Itinerary D Endemic Cruise

Transfer from Baltra airport to M/C Endemic. Bartholomew Island is your next stop after lunch. You will then ascend the hill to enjoy the breathtaking panorama of Sullivan Bay, including the Pinnacle rock. Snorkeling is a great way to explore the underwater world. If you are lucky, you may even get the chance to swim with penguins.

After breakfast in the morning, we will visit Devil's Crown, an underwater volcanic cone that has been almost completely covered by Galapagos water. From above, only a portion of this rock formation is visible. It looks like a crown. Coral reefs and marine life are abundant in the underwater world. This visitor's point is also a bird sanctuary due to the location on open water. Visit Cormorant Point, where you can land on an olivine-green sandy beach. You will reach the lagoon of flamingos after a path 100 metres long. Afternoon, visit Baroness Lookout (Mirador de la Baronesa). The Baroness' Lookout is situated on Floreana Island to the North. This trail and the way to get there is easy. There are steps in place for safety. Your naturalist will share the legend surrounding the mysterious murder of Baroness. You can also visit the Post Office Bay to see the historic post barrels that were used by whalers to send their mail.

After breakfast, you'll visit Chinese Hat. This islet is located off the coast of Santiago and has a maximum height of 52 meters (160 feet). Chinese Hat, though easily accessible from Santa Cruz is usually only seen by passengers on a Galapagos Cruise. North Seymour Island will be explored in the late afternoon. The island is situated slightly north of Baltra. The island is low and flat, created by the uplift of submarine lava. It is covered with low-growing vegetation and contains the Galapagos' largest frigate bird colony. Blue-footed Boobies are also present in large numbers and perform a courtship dance that is amusing when the nesting conditions allow.

Enjoy a visit to Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz' north shore after breakfast. This is an example of the way mangroves change marine environments to produce a unique and rich habitat. The area is dominated by three mangroves species, extending from the coast to the lagoon which extends almost one mile inland. While you drift in the quiet waters of a zodiac you will likely see diamond-shaped mustard rays swimming in diamond patterns. The boat is slid under by white-tipped coral reef sharks, and Pacific green turtles are seen coming to the surface to breathe and mate. In the cove, waterfowl such as pelicans and herons, as well as egrets, feed. It is an idyllic place where you will feel peaceful. Transfer to the airport in Baltra for your flight back to Ecuador. At the airport, assistance and goodbyes are provided.