Arrive at San Cristobal, and pass through an airport inspection point to ensure no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands. Pay the park entrance fee of $200 (unless prepaid). A guide meets you, assists in collecting your luggage, and escorts you on a short bus ride to the harbor, where you board the Tribute cruise. Assigned to your cabins, lunch is served shortly after.

Lobos Islet harbors a colony of Galapagos sea lions. Like in other colonies in the archipelago, approach nurturing females within a few meters. During the breeding season, territorial males also visit, defending and mating their harem. Two other emblematic species breed here: male blue-footed boobies and great frigate birds who try to impress the females (and tourists) with clumsy dances, heaving their feet, or blowing up their balloon-sized scarlet pouches.

During your excursion at Santa Fe island, get surprised at how close some curious sea lions waddle. Likewise, approachable for a close-up are Galapagos hawks that usually perch at their outlooks, ready to snatch away a baby marine iguana or lava lizard. Start next to a cactus forest trail, giving a close-up view of how these surrealistic, house-high giant opuntia prickly pears grow out larger than on any other island and tell a fascinating evolutional story.

At the calm, turquoise Barrington Bay, swim in close company with Galapagos sea lions, fluorescent blue chin parrot fishes, yellowtail surgeon fishes, whiptail stingrays, Pacific green turtles, whitetip reef sharks, and more.

Disembark the cruise in the afternoon and explore Black Turtle Cove from the dinghy. This place exemplifies how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat. Three mangrove species crowd the area from the shore out into the lagoon, reaching almost a mile inland. Drift through quiet waters in the zodiac, where you are likely to see spotted eagle rays swimming in a diamond formation. White-tipped reef sharks slip beneath the boat, and Pacific green turtles come to the surface for air.

Explore Genovesa, one of the outer islands and the most exclusive spot in the Galapagos. The longer navigation last night was well worth it. This compact site in the heart of its flooded crater showcases the extremely varied coastal ecosystems of the Galapagos in miniature—a lot for you to take in during a single day.

Forage actively along the surf, observing Whimbrels and wandering tattlers next to resting Galapagos sea lions. Witness impressive frigatebirds and red-footed boobies nesting in the mangroves. Observe vocalists like the yellow warbler, Darwin’s finches, and the Galapagos mockingbird. Notice the unique difference in singing between two subpopulations of the same species of large cactus finch.

Not only because of its historical English name (Tower) Genovesa has a royal touch. Follow in the footsteps of Prince Philip – a Galapagos lover for many years – and visit this favorite birding spot with the largest breeding colonies of red-footed and Nazca boobies, and look for the remarkable short-eared owl that hunts on foot!

Approach Chinese Hat from the north and you will understand the reason behind its name. Arrive just in time to witness pioneer species colonizing this young barren islet, sprouting from holes in the lava. Galapagos sea lions, countless marine iguanas, eagles, and mockingbirds contribute to soil fertilization. Highly recommend snorkeling here, as it's home to a colony of critically endangered Galapagos Penguins due to the effects of climate change. While swimming, they might approach curiously to your mask, alongside sea lions and elusive Pacific green turtles.

This afternoon, make a 'wet landing' on the extraordinary red beach of Rabida island. Oxidized iron particles give its rocks and sand an intense rusty color. Contiguous to the beach is a shallow green lagoon, an oasis on this otherwise arid island, attracting all kinds of aquatic birds, like pintails and sometimes American flamingos. Amidst the evergreen foliage of the surrounding mangrove bushes, many species of songbirds hide and breed.

One of the most outstanding attractions is the major breeding colony of brown pelicans, the only ones in the world that plunge-dive. Later, inflatable dinghies will pick you up to prepare for snorkeling.

The dinghies bring you to the touristic pier of Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz island, from where you are brought to the Charles Darwin Research Station. This institution is named after the British naturalist who developed his Theory of Evolution after visiting these islands in 1835 and works on the conservation and restoration of the Galapagos ecosystems, as well as for the sustainable development of its communities. There is an interpretation center about the National Park and its Marine Reserve. The most memorable part of your visit is probably the successful breeding center and the enclosures with Galapagos giant tortoises.

After this visit, disembark the Tribute and transfer to Baltra airport.