Itinerary A: The Volcanic Heart Circuit

A – Tuesday Baltra Island – Santa Cruz Island (AM) Depart from Guayaquil to the Galapagos (1½-hour flight). BALTRA ISLAND: Home to the main airport of the Galapagos, this is the starting point of your journey. A bilingual guide will meet you upon arrival and assist you during the transfer to your vessel. Welcome ceremony and briefing session. PM – After Lunch PRIMICIAS RANCH: Your first visit brings you face-to-face with the iconic Giant Tortoises of the Galapagos. These gentle giants can often be seen roaming through the vegetation or resting peacefully. Endemic bird species such as mockingbirds, flycatchers, cattle egrets, and finches are also commonly seen.

A – Wednesday Isabela Island AM – After Breakfast TINTORERAS: Located south of Puerto Villamil, this calm turquoise bay is home to sea turtles, marine iguanas, and sea lions. A shallow fissure connected to the bay becomes isolated at low tide, where sharks and stingrays often gather. Lunch onboard. PM ARNALDO TUPIZA BREEDING CENTER: Learn how the island’s giant tortoise populations are preserved through a successful captive-breeding program. WETLANDS: Known for its sandy beaches, rocky coastline, and mangroves. A network of trails allows visitors to observe four species of mangrove and birds such as Great Blue Herons, Galapagos Hawks, Lava Herons, Striated Herons, Lava Gulls, and more. Approx. 30-minute hike. PLAYA DEL AMOR: A beautiful beach where marine iguanas can be seen resting or diving in crystal-clear waters. Iconic Galapagos birds—blue-footed boobies, masked (Nazca) boobies, and frigatebirds—are commonly observed here. LA PLAYITA: A fine-sand beach home to pelicans, marine iguanas, and fishing boobies. The area features both a mangrove ecosystem and an impressive cactus forest. EL TÚNEL DEL ESTERO: A natural tunnel directly connected to the ocean, surrounded by tall cacti that create a unique and unforgettable landscape. Small crabs and various reef fish can be seen while passing through.

A – Thursday Rábida Island – Dragon Hill AM – After Breakfast RÁBIDA ISLAND: One of the most colorful and volcanically active islands in the archipelago. The visit begins at its famous red-sand beach, followed by a short ½-mile hike to a viewpoint with spectacular scenery. A paradise for birdwatchers—flycatchers, brown pelicans, Galapagos hawks, finches, and other species are frequently seen. Wet landing. Lunch onboard. PM DRAGON HILL: A trail behind the beach leads to a hypersaline lagoon visited by flamingos, Wilson’s plovers, black-bellied ducks, and other species. Continuing uphill, the path reaches the nesting grounds of the Galapagos land iguanas, many of which were reintroduced by the Charles Darwin Research Station.

A – Friday Santa Cruz Island (AM – After Breakfast) BLACK TURTLE COVE: No landing. Enjoy a peaceful dinghy (panga) ride through the mangrove channels near Baltra. With the engine off, you’ll glide quietly over calm waters, often spotting sea turtles beneath the surface and discovering hidden lagoons filled with birds and marine life. After the visit, transfer by bus to Baltra Airport for your departing flight.