Galapagos Islands 6-Day Cruise onboard Galapagos Sea Star Yacht – Western Islands

AM: White Tipped Reef Shark Canal

A delightful place called Tintoreras is reached by a nice zodiac ride. These are small islands in front of Puerto Villamil coast. There is Heron lava on the lookout on mangrove branch, and Galapagos Penguins and sea lions often pop out on shore. White-tipped reef sharks are fairly common in the archipelago. Their name in Spanish is Tintorera, thus the name of this site as they are always found here resting in the shallow waters.

PM: Sierra Negra Volcano

Isabela Island is the largest and one of the youngest islands in the Galapagos archipelago. We land in Puerto Villamil, which has the second smallest population in Galapagos with approximately 3000 hab. We head up to the highlands from Puerto Villamil to Sierra Negra slope, and later we will hike on uneven terrain until we arrive to the Sierra Negra volcano rim.
Sierra Negra is the second widest crater in the world. From this viewpoint, you have fantastic sights to the 6 x 5 -milewide crater, the rest of the volcanoes, and Perry Isthmus, a 12 Km wide lava field. From here we hike to Chico Volcano to watch the striking lava formations, examples of the geological occurrences that have created the Galapagos Islands.

AM: Punta Moreno, Isabela Island

Punta Moreno is located on the north coast of Isabela Island between the Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcano. The trail runs along a lava flow Pahohoe (solidified lava in the form of corrugated or an accordion) into a complex of coastal lagoons, where several unique species of birds can be found.

PM: Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island

This is a marine visitor site, the excursion is carried out in a zodiac, therefore there is no landing point. Your zodiac ride starts off with a visit to the Marielas islets where the largest and most important penguin colony in the Galapagos is found. The excursion continues into the cove that is surrounded by red mangroves. Their red roots and green leafs are definitely an attraction. It is here that you are able to observe sea turtles, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans and sea lions. Visitors have been able to see Galapagos Hawks soaring overhead whilst schools of Pompano and Dorado fish swim below.

AM: Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island

Fernandina is the third largest island in the archipelago and has a single visitor site: Punta Espinoza which is located on the northeastern tip of the island. Just across Tagus Cove, a visitor site is found. Marine iguanas here conglomerate in larger groups in comparison to any other island. They bask around in the sand, swim near the shore and may even block the way at the landing dock, a beautiful show for everyone. Among the unique species found here, we find the Flightless Cormorant. A bird that due to the lack of predators, had to adjust its way of survival and adapt its skills to find food in the ocean.
Its wings, tail and feet progressively have adapted for swimming. By looking at this species one can truly witness Darwin’s theory of natural selection. Remember to stay within 2m of the cormorants and penguins.

PM: Tagus Cove, Isabela Island

Tagus Cove, consists on a tour along the cliffs. A zodiac will give the visitors a good chance to see the Galapagos penguin, the flightless cormorant among other seabirds. From the landing dock, we hike 30 minutes up to the top of the cliff from where you can see the Darwin Lake, an uplifted ultra-saline lake which is saltier than the ocean itself. You can also see several volcanoes from this location. Look carefully at the graffiti on the surrounding cliffs of the cove as they were written by pirates, whalers and buccaneers in past centuries.

AM: Espumilla Beach, Santiago Island

Espumilla beach is located on the northern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay. During the last presence of El Niño phenomenon, one of the two lagoons in this site, underwent a process of sedimentation, thus causing the disappearance of a representative colony of flamingos. The main attractions are the Palo Santo forest and the marvelous. In addition, the beach is an important site for nesting marine turtles.

PM: Puerto Egas, Santiago Island

It’s black beach, is located on the west side of the island and is the main attraction of the island. Their volcanic tuff deposits have favored the formation of this special black sand beach.
This site is called Puerto Egas, because there was an attempt from Hector Egas’ company, to start the exploitation of salt, which failed because the price of salt in the continent was very cheap, and did not justify its exploitation in Galapagos. The project was abandoned and they left their infrastructure.

AM: Isla Lobos, San Cristobal

This little island is reached in approximately 1 hour by panga, starting at Port Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Island. The trail will lead across a dry vegetation zone, substrate of volcanic rocks and sandy areas. There is a small population of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds, which nest in this site. At the beach you will see a large colony of sea lions and you may see shorebirds.

After your visit to Isla Lobos, transfer to the airport in San Cristobal and Flight back home.