Alya

Diving into the Wildlife Wonders and Marine Magic of the Galapagos

5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS - M/C ALYA

				HIKING	SNORKEL	PANGA RIDE	PADDLE BOARD	KAYAK
5 DAYS CRUISE "A"	THURSDAY	PM	Santa Cruz: Black Turtle Cove			•
	FRIDAY	AM	Genovesa:  Darwin Bay	•	•	•	•	•
		PM	Genovesa: El Barranco	•	•	•	•	•
	SATURDAY	AM	Santiago:  Sullivan Bay	•	•	•
		PM	Bartolome: Bartolome	•	•	•
	SUNDAY	AM	Santiago: Chinese Hat	•	•	•	•	•
		PM	Mosquera: Mosquera Islet	•	•
	MONDAY	AM	Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Station	•

DAY 1

AM: ARRIVAL AT BALTRA AIRPORT

Your voyage to the captivating Galapagos Islands commences! Upon your arrival at Baltra Airport, you'll be greeted by our National Park-certified naturalist guide, ready to introduce you to the unique wonders of this pristine archipelago.

PM: BLACK TURTLE COVE

We dive into our Galapagos adventure at Black Turtle Cove, aptly named for the thriving "Tortugas negras" population or green sea turtles. We navigate this natural sanctuary on dinghies, cruising amidst serene mangrove forests and tranquil water channels. Expect sightings of reef sharks, diverse ray species, and a plethora of bird species, including herons, pelicans, and boobies. Remember, this magical cove is a significant breeding ground for turtles and a nursery for various shark species!

Highlights: White-tipped and black-tipped reef sharks, green sea turtles, rays, herons, blue-footed boobies, and mangroves.

Meals	L / D
Level	1
Activities	Panga Ride

 

DAY 2

AM: DARWIN BAY

Start your day surrounded by the bustling avian life of Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island, a birdwatcher's paradise. As soon as your feet touch the sandy terrain, you're welcomed by a symphony of seabird calls, with frigatebirds, boobies, and gulls soaring overhead or nestled in the foliage. The trail meanders through colonies of sea lions, marine iguanas, night herons, Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds, and more.

Snorkeling Experience: Dive into the bay's underwater realms, teeming with vibrant fish, elusive sharks, graceful rays, and playful sea lions. With multiple snorkeling spots, from cliff-lined deep waters to shallow beachside areas, you're guaranteed a spectacular aquatic show.

Highlights: Nesting great frigatebirds, red-footed & Nazca boobies, Galapagos sea lions, lava & swallow-tailed gulls, yellow-crowned night herons, Genovesa ground finch, Genovesa cactus finch, Galapagos mockingbirds.

Trail	1,2 km / 0,7 mi
Level	3
Activities	Wet landing and hiking

PM: EL BARRANCO

Next stop, El Barranco. Known for its fractured lava cliffs serving as the perfect dwelling for storm petrel colonies, this unique ecosystem draws a significant population of short-eared owls. A trail alongside these cliffs reveals red-footed and Nazca boobies aplenty. Resting in the shadows at the cliffs' base, you may spot Galapagos fur seals and numerous seabirds.

Snorkeling Experience: The deep blue waters along the cliffs offer another underwater escapade with a profusion of colorful fish, sharks, rays, and sea lions.

Highlights: Nesting great frigatebirds, red-footed & Nazca boobies, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos fur seals, lava & swallow-tailed gulls, yellow-crown night herons, Genovesa ground finch, Genovesa cactus finch, Galapagos mockingbirds.

Meals	B / L / D
Trail	1,2 km / 0,7 mi
Level	3
Activities	Dry landing and hiking

DAY 3

AM: SULLIVAN BAY

Step back in time at Sullivan Bay, an open book to the volcanic birth of these islands. Traverse the well-preserved Pahoehoe lava field, studying its delicate, unique textures. The seemingly lifeless landscape gradually unveils a resilience of nature, with pioneer plants, lava lizards, and tiny birds emerging on careful observation. Keep your eyes on the shoreline for resident penguins, pelicans, and oystercatchers.

Snorkeling Experience: A dip in the water here starkly contrasts the barren land. The coral sand beach and the dinghy access point reveal a marine world with fish schools, Galapagos penguins, reef sharks, turtles, and rays.

Highlights: Pahoehoe lava, Galapagos penguins, oystercatchers, Galapagos hawks.

Trail	2,2 km / 1,4 mi
Level	5
Activities	Dry landing and hiking

PM: BARTOLOME

Stand atop Bartolome Island for unparalleled views of the lunar-like landscape, punctuated by scattered volcanic cones, Pinnacle Rock, and the bay of Sullivan. Bartolome is a jewel in the Galapagos crown and home to a vibrant population of penguins.

Snorkeling Experience: A swim or snorkel from the beach opens up an underwater playground renowned in the Galapagos. Penguins, a multitude of fish, colorful invertebrates, sea lions, turtles, rays, and reef sharks make this snorkeling experience unforgettable.

Highlights: Galapagos penguins, volcanic landscapes, Pinnacle rock, blue-footed boobies, herons, sea lions, sharks.

Meals	B / L / D
Trail	1,5 km / 0,9 mi
Level	2
Activities	Dry landing and hiking

DAY 4

AM: CHINESE HAT

Welcome to the perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone of Chinese Hat! Separated from Santiago by a slender channel, this idyllic islet is framed by turquoise waters, coral sand beaches, and dark lava rocks – an unexpected haven for penguins. A shore trail brings you up close to a small colony of sea lions.

Snorkeling Experience: Experience a world of vividly colored fish, sleek reef sharks, and perhaps a swift penguin chasing after a school of anchovies. It's a mesmerizing underwater spectacle you want to take advantage of.

Highlights: Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos penguins, lava tubes, oystercatchers, Galapagos hawks.

Trail	1,3 km / 0,8 mi
Level	3
Activities	Wet landing and hiking

PM: MOSQUERA

Our afternoon destination is Mosquera, largely a barren sand bar with rocky outcrops and salt-resistant vegetation. Stroll along the beach, observing the playful antics of sea lion pups in the surf and tide pools. Keep an eye out for endemic lava gulls, often spotted in mid-flight hunting for their next meal.

Snorkeling Experience: Given favorable wave conditions, snorkel at the northern tip of the island or one of the smaller, sheltered beaches for another immersive marine encounter.

Highlights: Galapagos sea lions, lava gulls, oystercatchers, shorebirds,

Meals	B / L / D
Trail	sandy area of 0,6 km / 0,4mi
Level	1
Activities	Wet landing and hiking

DAY 5

AM: CHARLES DARWIN STATION

Spend your morning at the renowned Charles Darwin Station. As a nonprofit organization working closely with the Galapagos National Park, the station is committed to the preservation and study of the archipelago's biodiversity. Discover the myriad initiatives underway to safeguard native species and combat invasive threats to the Galapagos ecosystem. This visit offers the unique opportunity to see giant tortoises bred in captivity.

Highlights: Galapagos giant tortoise & land iguanas breeding program, Darwin finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, Galapagos flycatchers, yellow warblers.

Following your visit to the Charles Darwin Station, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador, concluding your unforgettable Galapagos journey.

Meal	B
Trail	2 km / 1,2 mi
Level	1
Activities	Dry landing and hiking

Glossary

Meals	Breakfast	B
	Lunch	L
	Dinner	D
Hiking Effort	Level 1	Easy
	Level 2	Moderate
	Level 3	Hard

 

The Unforgettable Journey Among Land Giants and Marine Marvels

6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS - M/C ALYA

				HIKING	SNORKEL	PANGA RIDE	PADDLE BOARD	KAYAK
6 DAYS CRUISE “B”	MONDAY	PM	Santa Cruz: Highland	•
	TUESDAY	AM	Isabela: Moreno Point	•	•	•
		PM	Isabela: Elizabeth Bay			•	•	•
	WEDNESDAY	AM	Isabela: Urbina Bay	•	•
		PM	Fernandina: Espinoza Point	•	•	•
	THURSDAY	AM	Isabela: Tagus Cove	•	•	•	•	•
		PM	Isabela: Vicente Roca Point		•	•
	FRIDAY	AM	Santiago: Espumilla Beach	•
		PM	Santiago: Egas Port	•	•
	SATURDAY	AM	Santa Cruz: Bachas	•

DAY 1

AM: ARRIVAL AT BALTRA AIRPORT

Your voyage to the captivating Galapagos Islands commences! Upon your arrival at Baltra Airport, you'll be greeted by our National Park-certified naturalist guide, ready to introduce you to the unique wonders of this pristine archipelago.

PM: HIGHLANDS

Embark on a highlands adventure, either from Baltra or Puerto Ayora. A bus journey brings you to the verdant highland forests, home to Galapagos Giant tortoises. You'll find these impressive creatures, weighing up to 300 kg/600 lbs, casually grazing or lounging in freshwater ponds. The highlands also host a variety of bird species seldom seen in the lowlands. Depending on your itinerary, explore a lava tunnel and delve into the geological history of these volcanic islands.

Highlights: Giant tortoises, Darwin finches, barn owls, white-cheeked pintails, Galapagos flycatchers, Lava tunnels.

Meals	L / D
Trail	1-1,5 km / 0,6-0,9 mi
Level	1
Activities	Dry landing and hiking

DAY 2

AM: MORENO POINT

Commence your day at the enchanted Moreno Point. The extensive lava fields may first appear lifeless, but within its borders lie scattered brackish lagoons teeming with life such as flamingos, gallinules, ducks, and herons. Along the coast, keep an eye out for penguins, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, oystercatchers, and other shore birds.

Snorkeling Experience: Dip into the refreshing water and explore a mesmerizing underwater world populated by sea turtles, cormorants, and a myriad of fish species. Look carefully within the long seaweeds; you might discover a charming sea horse.

Highlights: American flamingoes, ducks, gallinules, penguins, cormorants, marine iguanas, sea lions, Galapagos mockingbirds, and Darwin finches.

Trail	1,6 km / 1 mi
Level	3
Activities	Dry landing and hiking

PM: ELIZABETH BAY

Elizabeth Bay, your afternoon stop, is a sheltered bay encircled by towering mangroves and barren lava fields. There are no trails here, so you'll undertake a dinghy tour to explore the teeming channels, pools, and coves. This location is one of the finest to observe Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, rays, and sea turtles.

Highlights: Galapagos hawks, sea turtles, rays, Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, herons.

Meals	B / L / D
Trail	1,4 km / 0,8 mi
Level	1
Activities	Panga Ride

DAY 3

AM: URBINA BAY

Urbina Bay, known for its dramatic uplift during the 1950s, awaits your visit in the morning. As you traverse the trail, observe small shells and corals, indicators that this area was submerged just over sixty years ago. Here you can encounter land iguanas and, during certain seasons, giant tortoises. Galapagos hawks nest in the area, often seen soaring or perched on trees.

Snorkeling Experience: Snorkel from the beach to spot sea turtles, flightless cormorants, and penguins. The area also boasts an abundance of fish.

Highlights: Galapagos hawks, land iguanas, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin finches, and flycatchers.

Trail	1,2 km / 0,7 mi. Long Trail: 3,0 km / 1,8 mi
Level	1
Activities	Wet landing and hiking

PM: ESPINOZA POINT

Espinoza Point is a National Park gem located at the base of an imposing volcano (the most active in the Galapagos islands). Upon landing, be greeted by hundreds of marine iguanas in the largest colony for the species. Also present are sea lions, flightless cormorants, herons, pelicans, oystercatchers, sea turtles, shorebirds, and more. Look to the mangroves where Galapagos hawks often perch, on the lookout for prey.

Snorkeling Experience: Immerse yourself in the nutrient-rich waters around Espinoza Point, brimming with a plethora of fish and sea turtles. Witness marine iguanas feeding underwater amidst a cornucopia of seaweeds.

Highlights: Galapagos hawks, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, penguins, sea turtles, sea lions, herons, oystercatchers, shorebirds, and Sally light-foot crabs.

Meals	B / L / D
Trail	1,6 km / 1 mi
Level	2
Activities	Dry landing and hiking

DAY 4

AM: TAGUS COVE

Tagus Cove, a location visited by Charles Darwin during his Galapagos exploration, offers a dry Palo Santo forest where Darwin finches and mockingbirds reside. Take in the marvelous views of Darwin's Lake and the grand volcanos of northern Isabela. A boat tour along the coast will reveal penguins, cormorants, marine iguanas, and the Galapagos martin, an endangered endemic species.

Snorkeling Experience: Dive into the nutrient-rich waters around Tagus Cove, where many sea turtles, a great diversity of fish, and penguins await, feasting on large schools of anchovies. Cormorants are commonly spotted underwater as they chase fish through the reef.

Highlights: Galapagos hawks, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, herons, penguins, sea turtles, and sea stars.

Trail	2,6 km / 1,6 mi
Level	3
Activities	Dry landing and hiking

PM: VICENTE ROCA POINT

Vicente Roca Point, surrounded by some of the tallest cliffs in the Galapagos, is ideal for observing breathtaking landscapes and interesting volcanic features. A dinghy tour will offer closer views of pelicans, flightless cormorants, sea turtles, boobies, Galapagos fur seals, and marine iguanas. Whales and dolphins also frequent the area.

Snorkeling Experience: Venture beneath the waves to see sea turtles, penguins, sea lions, cormorants, rays, and many different fish species. Watch for fan corals, sponges, and other invertebrates growing on the walls.

Highlights: Marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, penguins, sea turtles, fur seals, Nazca & blue-footed boobies

Meals	B / L / D
Trail	1,4 km / 0,8 mi
Level	1
Activities	Panga ride

DAY 5

AM: ESPUMILLA BEACH

Begin your day at the picturesque Espumilla Beach, a long stretch of rusty-brown sand nestled on Santiago's northern coast. Surrounded by large mangrove trees and a captivating native dry forest, the area hosts Galapagos hawks and an array of finches, mockingbirds, and doves. During the rainy season, don't miss the chance to spot flamingoes and ducks in the salt pan.

Highlights: Bobbies, oystercatchers, herons, Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin finches, Galapagos hawks.

Trail	2,3 km / 1,4 mi (plus an extra loop 1 km - 0,6 mi)
Level	1
Activities	Hiking

PM: EGAS PORT

Despite its name, there's no port at Puerto Egas, but remnants from the 60s colonization attempts still linger. The trail along the wildlife-rich coastline leads to "the grottos," home to a small colony of the endemic Galapagos fur seal. In 2019, land iguanas were reintroduced, so keep your eyes peeled for these fascinating reptiles.

Snorkeling Experience: Snorkel from the beach to explore rocky bottoms teeming with fish, turtles, and reef sharks. Sea lions often join in, happy to interact with divers.

Highlights: Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos fur seals, oystercatchers, marine & land iguanas, Galapagos hawks, herons, shorebirds, Darwin finches, Galapagos doves.

Meals	B / L / D
Level	1
Trail	2,3 km / 1,4 mi
Activities	Wet landing and hiking

DAY 6

AM: BACHAS 

Bachas, named after the mispronounced "barges" left by the Americans during WWII, begins your final day. At low tide, the iron skeletons of the barges can still be spotted buried in the white sand. This spot is one of the most crucial sea turtle nesting grounds in the Galapagos islands from November to May. Several small saltwater lagoons are often home to flamingoes, herons, and other aquatic birds.

Following your visit to Bachas, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador, concluding your unforgettable Galapagos journey.

Highlights: American flamingoes, white-cheeked pintails, sandpipers, lava gulls, and blue-footed boobies.

Meals	B
Trail	1,6 km / 1 mi
Level	1
Activities	Dry  landing and hiking

Glossary

Meals	Breakfast	B
	Lunch	L
	Dinner	D
Hiking Effort	Level 1	Easy
	Level 2	Moderate
	Level 3	Hard

 

Immerse in Nature's Grandeur: A Wildlife Expedition across the Galapagos

6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS – M/C ALYA

 

				HIKING	SNORKEL	PANGA RIDE	PADDLE BOARD	KAYAK
6 DAYS CRUISE "C"	SATURDAY	PM	Seymour: Seymour	•
	SUNDAY	AM	Plazas: Plazas	•		•	•	•
		PM	Santa Fe: Santa Fe	•	•	•	•	•
	MONDAY	AM	San Cristobal: Interpretation Center / Kicker Rock	•
		PM	Lobos Island: Lobos Island	•	•	•
	TUESDAY	AM	Española: Gardner Bay	•	•		•	•
		PM	Española: Suarez Point	•
	WEDNESDAY	AM	Floreana: Cormorant Point / Devil's´Crown	•	•	•	•	•
		PM	Floreana: Alieri Hill	•
	THURSDAY	AM	Santa Cruz: Highland	•

DAY 1

AM: ARRIVAL AT BALTRA AIRPORT

Your voyage to the captivating Galapagos Islands commences! Upon your arrival at Baltra Airport, you'll be greeted by our National Park-certified naturalist guide, ready to introduce you to the unique wonders of this pristine archipelago.

PM: SEYMOUR

Immerse in the abundant wildlife of Seymour Island. Watch out for magnificent and great frigatebirds displaying their fascinating courtship ritual. Observe blue-footed boobies in their nesting grounds and catch a glimpse of land and marine iguanas in their natural habitat. Delight in the playful activities of sea lions in the surf.

Snorkeling Experience: Dive into the azure waters teeming with diverse fish species, sea lions, sharks, eels, turtles, rays, and many more. Seymour Island is a fantastic snorkeling spot not to be missed.

Highlights: Galapagos sea lions, blue footed boobies, magnificent & great frigatebirds, land & marine iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, shearwaters, Darwin finches.

Meals	L / D
Trail	1,4 km / 0,8 mi
Level	1
Activities	Dry landing and hiking

DAY 2

AM: PLAZAS

Discover the richness of South Plazas, where land iguanas feed on prickly-pear cacti and playful sea lion pups frolic in tide pools. Walk along the cliff trail and witness the flurry of sea birds such as frigatebirds, red-billed tropicbirds, boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and pelicans.

Highlights: Galapagos land iguanas, sea lions, tropicbirds, pelicans, boobies, Galapagos shearwaters, swallow-tailed gulls.

Trail	1,4 km / 0,8 mi
Level	2
Activities	Dry landing and hiking

PM: SANTA FE

Explore the cactus-strewn, lava-rock landscapes of Santa Fe. See sea lions basking in the white sand beaches, and keep an eye out for Galapagos hawks, Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds and lava lizards.

Snorkeling Experience: Enjoy a soothing swim, kayak or snorkel in the bay's sheltered waters where sea lion pups, reef sharks, sea turtles, rays, surgeonfish and parrotfish await you.

Highlights: Giant cactus, Santa Fe bay, Galapagos sea lions, Santa Fe land iguanas, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos doves, reef sharks.

Meals	B / L / D
Trail	0,8 km / 0,5 mi
Level	2
Activities	Wet landing and hiking

DAY 3

AM: INTERPRETATION CENTER

Engage in the rich history of the Galapagos at the Interpretation Center, tracing back from the era of early Spanish explorers to the present day, and learn about the challenges faced by the initial settlers.

Highlights: Endemic plants, and an exhibition on human history

Trail	0,2 km / 650 ft
Level	1
Activities	Dry landing and hiking

PM: LOBOS ISLAND

Witness the bustling wildlife of Lobos Island, home to large groups of sea lions, male frigatebirds, and blue-footed boobies.

Snorkeling Experience: The calm waters of Lobos Island offer an excellent snorkeling experience. Swim with playful sea lions, or spot sea turtles and rays resting in the sandy bottoms.

Highlights: Galapagos sea lions, marine Iguanas, magnificent & great frigatebirds, blue-footed Boobies, San Cristobal Lava Lizards.

Meals	B / L / D
Trail	0,6 km / 0,4 mi
Level	3
Activities	Dry landing and hiking

DAY 4

AM: GARDNER BAY

Stroll along the stunning Gardner beach, known for its fine coral sand, turquoise water, and an array of endemic species such as Española mockingbirds, marine iguanas, and Galapagos hawks.

Snorkeling Experience: Dive into the vibrant marine world at Gardner Bay. Expect to see sea lions, reef sharks, rays, and many species of fish, including Angelfish, Parrotfish, Damselfish, Surgeonfish, and more.

Highlights: Coral sand beach, sea lions, Galapagos hawks, Española mockingbirds, Darwin finches, marine iguanas.

Trail	0,8 km / 0,5 mi
Level	1
Activities	Wet landing and hiking

PM: SUAREZ POINT

Experience an awe-inspiring nature walk at Suarez Point. Encounter sea lions, marine iguanas, and large colonies of sea birds, and from April to January, catch a sight of the waved albatross, the largest bird on the islands.

Highlights: Sea lions, Waved Albatross, Galapagos hawks, Española mockingbirds, Darwin finches, marine iguanas, Nazca & Blue-footed Boobies, Red-billed Tropicbirds, Swallow-tailed gulls, herons, lava lizards, herons.

Meals	B / L / D
Trail	1,7 km / 1,1 mi
Level	3
Activities	Dry landing and hiking

DAY 5

AM: CORMORANT POINT / DEVIL´S CROWN

Venture into Punta Cormorant, famous for its large coastal lagoon inhabited by American flamingoes, white-cheeked pintails, black-necked stilts and other shorebirds.

Snorkeling Experience: Prepare for an exhilarating snorkeling experience at Devil’s Crown. Be amazed by the abundant marine life, including snapper, Creole fish, parrot fish, angelfish, reef sharks, sea turtles, and rays.

Highlights: American flamingo, blue-footed booby, frigatebirds, tropicbirds, Galapagos shearwaters, sea lions, sea turtle nesting site, finches, shorebirds, coral-sand beach. 

Trail	1,6 km / 1 mi
Level	1
Activities	Wet landing and hiking

PM: ALIERI HILL

End your day at Alieri Hill, a paradise for plant lovers boasting unique endemic species and breathtaking views of the northern coast. Keep an eye out for flycatchers, yellow warblers, and Darwin finches.

Highlights: Endemic plants, transition zone, Darwin finches. 

Meals	B / L / D
Trail	1 km / 0,6 mi
Level	3
Activities	Dry landing and hiking

DAY 6

AM: HIGHLANDS

Travel to the lush highland forests, home to Galapagos Giant tortoises casually grazing and resting in freshwater ponds. Look out for rare bird species such as finches, flycatchers and water birds. Visit a lava tunnel and learn about their formation from ancient volcanic eruptions. After this visit, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to continental Ecuador.

Following your visit to the ranch in the highlands, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador, concluding your unforgettable Galapagos journey.

Highlights: Giant tortoises, Darwin finches, barn owls, white-cheeked pintails, Galapagos flycatchers, Lava tunnels.

Meals	B
Trail	1-1,5 km / 0,6-0,9 mi
Level	1
Activities	Dry landing and hiking

Glossary

Meals	Breakfast	B
	Lunch	L
	Dinner	D
Hiking Effort	Level 1	Easy
	Level 2	Moderate
	Level 3	Hard