Galapagos Islands: Bays & Beaches aboard Origin, Theory & Evolve

The itinerary starts in the city of Quito* in the highlands of Ecuador just south of the equator (alternatively you may fly from Guayaquil). This lovely colonial town is famous for its markets and churches and excellent museums. Upon arrival in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (SCY) SAN CRISTOBAL Island, our guides will be waiting to escort you to your expedition yacht. After a short ride by bus to the dock, and by Zodiac to the yacht anchored in the bay, you’ll be shown your cabin and treated to a delicious lunch. There will be a welcome briefing and a brief safety drill afterward you can chose your snorkel equipment and wet suit for the week. You’ll have time to settle in after lunch before the yacht leaves the harbor. Within a few hours, we reach Leon Dormido, (Spanish for sleeping lion), a remnant of a vertical tuff cone formation, rising 500 feet from the ocean. Erosion has split the rock providing a spectacular backdrop for photographs at sunset. As we circumnavigate the formation, you’ll easily spot blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and frigatebirds on the cliffs. Guests on the Evolve visit La Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado (David Rodriguez Land Tortoise Breeding Center)-2. After a briefing on activities for the following day, join our Captain and crew for a cocktail reception. An elegant multi-course dinner, prepared by our accomplished chefs, is served. NOTE: This itinerary is flexible and subject to change due to weather conditions and circumstances beyond our control. It should be used as a guide only. *For anyone travelling to the Galapagos Islands we recommend you arrive in Quito or Guayaquil at least one day before your scheduled cruise in case there are flight delays or cancellations. We can book pre-tour accommodation for you. We strongly recommend that you do not book flights out of Quito or Guayaquil for the same day your cruise finishes.

Meals: L,D

Your first day of exploration starts with a zodiac ride to look for wildlife at Cerro Brujo (1), which translates to Wizard Hill. Your guide will point out the wide variety of birds soaring overhead, from brown pelicans and brown noddy terns to bluefooted boobies dive-bombing the water as they fish. Look for different colour patterns that indicate age - for example, a brown pelican will have a white neck when it’s mature. Sally lightfoot crabs, black when they’re young but extremely colorful once fully grown, scurry all over the rocks. Your guides will also point out unusual geological formations, including the Cathedral, jokingly called Darwin’s Pants. After the zodiac tour, you’ll step ashore at a gorgeous coral sand beach and can explore at your own pace. Take a peaceful walk along the beach, swim with sea lions from the beach. This is a good opportunity to become familiar with your snorkeling gear from the beach (1) before snorkeling in deeper water. Your guides will help you identify the various species of fish you’ve encountered so far and lend their expertise. This afternoon, we go ashore at Punta Pitt (4) for a hike - parts of the trail are rocky, and there is some climbing involved. This is considered one of the best sites for bird-watching, primarily because it is the only place where you’ll see all three species of boobies: blue-footed, red-footed, and the Nazca. Look for baby bluefooted boobies, fully grown after just a couple of months but fluffy and white until their feathers grow in. Your guides will also point out frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, storm petrels, and brown pelicans. We can snorkel at Pitt Rock (2) with sea lions and colorful fish; King Angel and Surgeon fish. As the yacht sets sail, choose from a selection of guidebooks or fiction from the library, or climb to the top deck for a distant view of “Kicker Rock”. Join us on the sundeck for gourmet snacks and sample beer from local breweries in the Galapagos. After dinner, join your guide on deck for an exploration of the Southern skies full of stars.

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you’ll land at Punta Suarez on Espanola (Hood) Island (5). Your guides will point out the large number of endemic species living here, such as the waved albatross. These gorgeous birds spend the first several years of their lives in the open ocean and return to land to mate. If your visit is between April and December, you will witness the well-known courtship dance. As you walk, take care not to step on the marine iguanas sunbathing on the dark lava rocks. These iguanas are usually black but acquire bright red and green coloration during mating season from the algae they eat. Follow the trail to the dramatic ocean blow hole, watch for colourful sally light-foot crabs crawling along the shoreline. We also find Darwin’s Finches, Hood mockingbird, Galapagos Doves, red-billed tropicbirds, Galapagos Hawks, Nazca boobies and swallow-tailed gulls, the only nocturnal gull in the world. Return to the yacht for a BBQ lunch served on deck (weather permitting) and learn to make Ecuadorian ceviche in a cooking demonstration. Your guide will offer an optional enrichment lecture. Informative and entertaining, the topic is on the marine currents and weather or Geology of the Islands. After lunch, you’ll have the option to snorkel at Gardner Islet (2) and explore the caves covered with invertebrates. Disembark at Gardner Bay (1), site of an expansive white-powder sand beach where colonies of sea lions dot the shoreline. The dominant males of a sea lion colony keep watch over their harems to keep them safe. Here you’ll have the option to snorkel from the beach (1), kayak or paddleboard, or take a leisurely stroll, sunbathe or look for wildlife; Darwin Finches, Espanola mockingbird and Galapagos hawks. After the activities, return to the yacht for a briefing and dinner.

Meals: B,L,D

Step ashore at Punta Cormorant’s olive-sand beach with the sounds of sea lions, lava herons, yellow-crowned night herons and blue-footed boobies as you explore Floreana (Charles) Island (3). The green mineral you’ll see on the beach is caused by a high concentration of iron and manganese from the same basaltic lava found in Hawaii. As you walk to a brackish lagoon, home to Bahama ducks, common stilts, Galapagos flycatchers and bright pink American flamingos, the guides will point out the rich variety of plant life, including morning glories, cut-leaf daisies, mangroves (black, red and white), palo verde and Scalesia. The trail leads to a beach where sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand dunes and sting rays swim in the shallow water. Don’t miss the opportunity to snorkel at Devil’s Crown or Champion Islet (2), a shallow sunken crater colonized by a brilliant array of colorful fish and coral, white-tipped sharks, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays and sea stars. Return to the yacht for lunch and learn about the fascinating human history of the Islands and why this island is sometimes called the Island of Mysteries. In the afternoon, you’ll be able to participate in a thrilling Galapagos tradition. Floreana is home to Post Office Bay (1), the site where English whaling vessels erected a post barrel in the late 18th century. When you drop a postcard in the barrel, no postage is required. You’ll search through the postcards left by previous visitors, and if you see one addressed to a location near your home, you may choose to take it with you. However, you must deliver it in person. Similarly, your postcards will be delivered by future visitors. Take a Zodiac excursion or explore by paddleboard at Baroness Point to find sea turtles and rays in the shallow lagoon. You’ll be busy snapping photos of sea stars and a brilliant array of colourful fish. Return to the yacht and join us on deck for an Espresso Martini made from Galapagos grown coffee, followed by the evening briefing and dinner.

Meals: B,L,D

You’ll awaken in the vibrant harbour of Academy Bay – the social hub of the Galapagos with a population of 24,000 residents. This morning, we’ll disembark at Puerto Ayora, SANTA CRUZ (2) Island and board a private bus for a scenic excursion to the highlands of Santa Cruz traversing diverse vegetation zones with lush greenery at higher elevations. The morning unfolds with an extraordinary visit to Rancho Primicias or El Chato, privately-owned ranches where majestic tortoises roam freely in their pristine natural habitat. These gentle giants grow to exceed 500 pounds and offer an awe-inspiring spectacle. The estate unveils enchanting lava tunnels to explore, providing a truly immersive experience. You’ll have the opportunity to join the “Green Team” and participate in a reforestation project by planting a tree courtesy of Ecoventura. Embrace the opportunity to leave a positive legacy for generations to come and discover the vital role native plants provide in nurturing Galapagos ecosystems. Our next destination is Los Gemelos (the twins), a pair of massive volcanic craters that stand as a testament to the island’s geological grandeur. We return to the yacht for a delicious lunch served onboard. Enrich yourself in a fascinating talk on a topic your guide is passionate about and relevant to the Islands. Delve into the fascinating world of Charles Darwin and his Theory of Evolution, or on the arrival and establishment of species to the Islands. This afternoon, we’ll visit the breeding center at Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena (2) followed by the Charles Darwin Research Station Exhibition Hall – a unique opportunity to witness ongoing conservation efforts. The wooden walkway is adorned with informative exhibits, showcasing hatchlings and miniature tortoises destined for repatriation by the National Park upon reaching maturity. We pay homage to Lonesome George, the last surviving tortoise from Pinta Island, and a worldwide icon. His extinction emphasizes the crucial need to preserve and protect endangered wildlife. You will encounter several species of tortoises that will be repatriated once they reach maturity. A saddleback tortoise whose species was once reduced to a mere 14 individuals, played a crucial role in its recovery. After being transported from the San Diego Zoo, “Super Diego” fathered hundreds of descendants before returning to Espanola Island, embodying a hopeful narrative in wildlife conservation. Take a leisurely stroll through the seaside village and stop in at boutiques selling local art, jewelry, and souvenirs as you make your way to the pier. You have the option to remain in town to sample the local cuisine and Puerto Ayora at night on your own account. Transfers are provided by Zodiac to and from the yacht. This is dependent upon the captain’s discretion and sea conditions in the harbour. Otherwise, guests can expect a grand multi-course dinner – a culinary extravaganza featuring the finest ingredients and artful presentation.

Meals: B,L,D

When you wake up this morning, you’ll be in solitude once again. There are two options for a morning activity. Today’s hike is a challenge, with about 400 wooden steps winding around Bartolome island (4), ending in a gorgeous panoramic view of Pinnacle Rock. Your guide will stop along the way to describe the geology of the landscape; mini lava cones and lava bombs formed by flowing magma from past volcanic eruptions. If you’d rather skip the hike, enjoy a zodiac ride around the island to look for penguins. You’ll see these adorable animals, the second smallest type of penguin, swimming and diving playfully or grooming themselves on rocks. Crystal clear water beckons you to wade in from the beach (1). Snorkel with schools of tropical fish, white-tipped reef sharks and Galapagos Penguins. Return to the vessel for a lunch on deck (weather permitting) of meats grilled on the BBQ and a cooking demonstration. This afternoon we enjoy a zodiac excursion at Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) through a series of coves and inlets surrounded by mangroves. You’ll navigate slowly along the shoreline, listening for the telltale deep inhale of a sea turtle and watching for the wings of a school of golden rays. We’ll meet on the sundeck for gourmet snacks featuring an Ecuadorian cocktail and a briefing. Following dinner, join your crew in a fun pirate themed party – participation is optional.

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you’ll head out on South Plaza (3), a small islet with tall cliffs and a trail with a variety of plants and animals. This island’s species of “Opuntia” or prickly pear cactus has been decimated by invasive species, so you’ll see young plants surrounded by nets to protect them. Look for nests for a variety of birds, such as swallow-tailed gulls, shearwaters, small ground finches, and red-billed tropicbirds. This geological uplift is home to a colony of bachelor sea lions, with dominant bulls in various stages of recovery from battles over prime beach territory. You’ll also have an opportunity to see land iguanas up close, and your guide will describe what differentiates them from marine iguanas. During lunch, you’ll sail to North Seymour Island (3), where a spectacular sight awaits: frigate birds with red sacs on their chests inflated, seeking mates. At the height of mating season, you’ll be surrounded by dozens, but no matter what time of year you visit, there will be individuals seeking mates. The Galapagos Islands are home to two different species of frigates, Great and Magnificent, and your guides will teach you how to identify them. You’ll have a final opportunity to snorkel in deeper water (2). Look for sharks, sea lions, and starfish, along with a variety of tropical fish. The Captain hosts a poignant farewell gathering with a champagne toast, and a moment for reflection, and gratitude. Finally, a grand multi-course dinner unfolds, a culinary masterpiece showcasing the finest ingredients and meticulous presentation. The evening crescendos with a captivating presentation, a nostalgic journey through the highlights of the week enveloped in absolute paradise.

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you’ll disembark the yacht after breakfast. As a perfect way to sum up the trip, you’ll visit the Interpretation Center on San Cristobal to discover more about the human history of the Galapagos Islands. There’s also a paved trail where you can enjoy a brief walk before a bus ride to town. You’ll have some free time for last-minute photos before your transfer to the airport. It’s a quick flight back to the mainland, but you’ll be bringing lifelong memories with you! Upon arrival on the mainland, your trip concludes.

Meals: B