Galapagos 8 Day Eastern Route | Integrity

Today, you arrive in the Galapagos Islands, where we'll facilitate a transfer from the airport in Baltra to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Here, you'll have a unique opportunity to witness the islands' most renowned reptile, the giant tortoises, in their natural habitat. It's a rare privilege to observe these endangered species freely roaming amidst the lush surroundings. The area boasts a diverse vegetation, including the endemic Scalesia Forest, home to an array of avian species such as Darwin's finches, notably the famed Woodpecker Finch. Keep an eye out for the elusive vermilion flycatcher, whose scarlet plumage contrasts beautifully with the emerald green forest.

In the afternoon, our itinerary takes us to the Charles Darwin Research Station and Galápagos National Park headquarters. Here, you'll gain firsthand insight into the conservation and research endeavors undertaken in the islands. Witness several subspecies of adult tortoises and numerous hatchlings, and learn about the vital repatriation programs aimed at preserving various tortoise and iguana subspecies from extinction. Later in the afternoon, we'll board our yacht, INTEGRITY, for dinner and embark on our island cruise. You'll reside aboard the yacht, maximizing exploration time within the confines of park regulations. Each night, we'll set sail to our next destination, ensuring a seamless and immersive island-hopping experience.

Today's adventure begins at Gardner Bay, where you'll stroll along a magnificent white sand beach, accompanied by lounging sea lions and nesting marine turtles. Curious Española Mockingbirds may follow your every footstep as you explore. Enjoy a brief swim in the crystal-clear waters or embark on an amazing snorkeling excursion alongside schools of colorful fish, turtles, sea lions, and possibly small sharks along the underwater cliffs of Gardener-by-Española, a small satellite islet.

In the afternoon, we visit Punta Suarez, one of the Galapagos' most renowned visitor sites. Prepare to be captivated by spectacular cliff views, pounding surf, and an abundance of seabirds. Brightly colored marine iguanas and the largest lava lizards of the Galapagos frequent the coastline and rest along the trail. From the cliff top, marvel at a blowhole spraying water 30 meters into the air. Española is the only island where you can observe waved albatrosses and possibly witness their fascinating mating dance.

Today's exploration begins at Pitt Point, where visitors disembark onto a small beach greeted by the strong scent and lively barks of sea lions. A steep gully ascends the cliff to a breeding ground for all three varieties of boobies: Red-Footed, Blue-Footed, and Nazca. It's the only location in the Galapagos where you can observe all three species nesting together. Two species of frigatebirds, Swallow-Tailed Gulls, and Storm Petrels also inhabit the area. The trail across Punta Pitt offers a closer look at the resilient vegetation thriving in this volcanic landscape. From Saltbush and spiny shrubs near the beach, the trail leads to an area of Palo Santo trees, large yellow-green shrubs, tiny cacti, and, during the dry season, carpets of red Vesuvius.

In the afternoon, we visit Cerro Brujo. A short panga ride along the cliffs is followed by a visit to the lovely coral sand beach, frequented by waders and migrant birds. Guests can enjoy a leisurely evening sunset cruise as INTEGRITY sails to the next day's activities.

This morning, your destination will be Santa Fe. Upon landing on a pristine white beach, often adorned with lounging sea lions, you'll venture into a vast grove of towering Opuntia cacti, where the chance to encounter the native land iguanas awaits. Following the land exploration, immerse yourself in snorkeling and/or kayaking adventures in the bay's turquoise waters, teeming with sea lions, rays, urchins, eels, and a kaleidoscope of colorful fish.

In the afternoon, we'll head to South Plaza. Here, you'll encounter another fascinating species of Galapagos land iguana, alongside cactus finches. Both North and South Plazas were shaped by geological forces, tilting towards the north, their southern coasts adorned with dramatic cliffs. In the intimate setting of these small islands, terrestrial and marine species engage in unique interactions, with sightings of hybrid iguanas, sporting distinctive "zebra-like" stripes, not uncommon. The south-facing cliffs serve as bustling hubs for a diverse array of birdlife. As dusk approaches, bachelor sea lions ascend the steep cliffs, seeking refuge from the larger dominant bulls.

This morning, we'll set our course for Darwin Beach. Situated along the north side of Darwin Bay, this beach owes its existence to the rim of a sunken crater. As you traverse the hiking trail, shaded by vibrant red mangroves, keep your eyes peeled for Yellow Warblers, Yellow-Crowned Night Herons, and Pintail Ducks. The true spectacle of this locale lies in the remarkable abundance of Red-Footed Boobies, Great Frigatebirds, Swallow-Tailed Gulls, and Yellow-Crowned Night Herons. Notably, while Red-Footed Boobies are among the most prevalent boobies in the islands, witnessing them in their natural habitat is a rare treat reserved for visitors to Darwin Beach.

In the afternoon, our adventure leads us to Prince Phillip’s Steps. As we navigate along the base of the eastern cliffs of Darwin Bay aboard a panga, prepare to delve into the hidden world of cliff crevices teeming with diverse animal life. Our journey will bring us to a rockfall, forming a natural staircase aptly named Prince Phillip’s Steps or the “Stairway to Seabird Heaven.” Here, amidst massive colonies of Red-Footed and Nazca Boobies, and an extraordinary Palo Santo forest, we'll ascend to a lava ridge. Thousands of Wedge-Rumped Storm Petrels dart about, while Short-Eared Owls stealthily stalk them for prey.

This morning, we'll explore Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island. You'll walk across a recent lava flow, noting its unique structural features. This flow, formed in the second half of the 19th century, lacks much plant or animal life due to its youth. The focus of this visit is on the lava itself, with contrasting black pahoehoe flow and reddish-yellow tuff cones providing striking visuals, ideal for photography.

In the afternoon, our destination is Bartolomé Island. Here, Pinnacle Rock rises prominently from the northern bay, a well-known landmark in the Galapagos. Snorkeling in the bay offers the chance to swim alongside Galapagos Penguins. For panoramic views, a climb up the 600-meter trail to the island's summit reveals spectacular vistas of Pinnacle Rock, Santiago Island, and Daphne Major and Minor.

This morning, our journey begins at Rabida Island. Upon landing at Red Beach, you'll encounter wading birds and ghost crabs scattered along the sand. Beyond the beach lies a saltwater lagoon, where sightings of Pintail Ducks, Common Stilts, and bachelor sea lions are common. Brown Pelicans nest amidst the nearby salt brush. A brief inland trail offers opportunities to observe finches, Galapagos Doves, Yellow Warblers, mockingbirds, and the occasional snake.

In the afternoon, we'll head to Sombrero Chino. The turquoise waters surrounding Sombrero Chino provide an excellent chance to spot Galapagos Penguins. A panga ride in search of wildlife precedes a snorkeling session often featuring encounters with sharks, sea lions, penguins, and rays. We'll make landfall at a stunning white sand beach, where a leisurely walk along a meandering trail offers views of diverse lava formations.

This morning, we'll enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking at Baltra Island.