Western & Southern Islands Cruise | Horizon Trimaran

AM: Arrive Baltra airport

You will arrive at Baltra airport in the morning. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by a Horizon staff member and transferred to the Trimaran. You will be shown to your cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.

PM: Sullivan Bay

A landing on a coral beach leads you to a lava field as far as the eye can see. Search the two distinct types of lava, pahoehoe and a'a, for signs of plant life that have emerged in the 100 years since the most recent volcanic explosion. A truly unforgettable volcanic experience...up close and personal!

AM: Vicente rock point

This large bay with spectacular sea life is located on Isabela island's northwestern coast and is made up of two separate coves. Here you might see seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange but fascinating Mola mola (sunfish). This bay is ideal for snorkeling and diving.

PM: Espinosa point

Fernandina Island has never been invaded by a foreign species, making it one of the world's most pristine island ecosystems. The "La Cumbre" volcano dominates the landscape, with lava fields reaching the ocean. The flightless cormorant nesting site is the island's highlight. This area is also excellent for viewing the Galapagos hawk.

AM: Tagus Cove

Tagus Cove is located across the channel from Fernandina Island, near the Bolivar Channel that separates the two islands. Ships have used this location as an anchorage site since the 1800s. Trails that wind up from Lake Darwin to a ridge provide breathtaking views. Punta Tortuga is another lovely beach surrounded by mangroves, just north of Tagus Cove.

PM: Urbina Bay

Urbina Bay is located on the west coast between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay, at the base of Alcedo Volcano. In 1954, this area experienced a significant uplift, causing the land to rise more than 16 feet. The coast grew by half a mile, stranding marine life on the new shore. This area is also ideal for snorkeling.

AM: Elizabeth Bay

Elizabeth Bay is located on Isabela Island's east coast. There are numerous islets in the bay that can be visited by dinghy. On the rocky islets, penguins and blue-footed boobies can be seen. The area is ideal for snorkeling and viewing schools of colorful fish, sea lions, and possibly sharks due to an abundance of marine life and clear water.

PM: Moreno point

Moreno Point is located near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. Observe the plethora of birds during a dinghy ride along the striking rocky shores or a hike along the path through lava rock leading to tide pools and mangroves. Green sea turtles and white-tip sharks can be seen in tide pools.

AM: Charles Darwin research station

The Charles Darwin Research Station is home to turtles ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long. Subspecies of turtles interact with one another and many of the older turtles are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they reach the age of four and are strong enough to survive on their own.

PM: Santa Cruz highlands

The Santa Cruz highlands, which can be reached by bus from Puerto Ayora, are a deep green that contrasts beautifully with much of the dry, lower islands. The dominant vegetation in the highlands is a forest of Scalesia trees, which gives the area its lush green color. The lava tubes are over a half-mile long and underground, making walking through them a unique and surreal experience.

AM: Post office bay

In the 18th century whalers passing through the islands placed a wooden barrel on Floreana Island for use as an unofficial mail box. The tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home.

PM: Cormorant point

This location is home to a large flamingo lagoon, as well as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails. This island's beaches are distinct: the "Green beach" was named after its color, which is caused by a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, and the "Four sand beach," which is made up of white coral.

AM: Santa Fe Island

Santa Fe (Barrington) is home to the small picturesque bay and anchorage on the island’s northeast coast. There are two visitor trails in the bay, one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff and the other connecting a small beach to a tall prickly pear cactus forest.

PM: Lobos Island

This island's name translates to "Sea Lion Island." This aptly named island is teeming with noisy, frolicking, jolly sea lions who will greet you with open, well, fins. This island also has excellent snorkeling and the chance to see blue-footed and Nazca boobies.

AM: Tortoise breeding center

This morning, you'll go to the new breeding center in the northeastern part of San Cristobal Island, about an hour's drive from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. You can observe hatchling turtles in the Breeding Center from birth until they are 120 days old, when they are released back into their natural habitat.

PM: Transfer to San Cristobal airport

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the San Cristobal airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.