Itinerary "A"

DAY 1 – MONDAY

Arrive to San Cristobal Island where your private Guide will meet you after passing through the Galapagos National Park control. Meet and greet with your Naturalist Guide and a few members of the crew who will take you immediately to the yacht, anchored in Puerto Villamil’s main bay.

PM: Lobos island:

Lobos Island, located just off the coast of San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos archipelago, is a captivating haven of natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Named after its resident population of Galápagos sea lions (lobos marinos in Spanish), this island offers a unique and intimate opportunity to witness these charming creatures in their natural habitat.

With its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and volcanic landscapes, Lobos Island presents an idyllic setting for exploration and observation. Visitors to Lobos Island can expect: sea lion encounters, snorkeling delights, bird watching opportunities, tranquil beaches, natural wonders.

DAY 2 – TUESDAY

AM: Punta Pitt – San Cristobal Island

Punta Pitt, situated on the northeastern tip of San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos archipelago, is a captivating and rugged destination that offers an immersive experience in both nature and wildlife. Renowned for its unique geological features and diverse inhabitants like frigate-birds, storm petrels, and three type of booby birds: the Nazca, blue-footed and red-footed boobies. Punta Pitt promises an unforgettable adventure for those seeking an authentic wildlife.

PM: Witch Hill – San Cristobal Island

Witch Hill, located on the northern coast of San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos archipelago, is a place of enchanting beauty and intriguing geological formations. This captivating site, also known as Cerro Brujo in Spanish, offers a unique blend of pristine beaches, vibrant underwater life, and a rich history that unfolds amidst the stunning landscapes. Witch Hill boasts powdery white sand beaches that stretch along the coastline, providing a serene and picturesque setting. The contrast between the bright sand, turquoise waters, and the deep blue sky creates a postcard-worthy backdrop.

The beach and the surrounding cliffs offer prime birdwatching opportunities. Visitors might spot blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, and frigatebirds, among other species, engaging in their natural behaviors. The crystalline waters around Witch Hill are perfect for snorkeling. Underwater explorers can encounter a diverse array of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and playful sea lions that often glide gracefully through the clear waters.

DAY 3 – WEDNESDAY

AM: Gardner Bay – Espanola Island

Gardner Bay, nestled on the northeastern coast of Española Island in the Galápagos archipelago, is a paradisiacal haven that beckons with its pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant wildlife. This breathtaking bay offers a glimpse into the unspoiled beauty and unique ecology that make the Galápagos Islands a natural wonder. The soft, powdery sands of Gardner Bay stretch along the coastline, inviting visitors to stroll, sunbathe, or simply relax in the lap of nature’s tranquility. The brilliant white sands contrast against the deep blue of the ocean, creating a picturesque setting.

Gardner Bay is home to a vibrant population of Galápagos sea lions. These charismatic creatures can often be seen sunbathing on the beaches or frolicking in the waves, providing an enchanting spectacle for visitors. The bay and its surroundings offer exceptional birdwatching opportunities. Blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and Española mockingbirds are among the avian species that call this island home, providing bird enthusiasts with a captivating experience. Gardner Bay’s breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife interactions, and vivid colors provide a wealth of photographic opportunities. Capturing the blend of ocean, sand, and vibrant life is a rewarding pursuit.

PM: Suarez Point – Espanola Island

Suarez Point, is a natural wonderland that encapsulates the essence of this unique paradise. With its rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and azure waters stretching as far as the eye can see, Suarez Point offers a captivating spectacle of nature’s grandeur. Home to an array of remarkable wildlife, from the iconic waved albatrosses with their elegant aerial displays to the comical blue-footed boobies engaging in their charming courtship dances, every step on this rocky terrain unveils a new chapter in the intricate story of life on the Galápagos Islands. The Blow Hole, an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, adds a touch of drama to the scene as it erupts with a resounding burst of ocean spray. Suarez Point is a testament to the delicate balance of these ecosystems and a reminder of the importance of preserving these pristine landscapes for future generations to marvel at and cherish.

DAY 4 – THURSDAY

AM: Punta Cormorant – Floreana Island

Cormorant Point, nestled along the northern coast of Española Island in the Galápagos archipelago, is a captivating destination that invites exploration of its diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, and intriguing geological features. This enchanting site offers a multifaceted experience that showcases the raw beauty and ecological significance of the Galápagos Islands. As you set foot on the shores of Cormorant Point, you’ll be greeted by the sight of vibrant pink flamingos wading in the brackish lagoon. These elegant birds create a striking contrast against the blue waters, making for a remarkable photographic opportunity.

The olivine crystals in the volcanic sand give Cormorant Point’s beach a unique greenish hue. This beach, which is a nesting site for sea turtles, offers a tranquil setting for relaxation, beachcombing, and enjoying the stunning coastal vistas. Cormorant Point is a haven for birdwatchers. Along with flamingos, you may spot other avian species, including Galápagos hawks, Darwin’s finches, and Española mockingbirds, which are unique to the island.

Devil’s Crown: Just off the coast of Cormorant Point lies Devil’s Crown, a partially submerged volcanic crater that has become a renowned snorkeling and diving site. The clear waters are teeming with marine life, including colorful fish, rays, and even sharks.

PM: Post Office Bay – Floreana Island

At the heart of Post Office Bay stands a weathered barrel, serving as a makeshift post office since the 18th century. Sailors and travelers would leave letters here, hoping they would be picked up and delivered by passing ships, creating a timeless system of communication that bridged the vastness of the ocean. Even today, visitors are encouraged to participate in this tradition, leaving postcards to be hand-delivered by fellow travelers who might be heading towards the intended destination.

Beyond its historical significance, Post Office Bay offers a serene escape into nature’s embrace. Soft sandy beaches invite relaxation, while the clear turquoise waters invite you to cool off with a refreshing swim or snorkel. Keep an eye out for playful sea lions and curious marine iguanas, as they share the shoreline with you, offering a glimpse into the unique Galápagos ecosystem.

DAY 5 – FRIDAY

AM: North Seymour Island

This small but captivating island is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity and close encounters with some of the Galápagos’ most iconic inhabitants.As you step onto North Seymour’s rocky terrain, you’re immediately greeted by a bustling community of blue-footed boobies, nesting frigatebirds, and magnificent frigatebirds with their inflated red pouches. The island’s rugged landscape is a canvas painted with the vibrant hues of these birds, offering a rare opportunity to witness their intricate mating rituals and nesting behaviors up close.

Wandering the trails that crisscross the island, you’ll be treated to encounters with land iguanas, their prehistoric features a testament to the island’s unique evolutionary history. The rocky shores provide a haven for marine life, where playful sea lions frolic in the waves and shorebirds go about their daily routines.

Beyond its wildlife spectacle, North Seymour Island boasts panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and neighboring islands, offering a serene and awe-inspiring backdrop for your exploration. Each step on this enchanting island unveils a new chapter in the Galápagos’ ongoing story of adaptation and survival.

PM: Bartolome Island

Bartolomé Island, a jewel in the Galápagos crown, beckons with its otherworldly landscapes and captivating natural beauty. This volcanic wonderland showcases the raw forces of nature, offering a glimpse into Earth’s primal creation. As you step ashore in a dry landing, the moon-like landscape unfolds before you, dominated by the iconic Pinnacle Rock—an ancient volcanic formation that stands as a testament to the island’s tumultuous past. A hike to the summit rewards you with panoramic views of neighboring islands and the azure expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Beneath the waves, a kaleidoscope of marine life thrives. Snorkeling along the shores reveals vibrant schools of fish, graceful rays, and even the occasional Galápagos penguin darting through the crystal-clear waters.

Bartolomé’s pristine beaches invite relaxation, and encounters with sea lions and marine iguanas provide intimate connections with the island’s charismatic inhabitants. This is a place where the dance of evolution and geology unfolds in every rock and ripple, offering a profound and unforgettable Galápagos experience.

DAY 6 – SATURDAY

AM: Darwin Bay – Genovesa Island

Named after the renowned naturalist Charles Darwin, this bay is a living canvas where the drama of life’s evolution unfolds before your eyes. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by a crescent-shaped beach fringed by lush mangroves, offering a glimpse into the island’s vibrant ecosystem. As you venture further inland, the air comes alive with the symphony of seabirds—red-footed and Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and more—engaging in their intricate rituals of courtship and nesting. The bay’s cliffs rise dramatically, adorned with the intricate nests of frigatebirds, which fill the skies with their majestic flights. The sea below teems with marine life, providing sustenance for these magnificent avian inhabitants.

Descending upon the sandy shores, you’ll find yourself amidst a thriving community of marine iguanas and sea lions, seemingly unfazed by your presence. As you explore the trails that meander through the island’s heart, you’re immersed in the vibrant tapestry of life that defines the Galápagos. The dramatic scenery, coupled with the intimate encounters with wildlife, make Darwin Bay an essential stop for anyone seeking to witness the unscripted marvels of the natural world.

PM: Darwin Bay – Genovesa Island

Also known as Prince Philip’s Steps, this unique terrain offers a captivating blend of dramatic landscapes and thriving wildlife.Ascending the steps that carve through the rocky cliffs, you’re transported into a realm where seabirds rule the skies. Red-footed and Nazca boobies gracefully glide on the breeze, while storm petrels dart through the air, creating a mesmerizing ballet of flight. As you delve deeper into the heart of Barranco, the landscape transforms into a lush sanctuary. Prickly pear cacti stand tall, providing a haven for finches and other avian species. The rustling of feathers and the gentle cooing of doves form a harmonious chorus, inviting you to embrace the tranquility of this secluded haven.

The Barranco’s dramatic vistas and thriving ecosystems provide a captivating glimpse into the intricate web of life that defines the Galápagos. It is a place where exploration takes on new dimensions, where the mysteries of evolution and adaptation are etched into every rock and branch. Whether you’re an avid naturalist or simply a lover of beauty, the Barranco promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.

DAY 7 – SUNDAY

AM: South Plaza Island

This is a small but captivating island that offers a symphony of colors, life, and unique ecological interactions. As you set foot on its shores, you’re immediately greeted by a vibrant carpet of scarlet sesuvium plants, creating a striking contrast against the black volcanic rock. Land iguanas, adorned in shades of gold and bronze, blend seamlessly with this surreal landscape, forging a connection between earth and sky.

The island’s cliffs teem with avian life, as red-billed tropicbirds and swallow-tailed gulls find refuge in the craggy ledges. Yet, it’s the colony of bachelor sea lions that truly steals the show, with their playful antics and charming charisma offering a delightful spectacle. Walking the trails that wind through South Plaza’s heart, you’ll encounter unique interactions between flora and fauna. Prickly pear cacti provide sustenance for finches, while marine iguanas, perfectly adapted to their surroundings, laze beneath the equatorial sun.

PM: Santa Fe Island

Upon arrival, you’re greeted by turquoise waters that caress the powdery white beach, creating a postcard-perfect setting. As you step ashore, a colony of playful sea lions welcomes you with their curious glances and spirited frolicking, showcasing the harmonious relationship between man and wildlife on the island. Santa Fe’s landscape is marked by towering opuntia cacti, which stand as sentinels of time, having weathered the island’s diverse ecosystems for generations. Land iguanas, adorned in hues of bronze and gold, bask beneath the equatorial sun, embodying the island’s unique evolutionary story.

A leisurely stroll along the island’s trails offers glimpses of endemic species such as the Santa Fe rice rat and the Santa Fe land iguana, offering a sense of connection to this untouched realm. Snorkeling in the surrounding waters reveals a kaleidoscope of marine life, from colorful reef fish to graceful rays gliding through the depths. Santa Fe Island’s pristine beauty and serene ambiance make it a perfect retreat for those seeking solace in nature’s embrace.

DAY 8 – MONDAY

AM: Twin craters – Santa Cruz Island

The Twin Craters, twin volcanic calderas that evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue. As if nature itself has carved a portal to another realm, these enigmatic formations stand as silent sentinels of the island’s tumultuous geological past. Approaching the Twin Craters, you’re greeted by a surreal landscape that seems to belong to a different world. The colossal depressions, formed by ancient volcanic activity, are now lush oases of greenery, creating a stark contrast between the towering walls and the vibrant plant life within.

Venturing into the craters, you’ll find yourself immersed in a thriving ecosystem that thrives within these natural basins. Scalesia trees, unique to the Galápagos, cast their shadows on the path, while vibrant ferns and epiphytes cling to the moss-covered walls. Birdsong fills the air as Darwin finches and other avian inhabitants flit among the branches, adding to the ethereal atmosphere.

After this visit you will be taking to the Baltra airport onto the VIP lounge in time for your return flight to mainland.

On board, the Stella Maris has a profesional and experienced crew who work hard and with high enthusiasm to make our clients travel experience the best. At the office, our sales and reservations staff answers our clients questions in a timely fashion with efficiency and personal service.

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