Itinerary

Days 1-2
By Private Yacht / North Seymour / Santa Cruz

In the Galapagos Islands, board your private yacht (aboard the Sagitta or Mary Anne) for a magical sojourn into the place that Darwin called a “world within itself.” On nature walks with your private naturalist guide, unlock the secrets of these enchanting isles, first stopping at North Seymour Island for a hike among sea lions, magnificent frigatebirds, comical blue-footed boobies, and prehistoric-looking marine iguanas in colonies that number in the hundreds. On Santa Cruz, visit the fascinating Charles Darwin Research Station, then head into the lush green highlands to look for enormous Galapagos tortoises in the wild.

Days 3-4
Espanola / Floreana

Your stop at Espanola (Hood) showcases several rare and endemic species, including Hood mockingbirds, as well as a large colony of blue-footed boobies and the spectacular waved albatross, with its seven-foot wingspan. These birds nest here from April through December and watching them take off is a magnificent sight. The powdery white-sand beach at Gardner Bay is perfect for a casual stroll, and you can swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters with frolicking sea lions. Floreana includes out-of-this-world snorkeling at Devil’s Crown, the remnant of a volcanic crater boasting wonderful corals, a kaleidoscope of tropical fish, and sometimes rays and sea turtles. Floreana is also famous for its lagoons with elegant pink flamingos and Post Office Bay, where you can drop postcards in the “Post Office Barrel” where 18th century whalers left messages to be delivered by passing ships.

Days 5-6
Isabela / Fernandina

Isabela Island’s Punta Moreno features great snorkeling, with a chance to see graceful, ghost-like green sea turtles and tiny Galapagos penguins that seem to fly through the water. At Urbina Bay, scramble along the rocky coast to see large coral heads and other marine forms stranded after a dramatic 15-foot uplift that took place in 1954. On Fernandina, with its still-active volcano, a walk across black lava reveals a colony of the largest marine iguanas in the Galapagos and flightless cormorants nesting in the rocks.

Days 7-8
Santiago / Bartolome

At Santiago (James), you’ll discover colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs as well as Galapagos fur seals, shy and photogenic creatures that dart around in a graceful underwater ballet. Later, head to tiny Bartolome, known for its top-of-the-world panoramic views and the distinctive spire of its Pinnacle Rock. There’s also great snorkeling in these waters! Your last day in the islands includes an exploration by panga (motorized dinghy) in a beautiful mangrove-rimmed lagoon, for spectacular views of green sea turtles (in season), rays, and sharks. Depart for Quito on Day 8.

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