5 days cruise Yacht Monserrat – A

Morning – Arrival at Baltra Airport:

Your TCC (Transit Control Card), also known as the Ingala card (US$20 per person), will be issued digitally after you complete an online form. At the airport, this digital card will be checked, and your luggage will be inspected to ensure that no non-native plant or animal species are introduced. In addition, the Galápagos National Park entrance fee (US$200) must be paid upon arrival if it has not already been paid.

Your guide will welcome you at the airport, assist with your luggage, and accompany you on the short bus ride to the harbor, where you will board the yacht.

After meeting the crew and captain, you will be shown to your cabin.

Afternoon – Dragon Hill: Dragon Hill is one of the best places in the Galápagos to observe two iconic species: Galápagos land iguanas and American flamingos. You will hike past giant Opuntia cacti where these impressive “dragons” feed and nest.

The trail crosses coastal vegetation zones and dry forest areas with endangered tropical dry forest ecosystems. During the warm and humid season in the first half of the year, the landscape turns lush and green. Massive Opuntia cacti and palo santo trees have developed different survival strategies to thrive in this arid environment.

Dragon Hill is also famous for its scenic saltwater lagoons behind the beach, which attract seasonal flocks of flamingos. Panoramic views across the bay and dramatic red lava formations make this one of the most photogenic locations on Santa Cruz Island.

Morning – Buccaneer Cove: After breakfast, you will explore the coastline along the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove while learning about the area’s fascinating history. The bay is home to numerous seabirds, sea lions, and tidal-zone wildlife.

You will also admire remarkable geological formations such as Elephant Rock and The Bishop, as well as a spectacular natural cave. Activities here may include snorkeling, dinghy rides, or excursions aboard a glass-bottom boat.

Afternoon – Puerto Egas: In the afternoon, you will sail south to Puerto Egas, famous for its fur seal grottos and dramatic volcanic coastline. During a guided coastal walk, you will discover black basalt lava, colorful ash layers, collapsed lava tunnels, natural arches, caves, and tidal pools known as “Darwin’s Toilet.”

Sea lions often rest in shaded grottos beneath stone arches, while bright red Sally Lightfoot crabs create a vivid contrast against the dark volcanic rocks.

Morning – Vicente Roca Point (Isabela): Vicente Roca Point lies at the mouth of Isabela’s seahorse-shaped coastline. As you enter a dark cave beneath a spectacular arch, the echoes of the waves create an unforgettable atmosphere. Nearby, the collapsed amphitheater of Volcano Ecuador offers another impressive volcanic landscape.

The calm and protected waters provide excellent snorkeling opportunities with sharks, Galápagos penguins, pufferfish, and even seahorses.

Afternoon – Espinoza Point (Fernandina): Espinoza Point is the only visitor site on Fernandina Island and one of the most extraordinary places in the Galápagos. It is home to the famous flightless cormorant, found only in the western Galápagos, and considered one of evolution’s most remarkable examples.

You will also admire vast colonies of marine iguanas and dramatic lava fields beneath the impressive cone of La Cumbre Volcano. The narrow lava peninsula was formed when molten lava reached the cold ocean and solidified instantly.

Morning – Urbina Bay (Isabela): Urbina Bay is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on Isabela’s western coast. In 1954, a dramatic geological uplift raised the coastline by more than one kilometer, leaving coral reefs and marine organisms exposed on land.

Today, the area is home to colorful land iguanas, giant tortoises from the Alcedo population, and numerous Darwin’s finches.

Afternoon – Tagus Cove (Isabela): You will navigate along the cliffs of Tagus Cove, where dinghy rides often reveal Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and other seabirds.

A short hike leads to a viewpoint overlooking Darwin Lake, a saltwater crater lake saltier than the ocean itself. From here, several volcanoes can be seen in the distance. Along the cliffs, you may notice historic graffiti left behind by pirates and whalers centuries ago.

Morning – Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz): Located on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove offers a unique landscape that resembles an Amazon rainforest more than a marine environment.

You will explore the calm emerald lagoon and surrounding mangrove-lined coves by dinghy. The crystal-clear waters provide excellent opportunities to observe white-tip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, and eagle rays beneath the surface.

After the excursion, you will be transferred to Baltra Airport for your return or onward flight.