This 6-day Galapagos itinerary takes you on an unforgettable journey through stunning islands. Start at Santa Cruz’s Bachas Beach, then explore Santiago’s lava landscapes and Bartolome’s famous Pinnacle Rock. Spot giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz Highlands and visit the Charles Darwin Station. Discover Floreana’s unique green-sand beach and Post Office Bay, then head to Española to see blue-footed boobies and albatrosses at Suarez Point. Wrap up in San Cristobal at the Interpretation Center before departure.
Arrive at Baltra Island and transfer to the cruise.
Bachas Beach: Located on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island, this picturesque beach stretches for about 1 km. The name “Bachas” originates from World War II when the U.S. military left two barges on the shore. Early settlers mispronounced “barges” as “Bachas,” and the name remained.
Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island): A wet landing followed by a hike through a lava field, where visitors can see pāhoehoe lava formations, hornitos, and pioneer plants like Mollugo that have adapted to the volcanic environment.
Bartolomé Island: A dry landing for a scenic hike to the summit (114 m), offering breathtaking panoramic views of surrounding islands, including Santiago, Rabida, and Isabela. Visitors will encounter lava cones, volcanic pipes, and native plants like Tiquilia, Chamaesyce, and Scalesia. The famous Pinnacle Rock is home to Galápagos penguins. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, and wildlife observation.
Highlands of Santa Cruz: A trek through lush landscapes where visitors can observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Recommended attire includes sports shoes, long pants, a raincoat, a hat, and sunscreen.
Charles Darwin Research Station: A conservation center dedicated to breeding and rehabilitating giant tortoises and land iguanas. The station played a key role in saving endangered species, including Lonesome George, the last known tortoise of Pinta Island.
Punta Cormorant: A wet landing followed by a short hike. The green-sand beach here owes its color to the presence of olivine crystals. Wildlife includes sea lions, marine iguanas, frigatebirds, and pelicans.
Devil’s Crown: This rocky islet, shaped like a crown, is a prime snorkeling site where visitors can observe a diverse range of fish and marine life.
Post Office Bay: A wet landing leads to a historical site where sailors once left letters in a wooden barrel to be picked up and delivered by passing ships. Visitors can take part in this tradition and explore the area through short walks, swimming, and snorkeling.
Suarez Point: A dry landing for a walk through lava rock trails, offering a chance to see the famous blue-footed boobies performing their courtship dance, along with Nazca boobies, finches, marine iguanas, and the endemic Española mockingbird. The highlight is the waved albatross, with around 12,000 breeding pairs nesting on the island.
Note: Albatrosses are not present from January to March.
Gardner Bay: A wet landing on a pristine white-sand beach, home to a large sea lion colony. Visitors can swim and snorkel with sea turtles, tropical fish, and marine iguanas. The itinerary includes visits to Gardner & Osborn Islets for additional wildlife encounters.
Interpretation Center (San Cristóbal Island): A modern visitor center that provides insights into the formation of the Galápagos Islands, species evolution, human settlement history, and conservation efforts.
Transfer to the airport for departure.
