Galapagos Eastern Islands Cruise | Cormorant II

Morning flight from either Quito or Guayaquil to Santa Cruz, Galapagos Island. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by our representative 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 afternoon you will head for Bachas Beach. Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz, Las Bachas is a swimming beach. One of the few remnants of the U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos, a floating pier, can be seen here. You may see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and whimbrels. Sea turtles also nest off the beach.

Embark on an invigorating day of discovery as you ascend the steep and rocky paths of El Barranco, affectionately known as Prince Phillip's Steps. These pathways lead to a lofty cliff-face, unveiling a mesmerizing panoramic vista of the Galapagos Islands. This location not only offers captivating vistas but also hosts a vibrant array of wildlife, including red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, Galapagos swallows, and Galapagos doves, amidst the presence of palo santo vegetation. Following this, a tranquil half-mile trail meanders through mangroves to Coral Beach, where Nazca and red-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and spirited sea lions await your presence. This expedition culminates in a moment of serene awe as you stand on the precipice, gazing out over the breathtaking expanse of the Galapagos.

In the morning, you will head to South Plaza Island. This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colorful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is Sesuvium. During the rainy season its color is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end of June through January) a bright red.

In the afternoon you will head for Santa Fe. Santa Fe (Barrington) is home to the small picturesque bay and anchorage on the island’s northeast coast. The bay has two visitor trails, one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other spanning from a small beach to a tall prickly pear cactus forest.

In the morning you will arrive at Witch Hill. Located on the northern coast, this eroded hill and its surroundings present one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos with its white powdery sand and the abundance of animals. Wildlife includes sea turtles, rays, and various types of booby birds. The clear water provides an excellent opportunity for enjoying swimming and snorkelling.

In the afternoon you will make your way to Pitt Point. Pitt Point, situated on the northeastern tip of the island, hosts frigatebirds, storm petrels, and all three types of booby birds: the Nazca, blue-footed and red-footed boobies. A steep trail goes up a cliff and through a ravine leading visitors to an area with an abundance of birds. This site is also great for snorkelling and scuba diving.

In the morning you will visit the "David Rodriguez" Breeding Centre. This is a new visitor site in the northeast part of San Cristobal Island and can now be reached in roughly one hour by road from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. In the Breeding Center, you will be able to admire the hatchling turtles from their birth until the are 120 days old when the grown turtles are taken to their natural habit.

You may also visit Lobos Island. The name of this island means "Sea Lion Island." This appropriately named island is ripe with noisy, frolicking, jolly sea lions who will welcome you to their home with open, well, fins. This island also offers great snorkelling opportunities as well as the chance to see blue-footed and Nazca boobies.