Itinerary E Endemic Cruise
The 6-day M/C Endemic Itinerary E Cruise spans five Galapagos islands, incorporating activities like snorkeling, hiking, and exploring natural wonders. Standout moments include penguin-accompanied snorkeling at Bartolomew Island, ascending to the summit of Devil's Crown, touring Baroness' Lookout on Floreana Island, and witnessing the Galapagos' most sizable magnificent frigatebird colony at North Seymour Island. Please note that changes to the schedule may arise due to weather, National Park guidelines, or unexpected situations.
Tag 1: Baltra Airport – Bartolome Islands
Transfer from Baltra airport to M/C Endemic. Bartholomew Island is your next stop after lunch. You will then ascend the hill to enjoy the breathtaking panorama of Sullivan Bay, including the Pinnacle rock. Snorkeling is a great way to explore the underwater world. If you are lucky, you may even get the chance to swim with penguins.
Tag 2: Floreana Island: Devil´s Crown / Cormorant Point - Baroness’ Lookout / Post Office Bay
After breakfast in the morning, we will visit Devil's Crown, an underwater volcanic cone that has been almost completely covered by Galapagos water. From above, only a portion of this rock formation is visible. It looks like a crown. Coral reefs and marine life are abundant in the underwater world. This visitor's point is also a bird sanctuary due to the location on open water. Visit Cormorant Point, where you can land on an olivine-green sand beach. You will reach the lagoon of flamingos after a path 100 metres long. Afternoon, visit Baroness Lookout (Mirador de la Baronesa). The Baroness' Lookout is situated on Floreana Island to the North. This trail and the way to get there is easy. There are steps in place for safety. Your naturalist will share the legend surrounding the mysterious murder of Baroness. You can also visit the Post Office Bay to see the historic post barrels that were used by whalers to send their mail.
Tag 3: Santiago Island: Chinese Hat – North Seymour Island
After breakfast, you'll visit Chinese Hat. This is a tiny islet located off the coast of Santiago with an elevation up to 52 meters (160 feet). Chinese Hat, though easily accessible from Santa Cruz is usually only seen by passengers on a Galapagos Cruise. North Seymour Island will be explored in the late afternoon. The island is situated slightly north of Baltra. The island is low and flat, formed from submarine lava uplift. It is covered with low-growing vegetation and contains the Galapagos' largest frigate bird colony. Blue-footed Boobies are also present in large numbers and perform an entertaining courtship dance.
Tag 4: Santa Cruz Island: Black Turtle Cove – Las Bachas Beach
Enjoy a visit to Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz' north shore after breakfast. This is an example of the way mangroves change marine environments to produce a unique and rich habitat. The area is dominated by three mangroves species, which stretch from the coast to the lagoon. This reaches almost one mile inland. While you drift in a zodiac through the calm waters, it is likely that you will see diamond-shaped mustard rays swimming in diamond patterns. The boat is slid under by white-tipped coral reef sharks, and Pacific green turtles are seen coming to the surface to breathe and mate. In the cove, waterfowl such as pelicans and herons, and egrets, feed. It is an idyllic place where you will feel relaxed. Visit Las Bachas in the afternoon. It is an amazing white-sanded beach located along the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. You can take a walk or snorkel in the calm surf. The vegetation is where sea turtles lay eggs. A rusted Pontoon from the Second World War is also a good find. The word "bachas", which is actually a bad pronunciation of the term "barge", was coined by locals who mispronounced it and the name stuck.
Tag 5: Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay - El Barranco
Visit Darwin Bay in the morning. It is the only sand beach located within the caldera of Genovesa. Along the beach, you can find colonies of Great Frigates. The males show their pouches of red balloons to the females in hopes that they will find a mate. The red-footed species nests in trees, unlike the two other booby types that do it on the ground. You will visit El Barranco, a stone staircase carved into the rock. You will reach a large plateau where you can see many masked boobies, frigatebirds, storm petrels, and ducks. You will pass through a Scalesia woodland, the habitat of the Short-eared Owl. You will return to your boat by following the same route.
Tag 6: Santa Cruz Island: Twin Craters – Baltra Airport
After breakfast in the early morning we visit the Twin Craters. These scenic craters, located in the Santa Cruz highlands, are about 30 meters deep. The Scalesia Forest, which surrounds these two enormous land depressions with its abundance of birds like the Yellow Warbler and Vermilion flycatcher is a beautiful backdrop to the two depressions. The excursion also includes stunning views of the lush green forest of the highlands. Transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to Ecuador mainland. At the airport, assistance and goodbyes are provided.
Inbegriffen
- Transfers airport/yacht/airport in Galapagos
- Airport reception and assistance
- Double or single accommodation
- Guided expeditions according to the itinerary
- Top bilingual National Park guide (English / Spanish)
- Cruise Service Officer
- Activity daily briefing
- All meals and snacks
- Soft drinks and juices
- Captain’s welcome and farewell cocktail
- Supplied expedition gear
Nicht enthalten
- Round trip to Galapagos
- Galapagos National Park Entrance fee ($100 – subject to change)
- Transit Control Card ($20 – subject to change)
- Alcoholic and bottled beverages
- Gratuities for guide and crew
- Travel and health insurance
- Micro SD Card
Höhepunkte
- Seeing mangroves and marine life
- Watching colonies of Great Frigates and Red-footed Boobies
- Visiting the Twin Craters