Alya

(THURSDAY – MONDAY)
THURSDAY: BALTRA AIRPORT – BLACK TURTLE COVE
Baltra airport. Reception at the airport. Transfer in. Welcome on board Alya Catamaran.
PM – BLACK TURTLE COVE: After lunch, our first visit is to Black Turtle Cove which is situated in the northern region of Santa Cruz. This bay is surrounded by mangroves and is accessible only by dinghy only. The shallow cove is a safe refuge for marine life. Black-tip reef sharks, marine turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here. Return to Alya, dinner. (-/L/D)

FRIDAY: GENOVESA ISLAND: DARWIN BAY & BARRANCO
AM – DARWIN BAY: wet landing, coral beach, activities for this day: short walks, photography, swimming, snorkeling. Genovesa is a small island in the north of the Galapagos. Our unloading in Darwin Bay will be wet. Near the beach is a mangrove swamp where we will find a colony of frigates, marine iguanas, red-footed boobies and mask boobies, the great terrestrial finch, seagulls, herons, and cactus finch. Following the land visit, our passengers can enjoy a swim in the bay. Snacks and refreshments are available. Lunch.
PM – BARRANCO: dry landing, activities: hiking. Also known as Prince Phillip’s stairs. Here, we will go for a walk on the Barranco path. On our journey, we will observe tropical birds, petrels, common frigates, red-foot boobies, mask boobies, doves, and finches. Dinner. (B/L/D)

SATURDAY: SANTIAGO ISLAND: SULLIVAN BAY & BARTOLOME ISLAND
AM – SANTIAGO ISLAND – SULLIVAN BAY: wet landing and hiking. Description: Virtually uneroded lava flows cover an extensive area of this island. Lava pahoehoe (basaltic lava that has a smooth, billowy, undulating, or ropy surface), hornitos, and mollugo (a lava colonizer) can be seen. Snacks and refreshing beverages await you onboard the ship. Lunch.
PM – BARTOLOME ISLAND: dry landing, wet landing for the beach. Activities on this island include walking, swimming, snorkeling, and photography. We will follow a path to the top (114m) where we can see pioneering plants such as tiquilia, chamaephyte, and scalesia. The island has been formed by cones, lava pipes where lava once flowed. Following the wet landing at the beach, we will follow a path through mangrove swamps and sand dune vegetation, to the south beach. At the north beach, guests can enjoy swimming and snorkeling. From the top of Bartolome, we will be able to see the islands of Santiago, Rabida, and Isabela. We will see penguins in the Rock Pinnacle. Dinner. (B/L/D)

SUNDAY: DRAGON HILL – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: CHINESE HAT
AM – CHINESE HAT: A small islet located near the southeast coast of Santiago. It’s shaped like a Chinese hat when seen from afar. It is an island consisting of a cone type “Splatter” (lava ejected as drops that fall close to where they came from, which form an inclined cone) that forms the summit and many lava tubes that go down to the coast. On the west side, you can see pillow-type lava formations, which are an indicator that the flows were formed under the sea and have been raised upward, which is why coral heads are found on the lava. This visit provides an excellent opportunity for the interpretation of geological features such as lava tubes and lava flows. The trail is 700 m (round trip) and the minimum time it takes for this trek is 30 minutes. Return to Alya and lunch
PM – MOSQUERA: This islet is located between Baltra Island and North Seymour. Here, we find the biggest sea lion colony; it is also possible to observe several species of birds. Enjoy the white sand beach. Return to Alya and dinner (B/L/D)

MONDAY: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: CHARLES DARWIN STATION– AIRPORT
AM – After breakfast, we will visit Charles Darwin Station which is located in the main port on Santa Cruz Island; we will take a private bus to the entrance of the breeding center where we will see tortoises and land iguanas in captivity. This center is the main breeding site on the islands. Animals that were in danger of extinction on the various islands are maintained in captivity. Thanks to the dedicated work of several institutions, some species are being saved. Here lived Lonesome George, the famous last survivor of the giant tortoise species found on Pinta Island. Transfer to the airport. (B/-/-)
B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
* This itinerary is subject to change without notice; due to seasonal changes, weather conditions, or Galapagos National Park regulations. *

(MONDAY – SATURDAY)

MONDAY: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: AIRPORT – HIGHLANDS
PM – Baltra airport. Reception at the airport. Transfer in. Welcome on board Alya Catamaran.
After lunch we will visit HIGHLANDS OF SANTA CRUZ, where we will hike and encounter giant
tortoises in their natural habitat, a natural wonder. For this visit, we recommend to use sport shoes, long pants, raincoat, hat, and sunblock. Return to Alya. (-/L/D)

TUESDAY: ISABELA ISLAND: MORENO POINT – ELIZABETH BAY
AM – MORENO POINT: is located on the north coast of Isabela Island between Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul Volcanoes. The main attractions at Punta Moreno are coastal lagoons amid black lava flows where there are several species of birds. It has a panoramic view of the three most active volcanoes in the Galapagos: The Sierra Negra, the Cerro Azul (Isabela Island) and La Cumbre (Fernandina Island). Lunch.

PM – ELIZABETH BAY: This is one of the island’s breeding sites for penguins. Located on the west coast of Isabela, Elizabeth Point is a marine visitor site. Visit Red Mangrove Cove: Brown pelicans, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays and sea lions are often seen. Dinner. (B/L/D)

WEDNESDAY: ISABELA ISLAND: URBINA BAY & FERNANDINA: ESPINOZA POINT
AM – URBINA BAY: this place is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove. Wet landing. Trail length is around 3.20 Km; during this we can observe land iguanas, hawks, and tortoises. It is also possible to see red and blue lobsters. Lunch.
PM – ESPINOZA POINT: Fernandina is the third biggest island in the Galapagos and has only one visiting site: Espinoza Point, famous for the large colonies of marine iguanas and the home of the flightless cormorant, the Galapagos penguin, snakes, and more. From Espinoza Point, we can admire the beauty of Fernandina Island and its volcano which last erupted in May of 2005. Fernandina is the only island that doesn’t have mammals and the open areas are extremely fragile. From January to June, the nesting period of the marine iguana, we take great care when walking. Dinner. (B/L/D)

THURSDAY: ISABELA ISLAND TAGUS COVE – VICENTE ROCA POINT
AM – TAGUS COVE: It is located to the west of Darwin Volcano on Isabela Island. While walking, we will find several inscriptions (names of pirates) dating back to the 1800’s. From here, we can see Darwin Lake, a salt water lake with a depth of approximately 9 m. It contains no fish. It is very common to see a variety of bird species. Lunch.
PM – VICENTE ROCA POINT: is comprised of two separate coves, this site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola-mola (sunfish). Dinner. (B/L/D)

FRIDAY: SANTIAGO ISLAND: ESPUMILLA BEACH – EGAS PORT
AM – ESPUMILLA BEACH: The main attractions include Palo Santo Wood, the beach, and the stunning landscape; the beach is a very important site for tortoises because they use this place for nesting. Lunch.
PM – EGAS PORT: Here we find a beautiful black sand beach; to the south of the beach is the Pan de Azucar Volcano, whose volcanic deposits have contributed to the formation of the black sand beach. The crater of this volcano contains a saltwater lake that dries up during hot weather. Between 1928 and 1930, explorations to develop a salt mine were carried out, but it was decided that a mine was not feasible. The workers’ use of endemic woods also damaged the environment and the development was scrapped. Descent to the salt mine is not allowed. Dinner. (B/L/D)

SATURDAY: SANTA CRUZ: BACHAS
AM – BACHAS BEACH: This beautiful beach is located in the north of Santa Cruz Island; the beach is one km long. The site was named during WWII (World War II) when the American army left two barges on the beach. The early colonists couldn’t pronounce barges correctly, so they called the area “Bachas”. Transfer out. (B/-/-)

B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
* This itinerary is subject to change without notice; due to seasonal changes, weather conditions, or Galapagos National Park regulations. *

(SATURDAY – THURSDAY)

SATURDAY: BALTRA AIRPORT – NORTH SEYMOUR
Baltra airport. Reception at the airport. Transfer in. Welcome on board Alya Catamaran.
PM – SEYMOUR: dry landing. Seymour was formed by the lifting of volcanic marine lava. Marine fossils dating back to the Pleistocene period were found on this island. In 1932, Captain Alan Hancock and his crew took 72 malnourished land iguanas from Baltra Island to North Seymour Island so that the iguanas could live in better conditions. In 1934, colonists verified that the iguanas were in good condition. The vegetation of North Seymour is bushy and is host to nesting Real Frigates of the Galapagos. Return to Alya and Dinner.

(-/L/D).

SUNDAY: SOUTH PLAZAS, SANTA FE.
AM – SOUTH PLAZAS: are two small islands, created by an uplifting of the land. The land iguanas are smaller here; they nest during the warm season. The hike goes along an extraordinary cliff where sea birds’ nest. There are approximately 1000 sea lions (Zalophus Wollebaeki) located on the south side of the Plazas.

PM – SANTA FE: Wet landing, activities for this day: hiking, swimming and snorkeling. With 24 km2 and 60 m of height above sea level, this central island is a unique place to visit. It has an incredible bay of turquoise water, protected by a natural barrier of rocks. You will see colonies of seals as hawks fly overhead. This island is home to one of the two species of land iguanas found in the Galapagos. Their main food source is the leaves and fruit of the large, thick cactus found here. Crabs, nocturnal herons, marine iguanas, cucuves and land doves are seen frequently. The Bay is excellent place to swim and to do snorkel. Marine tortoises, rays, sea lions and tropical fish are an amazing attraction! Snacks and refreshing beverages are waiting for you on board. Dinner. (B/L/D).

MONDAY: SOUTH PLAZAS, SANTA FE.
AM – INTERPRETATION CENTER: Dry landing. This center is location in the main port. After breakfast, our first visit is to the Interpretation Center of San Cristobal. This modern and sophisticated architectural space was designed for the natural interpretation of the Galapagos. You will learn about the volcanic formation of the islands, the evolution of the species, the history of human settlement, and complex systems and management models. Return Alya and lunch. Kicker Rock: This is one of the most incredible rock formations at the Galapagos Islands, also known as Sleeping Lion; close to San Cristobal. (30 minutes of navigation appr.). You will find an immense number of birds (Frigates, Blue Footed Boobies and Nazca Boobies, sea shore birds, etc).

Snorkeling will be one of the most important activities here, where to observe: manta rays, sea lions, sea turtles, sharks (like Hammerheads, Galapagos Shark, With-tip Reef sharks), among others.

PM – LOBOS ISLANDS: Panga Riding, swimming and snorkeling. Here, we can walk, swim and snorkel among the seals, frigates, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the small endemic Galapagos snake. Here, we can swim and snorkeling in the same place it. Return Alya and dinner (B/L/D).

TUESDAY: ESPAÑOLA: GARDNER BAY, SUAREZ POINT.
AM – GARDNER BAY: wet landing, activities for this visit: short walk, swimming, snorkeling, and observation of seal colony. The sea lion is one of the animals in Galapagos which gets the total attention of the visitors in the Galapagos: they are curious and playful, but at times aggressive; they are nice and loving, but also lazy. In Gardner Bay, we are going to find many of them relaxing on the beach enjoying the sun. In addition to observing these fascinating animals, while snorkeling, we will be able to swim with sea lions, sea turtles, a diversity of tropical fish, marine iguanas, etc. Return to Alya, dinner.

PM – SUAREZ POINT: Dry landing. Activities: Walking, sight-seeing. We recommend sports shoes, hat or cap, and sunscreen. There is no color more amazing and outstanding in this tropical desert island, than that of the blue-foot boobies. These birds have an impressive form of “greeting” and it is a real thrill to see their mating dance. The blue-footed booby can be seen on several of the islands as nesting grounds and feed are located in several coastal locations. The albatross, an aristocratic bird weighing up to four kilograms, can be observed here. One of the largest birds of the islands, approximately 12,000 couples’ nest on Espanola Island and a smaller number nest on Silver Island, near mainland Ecuador. This species is considered endemic to this island; during our walk, we will observe these fantastic birds while taking in the beautiful landscapes offered by this island. It is important to note that albatrosses will not be seen between January and March (non-breeding) season. We will also see colonies of marine iguanas, zayapas, masked boobies, finches, Espanola cucuves, and seagulls unique to the islands. Our walk will be on lava rock where we will be able to see lava tubes. Red mangroves are found here. Delicious snacks and fresh beverages are waiting for you on the ship. Dinner (B/L/D).

WEDNESDAY: FLOREANA: CORMORANT POINT, CERRO ALIERI.
AM – CORMORANT POINT: wet landing, snorkeling and short trekking. This point is located at west of Floreana Island and it is famous for its dark green beach (due to the great quantity of olivine crystals). You can see many marine invertebrates, as well as sea lions, sea iguanas, the frigates and pelicans.

DEVIL´S CROWN: Activities in this place: panga ride and optional swimming. Enjoy a panga ride around a small island, a satellite islet of Floreana Island. Here, we will find a group of rocks that resemble a Crown due to the constant erosion caused by the sea. It is one of the better places to snorkel (shallow diving) in the interior and around the crown. Excellent visibility allows guests to admire a great variety of fish and sea animals. Return to Alya and lunch.

PM – CERRO ALIERI: is located east of Port Velasco Ibarra. Hiking. This place may be muddy and it may rain. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for this type of weather. There are trees and shrubs characteristic of the place, the 56% of vegetation is native such as: Lippia salicifolia, Linum cratericola, Lecocarpus pinnatifidus, Scalesia Pedunculata. In this place there are a plant that is critically endangered: The Catericola Linum there are 40 individuals found. Return to Alya and dinner. (B/L/D).

THURSDAY: SANTA CRUZ: HIGHLANDS.
AM – Where we have a trekking and we will find the giant tortoises in their natural habitat, this is a natural spectacular. For this visit, we recommend good walking shoes, long pants, a raincoat, a hat, and sunblock. Transfer Out. (B/-/-).
B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner

* This itinerary is subject to change without notice; due to seasonal changes, weather conditions or Galapagos National Park regulations. *