5-Day Galapagos Cruise: Itinerary B (East) aboard Monserrat Yacht

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
BALTRA AIRPORT/ SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
2 stops
1
Baltra
Transfer to the boat to meet the guide and get on board. In the afternoon, enjoy the highlands. Visit a tortoise ranch and see some of the amazing volcanic formations on Santa Cruz.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
2
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Highlands Excursion Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz and see the Galápagos giant tortoise in its natural surroundings. Explore the area and its incredible underground lava tunnels – some are more than 1km (.6 mi) long! Wander along the volcanictubes and keep an eye out for the (mainly) nocturnal barn owls that sometimes roost here.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
RABIDA ISLAND / BARTOLOME ISLAND
2 stops
3
Rabida Island
Arrive at a red sand beach at Rábida to explore its trails. A short trail leads to a saltwater lagoon; another trail goes past the lagoon to the interior, where the revered palo santo trees grow. (When burned, the branches of this tree give off a pleasing aroma and ward off mosquitoes.) Head back to the beach to see prehistoric-looking pelicans nesting among low-lying bushes – it's a rare treat to watch parent pelicans return with gullets full of fish for the squawking youngsters. Snorkelling (Isla Rábida) (AM) Rábida Island (45m-1h) Take a panga ride from the beach to a cliff wall that drops off into the water to find one of the best deep-water snorkeling spots in the islands.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
4
My Tour Galapagos
Hike to Bartolomé's summit for a stronger perspective of the islands' not-too- distant volcanic origins, and enjoy a panoramic view – it’s one of the best among the islands! See other Galápagos Islands in the distance as well as Pinnacle Rock, the island’s famous towering landmark. Snorkelling (Bartolomé Island) (PM) Bartolomé Island (45m-1h) Take the opportunity to swim and snorkel around Pinnacle Rock, one of the most iconic volcanic rock formations on the islands. Home to Galápagos penguins, friendly sea lions, sea turtles, and a huge variety of fish, Bartolomé and its surrounding waters are a fantastic place to explore the natural wonders of the Galápagos.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND / SANTA FE ISLAND
2 stops
5
Visit South Plaza, one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos, which has one of the largest populations of land iguanas. Walk along a path through a cactus forest and view a combination of dry and coastal vegetation on this lively island, home to a wide range of fauna, including incredible birdlife. Spot red-billed tropicbirds and indigenous swallow-tailed gulls resting on the cliffs, and sea lions playing in the waters.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
6
Santa Fe Island
Lace up your hiking boats to explore the island's flora and fauna. Trek toward the cliffs along the island's northern shore to see a forest of giant prickly pear cacti (Opuntia). See endemic land iguanas lounging in their favourite forest, and feasting on Opuntia pads and fruit.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
PUNTA PITT / CERRO BRUJO (SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND)
2 stops
7
Punta Pitt
Enjoy amazing wildlife watching and interesting geological formations on this fascinating expedition. Arrive at a quiet cove on the eastern tip of San Cristóbal to explore Punta Pitt. Made up of volcanic tuff substrate, it's the only site in the Galápagos where it's possible to see three species of boobies and two species of frigatebirds. Snorkelling (Punta Pitt) (AM) Punta Pitt Snorkel around Punta Pitt Island and spot schools of fish swimming below. On the shore admire the nesting birds and sunbathing sea lions.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
8
Visit Cerro Brujo to explore its coastline, and look for wildlife on the beach, in the water, and in the air. Learn about the human and natural history of the area from the Galápagos CEO. Take a refreshing dip in the turquoise water, and head out on a short walk to a freshwater lagoon – a great place to see flamingos.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 5
LOBOS ISLAND (SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND)
1 stop
9
Isla Lobos
Explore this tiny island by foot and boat for some great wildlife encounters. Take a panga ride to view the sea and shore birds nesting and feeding. Spot a small colony of blue-footed boobies as well as two species of sea lions.
2 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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