The Galapagos Islands

Long Itinerary

Day 1: U.S. / Guayaquil
After an evening arrival in Guayaquil, transfer to the Hilton Colon.

Day 2: Guayaquil / San Cristóbal
Arrive by plane to San Cristóbal Island and transfer to the Isabela II. After lunch, take a Panga ride (skiff) for an exciting coastal exploration of the shoreline of Isla Lobos, named after the colony of sea lions present there most of the year. Join the Captain for a welcome cocktail and dinner this evening. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Genovesa
The morning starts with a panga ride along the rocky cliff ledges of Genovesa Island. Disembark for a hike up Prince Philip’s Steps, which lead to the plateau surrounding Darwin Bay, providing wonderful opportunities for observing large colonies of masked boobies, frigate birds, and storm petrels. Following lunch on board, explore this favorite spot for birders, on land or in the water. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Santiago
After breakfast, disembark on the large, coffee-colored sand beach just north of the prized fresh water supply that once attracted pirates and whalers. A short walk inland takes you through a mangrove forest where sea turtles come to nest. Beyond the mangroves is a brackish lagoon where flocks of pink flamingos and white-cheeked pintails can be seen. After lunch on board, venture out onto the long lava shoreline teeming with a diverse variety of wildlife. Walk along the tidepools to see Sally Lightfoot crabs and observe a colony of Galapagos sea lions up close. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Fernandina / Isabela
The morning brings us to the youngest island of the archipelago, Fernandina. Disembark for a walk through the striking volcanic landscape of this remote island – home to the largest population of marine iguanas. At Punta Espinoza, a small inlet framed by mangroves, stroll among pelicans, frigates, hawks, and penguins, and keep your eyes open for the flightless cormorant. In the afternoon, head east to secluded Tagus Cove on the island of Isabela, where a hike to the saltwater-filled Darwin Crater will reveal stunning views of the area. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Isabela
After breakfast, disembark at Urbina Bay, located at the foot of volcanoes Alcedo and Darwin. Here you can find corals, shells, and many other calcareous organisms exposed above water. This area is also home to large and very colorful Galapagos land iguanas and giant tortoises. Along the shoreline guests may encounter flightless cormorants and penguins while snorkeling in this beautiful cove. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Rábida / Santa Cruz
Disembark at Rábida Island. A stroll along the unusual, red-colored beach of this small island reveals a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches. Snorkelers will enjoy the unique combination of underwater species and distinct landscapes. This afternoon at Cerro Dragón, view the bay and western islands of the archipelago along the trail to a natural nesting site for land iguanas. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Baltra / Guayaquil
After breakfast, disembark the ship at Baltra and board your flight to the mainland. In Guayaquil you’ll have an evening on your own to explore and overnight at the Hilton Colon. (B)

Day 9: Guayaquil / Depart for U.S.
In the morning, transfer to the airport to board your flight back home. (B)