Central & South 5 Day Itinerary | Galapagos Angel

Today marks the beginning of your Galapagos adventure. You'll catch a morning flight from either Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra, where the Galapagos Islands await. Upon arrival, after completing immigration and collecting your baggage, a friendly staff member will greet you and escort you to a private bus, kicking off your exploration of the archipelago.

Please remember to dress comfortably and wear closed-toe shoes suitable for excursions, as your first adventure in the Galapagos begins right after landing and before boarding your cruise. Don't forget to bring along a long-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and keep your camera within easy reach to capture every moment.

In the afternoon, you'll journey to the highlands of Santa Cruz, accessible by bus from Puerto Ayora. Here, you'll discover a verdant landscape dominated by lush Scalesia trees, a striking contrast to the arid lowlands. As you explore, you'll encounter awe-inspiring lava tunnels, some stretching over half a mile in length, offering a surreal experience. Amidst this natural wonder, you'll enjoy lunch.

Today's itinerary takes you to Gardner Bay, along with Gardner Islet and Osborn Islet. Your adventure begins with a visit to Gardner Bay, where you'll be greeted by a stunning white-sand beach and a bustling sea lion colony. Take a leisurely stroll along the shore, basking in the beauty of your surroundings, and keep an eye out for playful sea lion pups frolicking in the crystal-clear waters. Don't be surprised if you encounter curious mockingbirds along the way, adding to the charm of this idyllic beach.

In the afternoon, your journey continues to Suarez Point, offering opportunities for remarkable wildlife encounters. As you traverse the trail, be on the lookout for iconic Galapagos species such as blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. Suarez Point is renowned as the primary breeding site for the waved albatross, with nearly all of the world's population calling this island home. Marvel at the sight of these majestic birds as they gracefully take flight from the cliffs, a truly awe-inspiring spectacle.

You'll also have the chance to witness the famous blowhole, where sea water erupts into the air, creating a mesmerizing display. With its stunning coastal vistas and abundant wildlife, Suarez Point offers ample opportunities for photography.

This morning's excursion takes you to Santa Fe Island (Barrington), renowned for its charming bay and anchorage nestled along the island's northeast coast. Upon arrival, you'll have the opportunity to explore two distinct visitor trails. One trail leads to a captivating viewpoint atop a cliff, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. The other trail meanders from a serene beach to a dense forest of towering prickly pear cacti.

In the afternoon, your journey continues to South Plaza Island, a picturesque enclave characterized by its dramatic cliffs and rugged terrain. Formed by ancient lava flows, the island is now adorned with sprawling Opuntia cacti, lending it a surreal ambiance. South Plaza is home to a thriving colony of sea lions, which can often be observed basking along the rocky shoreline. Additionally, the island boasts vibrant populations of yellow and red land iguanas, adding a splash of color to the arid landscape. Among the island's distinctive flora, the Sesuvium stands out, displaying varying hues of green and yellow during the rainy season and transforming into a vivid red spectacle during the dry season, from June to January.

Today's itinerary includes a visit to Black Turtle Cove, nestled in the northern reaches of Santa Cruz. This secluded inlet, ensconced by mangroves, offers a serene haven for burgeoning marine life. Accessible only by dinghy, the tranquil waters of the cove teem with activity, providing sightings of black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, graceful sea turtles, and an array of majestic rays.

Later in the day, you'll venture to Bachas Beach, situated on the north shore of Santa Cruz. This stretch of coastline beckons with its inviting waters, ideal for a leisurely swim. A vestige of the U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos, a floating pier still stands as a testament to history's imprint on the island. Amidst the scenic backdrop, keep an eye out for the vibrant hues of flamingos, the scuttling dance of Sally Lightfoot crabs, and the elusive presence of hermit crabs. Along the shoreline, sightings of black-necked stilts and whimbrels further enrich the coastal landscape. Notably, Bachas Beach serves as a vital nesting ground for sea turtles, adding to the area's ecological significance.

On this last day of your journey you will visit 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.

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