Galapagos aboard the Grand Queen Beatriz 8 Days "A"

ISABELA ISLAND: TINTORERAS AND BREEDING CENTER
After a snorkelling excursion in the morning to "Las Tintoreras," we will visit the historic “The Wall of Tears,” on Isabela Island. From 1946 to 1959 Isabela was designated a penal colony by the Ecuadorian government for prisoners who were obligated to build a wall with enormous blocks of lava. Due to the arduous labor and harsh conditions in which the prisoners lived, this site is known as “El Muro de las Lagrimas”.

GIANT TURTLE BREEDING CENTER

In the afternoon we will take a walk through the wetlands, we will go to the forest to see the gentle giants in their natural habitat in this reserve. With the giant turtle on the road to extinction in the late 1950s, this program was established to protect these noble creatures. We will also have the opportunity to observe iguanas and flamingos taking sun.

FLOREANA ISLAND: CORMORANT POINT AND DEVIL`S CROWN - POST OFFICE BAY
Reach Floreana Island in the morning. The history of Floreana Island (also called Charles) has gradually evolved to reach near mythic proportions. The story begins when a baroness and her two lovers, a German doctor and his mistress, and a German couple and their young son all came to settle on this land. Their dalliances and disasters, shrouded in mystery, were chronicled in John Treherne’s book The Galapagos Affair. Descendants of the German family, the Wittmers, still live on the island in the small community of Puerto Velasco Ibarra. Mrs. Margaret Wittmer has also written a booked entitled "Floreana" and this can be purchased at the airport in Baltra or at a local bookstore.

In the morning we land at " Punta Cormorant ", on the northern part of Floreana. The landing is on a beach of green sand, colored by olivine crystals, volcanic-derived silicates of magnesium and iron. The trail leads to a lake normally inhabited by flamingos and other shore birds and continues to a beach of fine white sand particles known as “Flour Beach”, an important nesting site for turtles.

In the afternoon " Devil's Crown " derives its name from the broken remains of a partially submerged volcanic cone. This is a perfect spot to go snorkeling from the boat, as the waters are home to a multitude of colourful fish and sea lions. Please make sure you are a comfortable swimmer, however, as despite the protection from the open sea provided by the "crown," the water here can be rough and the currents strong.

" Post Office Bay " has an older and less mysterious history. A barrel was placed here in the late 18th century by English whaling vessels to be used as a post office. Passing ships would stop to leave mail for loved ones, collecting at the same time any mail destined for ports on their itineraries. Today the box is used mainly by tourists, who may drop off and pick up unstamped letters to be carried to far destinations. The remains of a Norwegian canning factory are the only evidence of the Island’s history prior to its designation as a protected area. A short hike up past the post barrel takes you to an interesting lava cave. With the aid of a flashlight, you can descend about 80 m (262 ft) to the point where the sea enters the cave.