Itinerary 4CM/V: Española & Floreana Expedition

Tuesday: SAN CRISTÓBAL ISLAND – Cristóbal Pier PM Cristóbal Pier. Pick-up at approximately 18:00

Wednesday: ESPAÑOLA ISLAND AM – SUÁREZ POINT (Dry and/or wet landing) A prime site to observe blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, marine iguana colonies, and—between April and December—the fascinating courtship rituals of the Waved Albatross. You may also see sea lions, Galápagos doves, and Darwin’s finches. A natural highlight is the lava blowhole, which shoots water high into the air. Hike: 3 km. Lunch on board.

PM – GARDNER BAY (Wet landing) Located on the island’s eastern side, this beautiful white-sand beach is home to a large sea lion colony and offers excellent opportunities for hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. GARDNER ISLET A good spot to see sea lions, marine turtles, and finches. Snorkeling and swimming. OSBORN ISLET A small islet southeast of Española, ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Dinner and briefing for the next day.

Thursday: FLOREANA ISLAND – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND AM – CORMORANT POINT (Wet landing) Visit a large flamingo lagoon, where common stilts and white-cheeked pintails can also be sighted. The “Green Beach” gets its name from the olivine crystals in the sand. On the opposite side, a fine white-sand beach serves as a nesting site for marine turtles from December to May. Hike: 2 km. DEVIL’S CROWN (No landing) A submerged volcanic crater eroded by the ocean, offering one of the best snorkeling spots in the islands. Expect impressive underwater scenery with colorful schools of fish, sharks, and sea turtles.

PM – CHARLES DARWIN STATION (SANTA CRUZ ISLAND) Part of the Charles Darwin Foundation (est. 1959), this research center provides an excellent introduction to the islands’ ecosystems, origins, and conservation efforts. Visit the giant tortoise breeding program. Dinner and briefing for the next day.

Friday: SEYMOUR ISLAND – BALTRA AIRPORT AM – NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND (Dry and/or wet landing) Famous for its large colonies of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds, as well as swallow-tailed gulls, marine iguanas, and sea lions. The landscape is dominated by arid vegetation, particularly palo santo trees. After this visit, transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight to Guayaquil or Quito. End of the trip.