Galapagos Central & East 5 day | Monserrat

In the morning, upon your arrival at Baltra Airport from your mainland flight, you will be greeted by your local guide who will assist you for the rest of your voyage. Later in the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to explore the highlands of Santa Cruz and witness the magnificent Galápagos giant tortoise in its natural habitat. Delve into the area's captivating landscape and discover its remarkable underground lava tunnels – some extending over 1km (.6 mi) in length! While wandering along these volcanic tubes, keep a lookout for the (mostly) nocturnal barn owls that occasionally inhabit this area.

This morning, explore the stunning landscape of Chinese Hat and its spectacular beach. Snorkel directly from the white coral-sand shore to encounter playful sea lions and large schools of tropical fish. Be sure to watch for marine iguanas and penguins as well!

In the afternoon, take a walk through Sullivan Bay, an extraordinary journey into the volcanic origins of the Archipelago. This hike leads you across a perfectly preserved Pahoehoe lava flow, offering the chance to observe the intricate textures of this unique volcanic formation. While the landscape may initially seem barren and lifeless, a closer look reveals resilient pioneer plants, scurrying lava lizards, and small birds. Along the shore, penguins, pelicans, and oystercatchers bring vibrancy to the stark environment. After the excursion, enjoy snorkeling from the beach, where you may encounter sea turtles, sea lions, reef sharks, and Galapagos rays.

The morning starts with a visit to North Seymour Island, a spectacular showcase of the Galapagos Islands' diverse wildlife. This fairly flat island is home to a thriving population of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds.

The trail will walk you through a forest of low, bushy vegetation, where you'll have the opportunity to witness the fascinating courtship dance of the blue-footed boobies. The island's coastline also let you observe sea lions and marine iguanas basking in the sun. The large frigate bird colonies are a sight, especially when the males expand their bright red throat pouches to attract mates.

In the afternoon, you will visit Santa Fe island, known for its picturesque bay and turquoise waters. The island hosts a large amount of land iguanas unique to Santa Fe. Watching for these magnificent creatures as you walk through the giant prickly pear cactus forest will make a unique experience. The island's calm and clear waters are ideal for spotting the marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and colorful schools of fish. Santa Fe also offers a chance to see the Galapagos hawk and various endemic finches.

Begin the day with a morning adventure at Punta Pitt. Set foot on this remote volcanic landscape, where rugged cliffs meet the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. Encounter an array of seabirds, including the iconic blue-footed boobies, red-footed boobies, and frigatebirds, as they soar overhead or nest along the rocky shores. Hike along winding trails, taking in panoramic views of the surrounding seascape and the island's unique geological formations.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to Cerro Brujo, a pristine beach located on San Cristobal Island. Sink your toes into the soft white sands and feel the gentle ocean breeze against your skin as you explore this enchanting coastal paradise. Keep an eye out for playful sea lions lounging along the shoreline or surfing the waves.

Embark on your final adventure in the Galápagos Islands with a visit to Tijeretas Hill. Situated on San Cristobal Island, it offers visitors a spectacular panoramic view and the opportunity to enjoy the rich marine life that surrounds the area. The name “Tijeretas” refers to the frigate birds that inhabit the region, also known as earwigs. It is one of the only places where you can watch the two species of frigate birds nesting in the same colony.

Following your visit, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward travel.