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BOOKING ENQUIRY

Itinerary A

Length 8 days

Departs on Sunday from Baltra Island Airport
Ends on Sunday at Baltra Island Airport

Visitor Sites
Click on each site for more information
  • Day 1 AM Baltra Island Airport Baltra Island Airport account_balance
    28%
    Baltra Island Airport
    Baltra Island Airport

    The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Land Iguana
    Site Rating 28%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Baltra Island Airport

    Baltra Island Airport
    Overall Rating: 28%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

    Baltra Island Airport

    Baltra Island Airport
    Overall Rating: 28%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

  • Day 1 PM North Seymour Island North Seymour Island
    83%
    North Seymour Island
    North Seymour Island

    From the small dock, the trail leads along the coast — past an area where marine iguanas nest — and then loops into the palo santo forest by the nests of frigatebirds and boobies. The frigatebirds rely on the fishing success of the blue-footed boobies for their survival, stealing their catches.  Landing:  Dry.   Difficulty:  Easy

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Nazca booby
    • check Land Iguana
    Site Rating 83%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    North Seymour Island

    North Seymour Island
    Overall Rating: 83%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    From the small dock, the trail leads along the coast — past an area where marine iguanas nest — and then loops into the palo santo forest by the nests of frigatebirds and boobies. The frigatebirds rely on the fishing success of the blue-footed boobies for their survival, stealing their catches.  Landing:  Dry.   Difficulty:  Easy

    North Seymour Island

    North Seymour Island
    Overall Rating: 83%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    From the small dock, the trail leads along the coast — past an area where marine iguanas nest — and then loops into the palo santo forest by the nests of frigatebirds and boobies. The frigatebirds rely on the fishing success of the blue-footed boobies for their survival, stealing their catches.  Landing:  Dry.   Difficulty:  Easy

  • Day 2 AM Sombero Chino Island Sombero Chino Island
    67%
    Sombero Chino Island
    Sombero Chino Island

    The landing site is at a small crescent-shaped white-sand beach. A trail runs from the landing site — where you may see penguins, sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs — to the rocky shore of the western part of the island. Here, you’ll enter a primeval world of volcanic rubble, sharp outcroppings, and lava formations. A visit usually includes a snorkel/swim.  Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Moderate.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Galapagos hawk
    • check Galapagos penguin
    • check Sea lions
    Site Rating 67%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Sombero Chino Island

    Sombero Chino Island
    Overall Rating: 67%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The landing site is at a small crescent-shaped white-sand beach. A trail runs from the landing site — where you may see penguins, sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs — to the rocky shore of the western part of the island. Here, you’ll enter a primeval world of volcanic rubble, sharp outcroppings, and lava formations. A visit usually includes a snorkel/swim.  Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Moderate.

    Sombero Chino Island

    Sombero Chino Island
    Overall Rating: 67%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The landing site is at a small crescent-shaped white-sand beach. A trail runs from the landing site — where you may see penguins, sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs — to the rocky shore of the western part of the island. Here, you’ll enter a primeval world of volcanic rubble, sharp outcroppings, and lava formations. A visit usually includes a snorkel/swim.  Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Moderate.

  • Day 2 PM Bartolomé Island Bartolomé Island
    68%
    Bartolomé Island
    Bartolomé Island

    Bartolomé Island has two visitor sites that are usually combined into one visit.  The first is a swim and snorkel off a nice beach, around the iconic Pinnacle Rock; the underwater world there is really impressive. Snorkelers are in the water with the penguins, marine turtles white-tipped reef sharks, rays and other tropical fish.  The second site is accessible via a long staircase leading up to a spectacular view point from which you can see the manifestations of recent volcanic activity.  Landing: Dry.  Difficulty: Moderate

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Galapagos penguin
    • check Sharks
    • check Rays
    • check Sea turtles
    Site Rating 68%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Bartolomé Island

    Bartolomé Island
    Overall Rating: 68%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Bartolomé Island has two visitor sites that are usually combined into one visit.  The first is a swim and snorkel off a nice beach, around the iconic Pinnacle Rock; the underwater world there is really impressive. Snorkelers are in the water with the penguins, marine turtles white-tipped reef sharks, rays and other tropical fish.  The second site is accessible via a long staircase leading up to a spectacular view point from which you can see the manifestations of recent volcanic activity.  Landing: Dry.  Difficulty: Moderate

    Bartolomé Island

    Bartolomé Island
    Overall Rating: 68%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Bartolomé Island has two visitor sites that are usually combined into one visit.  The first is a swim and snorkel off a nice beach, around the iconic Pinnacle Rock; the underwater world there is really impressive. Snorkelers are in the water with the penguins, marine turtles white-tipped reef sharks, rays and other tropical fish.  The second site is accessible via a long staircase leading up to a spectacular view point from which you can see the manifestations of recent volcanic activity.  Landing: Dry.  Difficulty: Moderate

  • Day 3 AM Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay
    76%
    Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay
    Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay

    After landing on a white-sand, coral beach, you follow a short trail (800m) that meanders through mangroves to the tidal pools where sea lions are often found frolicking, and up a rocky hill that leads to a point overlooking the cliffs and Darwin Bay. This is one of the few places in the islands where you are pretty much guaranteed to see red-footed boobies, along with other tidal lagoon birds. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

     

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Nazca booby
    • check Red-footed booby
    • check Sea lions
    • check Sea turtles
    Site Rating 76%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay

    Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay
    Overall Rating: 76%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    After landing on a white-sand, coral beach, you follow a short trail (800m) that meanders through mangroves to the tidal pools where sea lions are often found frolicking, and up a rocky hill that leads to a point overlooking the cliffs and Darwin Bay. This is one of the few places in the islands where you are pretty much guaranteed to see red-footed boobies, along with other tidal lagoon birds. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

     

    Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay

    Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay
    Overall Rating: 76%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    After landing on a white-sand, coral beach, you follow a short trail (800m) that meanders through mangroves to the tidal pools where sea lions are often found frolicking, and up a rocky hill that leads to a point overlooking the cliffs and Darwin Bay. This is one of the few places in the islands where you are pretty much guaranteed to see red-footed boobies, along with other tidal lagoon birds. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

     

  • Day 3 PM Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip's Steps Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip's Steps
    84%
    Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip's Steps
    Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip's Steps

    This site is notable for its variety and abundance of birdlife including red-footed and Nazca boobies, short-eared owls, red-billed tropicbirds, Galápagos swallows and Galápagos doves. Upon landing on a steep rocky stairway, visitors are treated to the site of small fur seal colony and a variety of marine life clinging to the rocks.  There are great views of lava plains near the end of the trail.  Landing: Dry (with slippery rocks). Difficulty: Moderate.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Red-footed booby
    • check Fur seals
    • check Nazca booby
    Site Rating 84%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip's Steps

    Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip's Steps
    Overall Rating: 84%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    This site is notable for its variety and abundance of birdlife including red-footed and Nazca boobies, short-eared owls, red-billed tropicbirds, Galápagos swallows and Galápagos doves. Upon landing on a steep rocky stairway, visitors are treated to the site of small fur seal colony and a variety of marine life clinging to the rocks.  There are great views of lava plains near the end of the trail.  Landing: Dry (with slippery rocks). Difficulty: Moderate.

    Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip's Steps

    Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip's Steps
    Overall Rating: 84%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    This site is notable for its variety and abundance of birdlife including red-footed and Nazca boobies, short-eared owls, red-billed tropicbirds, Galápagos swallows and Galápagos doves. Upon landing on a steep rocky stairway, visitors are treated to the site of small fur seal colony and a variety of marine life clinging to the rocks.  There are great views of lava plains near the end of the trail.  Landing: Dry (with slippery rocks). Difficulty: Moderate.

  • Day 4 AM Santiago Island, Puerto Egas Santiago Island, Puerto Egas
    71%
    Santiago Island, Puerto Egas
    Santiago Island, Puerto Egas

    This is the jumping off point for two trails. The first leads to fur seal grottos – a stretch of rocky coastline that offers them shade and protection. The second trail leads to the Salt Mine Volcano, a small crater that features a seasonally flooded lagoon, where flamingos and Galapagos hawks can sometimes be spotted. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Fur seals
    • check Galapagos hawk
    • check Flamingo
    Site Rating 71%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Santiago Island, Puerto Egas

    Santiago Island, Puerto Egas
    Overall Rating: 71%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    This is the jumping off point for two trails. The first leads to fur seal grottos – a stretch of rocky coastline that offers them shade and protection. The second trail leads to the Salt Mine Volcano, a small crater that features a seasonally flooded lagoon, where flamingos and Galapagos hawks can sometimes be spotted. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

    Santiago Island, Puerto Egas

    Santiago Island, Puerto Egas
    Overall Rating: 71%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    This is the jumping off point for two trails. The first leads to fur seal grottos – a stretch of rocky coastline that offers them shade and protection. The second trail leads to the Salt Mine Volcano, a small crater that features a seasonally flooded lagoon, where flamingos and Galapagos hawks can sometimes be spotted. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

  • Day 4 PM Rábida Island Rábida Island
    67%
    Rábida Island
    Rábida Island

    On its red sands, spot marine iguanas and a noisy colony of sea lions. Brown pelicans make homes by the beach in saltbushes. Behind the beach is a lagoon where wading birds and white-cheeked pintail ducks feed, while blue-footed and nazca boobies linger in the cliffs.  Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

     

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Sea lions
    • check Nazca booby
    Site Rating 67%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Rábida Island

    Rábida Island
    Overall Rating: 67%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    On its red sands, spot marine iguanas and a noisy colony of sea lions. Brown pelicans make homes by the beach in saltbushes. Behind the beach is a lagoon where wading birds and white-cheeked pintail ducks feed, while blue-footed and nazca boobies linger in the cliffs.  Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

     

    Rábida Island

    Rábida Island
    Overall Rating: 67%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    On its red sands, spot marine iguanas and a noisy colony of sea lions. Brown pelicans make homes by the beach in saltbushes. Behind the beach is a lagoon where wading birds and white-cheeked pintail ducks feed, while blue-footed and nazca boobies linger in the cliffs.  Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

     

  • Day 5 AM Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre account_balance
    53%
    Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre
    Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre

    The Station is about a ten-minute walk from the center of Puerto Ayora.  It has its own staff scientists but also hosts visiting scientists from around the world.  The archipelago's first tortoise breeding centre is next door, along with land iguana pens.   An open air rest area serves cold drinks and snacks.  Visit the station's new "mini-museum"  and buy a t-shirt to support the station's work.   Landing: No Landing. Difficulty: Easy.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Mockingbirds
    Site Rating 53%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre

    Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre
    Overall Rating: 53%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The Station is about a ten-minute walk from the center of Puerto Ayora.  It has its own staff scientists but also hosts visiting scientists from around the world.  The archipelago's first tortoise breeding centre is next door, along with land iguana pens.   An open air rest area serves cold drinks and snacks.  Visit the station's new "mini-museum"  and buy a t-shirt to support the station's work.   Landing: No Landing. Difficulty: Easy.

    Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre

    Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre
    Overall Rating: 53%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The Station is about a ten-minute walk from the center of Puerto Ayora.  It has its own staff scientists but also hosts visiting scientists from around the world.  The archipelago's first tortoise breeding centre is next door, along with land iguana pens.   An open air rest area serves cold drinks and snacks.  Visit the station's new "mini-museum"  and buy a t-shirt to support the station's work.   Landing: No Landing. Difficulty: Easy.

  • Day 5 PM Santa Cruz Island, Los Gemelos - Highlands Santa Cruz Island, Los Gemelos - Highlands
    62%
    Santa Cruz Island, Los Gemelos - Highlands
    Santa Cruz Island, Los Gemelos - Highlands

    Los Gemelos (The Twins) are a pair of large pit craters on the road from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. They were created when the surface material covering empty magma chambers collapsed. You can walk along the rim of the craters and enjoy breathtaking views. The trail around the larger crater passes through a Scalesia forest and is good place to see a variety of bird species. Landing: None. Difficulty: Moderate.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Scalesia forest
    • check Vermillion flycatcher
    Site Rating 62%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Santa Cruz Island, Los Gemelos - Highlands

    Santa Cruz Island, Los Gemelos - Highlands
    Overall Rating: 62%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Los Gemelos (The Twins) are a pair of large pit craters on the road from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. They were created when the surface material covering empty magma chambers collapsed. You can walk along the rim of the craters and enjoy breathtaking views. The trail around the larger crater passes through a Scalesia forest and is good place to see a variety of bird species. Landing: None. Difficulty: Moderate.

    Santa Cruz Island, Los Gemelos - Highlands

    Santa Cruz Island, Los Gemelos - Highlands
    Overall Rating: 62%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Los Gemelos (The Twins) are a pair of large pit craters on the road from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. They were created when the surface material covering empty magma chambers collapsed. You can walk along the rim of the craters and enjoy breathtaking views. The trail around the larger crater passes through a Scalesia forest and is good place to see a variety of bird species. Landing: None. Difficulty: Moderate.

  • Day 6 AM Española Island, Gardner Bay Española Island, Gardner Bay
    79%
    Española Island, Gardner Bay
    Española Island, Gardner Bay

    A wonderful white sand beach with a myriad of sea lions, perfect for relaxing. Famous for the Española mockingbirds, which like to pick at your laces.  Great beach relaxation and swimming.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Mockingbirds
    • check Sea lions
    Site Rating 79%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Española Island, Gardner Bay

    Española Island, Gardner Bay
    Overall Rating: 79%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A wonderful white sand beach with a myriad of sea lions, perfect for relaxing. Famous for the Española mockingbirds, which like to pick at your laces.  Great beach relaxation and swimming.

    Española Island, Gardner Bay

    Española Island, Gardner Bay
    Overall Rating: 79%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A wonderful white sand beach with a myriad of sea lions, perfect for relaxing. Famous for the Española mockingbirds, which like to pick at your laces.  Great beach relaxation and swimming.

  • Day 6 PM Española Island, Punta Suarez Española Island, Punta Suarez
    90%
    Española Island, Punta Suarez
    Española Island, Punta Suarez

    A wet landing onto a beach with Sea Lions and colourful Marine Iguanas leads on to a 2km trail through Masked and Blue-Footed Booby colonies (be careful not to step on them!) to some magnificent cliffs with a blow-hole. Beyond here is the Galapagos' only Waved Albatross colony (Apr-Dec) - watch their somewhat clumsy attempts to take-off and land. Other animals including the Large cactus finch and Galapagos Hawk may also be seen.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Galapagos hawk
    • check Giant opuntia cactus forest
    • check Mockingbirds
    • check Nazca booby
    • check Red-billed tropicbirds
    • check Sea lions
    • check Waved albatross
    Site Rating 90%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Española Island, Punta Suarez

    Española Island, Punta Suarez
    Overall Rating: 90%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A wet landing onto a beach with Sea Lions and colourful Marine Iguanas leads on to a 2km trail through Masked and Blue-Footed Booby colonies (be careful not to step on them!) to some magnificent cliffs with a blow-hole. Beyond here is the Galapagos' only Waved Albatross colony (Apr-Dec) - watch their somewhat clumsy attempts to take-off and land. Other animals including the Large cactus finch and Galapagos Hawk may also be seen.

    Española Island, Punta Suarez

    Española Island, Punta Suarez
    Overall Rating: 90%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A wet landing onto a beach with Sea Lions and colourful Marine Iguanas leads on to a 2km trail through Masked and Blue-Footed Booby colonies (be careful not to step on them!) to some magnificent cliffs with a blow-hole. Beyond here is the Galapagos' only Waved Albatross colony (Apr-Dec) - watch their somewhat clumsy attempts to take-off and land. Other animals including the Large cactus finch and Galapagos Hawk may also be seen.

  • Day 7 AM Santa Fe Island Santa Fe Island
    78%
    Santa Fe Island
    Santa Fe Island

    A visit begins with a wet landing on a small beach. The beaches here are popular with sea lions, which can often be seen surfing the waves. There are two visitor trails here; one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other wending through a forest of massive Santa Fe opuntia cactus. Snorkeling in the radiant blue-green waters is excellent, and you may see a Galápagos green turtle gracefully swim by. Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Sea lions
    • check Giant opuntia cactus forest
    Site Rating 78%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Santa Fe Island

    Santa Fe Island
    Overall Rating: 78%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A visit begins with a wet landing on a small beach. The beaches here are popular with sea lions, which can often be seen surfing the waves. There are two visitor trails here; one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other wending through a forest of massive Santa Fe opuntia cactus. Snorkeling in the radiant blue-green waters is excellent, and you may see a Galápagos green turtle gracefully swim by. Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

    Santa Fe Island

    Santa Fe Island
    Overall Rating: 78%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A visit begins with a wet landing on a small beach. The beaches here are popular with sea lions, which can often be seen surfing the waves. There are two visitor trails here; one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other wending through a forest of massive Santa Fe opuntia cactus. Snorkeling in the radiant blue-green waters is excellent, and you may see a Galápagos green turtle gracefully swim by. Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

  • Day 7 PM South Plaza Island South Plaza Island
    78%
    South Plaza Island
    South Plaza Island

    Various sea birds can be spotted from the top of the sea cliffs.  Land iguanas sit patiently, waiting for cactus flowers to drop.  Marine iguanas and sea lions are also abundant.   South Plaza is also home to the beautiful succulent Sesuvium plant, which changes from bright green in the rainy season to red, orange, and purple during the dry season.  Landing:  Dry.  Difficulty: Moderate.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Hybrid land/marine iguana
    • check Red-billed tropicbirds
    • check Sea lions
    • check Land Iguana
    Site Rating 78%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    South Plaza Island

    South Plaza Island
    Overall Rating: 78%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Various sea birds can be spotted from the top of the sea cliffs.  Land iguanas sit patiently, waiting for cactus flowers to drop.  Marine iguanas and sea lions are also abundant.   South Plaza is also home to the beautiful succulent Sesuvium plant, which changes from bright green in the rainy season to red, orange, and purple during the dry season.  Landing:  Dry.  Difficulty: Moderate.

    South Plaza Island

    South Plaza Island
    Overall Rating: 78%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Various sea birds can be spotted from the top of the sea cliffs.  Land iguanas sit patiently, waiting for cactus flowers to drop.  Marine iguanas and sea lions are also abundant.   South Plaza is also home to the beautiful succulent Sesuvium plant, which changes from bright green in the rainy season to red, orange, and purple during the dry season.  Landing:  Dry.  Difficulty: Moderate.

  • Day 8 AM Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove
    63%
    Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove
    Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove

    The cove is located on the north coast of the island and is only accessible by boat. A quiet boat ride through the mangroves may reveal lava herons, sea turtles, spotted rays, and a variety of shark species, including black and white tipped reef sharks and Galapagos sharks. Landing: None. Difficulty: Easy.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Sharks
    • check Rays
    Site Rating 63%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove

    Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove
    Overall Rating: 63%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The cove is located on the north coast of the island and is only accessible by boat. A quiet boat ride through the mangroves may reveal lava herons, sea turtles, spotted rays, and a variety of shark species, including black and white tipped reef sharks and Galapagos sharks. Landing: None. Difficulty: Easy.

    Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove

    Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove
    Overall Rating: 63%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The cove is located on the north coast of the island and is only accessible by boat. A quiet boat ride through the mangroves may reveal lava herons, sea turtles, spotted rays, and a variety of shark species, including black and white tipped reef sharks and Galapagos sharks. Landing: None. Difficulty: Easy.

  • Day 8 AM Baltra Island Airport Baltra Island Airport account_balance
    28%
    Baltra Island Airport
    Baltra Island Airport

    The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Land Iguana
    Site Rating 28%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Baltra Island Airport

    Baltra Island Airport
    Overall Rating: 28%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

    Baltra Island Airport

    Baltra Island Airport
    Overall Rating: 28%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

account_balance Is of cultural or historical significance

Itinerary Rating
Combined score of all sites visited
Rating: 73%
public Iconic species
pets Biodiversity
photo Striking vistas
beach_access Beach quality
pool Snorkeling quality

Wildlife Sightings
  • check Flamingo
  • check Fur seals
  • check Galapagos hawk
  • check Galapagos penguin
  • check Giant opuntia cactus forest
  • check Hybrid land/marine iguana
  • check Land Iguana
  • check Mockingbirds
  • check Nazca booby
  • check Rays
  • check Red-billed tropicbirds
  • check Red-footed booby
  • check Scalesia forest
  • check Sea lions
  • check Sea turtles
  • check Sharks
  • check Vermillion flycatcher
  • check Waved albatross