Itinerary B

Transfer to the boat after your arrival at San Cristobal Airport

Galapaguera

La Galapaguera, one of the Galapagos National Park's tortoise breeding centres, was built to increase the number of Geochelone Chatamensis giant tortoises in an environment that is similar to their natural habitat.

Darwin Bay

A half-mile trail (0.5km) leads to this white sand coral beach. It winds through mangroves full of land birds. Here you can find red-footed and swallow-tailed birds, as well as Nazca boobies. Further along the path, you will find tidal lakes where sea lions playfully swim. The spectacular view from the cliff is at the end.

El Barranco

El Barranco will be visited in the afternoon.

Bachas Beach

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.

Dragon Hill

Dragon Hill is one the few sites that directly relate to conservation programs of the Charles Darwin Foundation or the Galapagos National Park. This visitor site was created in 1993 to allow for additional opportunities to observe land iguanas. It is a great spot for snorkeling.

Vicente Roca Point

This bay is located on the island's northwestern coast and consists of two distinct coves. It has spectacular sea life. Here you might find seahorses and sea turtles as well as the fascinating, yet mysterious, mola-mola (sunfish). This bay is ideal for snorkeling and diving.

Urbina Bay

Urbina Bay lies at the base Alcedo Volcano's west coast, between Tagus Cove & Elizabeth Bay. The land grew 16 feet in 1954 after a significant uplift. The new coastline extended a half mile, leaving marine life behind. This area is great for snorkeling.

Fernandina Island: Espinosa Point

Fernandina Island has been home to no foreign species. It is therefore one of the most beautiful island ecosystems in the world. With lava fields reaching to the ocean, the volcano "La Cumbre", dominates the landspace. The island's most notable feature is the nesting place for flightless cormorants. This is a wonderful spot to view the Galapagos Hawk.

Isabela Island: Tagus Cove

It is located across from Fernandina island, close to the Bolivar Channel that divides the two islands. The area has been used as an anchorage point by ships since the 1800s. The stunning views from the trails that wind by Lake Darwin to a ridge are breathtaking. Punta Tortuga is a beautiful beach that is surrounded by mangroves, located just north of Tagus Cove.

Rabida Island

Rabida Island (Jervis), one of the archipelago's most beautiful and volcanically diverse islands, is a wonderful snorkeling spot. The island's red sandy beach and spectacular lookouts offer stunning landscapes. It is a paradise for birdwatchers. There are nine species of finches, large-billed flycatchers and Galapagos Hawks that are rare, as well as brown pelicans and Galapagos hawks.

Santa Cruz Island: Black Turtle Cove

It is located in Santa Cruz's northern region. This inlet is protected by mangroves, and can only be reached by a dinghy. This cove is safe haven for young marine animals. Here you will often see sea turtles, white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, as well as a variety of rays.

Highlands

The highlands of Santa Cruz can be reached by bus from Puerto Ayora. They are deep green and contrast beautifully with the lower, dry islands. Scalesia trees are the dominant vegetation of the highlands, giving it its lush green color. Walking through the lava tubes underground, which are over half a mile in length, is an amazing, surreal experience.

Fausto Llerena Breeding Center

The Fausto Llerena Tortoise Center is a long-term program jointly run by the Galapagos National Park Directorate (Charles Darwin Foundation) and the Charles Darwin Foundation. It was established in 1965 to save Pinzon's giant tortoise population.

Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center

As part of the Interpretation and Environment Education Project, Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center opened in 1998. Expositions on conservation, natural history, and human history are available to visitors.

Transfer to San Cristobal Airport