Itinerary A Naturalist Cruise

Wednesday: Arrival Baltra / Santa Cruz Island

It is the center of the Archipelago with a diversity of wildlife and with amazing vegetation. This is the second largest island after Isabella, the most visited and offers lots of interesting places to visit. Puerto Ayora is the capital and it is in front of the sea, offering a relaxed and peaceful coastal town feeling. The highlands of Puerto Ayora are very interesting, you will see different vegetation, altitudes, weather and fauna. We can also admire the Giant Galapagos Tortoise roaming in its natural habitat. You can also explore a cavernous underground Lava Tunnel where you can view one of the geological wonders of our volcanic islands. You will also be able to explore some of the “backroads” of Santa Cruz on the way to Puerto Ayora.

AM: Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay

Santiago or “San Salvador” has an area of 585 square meters and an altitude of 907 meters. Dolphins, sharks, sea lions and flamingos are part of the wildlife of the island. Santiago has evidence of the pahoehoe lava flow. The lava shoreline has provided the island many of its attractions.

PM: Rabida Island

Jervis Island or Rabida Island is located at the south of Santiago, it is relatively a tiny Island with a rocky coastline. Its distinctive red appearance comes through the presence of iron on the surface of the craters that resented in the area. It has an area of 4.9 square kilometers and an altitude of 367 meters. Visitors have the single opportunity to see pelicans. Here nine of the fourteen species of finches are found.