High End cruise Exploring Genovesa and Central Islands

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Cruise on board the magnificent medium-size M/Y La Pinta vessel filled with luxury and comfortable and spacious suites while enjoying this amazing itinerary covering the best sites between Santa Cruz, Bartolome and must-see Genovesa. Truly a worthy journey in a short time period to enjoy the marvels of the Galapagos Archipelago.
Day 1: Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island: Highlands

Monday: Arrival / Baltra

Departure from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island (2 ½-hour flight). Arriving in the Galapagos, passengers are picked up at the airport by our natural guides and taken to a ten-minute bus drive to the pier to board your Yacht.

PM: Santa Cruz Highlands

After lunch, continue by bus to reach a natural reserve that is one of the best places in the archipelago to see giant tortoises in semi-natural state; here, tortoises are easy to spot as they’re lumbering around, eating grass, leaves and wallowing in small pools. There are lava tunnels in the reserve as well. A short bus ride takes us down to Puerto Ayora to board Yacht La Pinta. 

 

 
Day 2: Chinese Hat Islet: Eden Islet & Chinese Hat

AM: Eden Islet

In the morning a panga ride takes us to Eden Islet, located off the coast of Santa Cruz, where we can observe blue footed boobies diving into the water for food, frigates and also reef sharks. There is the chance of snorkeling and, if weather conditions permit, to ride in the glass-bottom boat. The volcanic setting of this area is quite stunning due to its variety of volcanic debris, including cinder cones, tuff cones, and semi-eroded lava flows.

PM: Chinese Hat Island

The small island of Sombrero Chino gets its name from its appearance, reminiscent of a Chinese hat. This islet, formed only fairly recently, makes a beautiful visit as one explores the wildlife along its 400-metre long trail, which begins at a crescent-shaped white sandy beach. The cove offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities amid endemic Penguins and white-tipped reef sharks.

 
Day 3: Bartolome Island & Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay

AM: Bartolome

Landing at the eastern part of San Cristobal Island, the trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline; we can observe frigate birds and a colony of juvenile sea lions. After the walk, if conditions are favorable, there is a chance to swim from the beach and snorkel.
 

PM: Sullivan Bay

In the afternoon, a relaxing dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers takes us to Cerro Brujo’s expansive, white coral beach, great for walking, with rewarding bird-watching featuring seabirds and shore birds. Also, look out for Galapagos sea lions. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835

 

Day 4: Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay & Prince Philips Steps

AM: Darwin Bay

In the morning, we begin our exploration of this island with an easy stroll to observe marine and land birds. There is an optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or else we can return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbour. The more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs or Paddle Sea kayaks.

PM: Prince Philip’s Steps

Our afternoon starts with a very interesting panga ride along the cliffs before we disembark for a short, yet steep climb up a wooden staircase. Once at the top, the land is flat, allowing for a captivating walk of about a mile to the other side of this small island, observing large colonies of Frigate birds, Nazca boobies, storm petrels and the elusive short eared owl.

 
Day 5: Baltra Airport & Transfer out

AM: Baltra

After a nostalgic farewell Breakfast, we prepare for transfer to the airport for flight back to Mainland, carrying great memories of this unforgettable experience.

Playa Espumilla | Baby Sea Turtle | Nest | Galapagos Islands

Highlights

  • Witness the active and diverse birdlife of enchanting Genovesa.
  • Snorkel with Penguins, Sea lions and school of fishes at Bartolome.
  • A paradise of adventure awaits in Sullivan Bay with unreal volcanic landscapes and a pristine sandy beach.
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