9 days cruise yacht Estrella del Mar – B

Morning – Arrival at San Cristobal Airport: At the mainland airport, you have purchased your TCC or Ingala card and a luggage inspection has already been conducted to ensure that no foreign plant or animal species are introduced. Upon your arrival at the San Cristobal airport, your TCC (Transit Control Card) will be stamped. This must be kept in a safe place during your trip, as it must be presented again on your return flight. In addition, the Galapagos National Park entrance fee is due upon entry (US$100), if not already paid. Your guide will meet you at the airport, help you with your luggage and take you to the ship. After greeting the crew and captain, you will be assigned your cabins and then have your first lunch together.

Afternoon – Cerro Colorado: In the afternoon, you will visit the Turtle Conservation and Breeding Center in Cerro Colorado, about 40 minutes by bus from the southeast of the island. This center was built to help increase the population of turtles on the island. The center has a large enclosure, a visitor center, a hatchery and a walkway along which it is possible to see different species of native and endemic plants, as well as birds such as the San Cristóbal mockingbird, the golden warbler and many species of finches and the Galápagos flycatcher.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Morning – Pitt Point: Two wind-sculpted tufa cones at Pitt Point represent the eastern end of San Cristobal. On the small beach of green sand, you will be welcomed by barking Galapagos sea lions. A path behind the beach leads from the lodgepole and thorny bushes to an area of tropical, dry forest vegetation: year-round leafless palo santo trees, Cordia lutea bushes, opuntias and midday flowering plants that turn red during the dry season. After a steep climb through a gorge to the top, you can walk around the only colony of all three species of boobies in the Galapagos – red-footed, blue-footed and Nazca boobies.

Afternoon – Witch Hill, Kicker Rock: The main attraction at this site is the coral sand beach. It is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Witch Hill is a remnant of a tufa cone. It is one of the first places Charles Darwin visited. Captain Fitzroy climbed the hill to spy out reefs. It’s a stunning landscape that often makes it possible to see shorebirds and migratory birds, including pelicans, blue-footed boobies and fork-tailed gulls, as well as sea lions and marine lizards. Sometimes the lagoon is completely dry and there are salt deposits on the bottom. The people of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno used the lagoon as a salt mine. Kicker Rock is a huge boulder with a dagger-like tower next to it. It is 150 m high and has the shape of a shoe from the side (hence the name Kicker Rock). Lengthwise it looks more like a sleeping lion (hence the name in Spanish Leon Dormido). A dinghy ride and optional snorkeling is planned before breakfast, where you can see squids, different types of sharks and green turtles.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Morning – Gardner Bay: On the northeastern coast of Española Island, Gardner Bay offers a wonderful place to refresh in the turquoise sea and marvel at the large number of colorful reefs fishes. Snorkel side by side with green sea turtles or enjoy the proximity of playful Galapagos sea lions. The white sand beach is additionally an important breeding ground for green sea turtles. You may also spot whales in the crystal-clear ocean.

Afternoon – Suarez Point: This rocky area is home to the most impressive and diverse seabirds of the archipelago. The endangered Galapagos Albatross returns to Española Island annually (March – December). This allows visitors to marvel at the courtship dance characterized by whistles and bows (especially in October). Blue-footed and Nazca boobies, fork-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds are also native to this island. Along the southern coast, high cliffs allow spectacular views of soaring birds and seawater shooting up through air holes like fountains.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Morning – Baroness Lookout, Post Office Bay: In the north of Floreana Island is the beautiful “Baroness Lookout”. The island was the destination of the first colonialists in Galapagos. Among them was the Baroness Eloisa von Wagner. The viewpoint is located very close to the ruins of the house inhabited by the Baroness. From this viewpoint you have a wonderful view of the coastal landscape of Enderby Island to the Post Office Bay, Cerro Pajas, the Flamingo Lagoon and the Palo Santo Forest. Later, you will visit the Post Office Bay. The history of this place is closely linked to a wooden barrel that was built there by the crew of a whaling ship in the 18th century. At that time, the barrel was used by sailors as a post office. Even today, visitors use the barrel in the same way. The idea is to “send” letters and postcards to their destinations by placing them in the barrel. At the same time, other mail is taken out to be sent to one’s home address. This foreign mail is then delivered. Feel free to give it a try! It could well be that your mail gets to your destination faster this way than it would with Ecuadorian mail.

Afternoon – Devils Crown, Cormorant Point: Devil’s Crown is probably one of the best places to snorkel on the Galapagos Islands. Here you can observe an incredible variety of marine life. Along the shoreline you can spot many native seabirds including Galapagos Penguins, Blue-footed Boobies, magnificent Frigatebirds and Red-billed Tropicbirds, Fork-tailed Gulls and Lava Herons. Many birdwatchers also hope to catch a glimpse of the Florean Mockingbird atop the opuntias. This mockingbird is a keystone species scientifically and historically because it led Darwin on the trail of Adaptive Radiation theory. The peninsula of Cormorant Point forms the northern cape of Floreana, which was formed by a series of smaller volcanic cones covered with tropical dry forest (palo santo). The green sand on the beach at the site contains a high percentage of glassy olivine crystals that were blown out by the surrounding tuff cones. The ‘flour sand’ beach on the south side of the peninsula consists of even whiter coral sand that feels very smooth on the feet. Parrotfish have provided pulverization by grinding up calcium-bearing skeletons of still-living corals. You may spot schools of stingrays that like to bury themselves in the sandy bottom. During the first months of the year, green sea turtles come ashore to bury their eggs.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Morning – North Seymour: The shallow little island of North Seymour is an elevated part of the seabed. Among the scraggy bushes you can spot Galapagos Iguanas. You will also see many seabirds such as the brown pelican, red-billed tropicbirds, fork-tailed gulls and, depending on the season, Nazca boobies. The main attraction, however, is Galapagos’ largest breeding colony of blue-footed boobies – be careful not to step on their nests! – and frigatebirds. At the beginning of the breeding season, adult male frigatebirds inflate their bright red throat pouches to nearly the size of a soccer.

Afternoon – Bartolomé: Bartolomé Island rises 114 meters high across from Sullivan Bay. Climb the steps of the Bartolomé Summit Trail and be rewarded with panoramic views of volcanic peaks, moon-like craters and lava fields. The island has two stunning beaches, is home to sea turtles, and a very small colony of Galapagos penguins at the base of Pinnacle Rock.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Morning – Darwin Bay: Within the submerged caldera of Genovesa lies Darwin Bay. This bay with its beautiful sandy beach holds some surprises as you walk over barren lava formations, past tide pools and shrubs, and then climb cliffs at the end. Every single species you observe along the way has its own ecological niche. Whimbrels and migratory sandpipers actively forage in the surf alongside resting Galapagos sea lions. Impressive frigatebirds and red-footed boobies’ nest in the mangroves, where songbirds such as yellow warblers, Darwin’s finches and Galapagos mockingbirds can also be seen. Something special are the two subpopulations of cactus finches, distinguished only by their song. There is wonderful snorkeling from the sandy beach.

Afternoon – Prince Philip’s Steps (also called El Barranco): In the afternoon you will continue sailing to Prince Philip’s Steps, one of the two visitor points on Genovesa Island. Sometimes Galapagos fur seals rest on the rocky ledges. After climbing the steep stone steps, you will take a guided walk where you will see many different birds such as red-footed and blue-footed boobies. The red-footed boobies are almost only seen on Genovesa and nest in the palo santo trees. The bushes on the edge to the ocean side are loosening up and you can enjoy the incredible view and the ocean breeze. Continuing, you will pass by a colony of Nazca boobies and eventually reach nests of storm petrels, where, if you are lucky, you can also see the short-eared owl hunting.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Morning – South Plaza: After breakfast, you will take an unforgettable guided walk on South Plaza, the best place to encounter the native Galapagos land iguanas. Also, note the unique mix between a male marine lizard and a female land iguana. Once on the top ledge, you’ll get an impressive view of booming waves crashing against the cliffs some 20 meters below. Clouds of petrels, storm petrels, shearwaters and noddi terns delight you with their spectacular flights. Take your binoculars and watch the red-billed tropicbirds with their graceful tails and their spectacular mating fights. These cliffs are also the nesting sites of the native fork-tailed gulls. Before lunch, you will sail to Santa Fe, possibly accompanied by bottlenose dolphins.

Afternoon – Santa Fe: After lunch, you will be met directly by a Galapagos sea lion colony on the beach, where you will have time for either a refreshing swim or exceptional snorkeling surrounded by tropical reef fishes in the crystal-clear waters of Barrington Bay. In addition, you will see vast opuntia cactus forests. The largest cacti on the island have extremely thick trunks and can grow over 10 meters tall. After a wet landing on Santa Fe beach, take a guided nature walk. This extraordinary island is a remnant of what is probably the oldest volcano in Galapagos. Your guide will decide whether to follow an easy, short walk or a strenuous, longer hike inland (moderately difficult, about 3 km).

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Morning – El Chato Reserve, Twin Craters: The native Scalesia Forest of El Chato Turtle Reserve is the best place to observe Galapagos giant tortoises in their most authentic environment! Besides the interesting breeding centers – where you are guaranteed to find turtles in their enclosures – there is nothing better than observing them in their natural environment. It can get quite wet and muddy as you embark on an adventurous search for the turtles once they have silently left their favorite pond. The Cráteres Gemelos (twin craters) are located on both sides of the road leading to Puerto Ayora. These impressive formations are not really volcanic craters and were formed by magma domes that hardened on the outside while the lava continued to flow inside, leaving huge, empty magma chambers that eventually collapsed, leaving two large holes. The craters lie in the middle of a lush Scalesia cloud forest, a high-altitude plant species that is endemic to the Galapagos Islands. This area is also home to the carpenter finch, which uses tools to forage for food. There is also the possibility of seeing the Pajaro Brujo (Vermilion Flycatcher), a small, red-breasted bird.

Afternoon – Charles Darwin Station: Biological research and essential conservation of the unique archipelago are carried out here. The complex houses the Interpretation and Information Center of the National Park and the Galapagos Marine Reserve. The most memorable part of your visit will most likely be the successful hatchery and encounter with the Galapagos giant tortoises.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Morning – Borrero Bay: Borrero bay is famous for its beautiful large white-sand beach. From December to May it is an important nesting place for sea turtles. There are ideal conditions for snorkeling and swimming in the turquoise water. While under water you might spot colorful tropical fish, rays, reef sharks and sea turtles. The beach invites for long walks or just to relax and enjoy great views over the lush green landscape and the ocean.

Afternoon – Transfer to Baltra Airport: It’s time to say goodbye to the Galapagos Islands! With the help of the naturalist guide and some crew members, the inflatable boat will take you and your luggage to Seymour Ecological Airport for your flight back home.

Meals: Breakfast