Galapagos Endemic: Itinerary Central and Southern Islands (B)

Upon arriving at Baltra Airport, you’ll be greeted and assisted before heading to M/C Endemic.

Dragon Hill – Santa Cruz Island

In the afternoon, explore Dragon Hill, located on the northwestern coast of Santa Cruz. This area is known for its population of land iguanas, which were once on the brink of extinction.

As you hike inland, you’ll come across a lagoon frequented by flamingos, pintail ducks, and endemic bird species such as flycatchers and warblers. After a short climb, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the island. Before heading back to the yacht, enjoy offshore snorkeling in the surrounding waters.

Kicker Rock

Start the day with a visit to Kicker Rock, an impressive volcanic formation that serves as a nesting site for seabirds. Below the surface, the waters are teeming with turtles, rays, tropical fish, and even sharks, making it a top snorkeling destination.

Witch Hill

Next, explore Witch Hill, a tuff cone formation on San Cristobal’s southwestern coast. The site gets its name from the Vermilion Flycatcher, a bird commonly found in the area. A zodiac ride along the shore reveals breathtaking rock formations, white sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters—perfect for snorkeling.

Lobos Island

In the afternoon, visit Lobos Island, home to a small population of blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and marine iguanas. The bay offers calm waters, ideal for snorkeling alongside playful sea lions.

Gardner Bay

Begin your day at Gardner Bay, a picturesque beach perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The nearby islets provide excellent opportunities to spot colorful fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks. The bay is also home to sea lion colonies, where curious pups may join you for a swim.

Suarez Point

In the afternoon, explore Suarez Point, one of the richest wildlife hotspots in the Galapagos. Walk along the cliffs to observe blue-footed and Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, and the famous waved albatross. This area also features natural blowholes, where seawater shoots high into the air—a truly dramatic sight!

Santa Fe Island

Spend the morning exploring Santa Fe Island, known for its towering Opuntia cacti and land iguanas. Choose between two trails: one leading to massive cacti, and another to the highlands, where more wildlife can be spotted. After hiking, enjoy snorkeling or swimming in the calm waters, often alongside sea lions.

Fausto Llerena Breeding Center (Santa Cruz Island)

In the afternoon, visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, also known as the Charles Darwin Research Station. This conservation site is home to various species of Galapagos tortoises, where you can observe them at different stages of development. Here, you’ll also learn about the legendary Lonesome George, the famous tortoise that was the last of his subspecies.

South Plaza Island

Your morning starts at South Plaza Island, where the landscape is covered in Sesuvium plants and towering Opuntia cacti. These provide food for land iguanas, often seen resting beneath the cacti, waiting for fallen fruit.

Bartolome Island

After lunch, travel to Bartolome Island, one of the most scenic locations in the Galapagos. Climb to the summit for breathtaking views of Sullivan Bay and the iconic Pinnacle Rock. At the base of Pinnacle Rock, you’ll find excellent snorkeling opportunities, where you might even swim with Galapagos penguins!

Devil’s Crown

Start the day at Devil’s Crown, a submerged volcanic crater known for its thriving coral reefs. This is one of the best snorkeling spots in the Galapagos, where you can encounter reef sharks, rays, sea turtles, and schools of tropical fish.

Cormorant Point

Next, visit Cormorant Point, where you’ll walk along a green-sand beach rich in olivine minerals. A short trail leads to a flamingo-filled lagoon, where these elegant birds can often be seen feeding.

Post Office Bay

In the afternoon, head to Post Office Bay, home to the historic barrel mail system once used by whalers. Visitors can leave postcards here, following the tradition of having other travelers hand-deliver them to their destinations.

Chinese Hat Islet

Spend the morning at Chinese Hat Islet, a small volcanic cone off the coast of Santiago Island. The islet is named for its distinctive shape and is a great location for zodiac rides, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting.

North Seymour Island

In the afternoon, explore North Seymour Island, a low-lying, vegetation-covered island formed by uplifted lava. It is home to one of the largest colonies of magnificent frigatebirds, as well as blue-footed boobies, whose amusing courtship dance is a highlight for visitors.

Black Turtle Cove

On your final morning, visit Black Turtle Cove, located on Santa Cruz’s northern shore. This serene mangrove lagoon is a haven for Pacific green sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, and white-tipped reef sharks. The calm waters make for a peaceful and intimate wildlife experience, often cited as a trip highlight.

After this visit, transfer to Baltra Airport, where you’ll bid farewell to the Galapagos and board your return flight to mainland Ecuador.