Galapagos Central and Western on board Cormorant Catamaran 8 Days "B"

Morning flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra (Galapagos).

TWIN CRATERS AND El CHATO (SANTA CRUZ ISLAND)

The afternoon we will visit is a site called Los Gemelos (The Twins Craters). Los Gemelos wait for you at the end of a short hike. These sinkholes are often referred to as craters, though the term is only descriptive, not literal. They were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. The endemic Scalesia Forest surrounds the site, where you may see Vermillian Flycatchers, Short-eared Owls, and finches.

in the morning. After passing through immigration and baggage claim you will be met by Cormorant 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.

In the morning we will visit the Tintoreras Islet and Sierra Negra. Tintoreras is located a short distance from Puerto Villamil and is the home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by White-Tipped reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, marine turtles and sea lions. One of its beaches, surrounded by mangroves is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully.

Sierra Negra boasts the largest volcanic basaltic caldera in Galapagos at 9 x 10km. The site offers impressive views and the opportunity to observe up to 7 species of finches and a rich display of vegetation. The north side of the caldera provides evidence of its most recent volcanic activity in 2005.

TORTOISE BREEDING CENTER & WETLANDS COMPLEX (ISABELA ISLAND)

The Wetlands of Isabela Island are located just outside of Puerto Villamil. The Wetlands consist of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves, and are home to a variety of unique bird species such as Common Stilts, Whimbrels, White-Cheeked Pintails, and Gallinules. The Wetlands can be visited on foot via a path that winds through the swamps.

MORENO POINT & ELIZABETH BAY (ISABELA ISLAND)

In the morning we will visit Moreno Point, located south west of Elizabeth Bay. Here, a dry landing onto what was once flowing lava is possible. The lava has left craters in its wake, which formed crystal tide pools. By looking into the pools, you can peer into another world, as the marine life drifts by. In the brackish pools of this area, you may see pink flamingos, White-Cheeked pintails, and Common gallinules. If you look carefully into the pools you may see White-Tipped reef sharks and some sea turtles.

The afternoon visit will take us to Elizabeth Bay, a secluded space lacking any landing sites. We will take a traditional 'panga', or dinghy ride, passing the red mangroves and amongst the wildlife of the lively bay. Elizabeth is known for its marine life; you will probably see sea turtles and rays skimming the surface of the water. You may also see the Brown pelicans diving for fish, Galapagos penguins, Blue-footed Boobies and even possibly spot humpback whales.

ESPINOSA POINT (FERNANDINA ISLAND) & VICENTE ROCA POINT (ISABELA ISLAND)

Fernandina Island: No foreign species have ever invaded this island and therefore it is one of the world's most pristine island ecosystems. Fernandina is the youngest island in Galapagos. Access to this site is extremely restricted by the Galapagos National Park and you will be one of those very lucky visitors. The volcano "La Cumbra", dominates the land space with lava fields reaching the ocean.

Crossing the Bolivar Channel that divides Isabela and Fernandina Islands, we will land at Espinosa Point. After walking past a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions, we'll reach the island's highlight: the Flightless cormorant nesting site. This area also provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos Hawk.

In the afternoon we will visit Isabela Island once again to Vicente Roca Point. Comprised of two separate coves, this site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola-mola sunfish.

EGAS PORT (SANTIAGO ISLAND) & ESPUMILLA BEACH / BECCANEER COVE (SANTIAGO ISLAND)

Egas Port is a well-known site in the Galapagos Islands that is also known as James Bay on the western side of Santiago Island. There are trails that lead to tide pools with lava lizards scattering along the trail and remains of an old salt mine operation that was eventually unsuccessful can be seen on one of the trails. Fur seals and marine birds can be seen nearby and snorkeling can be enjoyed.

Years ago Buccaneer Covewas a safe haven where pirates in the 1600 and 1700's would stake out on the Northwestern side of Santiago Island. Sea turtles now take the pirates place and dig their nests for their eggs near the Mangrove trees. It is a great location for snorkeling and many marine birds and sea lions can be found here.

Espumilla Beach is another famous visitor site in the Galapagos Islands. After a wet landing, find yourself on a large beach where the guide will lead you on a path through a Mangrove Forest. After weaving through the Mangroves, find an inland lake where flamingoes, pintail ducks and stilts reside. The site is mostly inhabited by flamingoes that nest and feed in this location.

BARTHOLOME ISLAND & SULLIVAN BAY (SANTIAGO ISLAND)

Bartholome: Home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. A trail of stairs leads to the summit of the volcano, boasting one of the best views of the islands. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos penguin.

Sullivan Bay: A coral beach landing leads you towards a lava field as far as the eye can see. Hunt and peck over the two distinguished types of lava, pahoehoe and 'a'a, for signs of plant life that have managed to emerge over the past 100 years since the most recent volcanic explosion. A truly amazing volcanic experience…up close and personal!

CHINESE HAT (SANTIAGO ISLAND) & DRAGON HILL (SANTA CRUZ ISLAND)

Chinese hat: 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 tubes and lava flows.

Dragon Hill: Situated on Santa Cruz Island, Dragon Hill is one of the newest visitor sites accessible to tourists in the Galapagos Islands. One of the lengthier Galapagos walking trails will lead visitors along a beach and up a trail to the lagoon lookout where bright flamingos, pintail ducks, and land iguanas can be spotted.

NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND & DEPARTURE

The morning visit will take us to North Seymour Island. Galapagos Sea Lions, Blue-footed Boobies and Magnificent Frigate birds are abundant on North Seymour Island. The island was formed by series of submarine lavas containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone.

After this final visit, you will be transferred to Baltra's airport in time to catch your flight back to the mainland.

Please keep in mind that on departure days, your morning visit will be early and short since we need to be prepared before heading back toward the airport for your returning flight to Ecuador's mainland.

 
Important: Itineraries and activities subject to change without prior notice. Depending on weather conditions and water currents, some wildlife described above may not be visible.