Galapagos Galaxy Sirius: Itinerary Western & Central Islands (B)

After arriving at Baltra Airport, you will be greeted by a National Park naturalist guide who will accompany you throughout your journey.

Black Turtle Cove

This serene area is named after the green sea turtles, locally referred to as “tortugas negras”. The tour is conducted entirely by boat, as no landings are allowed. You will navigate mangrove-lined waterways and tranquil coves, home to reef sharks, sea turtles, and different species of rays. The region plays an essential role as a mating ground for turtles and a nursery for young sharks. Keep an eye out for herons, pelicans, and boobies, which often feed on schools of anchovies.

Rábida Island

Rábida is renowned for its striking red-colored beaches and cliffs, a result of high iron content in the lava rocks. This island is home to a small sea lion colony and a saltwater lagoon that attracts various bird species, including ducks, stilts, and sometimes flamingos. The inland trail offers stunning views of the lagoon and beach while allowing visitors to observe Darwin finches, flycatchers, and mockingbirds. Along the island’s cliffs, you may spot Nazca and blue-footed boobies, brown noddies, and herons, as well as both Galápagos sea lions and fur seals.

Chinese Hat

This volcanic islet, named for its cone-shaped formation, sits just off Santiago Island. The surrounding bay features turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and dark volcanic rocks, creating an almost surreal landscape. The contrast of Galápagos penguins resting on the rocks adds to the uniqueness of the site. The walking trail follows the shoreline, leading through a small sea lion colony, where you can observe them lounging and playing in the waves.

North Seymour Island

This island is a haven for seabirds and is home to large colonies of magnificent and great frigatebirds. During the breeding season, male frigatebirds inflate their bright red throat pouches to attract mates. Blue-footed boobies perform their signature courtship dance in open areas, while swallow-tailed gulls perch on rocky ledges. Inland, you’ll find land iguanas, whereas marine iguanas and sea lions prefer basking on the rocky shores.

Mosquera Islet

A narrow sandbar between Baltra and North Seymour, Mosquera is mostly composed of sandy beaches and rocky patches with a few salt-resistant plants. The island is home to a thriving sea lion colony, where playful pups can be seen surfing the waves and splashing in tide pools. The endemic lava gull, one of the rarest gull species in the world, is often spotted searching for food along the shoreline.

Sullivan Bay

Sullivan Bay offers a fascinating look at the volcanic origins of the Galápagos Islands. The trail traverses a vast lava field, where you can observe intricate formations of pāhoehoe lava, characterized by smooth, rope-like textures that are found in only a few places worldwide. Though the landscape appears barren, pioneer plants, lava lizards, and small birds have begun to colonize the area. Near the shore, you may also spot Galápagos penguins, pelicans, and oystercatchers.

Bartolomé Island

One of the most iconic locations in the Galápagos, Bartolomé offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding islands. The island is best known for Pinnacle Rock, a towering lava formation next to a picturesque peach-colored sandy beach. The climb to the summit offers breathtaking lunar-like landscapes dotted with volcanic cones. From the top, you can admire Sullivan Bay, Pinnacle Rock, and nearby islands. Bartolomé is also one of the best places to see Galápagos penguins outside of the remote western islands.

El Barranco (Prince Philip’s Steps)

Located on the southern cliffs of Darwin Bay, this area features steep rocky terrain ideal for nesting seabirds. The fragile lava formations provide perfect nesting grounds for storm petrels, which in turn attract short-eared owls that prey on the smaller birds. The cliffs are also home to red-footed and Nazca boobies, which nest along the rugged landscape. At the base of the cliffs, Galápagos fur seals rest in the shaded crevices, while various seabirds soar above.

Darwin Bay

A paradise for birdwatchers, Genovesa Island is famous for its massive seabird colonies. From the moment you step onto the beach, you’ll be surrounded by hundreds of frigatebirds, boobies, and gulls, all calling, flying, or nesting in the bushes. The walking trail offers a truly immersive wildlife experience, as you’ll encounter sea lions, marine iguanas, night herons, lava gulls, Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and more.

Interpretation Center

Located on the outskirts of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the Interpretation Center provides insight into the human history of the Galápagos, from the early Spanish explorers to modern conservation efforts. The exhibit details the challenges faced by the first settlers, as well as the influence of Charles Darwin and the ongoing conservation programs that protect the islands.

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