Galapagos Islands

This morning you visit the tiny Isla Lobos with a chance to relax on the rocky shores here where blue-footed boobies nest and many sealions live. See Sally Lightfoot Crabs as they scuttle across the rocks, and the magnificent frigate bird as they sour in the skies high above you. 

Sailing on you visit Cerro Brujo a fine powder beach on the north coast of San Cristobal. Visit the lagoon, once mined for salt used as a preservative, now just home to lake and coastal birds. Returning to the beach you can see Sally Lightfoot crabs, brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies. Do some snorkelling and relax on the beach. Travelling on to Kicker Rock, a magnicent basalt crater rock now engulfed by the sea, which resembles a lion sleeping you will enjoy what is one of Galapagos' finest experiences. Rising 150m above the surface you will pass through the split which divides the rock into two by a narrow channel. Cruising through this channel you find tropical birds soaring overhead and see marine iguanas and sealions swimming in the water and lying on rocks. (BLD)

Rich in natural wonders and wildlife, Floreana Island is a highlight of any Galapagos Cruise. In the 18th century at Post Office Bay whalers used a barrel as an unofficial mail drop, make sure you have a postcard written ready so that you can continue the custom. Exploring the islands magnificent geography including some impressive lava tubes a little inland from Post Office Bay. The bay is also one of the best places in the island in which to swim with turtles. At Punta Cormorant the beach has an olive-green colour from the fine olivine crystals of a glassy volcanic mineral. Make a wet landing here, and take a hike on a trail which passes trhough black mangrove to reach a lagoon. The lagoons here give a fine opportunity to see pink flamingoes, pintails, stilts and other wading water birds. Also notice the plant life here including Galapagos millwork, passion flower and the unique button mangrove. The Devil's Crown, just offshore is an old eroded volcanic cone which makes a popular roosting site for seabirds including boobies, pelicans and frigates. Red-billed tropic birds make their nests in the rocky crevices. You discover outstanding snorkelling here, perhaps the best in the islands, which is filled with playful sealions and brightly coloured fish. Mirador de La Baronesa is on the north of Floreana in Bay La Olla, it is a tough basalt formation. Take a trail to climb up it, the last section is steep but has steps to assist you, from the viewpoint take in sweeping views from Enderby Island to Post Office Bay including Cerro Straw and the pool of flamingos at Punta Cromorant. The panga ride to Mirador is exellent for view golden eagles rays, sea turtles, sea lion and Galapagos penguins.  (BLD)

The small island of Plaza Sur nonetheless posseses abundant life and beauty. You make a dry landing and walk among resting sealions along trails to reach one of the largest iguana populations. You will discover them resting in the cacti and volcanic landscapes which are colour red and green by sesuvium. The rugged southern cliffs are an excellent place to spot tropic birds and swallow-tailed gulls as well as gatherings of all male sealions who are either too old or too young to be "beachmasters". 

Later stop at the small island of Santa Fe, 2.5 hours southeast of Santa Cruz. This island is small and offers a dense concentration of wildlife. See Galapagos Hawk, land Iguanas, finches, Galapagos mocking bird, sea lions, marine turtles, frigate birds, Galapagos doves and lava lizards. One of the most attaractive coves in the islands is found here and makes a great place for a swim or snorkel in waters of jade. A hike on the coastal trail takes you into Opuntia Forest, where you see giant cacti and palo santo trees, Santa Fe's trees are the largest in any of the islands. 

This morning you sail to Isla Mosquera, and Islet situated between Baltra and North Seymour. This stretch of water is rich in sea life and is a popular spot for marine birds and sea lions.

You then cruise back to Baltra, where you say goodbye to the amazing Galapagos Islands and take your return flight to Quito. As you will be leaving the boat today, Please remember that if you have enjoyed the services provided by your guide and crew, a tip would be very much appreciated by them. As a guideline you recommend each passenger consider US$10 per day for the crew and US$6 per day for your guide. You can leave tips in envelopes that are placed in your cabin on this last day of your journey. On arrival in Quito you are met and transferred to your hotel for you last night. Hotel – 1 night (B)