Galapagos Southern, Central and Western Islands Cruise

AM: Flight to Galapagos

On this day, you will fly to the Galapagos Islands. Due to the Galapagos Government, a fee of 20 USD must be paid for the migration control card.

Once in San Cristobal, passengers must go through an airport inspection point to ensure that no foreign plants or animals are being introduced to the archipelago. Also, this inspection point is where passengers have to pay for the entrance to the Galapagos National Park under the following parameters:

As of September 2024, Foreign Passengers $200 and Children $100 (under 12 years old).

Later on, your guide will pick you up and will carry your luggage to the bus. Passengers will arrive on a motorised boat called a panga at the Catamaran Seaman Journey.

PM: Gianni Arismendy Environmental Interpretation Centre

Photo: DanFLCreativo

This is an interpretation centre with exuberant gardens and stunning ocean views. Visitors to the Interpretation Centre can learn about the geological and human history of the islands, conservation facts, and natural history. This is the oldest museum of Natural History in the Galapagos Islands, which attempts to preserve the archipelago. It is inspiring and motivating to watch and learn about all of their research and attempts.

AM: San Cristobal Island, Punta Pitt

Photo: marktucan

Punta Pitt is located at the eastern end of San Cristóbal Island, boasting a beach of approximately 90 meters and several natural viewpoints overlooking an eroded hill made of volcanic tuff.

A 1,400-meter trail leads from the beach called Oliviana to the hill’s summit, which displays various colors due to different types of lava.

The strong winds prevailing on the hill have naturally eroded it, resulting in fantastic and memorable landscapes reminiscent of scenes from a science fiction movie.

The sand of Oliviana Beach is adorned with a beautiful olive-yellow hue, adorned with bright crystals from lava erosion and shells. Here, sea lions bask in the sun while observing the flight of frigatebirds, pelicans, herons, and seagulls.

Pitt Islet is one of the rare locations where all three species of boobies (blue-footed, red-footed, and masked) and the two species of frigatebirds can be observed within the same vicinity.

PM: Lobos Island, San Cristobal Island

© Latin Trails

Isla Lobos is a small, flat islet. The name Isla Lobos is given to it because it is home to several sea lions, which frolic on the beach; their brown fur stands out against the white sand. Isla Lobos is approximately 20 minutes by boat (10 kilometres) from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island. Classified as a tourist diving site, it has 2 piers from which tourists can explore the bottom of the ocean accompanied by sea lions.

In its waters, a protected channel offers a fantastic place for snorkelling. An 850-metre-long trail runs along the island, connecting the two piers. The estimated time of the walk is one hour, during which you can observe coastal vegetation of saltwater-tolerant plants. Its name is due to the two species of sea lions that inhabit it. The sea lions are related to the California sea lions, while the two-furred sea lions, known as fur seals, have their origins in Antarctica.

The pools with salty water behind the sand dunes were used by the fishermen as a salt mine in order to preserve food for the local population. Among the fauna you can observe the Chatham Mockingbird and the San Cristobal Lava Lizards, both species are endemic to the island and unique to the area. Furthermore, you will see the Galapagos turtles and with luck, the little bird known as the Pájaro Brujo in Spanish, an endemic species in San Cristobal Island.

The vegetation covers all the route, where you can find species like the candelabrum cactus and carob trees. Located on the north coast of Isla San Cristobal it is a peaceful place with white sand and crystal water, a perfect combination for an incredible stay.