AM: You will arrive at San Cristobal Island in the morning. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by the Grand Majestic staff and transferred to the yacht. You will be shown to your cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.

PM: In the afternoon we will head on to the Junco Lagoon, located about 700 m above sea level, which is one of the few permanent freshwater bodies in the Galapagos. Frigate birds are often seen here washing the salt from their feathers as well as white-cheeked pintails and common gallinules. Its name comes from a type of plant that is common in this area called “junco”.

AM: In the 18th-century whalers passing through the islands placed a wooden barrel on Floreana Island for use as an unofficial mailbox. The tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home. 

PM: This site hosts a large flamingo lagoon where other birds such as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails can also be seen. The “Green Beach” here is named due to its green color, which comes from a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, and the “Four Sand Beach” composed of white coral.

You will have a chance to snorkel around Devil’s Crown which is the rocky remains of an offshore volcano sticking out of the water. This is a great location to spot a wide range of marine creatures.

AM: This area is great for spotting Blue-footed Boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca Boobies. A beautiful sight on the oceanfront, the large Waved Albatrosses use the cliff as a launching pad. The famous attraction is the magnificent blowhole, spurting water high into the air. This site presents wonderful photograph opportunities. Highlights include Hood Mockingbird, Nazca Boobies, Waved Albatross, Red-billed tropicbirds, lava lizards, Galapagos Hawk, blue-footed boobies, blowhole, and amazing landscapes.

PM: Gardner Bay, on the eastern side of the island, is the breeding site of nearly all of the world´s 12,000 pairs of Waved Albatrosses. Its white sandy beach is perfect for relaxing, with rocky shores making it a great place for diving and snorkeling. Highlights include a white sandy beach, sea lions, and mockingbirds. Snorkeling offers sights of colorful fish, and a sea lion nursery. After landing, you can walk across a lovely white sand beach amongst a busy sea lion colony or dive into the water to swim with sea lion pups. This small island is a marine visit where you can enjoy fantastic snorkeling and swimming. Highlights include a white sandy beach, sea lions, and mockingbirds.

AM: Los Gemelos, or the Twin Craters, are located opposite each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only figurative, not real craters. These formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. The view is breathtaking.

PM: You will visit “Fausto Llerena” Giant Tortoises Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, where giant tortoises are bred in captivity. This is home to tortoises ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long adults. Subspecies of the giant tortoises interact with one another, and many of the older tortoises are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four-years-old and strong enough to survive on their own.

AM: In the morning, you will visit El Barranco (also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps). El Barranco’s steep, rocky paths lead up to a high cliff-face. A marvelous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to palo santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, Galapagos swallows, and Galapagos doves.

PM: In the afternoon, you will visit Darwin Bay. This white-sand coral beach heads a half-mile trail that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls can be spotted here. Further down the path are tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view off a cliff.

AM: Rabida Island is one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago as well as a perfect snorkeling site. Its famous maroon sandy beach and stunning lookouts provide wonderful landscapes. The island is a birdwatcher’s delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance, such as nine varieties of finches, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks, and brown pelicans.

PM: This small islet is located near the southeast coast of Santiago Island. Its name comes from the distinct shape of the islet’s summit. This small islet is a great location to view many geological formations such as lava tunnels and lava flows. Some of the lava flows were formed underwater and subsequently raised above sea level. The presence of coral heads on the lava flow indicates this phenomenon.

AM: Located on the northern coast, this eroded hill and its surroundings present one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos with its white powdery sand and the abundance of animals. Wildlife includes sea turtles, rays, and various types of booby birds. The clear water provides an excellent opportunity for enjoying swimming and snorkeling.  

PM: In the afternoon we will visit Lobos Island. The name of this island means “Sea Lion Island.” This appropriately named island is ripe with noisy, frolicking, jolly sea lions who will welcome you to their home with open, well, fins. This island also offers great snorkeling opportunities as well as the chance to see blue-footed and Nazca boobies.

AM: The Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center is part of an environmental project. The tour of this center will explore the natural history of the islands including human interaction and conservation efforts. The Museum of Natural History explains the volcanic origin of the archipelago, ocean currents, climate, and the arrival of endemic species. 

After this final visit, you will be transferred to San Cristobal airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.