Natural Paradise Yacht: Itinerary Northern Islands (A)

Arrive at Baltra Airport and transfer to your yacht, where you’ll settle into your cabin and enjoy a welcome briefing. In the afternoon, visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora, a vital conservation facility for the Galapagos giant tortoise. Here, you’ll see tortoises at different stages of development, from hatchlings to full-grown adults, and learn about ongoing conservation efforts to protect these incredible reptiles. The older tortoises often interact with visitors, making for great photo opportunities.

Explore Genovesa Island, known as “Bird Island” due to its abundant seabird populations. In the morning, hike up Prince Philip’s Steps at El Barranco, where you’ll witness colonies of red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and short-eared owls perched on the cliffs. In the afternoon, visit Darwin Bay, a white coral sand beach surrounded by mangroves. Walk along a scenic trail to observe swallow-tailed gulls, frigatebirds, and more red-footed boobies. Snorkel in the bay’s clear waters, where you may spot hammerhead sharks, sea lions, and a variety of colorful fish.

Begin the day at Espumilla Beach, a golden sandy beach known for its nesting sea turtles and vibrant marine life. Watch herons hunt for crabs along the shore and snorkel among octopuses, moray eels, and reef sharks. Later, visit Egas Port, also known as James Bay, where a scenic coastal trail leads you past lava formations, tide pools, and grottos inhabited by Galapagos fur sea lions. This is an excellent snorkeling spot where you can swim alongside playful sea lions and marine iguanas.

On your final morning, visit Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island, a picturesque white-sand beach where flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and sea turtles are commonly seen. This peaceful spot is also home to World War II relics, including a floating pier left behind by the U.S. military. After a final swim in the crystal-clear waters, transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to the mainland.