Alya – 5 Day Itinerary A

AM: Morning flight to Baltra, Galapagos Islands.

You will arrive at Baltra Island in the morning. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by your naturalist guide and transferred to the yacht.

PM: Black Turtle Cove

Black Turtle Cove gets its name from the abundance of green sea turtles, locally known as: “tortugas negras”. There is no landing here so you will be doing a boat tour on the dinghies, exploring shallow channels and small coves surrounded by beautiful mangrove forests. Reef sharks, sea turtles and several species of rays inhabit this beautiful area which is considered an important mating area for turtles and a nursery for several species of sharks. Herons, pelicans and boobies are also common here as they pray in schools of anchovies.

Highlights: White-tipped and black-tipped reef sharks, green sea turtles, rays, herons, blue-footed boobies, mangroves
Activities: Panga ride

The Genovesa itinerary has been changed due to a contingency conservation plan for the species on this island. As a replacement, visits will be made to the neighbouring Marchena Island, known for its abundant flora and fauna. This itinerary will return to normal once the Galapagos National Park deems it optimal for the reception of guests again.

AM: Espejo Point

Espejo (Mirror) Point is one of the most intriguing and spectacular sites in the Galapagos Islands. Its name, reminiscent of reflections and clarity, rings true: the waters are so clear that you can see the ocean floor in all its glory. It’s a prime spot for underwater enthusiasts due to its rich marine biodiversity. Visitors can admire a spectrum of tropical fish and corals of various shapes and colors.

Highlights:  Diverse tropical fish, stunning corals

Activities:  Wet landing

PM: Black Beach

Black Beach is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and least explored beaches in the Galapagos Islands. It’s dark sand, a result of the volcanic activity that formed the archipelago, contrasts beautifully with the clear turquoise waters, creating an unparalleled natural scene. Here, visitors will have the chance to learn about the biology of various endemic species, such as the marine iguanas sunbathing on nearby rocks.

Highlights: Marchena lava lizard, cow-nosed rays, turtles, schooling hammerhead sharks, and shoals of snappers

Activities:  Snorkeling and panga ride

AM: Sullivan Bay

This hike is a journey into understanding the birth of these volcanic islands. You will walk in a very well preserved flow of Pahoehoe lava, which will give you endless opportunities to seen the delicate textures of these types of lavas which only appear in a few places throughout the world. At first sight the barren landscape looks completely deprived of life, but look carefully for pioneer plants, lava lizards and small birds. By the shore, you can find penguins, pelicans and oystercatchers.

Highlights: Pahoehoe lava, Galapagos penguins, oystercatchers, Galapagos hawks

Activities:  Snorkeling, hiking (2.2 km)

PM: Bartolome

Bartolome is one of the most iconic places in the Galapagos and one of the few where you can see penguins without going to the remote areas of western Isabela and Fernandina. You will get great views of Pinnacle Rock, located on the northern side of the island, right next to a beautiful peach-color sand beach. The hike to the top of the island is fantastic and will offer you incredible views of lunar landscapes with scattered volcanic cones. Many islands are visible from this outlook, as well as the bay of Sullivan and the Pinnacle rock.

Highlights: Galapagos penguins, volcanic landscapes, Pinnacle rock, blue- footed boobies, herons, sea lions, sharks

Activities:  Snorkeling, hiking (1.5 km)

AM: Chinese Hat

This small islet is formed by a volcanic cone with a perfect symmetrical shape. It is separated from Santiago by a narrow channel forming one of the most beautiful bays in the islands. Blue-turquoise water and coral sand beaches surrounded by dark lava rocks gives this area a real tropical character, which makes it even more surprising to find penguins resting in the rocks. The trail goes along the shore, taking you through a small colony of sea lions.

Highlights: Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos penguins, lava tubes, oystercatchers, Galapagos hawks

Activities:  Snorkeling and hiking (1.3 km)

PM: Mosquera Islet

Mosquera is mostly a barren sandbar with some rocky areas and scattered salt-resistant plants. You can walk along the beach and enjoy seeing playful sea lion pups surfing the waves and having a great time in the tide pools. Look for endemic lava gulls which are often seen flying over the beach in the
search of food.

Highlights: Galapagos sea lions, lava gulls, oystercatchers, shorebirds

Activities:  Snorkeling, short walk

AM: Charles Darwin Research Station

The Charles Darwin Station is a nonprofit organization which has been working for decades together with the Galapagos National Park to preserve the biodiversity of these unique islands. During this visit you will learn about the projects that both institutions carry together to protect the native species and eradicate the invasive ones which are threatening the Galapagos environment. One of the most important and emblematic projects has been reproducing giant tortoises in captivity. The visit is mostly outdoors in a beautiful dry native forest with giant cactus and many other interesting native plants. It is also a fantastic place to find several endemic Darwin finches, as well as flycatchers and mockingbirds.

Highlights: Galapagos giant tortoise & land iguanas breeding program, Darwin finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, Galapagos flycatchers, yellow warblers.

Activities:  Hiking (2 km)

Baltra Airport Departure

After this final visit, you will be transferred to the Baltra airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.