Baltra airport. Arrival at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Galaxy II Cruise welcomes you. Lunch and welcome drink. Charles Darwin Station can be found in Santa Cruz Island's Main Port. We will then take our bus to enter the breeding center where we see tortoises in captivity and land iguanas. This center is the primary breeding site for the islands. The animals that are in danger of being extinct in different islands, are kept in captivity. Thanks to the dedicated work of many institutions certain species are saved. Here was the famous tortoise Solitary George the last survivor in Pinta Island.
This small island is located in Puerto Villamil bay, surrounded by turquoise water and a beautiful landscape. The fauna on the island is also very fascinating. We will also see a large number of Marine Iguanas basking under the sun. Other animals we may encounter are lava lizards (which can be seen on the island), herons (as well as gulls), and sea-lions. Sea Turtles are often found in the sheltered coves. Rays, and sometimes even Penguins can be seen. In the cracks and channels along the coastline, we may see White-tipped Reef Sharks ("Tintoreras", in Spanish). We will then return to our boat for breakfast before continuing the journey to the next destination.
We will depart from Moreno Point, which is near Elizabeth Bay and located on the western coast of Isabela Island. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the plethora birds they can see on a boat ride or hike through the lava rocks leading to mangroves and tide pools. You can see white-tip or green sharks in the tide pools.
It is one of several penguin breeding areas on the island. Elizabeth Point, located on Isabela's west coast is an important marine visitor area. Red mangrove cove is a popular place to see brown pelicans and flightless cormorants. Also, spotted Eagle Rays, Golden rays, sea lions, and spotted eagle-rays can be seen. Enjoy a delicious lunch
The base of the Alcedo Volcano is situated between Elizabeth Bay Tagus Cove. Wet landing. The trail length is approximately 3.20 km; we are able to observe land iguanas and hawks. We can also see lobsters red and blue.
Espinoza Point is the only place to visit on Fernandina, which is bigger than Galapagos. Espinoza Point has become a famous place because of the large colonies of marine Iguanas, the Galapagos Penguin, the Galapagos Hawk, the Galapagos Snakes, and more. Espinoza Point offers a great view of Fernandina island and the volcano, whose last eruption occurred in May 2005. Fernandina Island is unique in that it has no mammal population and its open spaces are extremely fragile. We have to be very careful when walking in the nesting season of marine iguanas (January-June). EcoGalaxy. Lunch.
Vicente Roca Point consists of two coves. This site has a spectacular bay and a variety of sea life. Watch out for Mola-molas (sunfish), seahorses and sea turtles.
This site has a beach with black sand. To the south, there is an active volcano named Pan de Azucar. Its volcanic deposits have helped to form this black-sanded beach.
This volcano's crater has a large salt lake that, in warmer months, becomes dry. It is also possible to see a mine of salt. This mine was explored between 1928 and 1930, but it didn't work. It also caused environmental damage because workers used endemic trees. The salt mine is off limits. Lunch.
On the east side of Rabida Island is the visitor's site. It consists of red sand beaches, coastal lagoons behind the beaches, and loop trails. This trail has an approximate length of 1.1 km.
It is believed that the reddish sand and rocks on the beach are due to the porous volcanic rock, which, with the aid of external factors such as rain, sea water, and breeze, has been oxidized. Red sand beaches, the scenery and the native species and vegetation in the arid region are the main attractions of this place.
We are pleased to welcome you aboard. Our first stop is Black Turtle Cove, located in Santa Cruz's northern part. The bay is only accessible via a dinghy and is surrounded with mangroves. This shallow cove provides a refuge for marine animals. Here, you can often see black-tip reefs sharks, turtles and various rays.
Transfers to and from the Airport