Galapagos Alya: Itinerary Northern, Eastern & Southern Islands (C)

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to the Alya Catamaran, where you will enjoy a welcome drink and lunch.

In the afternoon, we visit North Seymour Island, a volcanic island uplifted from the ocean floor, where fossils dating back to the Pleistocene period have been discovered.

In 1932, Captain Alan Hancock and his crew relocated 72 malnourished land iguanas from Baltra to North Seymour to provide them with a better habitat. Two years later, colonists confirmed that the iguanas had adapted well to their new home.

The island’s vegetation is mainly bushy, providing ideal nesting grounds for magnificent frigatebirds.

After the excursion, we return to the yacht for dinner.

South Plazas Island consists of two small islets that were formed by uplifted land masses. This island is home to smaller land iguanas, which nest during the warm season. The hiking trail leads along a spectacular cliffside, where seabirds nest. The southern coast of the island hosts a large colony of around 1,000 sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki).

In the afternoon, we head to Santa Fe Island, known for its turquoise bay surrounded by a natural rocky barrier. Here, you will encounter sea lion colonies, soaring Galápagos hawks, and one of the two endemic land iguana species of the Galápagos. Their primary diet consists of the leaves and fruits of thick cacti found on the island.

The island is also home to marine iguanas, crabs, nocturnal herons, finches, mockingbirds, and doves. The bay offers excellent opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, where you may spot marine turtles, rays, sea lions, and colorful tropical fish.

After an eventful day, we return to the Alya for dinner.

In the morning, we visit the Interpretation Center in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galápagos. This modern facility provides insightful information on the archipelago’s volcanic origins, evolution, human settlement, and conservation efforts.

After exploring the center, we return to the yacht for lunch.

In the afternoon, we visit Lobos Island, where visitors can hike, snorkel, and swim alongside sea lions, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and even the endemic Galápagos snake.

Return to the Alya for dinner.

Our first stop is Gardner Bay, where we will land on a pristine beach, home to playful sea lion colonies. These fascinating creatures are known for their curiosity and energy, but they can also be territorial and protective.

Here, you can relax on the soft white sand, take a short walk along the shore, and snorkel with sea lions, sea turtles, and a variety of tropical fish.

After the excursion, we return to the yacht for lunch.

In the afternoon, we visit Suárez Point, one of the most impressive wildlife sites in the Galápagos. This rocky trail is home to blue-footed boobies, famous for their entertaining courtship dance. The island also hosts the majestic waved albatross, one of the largest birds in the Galápagos, with an estimated 12,000 breeding pairs nesting here.

Additionally, visitors will encounter marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, masked boobies, Galápagos doves, and Española mockingbirds.

The trail leads through lava formations and lava tubes, offering stunning views of the ocean and cliffs. Since albatrosses migrate from January to March, they may not be seen during these months.

After the visit, we return to the yacht for dinner.

In the morning, we visit Cormorant Point, located on the western side of Floreana Island. This site is renowned for its unique dark green beach, which owes its color to high olivine crystal content. It is home to sea lions, marine iguanas, frigatebirds, and pelicans. Visitors can snorkel and explore the diverse marine ecosystem.

Our next stop is Devil’s Crown, a semi-submerged volcanic formation shaped like a crown, eroded by the sea over time. This is one of the best snorkeling sites in the Galápagos, offering excellent visibility and the chance to spot a wide variety of fish and marine animals.

After lunch, we head to Cerro Alieri, located east of Puerto Velasco Ibarra. This hiking site is rich in native and endemic plant species, with 56% of its vegetation being native. Among them is the critically endangered Linum cratericola plant, with only 40 known individuals remaining.

Return to the Alya for dinner.

On our final day, we explore the Highlands of Santa Cruz, where we embark on a hike to observe giant tortoises in their natural environment—a true highlight of any Galápagos visit.

For this excursion, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, long pants, a raincoat, a hat, and sunscreen.

After this last adventure, we transfer you to Baltra Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.