Galapagos Endemic: Itinerary Central and Western Islands (A)

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you’ll be welcomed and assisted before transferring to M/C Endemic.

Bachas Beach – Santa Cruz Island

In the afternoon, visit Las Bachas, a stunning white sand beach located on the northern coast of Santa Cruz. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or go snorkeling in the calm waters. The beach is an important nesting site for sea turtles, and visitors may also spot a rusted pontoon—a relic from World War II. Interestingly, “Bachas” comes from the mispronunciation of “barges”, as American military barges were wrecked offshore.

Darwin Bay

Start your morning at Darwin Bay, the only sandy beach within Genovesa Island’s volcanic caldera. The area is home to Great Frigatebirds, where males inflate their iconic red throat pouches to attract mates. Red-footed boobies nest in the trees here, contrasting with the other booby species, which prefer nesting on the ground.

Prince Philip’s Steps (El Barranco)

In the afternoon, explore El Barranco, a steep stone stairway leading to a scenic plateau. This area is a nesting ground for masked boobies, frigatebirds, storm petrels, and ducks. During your hike through a Scalesia forest, keep an eye out for the elusive short-eared owl.

Twin Craters – Santa Cruz Highlands

After breakfast, visit the Twin Craters, two enormous land depressions located in the highlands of Santa Cruz. These formations, roughly 30 meters deep, are surrounded by lush Scalesia forests, home to birds like yellow warblers and the vermilion flycatcher.

Continue to a Galapagos tortoise sanctuary, where these iconic giants roam freely in their natural habitat. Along the way, you may also spot Darwin’s finches, Galapagos rails, and short-eared owls. Explore lava tunnels, formed by ancient volcanic activity, before returning to the vessel.

Sullivan Bay – Santiago Island

In the afternoon, land on a white coral sand beach and begin your journey across a lava field that solidified less than 100 years ago. This site showcases the volcanic origins of the Galapagos, with dramatic formations and pioneer plants beginning to take root.

Sierra Negra Volcano

Visit Sierra Negra, one of the largest volcanic craters in the Galapagos, spanning five kilometers. As you ascend Orchilla Hill, keep an eye out for giant tortoises and marine iguanas. At the summit, enjoy spectacular views of volcanic landscapes, Puerto Villamil, and nearby islets.

Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center

In the afternoon, explore the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, where young giant tortoises are raised before being released into the wild. Learn about conservation efforts and get an up-close look at these iconic reptiles at different life stages.

Elizabeth Bay

Your morning starts with a zodiac excursion through Elizabeth Bay, a marine visitor site. Glide past the Marielas Islets, home to the largest Galapagos penguin colony. As you venture into the red mangrove-lined cove, you may spot sea turtles, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, and sea lions.

Urbina Bay

In the afternoon, explore Urbina Bay, where geological uplift has exposed ancient coral formations. This area is a haven for large land iguanas and giant tortoises. You’ll also have a good chance to see flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas.

Tagus Cove – Isabela Island

A zodiac ride along Tagus Cove’s rugged cliffs provides an opportunity to see Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and other seabirds. A short hike leads to Darwin Lake, a saltwater crater lake with stunning views of volcanic formations.

Espinoza Point – Fernandina Island

Explore Espinoza Point, one of Fernandina Island’s most fascinating sites. This pristine volcanic landscape is home to Lava Cacti, Galapagos sea lions, marine iguanas, and flightless cormorants. This island boasts one of the largest marine iguana colonies in the Galapagos.

Buccaneer Cove – Santiago Island

In the morning, explore Buccaneer Cove, once a pirate hideout. This area offers excellent snorkeling, kayaking, and zodiac rides, where you might spot blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, fur seals, and Galapagos hawks.

Espumilla Beach – Santiago Island

Alternatively, visit Espumilla Beach, a nesting site for marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Watch as herons hunt among the crabs, and enjoy snorkeling opportunities with octopuses, moray eels, and sharks.

Rabida Island

In the afternoon, land on Rabida Island, famous for its red sand beach and unique lava formations. Walk through cactus groves, observe brown pelicans nesting, and explore a flamingo lagoon.

Mosquera Islet

On your final morning, visit Mosquera Islet, located between Baltra and North Seymour Islands. This small sandbank is home to a thriving sea lion colony, lava gulls, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. If you’re lucky, you may even spot orcas, depending on the season.

After the excursion, transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador, marking the end of your unforgettable Galapagos adventure.