end offers spectacular views. It is possible to spot hammerhead sharks while snorkeling.
This is a popular spot for Sally Lightfoot and marine iguanas. These crabs are attracted by hunting herons who perform the dance of prey and predator. The site is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, moray eels and octopi. Buccaneer cove is another highlight of the island.
It is a testimony to the fact Santiago Island was once home to British buccaneers. The protected bay was used by the pirates to repair and stockpile tortoise meat, among other things. It is a stunning sight to see the steep cliffs where hundreds of seabirds perch on the red sand beach.
The site is also known as James Bay. It is home to the magnificent Galapagos Hawks and the sneaky Galapagos Lava Lizards. You will find beautiful tide pools and grottos filled with fauna along the trail. The Galapagos fur sea-lions can be seen basking in the sun. You can also snorkel here and have fun with playful sea-lions.
Las Bachas, a swimming beach is located on Santa Cruz's north shore. You can see a floating pier here, one of the few vestiges of U.S. World War II in the Galapagos. There are flamingos and Sally Lightfoot crabs as well as hermit crabs, black necked Stilts, and whimbrels. You may also see sea turtles nesting on the beach.
Continue on to Baltra Airport for your return flight to the Mainland.