Arrive at Baltra Airport and transfer to the M/C Monique. In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to giant tortoise conservation efforts. Then continue into the highlands of Santa Cruz, where you’ll encounter wild tortoises and enjoy birdwatching among the native vegetation, including species of finches and warblers.

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Galapagos Monique: Eastern & Northern Route Expedition (B)
This 7-night itinerary aboard the M/C Monique explores the eastern and northern Galapagos Islands. Visit iconic sites on Española, San Cristobal, Genovesa, and Santa Cruz, where unique wildlife such as red-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and land iguanas thrive. With world-class snorkeling, dramatic volcanic formations, and abundant birdlife, this journey showcases the rich biodiversity and ecological variety of the Galapagos archipelago.
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Itinerary
Day 1 : Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Station And Highlands
Day 2 : Floreana Island: Post Office Bay & Cormorant Point
At Post Office Bay, take part in an 18th-century mail exchange ritual and explore lava tunnels. Later at Cormorant Point, discover two contrasting beaches and a flamingo-populated lagoon. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters and explore this biodiverse island rich in history and marine life.
Day 3 : Española Island: Punta Suarez & Gardner Bay
Start your day at Punta Suarez, where rugged trails lead you past colonies of Nazca and blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and seasonal waved albatrosses. In the afternoon, relax at Gardner Bay’s white-sand beach and snorkel around nearby islets among rays, fish, and sea lions in turquoise waters.
Day 4 : San Cristobal Island: Kicker Rock & Interpretation Center
Sail around Kicker Rock, a dramatic volcanic formation teeming with seabirds. Swim or snorkel in its rich waters, then visit Witch Hill, a serene bay with calm, clear waters and a saltwater lagoon. In the afternoon, explore the San Cristobal Interpretation Center to learn about the islands’ history, ecosystems, and conservation efforts.
Day 5 : Santa Fe & South Plaza Islands
Explore Santa Fe’s cactus-covered terrain and meet its endemic pale-yellow land iguanas. Snorkel in the calm bay with playful sea lions and reef fish. In the afternoon, walk South Plaza’s colorful landscape and encounter nesting seabirds along its cliffs and lava formations.
Day 6 : Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay & El Barranco
Arrive at Darwin Bay, a volcanic caldera where red-footed boobies and male frigatebirds perform courtship displays. In the afternoon, climb El Barranco (Prince Philip’s Steps) to observe Nazca boobies, storm petrels, and fur seals among the cliffs. Snorkeling here may include encounters with various species of sharks.
Day 7 : Santa Cruz Island: Chinese Hat & Dragon Hill
Snorkel off Chinese Hat, a lava-formed islet with excellent marine life. Then visit Dragon Hill to observe thriving land iguanas and a saltwater lagoon that draws flamingos and ducks. Hike to a panoramic viewpoint before enjoying one last snorkeling session offshore.
Day 8 : Santa Cruz Island: Black Turtle Cove
Explore Black Turtle Cove by dinghy in the calm morning hours. Glide through a mangrove labyrinth and observe rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, and waterfowl in this peaceful sanctuary. Afterward, transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight to mainland Ecuador.
Highlights
- Visit Charles Darwin Research Station and spot wild tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands
- Snorkel with sea lions, rays, and reef fish at Gardner Bay, Kicker Rock, and Chinese Hat
- Observe red-footed and Nazca boobies, marine iguanas, and waved albatrosses on remote islands
- Experience Post Office Bay’s historic mail tradition and San Cristobal’s Interpretation Center
- Explore the mangroves of Black Turtle Cove by silent dinghy ride for up-close marine life viewing