Action-Packed Galapagos

Today we will head to the Quito airport for our flight to the San Cristobal Island. In the afternoon we will visit "La Loberia", the home of the Galapagos sea lions. We can see them while we are snorkelling, and these curious creatures will come up close and personal as you are swimming, you can also see them basking on the rocks or just napping on the sandy shores. We can also see many bird species such as the yellow warbler birds, frigate birds, and several species of Darwin’s finches along the beach. In between the rocks, we can find marine iguanas, which you can only see in Galapagos. As well as the wide variety of sea animals we will have time to relax on the beach or explore the water with our snorkels.

After breakfast we will take a boat to Kicker Rock, just off the coast of San Cristóbal. Kicker Rock is a lava cone eroded by the waves, with 2 vertical rocks rising high above the ocean. This natural monument has become a highlight of the Galapagos, due to the many tropical birds, frigate birds and boobies that fill the sky.  Under the ocean, the crystal clear waters offer the spectacle of brightly coloured fish, such as rainbow fish and sharks, like the hammerhead and white tip. After lunch, we will spend some time on the beach before we head back to the hotel. 

Today we will take a trip to the largest island in the archipelago with the Galapagos' most volcanic activity. The island was formed by six volcanos, Alcedo, Cerra Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf; five of these are still active making the island one of the most volcanically active places on the planet. In the afternoon, we will head out on bicycles along the stunning coast, riding through an incredible ecosystem, home to many bird and animal species such as flamingos, giant tortoises and sea iguanas. We will pass by the “wall of tears” built from lava rocks and once the wall of a penal colony on the island. We will then carry on passing by idyllic white beaches, lagoons and mangrove forests where we will be able to see flamingos, herons, oystercatchers and finches as well as their bigger buddies, such as sea lions and sea iguanas.

Today we will explore the amazing lava formations along the shore, left by the island's last volcanic eruptions. National Geographic and the BBC have filmed a number of documentaries on this impressive island. This labyrinth of lava arches and crystal clear water is replete with sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks and other sea creatures. The turtles navigate their way from the mangroves to the open sea through "Los Tuneles". This is where we will have the best snorkelling on the island with an array of spectacular sea creatures, including the Galapagos penguins.  We can enjoy many optional activities such as snorkelling, biking, or simply relaxing on the pristine white-sand beaches.

After breakfast, we will head out on a hike to the Sierra Negra. From the trailhead, we will hike through a young forest ecosystem to the rim of the Sierra Negra Crater, an active volcano which last erupted in June 2018. From the crater, we can appreciate spectacular views and explore the massive 10 km wide, lava-filled crater. We will continue our hike to the Volcan Chico, a secondary crater that has a wild landscape of smoky fumaroles and colourful lava formations. In the afternoon we will visit Tintoreras Islet near Puerto Villamil and home to a wide variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos Penguins, marine turtles and sea lions. One of its beaches, surrounded by mangroves and is one of the few sites in the world where marine iguanas can successfully reproduce.

Today we will take the boat to the Santa Cruz Island, the home of the Charles Darwin Research Station. We can learn all about the endemic species found on the islands, as well as the ongoing conservation work on the Galapagos Islands. In the afternoon, we will head to the 'El Chato' reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos tortoises. Hiking through El Chato's picturesque landscape with these giant creatures is an unforgettable experience! We will also see other highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and frigate birds. We will then head back to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in this town.

Today is a free day to explore this spectacular island. Go scuba diving or just take the time to relax on the beach. Walk through a dry forest to Tortuga Bay, a spectacular white sandy beach and marine turtles' nesting site. This beautiful beach is perfect for swimming or snorkelling. Alternatively, you can join any of the optional activities available, such as a trip to Floreana Island, Bartolome Island or a scuba-diving day trip are just some of the available options for your free day.

Today we will leave these amazing Islands to head back to the capital. There will be a final opportunity to take some photos of the sea lions before we fly back to the mainland. After we arrive at the hotel, we will prepare for our final evening of the tour.

Today is the final day of this spectacular Galapagos tour.  We will collect you from the hotel to head to the airport for your flight back home or to your next exciting destination!