Northwestern Galapagos Cruise

Begin your Galapagos adventure on the island of Baltra, part of a pair known as the Seymour Islands. Baltra was created by geological uplift and has a variety of endemic species such as salt bushes, prickly pear cactus, and palo santo trees. Bird life is also plentiful here, and very entertaining!

In the afternoon, travel on to Dragon Hill. Located on Santa Cruz Island, this area boasts a hyper-saline lagoon, a favorite site of native flamingos. Climb up the hill and enjoy breathtaking views of the bay below.

Today's adventures begin with a trip to Black Turtle Cove. Black Turtle is a unique and secluded destination; a quiet red mangrove lagoon that serves as a nursery for large schools of reef and hammer head sharks, as well as golden and spotted eagle rays. Paddle into the cove and enjoy viewing these fascinating creatures up-close.

In the afternoon, head to Chinese Hat. This small islet is named for its conical shape. It features many interesting lava tubes and flows, in addition to other evidence of its recent volcanic formation. The island is also home to sea lion colonies, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins.

This morning will find you in Darwin Bay, on lovely Genovesa Island. This island is a birdwatcher's paradise, home to an array of species. Enjoy the beautiful white coral beach and wander along a trail through nesting sites and mangrove forests. The trail's terminus is at cliff's edge, rewarding visitors with an incredible view of the island below.

The southern portion of Darwin Bay features El Barranco, a trail leading hikers up to a gorgeous plateau, perfect for admiring the picturesque beach.

This morning head to Bartolomé Island, site of some of the most beautiful landscape in the archipelago. Volcanic evidence is all over the island: volcanic cones, lunar-like craters, and the famous Toba pinnacle. Bartolomé's two beaches are not only breathtaking, they're also home to marine turtles and a small colony of Galapagos penguins.

After leaving Bartolomé, travel to Santiago Island. Santiago is an active volcano and the fourth largest island in the archipelago.

This morning explore the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Hike through the island's agricultural zone, Miconia zone, as well as the Fern and Sedge zone. Take in the beautiful scenery of the rolling hills and grassy volcanic cones as you peruse the island.

This afternoon visit the Charles Darwin Station. Here you will learn about Galapagos conservation efforts, visiting the Van Staelen Exhibition Hall, the Breeding and Rearing Center for Galapagos tortoises, and the general information center. Enjoy learning about the protection of the species you've been observing throughout your trip.

This morning enjoy a zodiac ride through the Tintoreras, a group of small islands off of Isabela's coast. The Tintoreras are named for the white-tipped reef sharks that call these waters home, and are also a great place to spot Galapagos penguins and sea lions.

In the afternoon, explore Isabela's Sierra Negra Volcano. Hike up the highland slope to the rim of Sierra Negra. From here, take in breathtaking vistas of the volcano's 5-mile-wide crater, nearby Perry Isthmus, and the surrounding islands. Continue on to Chico Volcano, observing striking lava flows along the way.

Visit Punta Moreno this morning, on the north coast of Isabela. Wander along a trail that follows a Pahohoe lava flow into a group of coastal lagoons. This area is know for the spectacular bird species that inhabit its lakes and mangroves.

In the afternoon, take a zodiac ride through to Marielas Islet, home of the largest and most prominent Galapagos penguin colony. Your journey will take you into a red mangrove cove where turtles, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans, sea lions, and schools of pompano and dorado fish are frequently spotted.

Explore Punta Espinoza this morning, on the northeastern tip of Fernandina Island. This site is a mecca for rare wildlife, most notably the flightless comorant and marine iguanas.

In the afternoon, tour the cliffs of Tagus Cove in a zodiac, disembarking for a 30 minute hike to the cliff-top. From here, enjoy views of Darwin Lake, surrounding volcanoes, and cliff-side graffiti written by pirates centuries ago.

Today journey to Santiago Island, hitting Espumilla beach in the morning. This beach provides an important nesting site for marine turtles and is abutted by the beautiful Palo Santo forest.

After Esupmilla, head to the west side of the island for a visit to Puerto Egas. This black sand beach was formed by volcanic tuff deposits and is considered Santiago's main attraction.

Before departing the Galapagos today, travel to Isla Lobos. Traverse this quaint island, admiring blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and sea lions along the way.

After visiting Lobos, transfer to the airport in San Cristobal for your departing flight.