Galápagos Islands

Bird watching at Bellavista Lodge

May 4

Spend the morning bird watching a variety of dazzling, colorful birds around the lodge at Bellavista, including countless colorful hummingbirds that frequent feeders on the lodge grounds. Return to Quito after lunch.

Fly to Galápagos and land on Mosquera Islet

May 5

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival in the islands, you’ll transfer to the dock where the Samba, your home for this glorious adventure, awaits.

All routings and visitor sites on the Galápagos Islands are subject to change by the Galápagos National Park Service in an attempt to minimize traffic and impact.

After introductions and a safety briefing, you’ll make your first landing at nearby Mosquera Islet where the beach rises from the ocean floor with sand grains as soft as sugar. This volcanic uplift, dating back 100,000 years, is home to Galápagos sea lions, sally lightfoot crabs, and shorebirds. Once back on board, relax with a welcome cocktail and meet the Samba’s friendly, professional crew. In the evening, you will travel to Genovesa in the outer archipelago. As the moonlight beams on the dark waters, look for phosphorescence from ctenophores (comb jellies) and other plankton on the surface. If you are lucky, you may see them appearing to encapsulate dolphins in a glowing shield as they bow-ride with the boat.

Isla Genovesa: Darwin Bay and Prince Philip’s Steps

May 6

Anchor in the huge flooded volcanic caldera that created Darwin Bay. As you approach, observe the walls of the caldera, which provide wonderful ledges for the very rare Galápagos fur seals and nesting sites of Red-billed Tropicbirds. You will hike up a stony stairway known as Prince Philip’s Steps for great views of Red-footed and Nazca Booby colonies on the way to the Wedge-rumped (Galápagos) Storm-Petrel colony. The island’s largest Red-footed Booby nesting site is located here too. Keep an eye out for the elusive Short-eared Owl that hunts for Storm-Petrels during the day.

After your first snorkeling of the trip, you’ll end your day with excellent views of Red-footed Boobies and Great Frigatebirds nesting with unparalleled density. Following the cliff edge, photograph and observe incoming boobies and frigatebirds. Frigatebirds are ceaseless with aerial displays of kleptoparasitism as they “dog-fight” along the cliffs for scarce nesting material. Genovesa’s four species of Darwin’s finches – Common Cactus-Finch, Green Warbler-Finch, Gray Warbler-Finch, and Large Ground-Finch – show huge variation in bill size, and you can find all four species here (one of the most outstanding sites that you will visit for Darwin’s finches along with the Highlands of Santa Cruz). Unlike trips with shorter itineraries, you’ll have the luxury of anchoring in the calm waters of Darwin Bay for the night.

Isla Marchena: Punta Mejía and Playa Negra

May 7

You will have the rare opportunity to visit Marchena, making your experience truly unique. Although landings are not permitted, it is one of the best places to snorkel with tropical fish, rays, sea turtles, sharks, and eels. You may also find hermatypic (reef-building) coral formations here, an uncommon sight in the rest of the archipelago. During your navigation to and from Marchena, you sail through some of the most whale-rich waters in the region, so keep your eyes on the horizon and your binoculars ready!

Isla Isabela: Punta Albermarle and Punta Vicente Roca

May 8

Punta Albermarle is not commonly visited, but home to one of the loveliest Flightless Cormorant colonies in the Galápagos. This landing is your first endeavor on Isabela, by far the largest in the archipelago.

The northwest tip of Isabela, called Punta Vicente Roca, sits at the edge of a sharp drop into deep, nutrient-rich waters. You may see Galápagos Penguins, Brown Noddies, sea turtles, marine iguanas, Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies, marine mammals, and the bizarre-looking sunfish (Mola mola).

En route to Fernandina, keep your eyes out for whales in the cold, deep water on the western side of the archipelago. These waters offer the chance to see orcas, pilot whales, and larger species such as sperm whales. A study by Hal Whitehead, with the help of World Wildlife Fund, found sperm whales particularly abundant west of Isabela where the subsurface Cromwell Current meets land and provides oxygen and nutrient-rich upwellings that supports a high density of squid that they feed on.

Isla Fernandina then back to Isla Isabela

May 9

Across the calm Canal Bolivar, separating Isabela from Fernandina, sits Punta Espinoza, one of the most wildlife-rich sites of the trip. Fernandina, the youngest of the Galápagos Islands, is one of the world’s most pristine islands because no known introduced animals have become established here. You’ll have the unique opportunity to observe and photograph marine iguanas sunbathing in piles by the hundreds. The famous Flightless Cormorant also inhabits this island along with Galápagos Penguins, lava lizards, and pelicans. Take a walk along the relatively young basalt (lava rock) to find lava cactus (Brachycereus nesioticus), the only species in its genus, growing directly out of what still seems like fresh lava. To protect the algae-covered coastline that marine iguanas depend on for food, snorkeling is no longer allowed.
This afternoon, you head back to Isabela for a very interesting landing at Urbina Bay. In 1954, this portion of Isabela lifted out of the sea so suddenly that fish and sea turtles were literally trapped high and dry on a freshly changed coastline. You will explore this unusual site to examine evidence of the geologic forces that continue to shape these islands. Along your walk, you will find rocks full of bleached shells and massive coral heads now far from the sea. Large iguanas, both land and marine, live here as well as a few giant tortoises, the species for which the Galápagos Islands were named. You will snorkel in some of the coldest water of the trip but, thankfully, your full-length wetsuit will provide insulation as you discover the underwater world.

Isla Isabela: Elizabeth Bay and Punta Moreno

May 10

Your morning begins with a visit to Elizabeth Bay, one of the most spectacular locations for panga (small boat) cruising. You cruise with the swimming sea turtles in this paradise, following channels through the verdant green mangrove forests. The endemic Flightless Cormorant and the Galápagos Penguin are in their prime habitat in these cold, rich waters. Then you travel to the wildly stark landing site of Punta Moreno (Dark Point) where raw basalt coats the landscape and rises into the slopes of the shield volcanoes of Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul. Yet amid the stark, seemingly sterile landscape, you’ll discover rich lagoons full of life. This evening, you’ll travel through more nutrient-rich waters excellent for whale watching.

Isla Floreana: Post Office Bay and Champion Islet

May 11

After breakfast, you’ll stop briefly at Post Office Bay, where you can continue the whalers’ tradition of dropping a letter or postcard in the box and taking one to hand deliver to someone else. The fantastic landscape of the Floreana highlands is decorated with lichens and epiphytes, while the waters around the island are great for dolphins so keep your eyes open! These waters are also rich with seabirds, such as Waved Albatross, three species of Storm-Petrels, Galápagos Shearwaters, and large flocks of diving boobies. You’ll spend time visiting Champion Islet off the coast of Floreana before navigating to Santa Cruz Island for a quiet dinner in Academy Bay.

Isla Santa Cruz: Highlands and Charles Darwin Research Station

May 12

Upon reaching Santa Cruz, you’ll anchor in Academy Bay beside the bustling small town of Puerto Ayora, the islands’ primary population center. You’ll travel to the Santa Cruz highlands to seek out elusive island endemics in beautifully unique habitats. You will explore Los Gemelos, two incredible volcanic sinkholes surrounded by Scalesia forest. The elegantly tall Scalesia trees evolved from beach composites, making it essentially the world’s largest daisy. In the highlands you may see the shy Galápagos Rail, Short-eared Owl, Large and Small Tree-Finches, Vegetarian Finch, and the famous tool-using Woodpecker Finch. You will also walk through a lava tube left over from Santa Cruz’s active volcanic island-building days.

You return to Puerto Ayora in the afternoon to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, the center of evolutionary science and conservation in the Galápagos. Your visit includes the opportunity to see the resident tortoises and enjoy an intimate look at the captive breeding programs whose goal is to return the Galápagos to a more pristine, pre-colonization state. This is one of your best opportunities to photograph tortoises up close.

Isla Floreana: Punta Cormorant, Devil’s Crown, and Baroness Lookout

May 13

In the morning, you will land behind Punta Cormorant for a walk to the Flamingo Lagoon in search of shorebirds and a few flamingoes. The plant life here is unique and includes another species of the endemic composite Scalesia. After returning to the Samba, you will sail to one of the best spots in the world for snorkeling – Devil´s Crown. You normally see rays, sea turtles, surgeonfish, parrotfish, jacks, wrasses, and many other tropical fish. Floreana also holds compelling human history that includes pirate caves, European settlers, the islands’ first citizen birth, and unexplained disappearances. Experience a piece of this history with a visit to Baroness Lookout.

Isla Española: Punta Suárez with waved albatross and Gardner Bay

May 14

Punta Suárez is unique beyond description and as rich as any spot in the Galápagos Islands. You’ll find huge numbers of breeding birds and iguanas, and most significantly, the majority of the world’s nesting Waved Albatross. Young adults and birds that recently pair will court each other, a most enticing expression of the lifelong bond that breeding and survival depend upon – an unforgettable site to observe! You will also find the fearless Española Mockingbird, Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies, Swallow-tailed Gull, Galápagos Hawk, marine iguana, lava lizard, and Galápagos sea lion. The seascapes are spectacular, particularly where the waves force water through a blowhole spouting up to 75ft high.

This afternoon, you’ll sail to Gardner Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galápagos. A nearby snorkel is likely to find you in the water with playful sea lions. Galápagos sea lions populate the surf while the remarkably brave Española Mockingbird may peck your water bottle for water. Enjoy photographing shorebirds and sea lions, looking for the Large Cactus-Finch, or walking along the beautiful beach.

Isla San Cristóbal: Punta Pitt, Cerro Brujo, and Isla Lobos

May 15

One of the oldest islands is home to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital and second largest population in the Galápagos Province. In the morning you’ll have an opportunity to stretch your legs at the geologically striking Punta Pitt and examine some of the island’s vegetation, which includes endemic flowering plants such as Calandrinia galapagosa (a plant that resembles a small baobab and is in the Miner’s Lettuce family) and Lecocarpus darwinii (a plant in the Sunflower family). Make a stop at Cerro Brujo, an eroding tuff cone with a beautiful white sand beach and impressive volcanic landscape. Then travel along the north coast for some excellent wildlife and snorkeling at Isla Lobos. Look for frigatebirds, sea lions, sea turtles, Blue- and Red-footed Boobies, tropicbirds, marine iguanas, Swallow-Tailed Gulls, and dolphins.

Isla Santa Fé: Barrington Bay, Isla Plaza Sur

May 16

This morning, you’ll land on Santa Fé Island. The short hike from the beach to a low plateau rewards you with great views and the Scalesia that thrives near a large forest of the amazing giant prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp.). Search the cacti for Santa Fé land iguanas, which are a separate species from the others in the Galápagos and can grow up to 5ft in length!

The small yet incredible island of Plaza Sur (South Plaza) is your afternoon destination. This beautiful island is home to many land and marine iguanas. The colorful landscape is covered with reds and greens of Portulaca that may have yellow flowers the iguanas enjoy eating. In the giant prickly pear cactus, you can compare the Common Cactus-Finch alongside Small and Medium Ground-Finches. At the top of the island bachelor sea lions escape from the competition of stronger males as Red-billed Tropicbirds fly gracefully by.

Sombrero Chino Islet and Isla Bartolomé: Pinnacle Rock

May 17

If the light is good in the early morning, you’ll visit the surreal landscape of Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat), a symmetrical cinder cone. Lava tubes run like petrified rivers and white sand from eroded coral surrounds the black rock. This afternoon, land at Bartolomé and climb to the 360ft-high summit for a gorgeous, iconic view of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding bays. Then land on the beach for a short walk through mangroves and dune vegetation. Galápagos Penguins are often present in small numbers near Pinnacle Rock so you will have a decent chance to snorkel with or near the penguins, and maybe even whitetip reef sharks (harmless but exciting)! Also enjoy colorful starfish, tropical fish, and amazing underwater lava formations.

Isla Santiago: James Bay and Isla Rábida

May 18

This morning you’ll land at James Bay on the western side of Santiago. During low tide, explore the tidal pools that lead you to Fur Seal Grotto, where you are likely to find Galápagos fur seals swimming in emerald pools of the collapsed lava tubes.

In the afternoon you’ll head to the islet of Rábida, with deep ochre red beaches creating a striking landscape. Sea lions playing in the surf make for splendid photo subjects against the red sand in the late afternoon light. Tonight, you head back east to North Seymour, just off the northern tip of Baltra. Sadly, this will be your final evening aboard the Samba.

Isla Seymour Norte, disembark, fly to Quito

May 19

You’ll enjoy the last landing site teeming with wildlife and wander past many breeding Blue-footed Boobies and a large colony of Magnificent Frigatebirds. Hopefully, you’ll find males of both species in full display, the boobies sky-pointing and showing off their bright blue feet as they dance and the frigates calling for females with their wings spread wide and their dramatic red throat pouches inflated – an unforgettable sight! You also have the chance to see Galápagos sea lions, marine iguanas, Striated Herons, Brown Noddies, Swallow-tailed Gulls, and Lava Gulls. The endemic palo santo and low, bushy prickly pear cacti add great scenery to the amazing abundance of Galápagos wildlife. You’ll reluctantly depart for Baltra and bid farewell to the Samba and its crew.

Fly home

May 20