Galapagos Galaxy Sirius: Itinerary Northern Galápagos Islands (C)

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, a naturalist guide from the Galápagos National Park will be there to welcome you and begin your adventure.

Black Turtle Cove
This tranquil lagoon is named after the green sea turtles, locally known as “tortugas negras”, that inhabit its waters. Since land access is restricted, the tour is conducted via dinghy, allowing visitors to navigate through mangrove-lined waterways and shallow inlets. This protected ecosystem serves as a breeding area for sea turtles and a nursery for young sharks. You may also encounter reef sharks, rays, herons, pelicans, and boobies feeding on schools of anchovies.

Rábida Island

Rábida is notable for its distinctive red-hued beaches and cliffs, created by the island’s iron-rich volcanic rocks. The shoreline is home to a small sea lion colony, while a nearby saltwater lagoon attracts a variety of birds, including ducks, stilts, and occasionally flamingos. An inland trail offers panoramic views of the lagoon and beach, along with sightings of Darwin finches, flycatchers, and mockingbirds. The rocky cliffs surrounding the island provide nesting grounds for Nazca and blue-footed boobies, brown noddies, and herons, while both Galápagos sea lions and fur seals can be seen lounging along the coast.

Chinese Hat

This small volcanic islet is shaped like a traditional conical hat and is located near Santiago Island. Its crystal-clear waters, coral sand beaches, and dark lava formations create a striking contrast, further enhanced by the presence of Galápagos penguins resting on the rocks. A short coastal trail passes through a thriving sea lion colony, offering the chance to observe these playful marine mammals up close.

North Seymour Island

North Seymour is a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting large colonies of magnificent and great frigatebirds. During mating season, male frigatebirds inflate their vivid red throat pouches to attract females. Blue-footed boobies can also be spotted engaging in their famous courtship dance, while swallow-tailed gulls nest along the cliffs. Land iguanas roam the island’s interior, while marine iguanas and sea lions bask on the rocky shores.

Mosquera Islet

A narrow strip of white sand and rock formations situated between Baltra and North Seymour, Mosquera is home to a large sea lion colony. Visitors can stroll along the beach, watching young sea lions surf the waves and play in tide pools. The area is also known for sightings of the rare endemic lava gull, often seen searching for food along the shore.

Sullivan Bay

A geological wonder, Sullivan Bay features an expansive lava field formed by pāhoehoe lava flows, which create intricate rope-like formations rarely found elsewhere in the world. While the barren terrain appears devoid of life, closer inspection reveals pioneer plants, lava lizards, and small birds. Along the shoreline, Galápagos penguins, pelicans, and oystercatchers can often be seen.

Bartolomé Island

One of the most picturesque destinations in the Galápagos, Bartolomé is known for its stunning panoramic views. The island’s most famous landmark, Pinnacle Rock, rises dramatically next to a peach-colored sandy beach. A hike to the summit provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding islands, volcanic cones, and Sullivan Bay. Bartolomé is also one of the best places to see Galápagos penguins without venturing to the remote western islands.

El Barranco (Prince Philip’s Steps)

Located on the cliffs of Darwin Bay, El Barranco is a seabird nesting hotspot. The fragile lava formations create an ideal breeding ground for storm petrels, which, in turn, attract short-eared owls, their primary predator. Along the trail, you’ll encounter red-footed and Nazca boobies, while Galápagos fur seals rest in the shaded rock formations at the base of the cliffs.

Darwin Bay

Genovesa Island is renowned for its dense seabird populations, making it a prime location for birdwatchers. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the chorus of hundreds of frigatebirds, boobies, and gulls filling the sky. The trail offers an immersive wildlife experience, with sea lions and marine iguanas near the shore, and night herons, lava gulls, swallow-tailed gulls, Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and other endemic species inland.

Interpretation Center

Situated just outside Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, this educational center provides insight into the human history of the Galápagos, from the early Spanish explorers to the present-day conservation efforts. The exhibits detail the struggles of early settlers, the legacy of Charles Darwin, and the ongoing initiatives to protect the islands’ fragile ecosystems.

After the visit, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.