Galapagos Cruise East & Southern Islands | Seaman Journey

Today marks the beginning of your journey to the Galapagos Islands. Please note that due to regulations set by the Galapagos Government, a fee of 20 USD must be paid for the migration control card.

Upon arrival in San Cristobal, passengers are required to pass through an inspection point at the airport to ensure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the archipelago. Additionally, this inspection point is where passengers must pay for entrance to the Galapagos National Park. As of August 2024, Foreign Passengers pay $200 and Children $100 (under 12 years old).

Later, your guide will meet you and assist with carrying your luggage to the bus. Passengers will then arrive at the Catamaran Seaman Journey via a motorized boat called a panga.

Later in the day, you'll visit the Gianni Arismendy Environmental Interpretation Centre. This center boasts exuberant gardens and stunning ocean views. Visitors can delve into the geological and human history of the islands, along with conservation facts and natural history. As the oldest museum of Natural History in the Galapagos Islands, it strives to preserve the archipelago. Witnessing and learning about their research and conservation efforts is truly inspiring and motivating.

This morning, your destination is San Cristobal Island, specifically Punta Pitt. Situated at the eastern end of the island, Punta Pitt boasts a beach stretching approximately 90 meters and several natural viewpoints overlooking an eroded hill of volcanic tuff.

A 1,400-meter trail leads from the beach, known as Oliviana, to the hill's summit, adorned with various types of lava formations. The prevailing strong winds have sculpted the landscape, creating awe-inspiring vistas reminiscent of scenes from a science fiction movie.

The sand at Oliviana beach is a striking olive-yellow hue, speckled with bright crystals from eroded lava and shells. Here, sea lions bask in the sun while observing the graceful flight of frigate birds, pelicans, herons, and seagulls.

Pitt Islet, nearby, is one of the rare spots where all three species of boobies (blue-footed, red-footed, and masked) and two species of frigate birds can be observed in the same area.

In the afternoon, your journey takes you to Lobos Island, also on San Cristobal Island. Isla Lobos, a small, flat islet, earned its name for being home to numerous sea lions that playfully frolic on its shores, their brown fur contrasting against the white sands. Just 20 minutes by boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Isla Lobos is a popular tourist diving site featuring two piers for exploring the ocean floor alongside sea lions.

A protected channel in its waters offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities. An 850-meter trail traverses the island, linking the two piers, allowing visitors to admire the coastal vegetation of saltwater-tolerant plants. The island's name stems from the two species of sea lions that inhabit it, with ties to California sea lions and two-furred sea lions from Antarctica.

Today's adventure takes you to Gardner Bay located in Española Island. Nestled on the north-eastern coast of Hood Island, Gardner Bay boasts an idyllic beach perfect for relaxation, swimming, and even kayaking. Here, amidst the crystal-clear ocean waters, you'll have the chance to observe sea lions (Zalophus wollebaki) and spot sharks.

Notably, Gardner Bay is a haven for birdwatchers, offering sightings of three species of Darwin finches: a subspecies of the large-billed cactus finch (Geospiza fuliginosa), resembling the large-billed terrestrial finch; the small-beaked ground finch (Geospiza fuliginosa); and the singing finch (Certhidea Olivacea), another endemic subspecies. Both resident and migratory birds grace this area with their presence.

In the afternoon, your journey continues to Suarez Point. Renowned for its rich biodiversity, Suarez Point is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, offering glimpses of blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. Perched on the oceanfront, this picturesque site is where magnificent waved albatrosses gracefully soar off the cliff's edge. A highlight of the area is the spectacular blowhole, shooting water high into the air, reaching impressive heights of at least 50 to 75 meters. Suarez Point provides excellent opportunities for capturing stunning photographs amidst its natural beauty.

Today's journey invites you to explore the enchanting Floreana Island. In the morning you will visit Cormorant Point and Champion Islet. Renowned for its captivating beauty, Cormorant Point boasts what is arguably the finest flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos archipelago, making it one of the largest in the islands. Nestled between two tuff lava cones, this site exudes a unique atmosphere. Aside from flamingos, visitors can delight in observing various species of shorebirds, including common stilts, white-cheeked pintail ducks, and other migratory birds. Of particular interest are the two distinct beaches: "The Green Beach," distinguished by its high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, and the "Flour Sand Beach," composed of coral.

Following this captivating walk, the journey continues to Champion Islet, an ideal spot for snorkeling and exploring underwater wildlife. Here, amidst the pristine waters, visitors can encounter sea turtles, sea lions, and a plethora of fish species thriving amidst the nearby coral reef.

In the afternoon, the adventure unfolds at Post Office Bay. Steeped in history, this site holds significance as the location of a wooden barrel placed by the crew of a whaling ship in the 18th century. Since then, it has served as a post office for mariners and tourists, who carry letters or postcards to their intended recipients by hand. Moreover, this site served as the landing area for some of the first colonists. The afternoon presents a tranquil opportunity for visitors to unwind, bask in the beauty of the beach, and immerse themselves in the enchanting ambiance of the Galapagos Islands.

On your final day, you'll visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre. Situated in the Galapagos National Park on Charles Darwin Avenue, just a kilometer away from the Gus Angermeyer Tourist Pier, this center is a significant part of the visitor sites network of the Charles Darwin Foundation.

Starting at the Galapagos National Park Service (SPNG) information booth, the tour leads you to the Van Straelen Interpretation Centre and then to the breeding center. Here, a raised circular path made of wood offers panoramic views of Lonesome George and the tortoises of Española Island before concluding at the tortoise exhibition corral.

Following the visit, you'll be transferred to the Baltra airport for your return flight to the mainland.