Itinerary 4C

Tuesday: SAN CRISTÓBAL ISLAND – Cristóbal Pier PM Cristóbal Pier – Pick-up at 18:00 (approx.) to board Yacht Fragata

Dry and/or Wet landing) A spectacular wildlife site where you can observe blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, marine iguanas, sea lions, Galápagos doves, and Darwin finches. From April to December, you may also see the fascinating Waved Albatross, and in April, witness their remarkable courtship dance. One natural highlight is the blowhole, shooting water high into the air. Hike: 3 km Lunch on board.

(Wet landing) Located on the eastern side of Española, this white sand beach is home to a friendly colony of sea lions. Nearby is the breeding site of nearly all of the world’s Waved Albatrosses. Excellent opportunities for hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. GARDNER ISLET Spot sea lions, marine turtles, and finches. Ideal for snorkeling and swimming. OSBORN ISLET A small islet southeast of Española, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Dinner and briefing for the next day.

Thursday: FLOREANA ISLAND – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND AM – CORMORANT POINT (Wet landing) Visit a large flamingo lagoon, where species like stilts and white-cheeked pintails are also found. The beach with olivine crystals is known as the Green Beach, while on the opposite side a fine white sand beach serves as a marine turtle nesting site (December–May). Hike: 2 km. DEVIL’S CROWN (No landing) This submerged volcanic crater is one of the best snorkeling sites in the archipelago. The coral formations attract schools of colorful fish, sharks, rays, and sea turtles. PM – CHARLES DARWIN STATION (Santa Cruz Island) Visit the research center operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation, dedicated to conservation and scientific study since 1959. Learn about the giant tortoise breeding program and the natural history of the islands. Dinner and briefing on board.

Friday: SEYMOUR ISLAND – BALTRA AIRPORT AM – NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND (Dry and/or Wet landing) A wildlife-rich island known for its blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, marine iguanas, and sea lions. The arid vegetation is dominated by palo santo trees. Hiking. After the visit, transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight to Guayaquil/Quito. --- This is the end of the trip.