Galapagos - Enchanted Islands Family holiday

You'll have the morning free to relax before heading out with a local guide to explore the colonial heart of the city. Quito has spread along a valley sandwiched in by volcanoes. The old colonial section has some fantastic buildings and churches. From the foot of the angel on top of the Panecillo hill, you get a fantastic view across the city. You will then continue to the Mitad del Mundo (centre of the earth). This monument marks the spot declared to be the equator. This point was determined in 1736 Charles-Marie de la Condamine, according to his measurements. It is possible to see how water drains clockwise on one side of the equator and anti-clockwise on the other. You then drive back into Quito. (BL)

You spend the entire day on Tower (Genovesa), considered to be one of the most spectacular Islands in the Galapagos for bird species. This morning, you have a dry landing at Prince Philip’s Steps. Red-footed boobies nest here in Palo Santo trees and Nazca Boobies nest near the trail. In an open lava field, you find Storm Petrels in large numbers. If you are lucky, you may the elusive Short-eared owl. After the walk, kayaks are available to paddle along the shoreline. Look for the beautiful Red-billed Tropicbird usually found in the crevices.

This afternoon, you have a wet-landing on Darwin Bay, a coral sand beach where Swallow-tailed and Lava gulls gather near the tide pools. Enter a forest of Optuntia cactus and mangroves where colonies of Great Frigate birds nest. The males inflate their red-throated pouches to attract females as they fly overhead. The trail leads through a rich inter-tidal zone where you find a wide diversity of wildlife. After the walk, you can swim and snorkel from the beach with sea lions in these northern warmer waters. (BLD)

This morning, you have a semi-wet landing at Punta Espinoza, Fernandina, the youngest and most pristine Island in Galapagos. Recent lava flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast. Hundreds of Marine Iguanas, the largest colony in Galapagos, bask in the sun along the rugged shoreline. Observe sea lion harems with resident bulls carefully guarding their territory. Flightless Cormorants build their nest on the point and Galapagos Hawks fly overhead. After lunch, you cross the Bolivar Chanel where you often spot whales and dolphins riding the bow wave.

This afternoon, you have a dry landing at Tagus Cove, located on the western Island of Isabela. Six volcanoes flowed together and formed the largest Island in the Galapagos. During the walk, you discover a salt-water lagoon, a scenic overlook with a spectacular view of the ocean, lava fields and volcanic formations. Graffiti dating back to the 1800's is written on the rocky cliffs. Explore the coves by Zodiac or kayak to find Galapagos Penguins, Boobies, Pelicans and other seabirds. An excellent snorkelling opportunity is offered here after the walk. After dinner, a sky full of stars beckons to go out on deck and observe the galaxy. (BLD)

This morning, you have a wet landing at Puerto Egas, Santiago (James). Stroll along the shoreline looking for octopus, starfish and other sea life caught in the tide pools. At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as they feed on exposed green algae. Watch for great blue herons, lava herons, American oystercatchers and yellow-crowned night herons. The walk ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water where you encounter fur sea lions once on the verge of extinction. Before returning to the yacht, there is a snorkelling and kayaking opportunity.

This afternoon, disembark on Rabida Island (Jervis), located off James Island. Rabida sports the most diversified volcanic rocks of all the islands and is considered the geographic centre of Galapagos. The dark red sand beach originated from the erosion of volcanic stones. Follow a trail that leads to a salt water lagoon, and observe Greater Flamingos as they feed. Brown Pelicans nest in the mangroves at the far side of the lagoon. After the walk, there is time for snorkelling. (BLD)