BACK TO DAPHNE
BOOKING ENQUIRY

Itinerary A

Length 8 days

Departs on Wednesday from Baltra Island Airport
Ends on Wednesday 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 AM Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach
    57%
    Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach
    Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach

    The name originates from the end of WWII when the American army abandoned their barges, of which two floated up onshore. The beach is a good place to spot some of the characteristic Galapagos species such as flamingos, sally lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas as well as migratory and aquatic birds. It is also one of the main nesting sites for sea turtles on Santa Cruz Island.   Landing:  Wet.  Difficulty:  Easy

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Flamingo
    • check Sea turtles
    Site Rating 57%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach

    Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach
    Overall Rating: 57%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The name originates from the end of WWII when the American army abandoned their barges, of which two floated up onshore. The beach is a good place to spot some of the characteristic Galapagos species such as flamingos, sally lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas as well as migratory and aquatic birds. It is also one of the main nesting sites for sea turtles on Santa Cruz Island.   Landing:  Wet.  Difficulty:  Easy

    Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach

    Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach
    Overall Rating: 57%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The name originates from the end of WWII when the American army abandoned their barges, of which two floated up onshore. The beach is a good place to spot some of the characteristic Galapagos species such as flamingos, sally lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas as well as migratory and aquatic birds. It is also one of the main nesting sites for sea turtles on Santa Cruz Island.   Landing:  Wet.  Difficulty:  Easy

  • Day 2 AM 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 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 Santiago Island, Espumilla Beach Santiago Island, Espumilla Beach
    49%
    Santiago Island, Espumilla Beach
    Santiago Island, Espumilla Beach

    This beach is fringed by beautiful palo santo forest and is a sea turtle nesting site. It is a good place to see marine iguanas and colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs and it is an excellent place to snorkel and see octopi, moray eels, and sharks. Take a loop trail inland to a seasonal lagoon where flamingos are sometimes spotted. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

    Site Rating 49%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Santiago Island, Espumilla Beach

    Santiago Island, Espumilla Beach
    Overall Rating: 49%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    This beach is fringed by beautiful palo santo forest and is a sea turtle nesting site. It is a good place to see marine iguanas and colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs and it is an excellent place to snorkel and see octopi, moray eels, and sharks. Take a loop trail inland to a seasonal lagoon where flamingos are sometimes spotted. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

    Santiago Island, Espumilla Beach

    Santiago Island, Espumilla Beach
    Overall Rating: 49%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    This beach is fringed by beautiful palo santo forest and is a sea turtle nesting site. It is a good place to see marine iguanas and colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs and it is an excellent place to snorkel and see octopi, moray eels, and sharks. Take a loop trail inland to a seasonal lagoon where flamingos are sometimes spotted. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

  • Day 3 PM Santiago Island, Buccaneer Cove Santiago Island, Buccaneer Cove
    62%
    Santiago Island, Buccaneer Cove
    Santiago Island, Buccaneer Cove

    In the 1600s and 1700s, Buccaneer Cove was a haven for pirates, who would anchor in the protected bay to stock up on tortoises and firewood and to repair their ships. This is often a cruise-by point, due to the sometimes wet and unsafe landing conditions. But keep an eye on the cliffs above for sea birds. The cove is home to sea lions and can be a good place to snorkel. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Sea lions
    Site Rating 62%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Santiago Island, Buccaneer Cove

    Santiago Island, Buccaneer Cove
    Overall Rating: 62%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    In the 1600s and 1700s, Buccaneer Cove was a haven for pirates, who would anchor in the protected bay to stock up on tortoises and firewood and to repair their ships. This is often a cruise-by point, due to the sometimes wet and unsafe landing conditions. But keep an eye on the cliffs above for sea birds. The cove is home to sea lions and can be a good place to snorkel. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

    Santiago Island, Buccaneer Cove

    Santiago Island, Buccaneer Cove
    Overall Rating: 62%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    In the 1600s and 1700s, Buccaneer Cove was a haven for pirates, who would anchor in the protected bay to stock up on tortoises and firewood and to repair their ships. This is often a cruise-by point, due to the sometimes wet and unsafe landing conditions. But keep an eye on the cliffs above for sea birds. The cove is home to sea lions and can be a good place to snorkel. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

  • Day 4 AM Isabela Island, Tagus Cove Isabela Island, Tagus Cove account_balance
    70%
    Isabela Island, Tagus Cove
    Isabela Island, Tagus Cove

    A deep water cove frequented by whales and pirates as attested by old graffiti on shoreline cliffs.  A short steep hike leads to the salt water Darwin Lake, lying within a tuff cone. With nice vistas, you can spot a variety of finch species, hawks, yellow warblers, Galapagos flycatchers. A panga ride along the cliffs may reveal flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and Galápagos sea lions. Landing: Dry, with slippery rocks. Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Flightless cormorant
    • check Galapagos penguin
    • check Sea lions
    • check Sea turtles
    Site Rating 70%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Isabela Island, Tagus Cove

    Isabela Island, Tagus Cove
    Overall Rating: 70%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A deep water cove frequented by whales and pirates as attested by old graffiti on shoreline cliffs.  A short steep hike leads to the salt water Darwin Lake, lying within a tuff cone. With nice vistas, you can spot a variety of finch species, hawks, yellow warblers, Galapagos flycatchers. A panga ride along the cliffs may reveal flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and Galápagos sea lions. Landing: Dry, with slippery rocks. Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult.

    Isabela Island, Tagus Cove

    Isabela Island, Tagus Cove
    Overall Rating: 70%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A deep water cove frequented by whales and pirates as attested by old graffiti on shoreline cliffs.  A short steep hike leads to the salt water Darwin Lake, lying within a tuff cone. With nice vistas, you can spot a variety of finch species, hawks, yellow warblers, Galapagos flycatchers. A panga ride along the cliffs may reveal flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and Galápagos sea lions. Landing: Dry, with slippery rocks. Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult.

  • Day 4 PM Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza
    90%
    Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza
    Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza

    Only a few hundred thousand years old, and free of invasive species, this is likely the most pristine island you'll see in your lifetime.  Its central volcano dominates the landscape, spreading lava fields all the way to the shore. The island's highlight features the flightless cormorant nesting site, "marine iguana city", penguins and if you're lucky, the Galapagos hawk.  Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Flightless cormorant
    • check Galapagos hawk
    • check Galapagos penguin
    • check Sea lions
    Site Rating 90%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza

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

    Only a few hundred thousand years old, and free of invasive species, this is likely the most pristine island you'll see in your lifetime.  Its central volcano dominates the landscape, spreading lava fields all the way to the shore. The island's highlight features the flightless cormorant nesting site, "marine iguana city", penguins and if you're lucky, the Galapagos hawk.  Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

    Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza

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

    Only a few hundred thousand years old, and free of invasive species, this is likely the most pristine island you'll see in your lifetime.  Its central volcano dominates the landscape, spreading lava fields all the way to the shore. The island's highlight features the flightless cormorant nesting site, "marine iguana city", penguins and if you're lucky, the Galapagos hawk.  Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

  • Day 5 AM Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay
    71%
    Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay
    Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay

    A panga ride site.   A tour around the vary quiet mangrove inlets and adjacent lagoons may reveal Galápagos green turtles, golden cownose rays, spotted eagle rays, and white-tip reef sharks. Galápagos penguins prefer the rocky islets, and marine iguanas enjoy the plentiful algae. Other species seen here include flightless cormorants, pelicans and lava herons. Landing: None (panga ride). Difficulty: Easy.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Flightless cormorant
    • check Galapagos penguin
    • check Sea turtles
    • check Sharks
    • check Rays
    Site Rating 71%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay

    Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay
    Overall Rating: 71%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A panga ride site.   A tour around the vary quiet mangrove inlets and adjacent lagoons may reveal Galápagos green turtles, golden cownose rays, spotted eagle rays, and white-tip reef sharks. Galápagos penguins prefer the rocky islets, and marine iguanas enjoy the plentiful algae. Other species seen here include flightless cormorants, pelicans and lava herons. Landing: None (panga ride). Difficulty: Easy.

    Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay

    Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay
    Overall Rating: 71%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A panga ride site.   A tour around the vary quiet mangrove inlets and adjacent lagoons may reveal Galápagos green turtles, golden cownose rays, spotted eagle rays, and white-tip reef sharks. Galápagos penguins prefer the rocky islets, and marine iguanas enjoy the plentiful algae. Other species seen here include flightless cormorants, pelicans and lava herons. Landing: None (panga ride). Difficulty: Easy.

  • Day 5 PM Isabela Island, Punta Moreno Isabela Island, Punta Moreno
    60%
    Isabela Island, Punta Moreno
    Isabela Island, Punta Moreno

    Step onto the edge of a vast lava field, stretching out to Cero Azul volcano in the distance.  The lava is dotted by numerous green lagoons, where flamingoes, paint-bill crakes, white-cheeked pintails and common gallinules can be seen. This young lava flow is in the process of being colonized by several species of interesting pioneer plants. Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Flamingo
    Site Rating 60%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Isabela Island, Punta Moreno

    Isabela Island, Punta Moreno
    Overall Rating: 60%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Step onto the edge of a vast lava field, stretching out to Cero Azul volcano in the distance.  The lava is dotted by numerous green lagoons, where flamingoes, paint-bill crakes, white-cheeked pintails and common gallinules can be seen. This young lava flow is in the process of being colonized by several species of interesting pioneer plants. Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

    Isabela Island, Punta Moreno

    Isabela Island, Punta Moreno
    Overall Rating: 60%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Step onto the edge of a vast lava field, stretching out to Cero Azul volcano in the distance.  The lava is dotted by numerous green lagoons, where flamingoes, paint-bill crakes, white-cheeked pintails and common gallinules can be seen. This young lava flow is in the process of being colonized by several species of interesting pioneer plants. Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

  • Day 6 AM Isabela Island, Tintorera Isabela Island, Tintorera
    64%
    Isabela Island, Tintorera
    Isabela Island, Tintorera

    This is a group of small islets just a few hundred metres off the coast of Villamil that are only accessible by boat. You may spot sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, and other species in the tranquil waters of the bay.  A famous shark viewing lagoon is usually on the agenda at low tide.  You may be offered to go snorkeling.  Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Galapagos penguin
    • check Rays
    • check Sea lions
    • check Sharks
    Site Rating 64%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Isabela Island, Tintorera

    Isabela Island, Tintorera
    Overall Rating: 64%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    This is a group of small islets just a few hundred metres off the coast of Villamil that are only accessible by boat. You may spot sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, and other species in the tranquil waters of the bay.  A famous shark viewing lagoon is usually on the agenda at low tide.  You may be offered to go snorkeling.  Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

    Isabela Island, Tintorera

    Isabela Island, Tintorera
    Overall Rating: 64%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    This is a group of small islets just a few hundred metres off the coast of Villamil that are only accessible by boat. You may spot sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, and other species in the tranquil waters of the bay.  A famous shark viewing lagoon is usually on the agenda at low tide.  You may be offered to go snorkeling.  Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

  • Day 6 PM Isabela Island, Wetlands Isabela Island, Wetlands
    61%
    Isabela Island, Wetlands
    Isabela Island, Wetlands

    Located just outside of Villamil, the Wetlands consist of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves and are home to a variety of unique bird species such as common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails, and gallinules. The Wetlands can be visited on foot via a path that winds through the swamps, sometimes using elevated boardwalks.  Landing: N/A.  Difficulty:  Easy

    Site Rating 61%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Isabela Island, Wetlands

    Isabela Island, Wetlands
    Overall Rating: 61%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Located just outside of Villamil, the Wetlands consist of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves and are home to a variety of unique bird species such as common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails, and gallinules. The Wetlands can be visited on foot via a path that winds through the swamps, sometimes using elevated boardwalks.  Landing: N/A.  Difficulty:  Easy

    Isabela Island, Wetlands

    Isabela Island, Wetlands
    Overall Rating: 61%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Located just outside of Villamil, the Wetlands consist of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves and are home to a variety of unique bird species such as common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails, and gallinules. The Wetlands can be visited on foot via a path that winds through the swamps, sometimes using elevated boardwalks.  Landing: N/A.  Difficulty:  Easy

  • Day 7 AM Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon
    54%
    Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon
    Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon

    The 3km/2mile trail leads through dry-zone vegetation to a small hill where the land iguanas thrive. The area is home to Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin´s finches, varieties of the endemic Opuntia and candelabra cactus, and Galapagos cotton. Green turtles, sharks, and rays may be spotted on the panga ride, while black-necked stilts, white cheeked pintails, and migratory shorebirds are often seen.   Difficulty:  Easy/moderate.  Landing:  Dry

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Mockingbirds
    • check Rays
    • check Sharks
    • check Land Iguana
    • check Flamingo
    Site Rating 54%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon

    Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon
    Overall Rating: 54%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The 3km/2mile trail leads through dry-zone vegetation to a small hill where the land iguanas thrive. The area is home to Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin´s finches, varieties of the endemic Opuntia and candelabra cactus, and Galapagos cotton. Green turtles, sharks, and rays may be spotted on the panga ride, while black-necked stilts, white cheeked pintails, and migratory shorebirds are often seen.   Difficulty:  Easy/moderate.  Landing:  Dry

    Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon

    Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon
    Overall Rating: 54%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The 3km/2mile trail leads through dry-zone vegetation to a small hill where the land iguanas thrive. The area is home to Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin´s finches, varieties of the endemic Opuntia and candelabra cactus, and Galapagos cotton. Green turtles, sharks, and rays may be spotted on the panga ride, while black-necked stilts, white cheeked pintails, and migratory shorebirds are often seen.   Difficulty:  Easy/moderate.  Landing:  Dry

  • Day 7 PM Santa Cruz Island, Punta Carrión Santa Cruz Island, Punta Carrión
    56%
    Santa Cruz Island, Punta Carrión
    Santa Cruz Island, Punta Carrión

    This is a great spot to snorkel and swim among rays, sharks and hundreds of colorful tropical fish.  No land excursion.   Landing:  N/A   Difficulty:  Easy

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Rays
    • check Sharks
    Site Rating 56%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Santa Cruz Island, Punta Carrión

    Santa Cruz Island, Punta Carrión
    Overall Rating: 56%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    This is a great spot to snorkel and swim among rays, sharks and hundreds of colorful tropical fish.  No land excursion.   Landing:  N/A   Difficulty:  Easy

    Santa Cruz Island, Punta Carrión

    Santa Cruz Island, Punta Carrión
    Overall Rating: 56%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    This is a great spot to snorkel and swim among rays, sharks and hundreds of colorful tropical fish.  No land excursion.   Landing:  N/A   Difficulty:  Easy

  • Day 8 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 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: 64%
public Iconic species
pets Biodiversity
photo Striking vistas
beach_access Beach quality
pool Snorkeling quality

Wildlife Sightings
  • check Flamingo
  • check Flightless cormorant
  • check Galapagos hawk
  • check Galapagos penguin
  • check Land Iguana
  • check Mockingbirds
  • check Nazca booby
  • check Rays
  • check Sea lions
  • check Sea turtles
  • check Sharks