The Luxury Suites feature a king-sized bed or two double beds, a spacious bathroom, panoramic views, and a private balcony.
Single Cabin
The Single Cabin on the upper deck provides a comfortable option for solo travelers.
Deck plan
Features & facilities
Boat features & facilities
Spacious interior panoramic lounge
Alfresco dining area on the sky deck
Expansive sundeck with lounge chairs
Jacuzzi
Cocktail bar
Dive features & facilities
Hot water shower
The M/C Endemic is the newest and most luxurious catamarans cruising the Galapagos archipelago. Designed by a team of experienced shipwrights and with the inputs of guides, tour operators, ship captains, and more; the Endemic has been serving guests in style and comfort since 2018. Keeping in line with most new smaller Galapagos yachts, the Endemic has two hulls instead of one giving it more space for guests to relax and enjoy the many amenities. With an excellent crew, the M/C Endemic is sure to offer guests an amazing experience exploring the Galapagos.
The M/C Endemic offers guests eight luxury suites with an amazing panoramic view. The suites are configured with either one king-sized bed or two double beds. Guests are sure to enjoy the spacious, natural light bathroom and the outdoor balcony. In addition, the suites are also equipped with a writing desk, nightstand, and closet. A single cabin is also available on the upper deck, perfect for guests on a solo adventure.
Food & Drinks
Guests are served breakfast and lunch buffet-style aboard the Endemic, while dinner is served based on a delicious menu and buffet. Guests also can make specific food requests before the trip. The Endemic and its crew is always eager to cater to guests' food preferences and tastes.
Dive Information
Itinerary A: Endemic Galapagos Luxury Cruise
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights | Size: Max 16 Passengers
Sunday AM: Arrival at Baltra Island Airport
Sunday PM: Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz Island.
Prepare to be welcomed ashore by a stunning white sand beach which is known as a popular nesting site for turtles. You will surely be guaranteed to see an array of vibrant red Sally Lightfoot crabs and hermit crabs and may even be lucky enough to spot some flamingos in the lagoons behind the beach. The remnants of a rusted barge, that was likely to have been abandoned by the Americans during WWII, also provide an insight into the human history of the island.
Monday AM: Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island
Arrive at this horse-shoe-shaped island and step ashore the white sand and coral beach that was formed by a submerged volcanic crater. This is an ideal place to snorkel in calm, sheltered waters amongst hammerhead sharks, rays, and a plethora of colorful reef fish. A short trail leads past a tidal lagoon and mangroves, home to a variety of land bird species, including Nazca and red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. The top of the craggy hill provides the perfect viewpoint to pause and look down on the bay below.
Monday PM: Prince Philips Steps, Genovesa Island
Begin your expedition at the bottom of the rocky stairway where you may be lucky enough to spot a small colony of seals. As you ascend the steep steps up the 25-meter cliff face, be sure to look out for the sea life nestled in the crevices and flocks of storm petrels, short-eared lava owls, and Galapagos doves. Catch your breath at the top and take in the dramatic view before continuing along a rocky lava plateau that is a popular nesting spot for red-footed boobies and frigates.
Tuesday AM: The Twins, Santa Cruz Island
Although volcanic activity here ceased long ago, the islands geological features provide an insight into its history and formation. A trail will lead you around the rim of two remarkable, almost identical, craters located side by side. The surrounding highlands are lush with ferns and Scalesia trees and are home to mockingbirds, Bahama ducklings, white-cheeked pintail duckling, and Darwin finches. Nearby you will also have the unique opportunity to walk through some of the extraordinary underground lava tubes, which have been carved out by molten lava.
Tuesday PM: Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island
As a result of a relatively recent volcanic eruption, Sullivan Bay is covered in unusual black rope-like formations of cooled lava with small openings known as hornitos (literally meaning little ovens), caused by the release of pressure built up under the surface. Despite the seemingly hostile environment, you will still find many Sally Lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas and can top off your visit with a swim or snorkel with sea lions and penguins.
Wednesday AM: Sierra Negra, Isabela Island
As the largest and one of the youngest islands, Isabela Island is still fairly volcanically active. The Sierra Negra is one of the six volcanoes that form the island, and it boasts the second largest caldera in the world, spanning an impressive 9 x 10 km. As you hike or horse ride up to and around the caldera, observe how the landscape changes seamlessly from barren lava fields to forests full of guava trees and revel in the breathtaking views across the island and the neighboring volcanoes.
Wednesday PM: Wetlands, The Wall of Tears, Breeding Center, Isabela Island
Located just outside Puerto Villamil, the wetlands, comprising of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves, are a paradise for migratory birds such as stilts and flamingos. Next, a visit to the intriguing historical site known as The Wall of Tears built by prisoners between 1945-1959, sheds light on the islands human history. Finally, a visit to the Breeding Centre provides a rare opportunity to see giant tortoises at all stages of development and find out about the invaluable work that is being carried out to preserve and protect this incredible species.
Thursday AM: Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island
This is an exclusive area teeming with wildlife, that is only accessible by dinghy. It is surrounded by a number of islets, where blue-footed boobies and penguins can be sighted on the rocks, and the bay itself features an unusually high and colorful mangrove forest.
The cool, calm waters attract schools of fish and make it a popular place for turtles, rays, sea lions, and even sharks to gather, giving rise to a thrilling location for snorkeling and swimming.
Thursday PM: Urbina Bay, Isabela Island
Located at the foot of the Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes, the Urbina Bay is a product of a major volcanic uplift that occurred in 1954. As a result, the shore is strewn with corals and remains of marine life. However, in a relatively short space of time, endemic plant species and wildlife have already started to thrive. It will certainly be hard to miss the impressive giant land iguanas (the largest in the Galapagos), but also keep an eye out for Galapagos hawks, giant tortoises, and Darwins cotton plant.
Friday AM: Tagus Cove, Isabela Island
Known to have been a popular anchorage site since the 1800s, here you will be able to see where the names of ships have been carved into the rocks, providing an intriguing historical record. A scenic trail will lead you around Darwin Lake, and if you choose to continue up to the top of the hill you will be rewarded with a majestic view back over the crystal clear waters of the lagoon; an unmissable photo opportunity.
Friday PM: Espinoza Point, Fernandina Island
This untouched area of natural beauty is home to a booming population of iguanas and is known as a key nesting site for flightless cormorants. The combination of beautiful beaches and mangroves contrasted with the stark black lava flows create a memorable landscape.
This is also one of the best locations to see the remarkably resilient lava cactus. To top it off, you will find several good diving spots where you can be entertained by the fearless and playful sea lions and penguins.
Saturday AM: Espumilla Beach, Santiago Island
The name Espumilla, literally meaning meringue, refers to the dream-like trail of foam left by the waves that lap this picturesque white sand beach. Here you will encounter an abundance of the brightly colored Sally Lightfoot crabs, which attract predatory birds such as hawks, herons, and pelicans. This peaceful setting on the northern coast of Santiago island provides an unmissable opportunity for snorkeling and swimming amongst a raft of marine life, including species of octopi, eels, and sharks.
Saturday PM: Buccaneer Cove, Santiago Island, Rabida Island
Buccaneer Cove was frequented over the centuries by pirates, buccaneers, and whalers. Now, it is an important nesting site for turtles and is also popular with sea lions and stingrays. Intriguing formations in the rocks, caused by erosion, can also be observed.
The arid Rabida island is characterized by steep volcanic hills and a red sand beach. The surrounding salt brush is home to nesting pelicans, and common stilts and flamingos can be seen feeding at the lagoon. Inland, keen birdwatchers can also observe mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and Darwin finches.
Sunday AM: Mosquera Islet
This small, sandy islet, located between Baltra and North Seymour, is known for its untouched beauty. Bird watchers can delight in seeing a plentitude of shorebirds such as lava gulls herons, and you will be sure to see a number of sea lions lounging on the beach and Sally Lightfoot crabs clinging to the rocks. With no fixed trail on the island, you can do a bit of exploring or jump into the water for a snorkel for a chance to lay eyes on some sharks, turtles, and rays.
Sunday PM: Departure from Baltra Island Airport
Itinerary B: Endemic Galapagos Luxury Cruise
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights | Size: Max 16 Passengers
Sunday AM: Arrival at Baltra Island Airport
Sunday PM: Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz Island
Visit Dragon Hill will take place, which is located in the north-western part of Santa Cruz island. Here you will have the opportunity to walk into the island and view the land iguana. Be among these magnificent reptiles, that just a few decades ago were on the brink of extinction. Moreover, at Dragon Hill, you will see a flamingos lagoon, pintail ducks, and other endemic birds including flycatchers and warblers. After a short trek, an amazing view awaits us up the hill. Offshore snorkeling before returning to the yacht.
Monday AM: Kicker Rock, off San Cristobal Island, Witch Hill, San Cristobal Island
In the morning, the first spot to be visited is Kicker Rock, an impressive geological formation due to erosion. This is a nesting place of sea birds and a nice spot to take pictures while the vessels circumnavigate around the rock.
The next attraction to see is Witch Hill, a tuff cone hill located southwest of San Cristobal. This name comes from the Spanish name of the bird known in English as Vermilion Flycatcher. A zodiac ride will take passengers into amazing rock formations along the island shore. A white sand beach and crystalclear waters are part of this enchanted location. Fantastic opportunity for snorkeling.
Monday PM: Lobos Island, off San Cristobal Island
In the afternoon, you will be taken to Lobos Island, where a small population of blue-footed boobies, frigates, marine iguanas, and great frigate birds nesting can be observed. Snorkeling with sea lions in this calm bay is also part of the excursion.
Tuesday AM: Osborn and Gardner Islets, off Espaola Island, Gardner Bay, Espaola Island
Gardner Bay is a pristine white sandy beach (one of the longest in the Galapagos), that is home to colonies of sea lions and inquisitive mockingbirds. It is also one of the worlds most important breeding sites for the waved albatross. A short dinghy ride will take you to the Osborn and Gardner Islets, which are superb locations for snorkeling with young sea lions and a greater variety of tropical fish and corals.
Tuesday PM: Suarez Point, Espaola Island
Suarez Point is an area with an outstanding variety of wildlife. The walking trail will take you past nesting sites of Nazca and blue-footed boobies, whilst Galapagos doves, mockingbirds, and finches can be seen foraging nearby. You will also pass a geyser that can spray water up to 25m into the air; a spectacular feat of nature. Finally, when you reach the top of the breathtaking cliffs, you can enjoy watching waved albatrosses launching themselves out across the ocean.
Itinerary C: Endemic Galapagos Luxury Cruise
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights | Size: Max 16 Passengers
Sunday AM: Baltra Island Airport.
Sunday PM: Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz Island
Visit Dragon Hill will take place, which is located in the north-western part of Santa Cruz island. Here you will have the opportunity to walk into the island and view the land iguana. Be among these magnificent reptiles, that just a few decades ago were on the brink of extinction. Moreover, at Dragon Hill, you will see flamingos lagoons, pintail ducks, and other endemic birds including flycatchers and warblers. After a short trek, an amazing view awaits us up the hill. Offshore snorkeling before returning to the yacht.
Monday AM: Kicker Rock, off San Cristobal Island, Witch Hill, San Cristobal Island
In the morning, the first spot to be visited is Kicker Rock, an impressive geological formation due to erosion. This is a nesting place of sea birds and a nice spot to take pictures while the vessels circumnavigate around the rock.
The next attraction to see is Witch Hill, a tuff cone hill located southwest of San Cristobal. This name comes from the Spanish name of the bird known in English as Vermilion Flycatcher.
A zodiac ride will take passengers into amazing rock formations along the island shore. A white sand beach and crystalclear waters are part of this enchanted location. Fantastic opportunity for snorkeling.
Monday PM: lobos Island, off San Cristobal Island
In the afternoon, you will be taken to Lobos Island, where a small population of blue-footed boobies, frigates, marine iguanas, and great frigate birds nesting can be observed. Snorkeling with sea lions in this calm bay is also part of the excursion.
Tuesday AM: Osborn and Gardner Islets, off Espaola Island, Gardner Bay, Espaola Island
Gardner Bay is a pristine white sandy beach (one of the longest in the Galapagos), that is home to colonies of sea lions and inquisitive mockingbirds. It is also one of the worlds most important breeding sites for the waved albatross. A short dinghy ride will take you to the Osborn and Gardner Islets, which are superb locations for snorkeling with young sea lions and a greater variety of tropical fish and corals.
Tuesday PM: Suarez Point, Espaola Island
Suarez Point is an area with an outstanding variety of wildlife. The walking trail will take you past nesting sites of Nazca and blue-footed boobies, whilst Galapagos doves, mockingbirds, and finches can be seen foraging nearby. You will also pass a geyser that can spray water up to 25m into the air; a spectacular feat of nature. Finally, when you reach the top of the breathtaking cliffs, you can enjoy watching waved albatrosses launching themselves out across the ocean.
Itinerary D: Endemic Galapagos Luxury Cruise
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights | Size: Max 16 Passengers
Thursday AM: Arrival at Baltra Island Airport
Thursday PM: Bartholomew Island
At this site, you will be able to savor the best view of Pinnacle Rock, a jagged spear-like formation that has become an iconic feature of the Galapagos. A series of steps leads you past a variety of colored lava rocks to the summit of the now extinct volcano, where you will be rewarded with a picture-perfect panorama. The islands sandy cove is also a good area for snorkeling, with possible sightings of penguins, reef sharks, and rays.
Friday AM: Cormorant Point, Devils Crown, Floreana Island
Cormorant Point features two distinctly beautiful beaches, one tinted a glistening green by a high content of olivine crystals; the other pure white and aptly referred to as flour beach. The saltwater lagoon here is frequented by one of the largest populations of flamingos in the Galapagos as well as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails. Devils Crown is a stunning jagged volcanic crater, which has become mostly submerged beneath the water. It boasts a plethora of marine life making it an enthralling site for diving and snorkeling.
Friday PM: Post Office Bay, The Baroness Viewpoint, Floreana Island
Post Office Bay provides a fascinating insight into the human history of the island as you will discover the postal system developed by British whalers in the 18th century and can take part in the tradition that has continued to this day. The Baroness Viewpoint is named after an Australian baroness, who visited the island in the 1930s and sparked a number of speculations about her mysterious disappearance. This vantage point is ideal for surveying the surrounding mangroves and other points of interest from above.
Saturday AM: Chinese Hat, off Santiago Island
This small island off the coast of Santiago Island is a result of erupted lava, and the remaining cone curiously resembles the shape of a Chinese hat. The short trail around the cove will guide you through a sea lion colony and provide opportunities to see eagles, oystercatchers, and lava lizards. Furthermore, the channel of aquamarine water that runs between Santiago Island is very appealing to those who wish to enjoy some snorkeling, where you may be joined by sharks, rays, and even a rare Galapagos penguin.
Saturday PM: North Seymour Island
This island was formed by the uplifting of lava from underneath the ocean resulting in a relatively flat landscape. As well as land iguanas, sea lions, and turtles along the coast, inland you will see colonies of blue-footed boobies who you may be lucky enough to catch performing their delightful courtship dance. Most notably though, the island is the largest nesting site for magnificent frigate birds, the male variety of which possess distinctive red gular pouches that they inflate during the mating season.
Itinerary E: Endemic Galapagos Luxury Cruise
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights | Size: Max 16 Passengers
Thursday AM: Arrival at Baltra Island Airport
Thursday PM: Bartholomew Island
After lunch, you will discover Bartholomew Island. Once here, you will ascend to admire the spectacular panorama of Sullivan Bay and the famous Pinnacle Rock. The beaches at the foot of the Pinnacle Rock are excellent for snorkeling from which you can discover the marvelous underwater world, and with a little luck, youll get to snorkel with penguins.
Friday AM: Cormorant Point, Devils Crown, Floreana Island
Cormorant Point features two distinctly beautiful beaches, one tinted a glistening green by a high content of olivine crystals; the other pure white and aptly referred to as flour beach. The saltwater lagoon here is frequented by one of the largest populations of flamingos in the Galapagos as well as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails. Devils Crown is a stunning jagged volcanic crater, which has become mostly submerged beneath the water. It boasts a plethora of marine life making it an enthralling site for diving and snorkeling.
Friday PM: Post Office Bay, The Baroness Viewpoint, Floreana Island
Post Office Bay provides a fascinating insight into the human history of the island as you will discover the postal system developed by British whalers in the 18th century and can take part in the tradition that has continued to this day. The Baroness Viewpoint is named after an Australian baroness, who visited the island in the 1930s and sparked a number of speculations about her mysterious disappearance. This vantage point is ideal for surveying the surrounding mangroves and other points of interest from above.
Saturday AM: Chinese Hat, off Santiago Island
This small island off the coast of Santiago Island is a result of erupted lava, and the remaining cone curiously resembles the shape of a Chinese hat. The short trail around the cove will guide you through a sea lion colony and provide opportunities to see eagles, oystercatchers, and lava lizards. Furthermore, the channel of aquamarine water that runs between Santiago Island is very appealing to those who wish to enjoy some snorkeling, where you may be joined by sharks, rays, and even a rare Galapagos penguin.
Saturday PM: North Seymour Island
This island was formed by the uplifting of lava from underneath the ocean resulting in a relatively flat landscape. As well as land iguanas, sea lions, and turtles along the coast, inland you will see colonies of blue-footed boobies who you may be lucky enough to catch performing their delightful courtship dance. Most notably though, the island is the largest nesting site for magnificent frigate birds, the male variety of which possess distinctive red gular pouches that they inflate during the mating season.
Itinerary F: Endemic Galapagos Luxury Cruise
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights | Size: Max 16 Passengers
Tuesday AM: Arrival at Baltra Island Airport.
Tuesday PM: Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island
As a result of a relatively recent volcanic eruption, Sullivan Bay is covered in unusual black rope-like formations of cooled lava with small openings known as hornitos (literally meaning little ovens), caused by the release of pressure built up under the surface. Despite the seemingly hostile environment, you will still find many Sally Lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas and can top off your visit with a swim or snorkel with sea lions and penguins.
Wednesday AM: Sierra Negra, Isabela Island
As the largest and one of the youngest islands, Isabela Island is still fairly volcanically active. The Sierra Negra is one of the six volcanoes that form the island, and it boasts the second largest caldera in the world, spanning an impressive 9 x 10 km. As you hike or horse ride up to and around the caldera, observe how the landscape changes seamlessly from barren lava fields to forests full of guava trees and revel in the breathtaking views across the island and the neighboring volcanoes.
Wednesday PM: Wetlands, The Wall of Tears, Breeding Center, Isabela Island
Located just outside Puerto Villamil, the wetlands, comprising of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves, are a paradise for migratory birds such as stilts and flamingos. Next, a visit to the intriguing historical site known as The Wall of Tears built by prisoners between 1945-1959, sheds light on the islands human history. Finally, a visit to the Breeding Centre provides a rare opportunity to see giant tortoises at all stages of development and find out about the invaluable work that is being carried out to preserve and protect this incredible species.
Thursday AM: Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island
This is an exclusive area teeming with wildlife, that is only accessible by dinghy. It is surrounded by a number of islets, where blue-footed boobies and penguins can be sighted on the rocks, and the bay itself features an unusually high and colorful mangrove forest. The cool, calm waters attract schools of fish and make it a popular place for turtles, rays, sea lions, and even sharks to gather, giving rise to a thrilling location for snorkeling and swimming.
Thursday PM: Urbina Bay, Isabela Island
Located at the foot of the Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes, the Urbina Bay is a product of a major volcanic uplift that occurred in 1954. As a result, the shore is strewn with corals and remains of marine life. However, in a relatively short space of time, endemic plant species and wildlife have already started to thrive. It will certainly be hard to miss the impressive giant land iguanas (the largest in the Galapagos), but also keep an eye out for Galapagos hawks, giant tortoises, and Darwins cotton plant.
This island was formed as a result of a volcanic uplift millions of years ago and is inhabited by the endemic yellow-green Santa Fe iguana, Galapagos snake, and rice rat. There are two main trails on the island, one that leads to a beach through a forest of tall Opuntia (prickly pear) trees; another that takes you into the highlands and culminates in a stunning clifftop viewpoint where Galapagos hawks can be sighted. It is also possible to snorkel along the shoreline with the highly entertaining sea lions.
Wednesday PM: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, Santa Cruz Island
Visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, which is also known as Charles Darwin Research Station. This place has an information center, a museum, a library, and a tortoise breeding station. In the tortoise breeding station, you can encounter tortoises of different subspecies, which are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. The most popular inhabitant of this Station is probably the Lonesome George turtle, which already died in 2012.
Thursday AM: South Plaza Island
It has unique Sesuvium plants and Opuntia cactuses scattered across the landscape which provide some of the most interesting wildlife observations available in the Galapagos. Land iguanas are easily seen from the trail, frequently under the shade of cactuses, waiting for a prickly pear to fall.
Thursday PM: Bartholomew Island
At this site, you will be able to savor the best view of Pinnacle Rock, a jagged spear-like formation that has become an iconic feature of the Galapagos. A series of steps leads you past a variety of colored lava rocks to the summit of the now extinct volcano, where you will be rewarded with a picture-perfect panorama. The islands sandy cove is also a good area for snorkeling, with possible sightings of penguins, reef sharks, and rays.
Friday AM: Cormorant Point, Devils Crown, Floreana Island
Cormorant Point features two distinctly beautiful beaches, one tinted a glistening green by a high content of olivine crystals; the other pure white and aptly referred to as flour beach. The saltwater lagoon here is frequented by one of the largest populations of flamingos in the Galapagos as well as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails. Devils Crown is a stunning jagged volcanic crater, which has become mostly submerged beneath the water. It boasts a plethora of marine life making it an enthralling site for diving and snorkeling.
Friday PM: Post Office Bay, The Baroness Viewpoint, Floreana Island
Post Office Bay provides a fascinating insight into the human history of the island as you will discover the postal system developed by British whalers in the 18th century and can take part in the tradition that has continued to this day. The Baroness Viewpoint is named after an Australian baroness, who visited the island in the 1930s and sparked a number of speculations about her mysterious disappearance. This vantage point is ideal for surveying the surrounding mangroves and other points of interest from above.
Saturday AM: Chinese Hat, off Santiago Island
This small island off the coast of Santiago Island is a result of erupted lava, and the remaining cone curiously resembles the shape of a Chinese hat. The short trail around the cove will guide you through a sea lion colony and provide opportunities to see eagles, oystercatchers, and lava lizards. Furthermore, the channel of aquamarine water that runs between Santiago Island is very appealing to those who wish to enjoy some snorkeling, where you may be joined by sharks, rays, and even a rare Galapagos penguin.
Saturday PM: North Seymour Island
This island was formed by the uplifting of lava from underneath the ocean resulting in a relatively flat landscape. As well as land iguanas, sea lions, and turtles along the coast, inland you will see colonies of blue-footed boobies who you may be lucky enough to catch performing their delightful courtship dance. Most notably though, the island is the largest nesting site for magnificent frigate birds, the male variety of which possess distinctive red gular pouches that they inflate during the mating season.
Sunday AM: Mosquera Islet
This small, sandy islet, located between Baltra and North Seymour, is known for its untouched beauty. Bird watchers can delight in seeing a plentitude of shorebirds such as lava gulls herons, and you will be sure to see a number of sea lions lounging on the beach and Sally Lightfoot crabs clinging to the rocks. With no fixed trail on the island, you can do a bit of exploring or jump into the water for a snorkel for a chance to lay eyes on some sharks, turtles, and rays.
Sunday PM: Departure from Baltra Island Airport
Wednesday AM: Santa Fe Island
This island was formed as a result of a volcanic uplift millions of years ago and is inhabited by the endemic yellow-green Santa Fe iguana, Galapagos snake and rice rat. There are two main trails on the island, one that leads to a beach through a forest of tall Opuntia (prickly pear) trees; another that takes you into the highlands and culminates in a stunning cliff top viewpoint where Galapagos hawks can be sighted. It is also possible to snorkel along the shoreline with the highly entertaining sea lions.
Wednesday PM: Breeding Center, Santa Cruz Island
The Darwin research centre is instrumental in carrying out important scientific research into the preservation of the archipelagos ecosystems and initiating a significant breeding programme in 1970 for giant tortoises. As well as accessing a wealth of information about the flora and fauna found across the islands, you will have the chance to see tortoises at all stages of their development. Having been reared in captivity, they are very accustomed to humans, so dont miss out on getting a photo with one of these remarkable animals.
Thursday AM: South Plaza Island
One of two small islets, South Plaza island houses a rich diversity of wildlife and vegetation. After passing a large colony of sea lions and ascending the slopes, you may catch a glimpse of swallow-tailed gulls, Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, frigates, or the rare lava gull. The ground is carpeted in Sesuvium, which transforms from bright red in the dry season to a vibrant green in the wet season, and land iguanas crowd around towering prickly pear cacti, waiting patiently for their juicy fruits to fall.
Departure from Baltra Island Airport
Sunday AM: Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz Island
After breakfast, enjoy the visit to Black Turtle Cove, which is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz. It is a living illustration of how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat. Three mangrove species crowd the area from the shore out into the lagoon, which reaches almost a mile inland. As you drift through quiet waters in the zodiac, you are likely to see spotted eagle rays and diamond-shaped mustard rays, which swim in a diamond formation. White-tipped reef sharks slip beneath the boat and Pacific green sea turtles come to the surface for air and to mate. Waterfowl, including pelicans, herons, and egrets, all feed in the cove. This is a peaceful place that will make you feel calm.
Sunday: PM: Departure from Baltra Island Airport
Sunday AM: Black Turtle Cove
After breakfast, enjoy the visit to Black Turtle Cove, which is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz. It is a living illustration of how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat. Three mangrove species crowd the area from the shore out into the lagoon, which reaches almost a mile inland.
As you drift through quiet waters in the zodiac, you are likely to see spotted eagle rays and diamond-shaped mustard rays, which swim in a diamond formation. White-tipped reef sharks slip beneath the boat and Pacific green sea turtles come to the surface for air and to mate. Waterfowl, including pelicans, herons, and egrets, all feed in the cove. This is a peaceful place that will make you feel calm.
Sunday PM: Bachas Beach
In the afternoon, visit Las Bachas, which is a beautiful white sand beach, located on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. There you can go for a stroll or do some easy snorkeling in the gentle surf. Sea turtles lay their eggs at the edge of the vegetation. You can also look for a rusted pontoon, a relic of the Second World War. In fact, bachas is a poor pronunciation of barges, two of which were wrecked offshore at that time: the locals mispronounced the name and it stuck.
Monday AM: Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island
Arrive at this horse-shoe-shaped island and step ashore the white sand and coral beach that was formed by a submerged volcanic crater. This is an ideal place to snorkel in calm, sheltered waters amongst hammerhead sharks, rays, and a plethora of colorful reef fish. A short trail leads past a tidal lagoon and mangroves, home to a variety of land bird species, including Nazca and red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. The top of the craggy hill provides the perfect viewpoint to pause and look down on the bay below.
Monday PM: Prince Philips Steps, Genovesa Island
Begin your expedition at the bottom of the rocky stairway where you may be lucky enough to spot a small colony of seals. As you ascend the steep steps up the 25-meter cliff face, be sure to look out for the sea life nestled in the crevices and flocks of storm petrels, short-eared lava owls, and Galapagos doves. Catch your breath at the top and take in the dramatic view before continuing along a rocky lava plateau that is a popular nesting spot for red-footed boobies and frigates.
Tuesday AM: The Twins, Santa Cruz Island
Although volcanic activity here ceased long ago, the islands geological features provide an insight into its history and formation. A trail will lead you around the rim of two remarkable, almost identical, craters located side by side. The surrounding highlands are lush with ferns and Scalesia trees and are home to mockingbirds, Bahama ducklings, white-cheeked pintail duckling, and Darwin finches. Nearby you will also have the unique opportunity to walk through some of the extraordinary underground lava tubes, which have been carved out by molten lava.
Tuesday PM: Departure from Baltra Island Airport
Friday AM: Tagus Cove, Isabela Island
Known to have been a popular anchorage site since the 1800s, here you will be able to see where the names of ships have been carved into the rocks, providing an intriguing historical record. A scenic trail will lead you around Darwin Lake, and if you choose to continue up to the top of the hill you will be rewarded with a majestic view back over the crystal clear waters of the lagoon; an unmissable photo opportunity.
Friday PM: Espinoza Point, Fernandina Island
This untouched area of natural beauty is home to a booming population of iguanas and is known as a key nesting site for flightless cormorants. The combination of beautiful beaches and mangroves contrasted with the stark black lava flows create a memorable landscape. This is also one of the best locations to see the remarkably resilient lava cactus. To top it off, you will find several good diving spots where you can be entertained by the fearless and playful sea lions and penguins.
Saturday AM: Espumilla Beach, Santiago Island
The name Espumilla, literally meaning meringue, refers to the dream-like trail of foam left by the waves that lap this picturesque white sand beach. Here you will encounter an abundance of the brightly colored Sally Lightfoot crabs, which attract predatory birds such as hawks, herons, and pelicans. This peaceful setting on the northern coast of Santiago island provides an unmissable opportunity for snorkeling and swimming amongst a raft of marine life, including species of octopi, eels, and sharks.
Saturday PM: Buccaneer Cove, Santiago Island, Rabida Island
Buccaneer Cove was frequented over the centuries by pirates, buccaneers, and whalers. Now, it is an important nesting site for turtles and is also popular with sea lions and stingrays. Intriguing formations in the rocks, caused by erosion, can also be observed. The arid Rabida island is characterized by steep volcanic hills and a red sand beach. The surrounding salt brush is home to nesting pelicans, and common stilts and flamingos can be seen feeding at the lagoon. Inland, keen bird watchers can also observe mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and Darwin finches.
Sunday AM: Mosquera Islet
In the morning, visit Mosquera, a small islet found between Baltra & North Seymour Islands. Lava gulls, sea lions, Sally lightfoot crabs inhabit this sandbank with an extension of over 600 meters. It also hosts the largest populations of sea lions and orca whales that can be seen occasionally depending on the season you visit the islet.
