Galapagos Complete Cruise | Seaman Journey

On this day, you will embark on a flight to the Galapagos Islands. As per the regulations of the Galapagos Government, a fee of 20 USD is required for the migration control card.

Upon arrival in Santa Cruz, passengers will undergo an inspection at the airport to prevent the introduction of foreign plants or animals to the archipelago. Additionally, this is where entrance fees to the Galapagos National Park are collected. As of August 2024, foreign passengers are charged $200, while children under 12 years old pay $100.

Later, your guide will greet you and assist with carrying your luggage to the bus. From there, passengers will board a motorized boat, known as a Panga, to reach the Catamaran Seaman Journey.

In the afternoon, you will explore Bartolome Island, situated across Sullivan Bay. With an altitude of 114 meters, the island offers breathtaking scenery, including volcanic cones, lunar-like craters, lava fields, and the iconic Toba-formed pinnacle eroded by the sea. Despite its sparse vegetation, Bartolome boasts two stunning beaches where marine turtles nest, along with a small colony of Galapagos penguins at the base of the pinnacle.

In the morning, you'll visit Mosquera Islet, situated between North Seymour and Baltra. Despite being one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos, Mosquera Islet is of volcanic origin, formed by geological uplift. Its terrain, though flat, offers a captivating contrast of colors: pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, lush green vegetation, and striking jet-black lava rocks. This picturesque setting is ideal for landscape photography, especially during the golden hours of early morning or sunset.

In the afternoon, your exploration continues at North Seymour, a raised island known for its flat terrain and rocky landscapes. Despite its non-volcanic origin, North Seymour boasts abundant nesting sites for magnificent frigatebirds. Blue-footed boobies perform their iconic courtship dance in the island's more open areas, while swallow-tailed gulls gracefully perch on cliff edges. Despite the powerful surf pounding the outer shore, you can spot sea lions hauling out onto the beach, occasionally indulging in body-surfing antics.

In the morning, you'll explore El Barranco, located in the southern part of Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island. The trail spans 1.5 km over volcanic rock and can be completed in about 2 hours. This area, geologically speaking, is the youngest on the island. The cliff to the south consists of fragile lava formations, eroded by natural forces to create nesting spots for Storm Petrels. Two species of petrels nest in cavities and holes within the lava, while the short-eared owl preys on them. Red-footed boobies nest exclusively on outer islands like Punta Pitt, Gardner, Wolf, Darwin, and Genovesa. The masked booby also inhabits this island. During "panga rides" along the cliffs, you may spot fur sea lions and various seabird species.

In the afternoon, you'll visit Darwin Bay, formed when the island's crater collapsed below sea level. The wet landing takes you to a stunning white coral sandy beach. This destination is a paradise for birdwatchers, offering sightings of red-footed boobies, masked boobies, wandering tattlers, lava gulls, whimbrels, yellow-crowned and black-crowned lava herons, and yellow warblers. As you traverse the trail, you'll ascend to the cliff's edge, where Red-Foots nest in Mangrove trees below. Keep an eye out for sharp-beaked finches, cactus and ground finches, Galapagos doves, and swallow-tailed gulls. Finally, from the cliff's edge, marvel at the incredible view of the island and its diverse avian inhabitants.

In the morning, you'll explore the Plazas Islands, situated to the east of Santa Cruz Island and comprising two islands known as Islas Plazas. Despite their small size, these islands are home to some of the most intriguing and remarkable species in the Galapagos. The land iguanas on Plazas are smaller than those on other islands. Throughout the island, you'll encounter several hybrid iguanas, resulting from the crossing of male marine iguanas with female land iguanas. These hybrids are easily recognizable by their black/grey coloration, with the crest of a land iguana but the face and tail of a marine iguana. The abundance of iguanas is attributed to the presence of their favorite food, tunas. Swallow-tailed gulls nest in the rugged cliffs alongside other seabirds such as Audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds, and brown pelicans.

In the afternoon, you'll visit Santa Fe, located in the southeastern part of the Galapagos. This island was formed by uplift rather than volcanic activity, resulting in a mostly flat terrain. Some theories propose that Santa Fe could be the oldest island in the Archipelago. It's home to several endemic species including the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats, and one of the two species of land iguanas found on the islands. Upon disembarking into the beautiful, clear waters, you'll encounter one of the many sea lion colonies. Along the trail, you'll spot numerous salt bushes and giant prickly pear cacti, characteristic of oceanic islands. Snorkeling offers fantastic opportunities to interact with playful sea lions and tropical fish.

In the morning, you'll visit the David Rodriguez Land Tortoise Breeding Centre. Established in 2002 by the Galapagos National Park Service, this program focuses on breeding and caring for tortoises in captivity. Originally named the Jacinto Gordillo Tortoise Breeding Centre, it was renamed in 2016 to honor David Rodriguez's 39 years of service as a Park Ranger. Located in the southeast of San Cristobal, approximately 22.5 km from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the center aims to improve the population status of giant tortoises (Chelonoides chathamensis) on San Cristobal Island. Accessible by land, the bus journey takes around 40 minutes and is situated near Cerro Colorado. The breeding center replicates natural conditions to support tortoise conservation efforts and promote tourism development on San Cristobal.

In the afternoon, you'll explore the Gianni Arismendy Environmental Interpretation Centre. This center boasts lush gardens and breathtaking ocean views, offering visitors an immersive learning experience. Gain insights into the geological and human history of the islands, conservation efforts, and natural history. As the oldest museum of Natural History in the Galapagos Islands, it plays a crucial role in preserving the archipelago's heritage. Witness ongoing research and conservation initiatives, providing inspiration and motivation for visitors to contribute to the islands' protection and sustainability.

In the morning, you'll explore San Cristobal Island's Punta Pitt, situated at its eastern tip. This area features a 90-meter beach and several natural viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas of an eroded hill made of volcanic tuff. A 1,400-meter trail, starting from Oliviana Beach, winds its way to the hill's summit, showcasing various lava formations. The strong winds atop the hill have sculpted the landscape into surreal, science fiction-like scenes, characterized by olive-yellow sands adorned with bright crystals. Here, sea lions bask in the sun, while frigate birds, pelicans, herons, and seagulls gracefully soar overhead. Pitt Islet is renowned for being one of the few spots where all three species of boobies (blue-footed, red-footed, and masked) and both species of frigate birds can be observed together.

In the afternoon, your adventure takes you to Lobos Island, a small, flat islet off the coast of San Cristobal. Named for the several sea lions that inhabit its shores, Lobos Island is a short 20-minute boat ride (10 kilometers) from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Designated as a tourist diving site, it boasts two piers for exploring the ocean depths alongside playful sea lions. A protected channel offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, while an 850-meter trail connecting the piers provides an hour-long stroll amidst coastal vegetation. The island's name stems from the presence of two sea lion species—the California sea lions and the fur seals, whose origins trace back to Antarctica.

In the morning, you'll visit Gardner Bay on the northeastern coast of Hood Island, part of Española Island. This bay boasts a pristine beach, perfect for unwinding, swimming, and kayaking, all while enjoying the company of sea lions (Zalophus wollebaki). Crystal-clear waters offer glimpses of sharks gliding gracefully beneath the surface. Here, you'll have the chance to observe three species of Darwin finches: a subspecies of the large-billed cactus finch (Geospiza fuliginosa), resembling the terrestrial finch; the small-beaked ground finch (Geospiza fuliginosa); and the singing finch (Certhidea Olivacea), another endemic subspecies. Keep an eye out for both resident and migratory birds, adding to the area's rich avian diversity.

In the afternoon, your exploration continues at Suarez Point, a haven for blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. Perched on the oceanfront, this picturesque site offers spectacular views of large waved albatrosses launching from the cliffs. The highlight of Suarez Point is the awe-inspiring blowhole, shooting water high into the air, reaching towering heights of at least 50 to 75 meters. This natural wonder provides fantastic opportunities for capturing stunning photographs.

In the morning, your adventure begins at Cormorant Point, located on Champion Islet. This site is renowned for hosting one of the Galapagos' most impressive flamingo lagoons, among the largest in the archipelago. Nestled between two tuff lava cones, the area exudes a unique ambiance. Besides the elegant flamingos, you'll encounter various species of shorebirds, including common stilts, white-cheeked pintail ducks, and migratory birds. The landscape presents two distinct beaches: "The Green Beach," named for its abundance of olivine crystals, and the "Flour Sand Beach," composed of fine coral fragments. Following an intriguing walk, the group will venture to Champion Islet, an ideal spot for snorkeling and exploring underwater life. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles, sea lions, and a plethora of fish thriving around the nearby coral reef.

In the afternoon, you'll visit Post Office Bay, steeped in history as the site where a wooden barrel was placed by 18th-century whalers. Since then, sailors and tourists alike have utilized it as a makeshift post office, a tradition that continues to this day. Visitors are invited to hand-deliver letters or postcards, continuing a centuries-old postal exchange. Additionally, Post Office Bay served as the landing area for some of the Galapagos' earliest settlers. This leisurely afternoon provides the perfect opportunity to unwind on the beach and bask in the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands.

In the morning, you'll explore the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre, nestled within the Galapagos National Park along Charles Darwin Avenue, just a kilometer away from the Gus Angermeyer Tourist Pier. After a scenic 40-minute stroll, you'll enter this captivating attraction, an integral part of the Charles Darwin Foundation's network of visitor sites. Your journey begins at the information booth of the Galapagos National Park Service (SPNG), leading you through the Van Straelen Interpretation Centre and onward to the breeding centre. Here, an elevated circular wooden path offers panoramic views of Lonesome George and the tortoises of Española Island before culminating at the tortoise exhibition corral.

In the afternoon, your guide will meet you to embark on a highlands adventure in Santa Cruz. After collecting your luggage, you'll board a bus bound for the ferries crossing the Itabaca Channel. Another bus will transport you to Ranch Manzanillo for the first activity of the day. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, and carry essentials like a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, camera, and insect repellent. The visit to Ranch Manzanillo includes a delightful picnic lunch and a leisurely stroll before boarding the Motor Catamaran. Following these instructions ensures a seamless itinerary. Note that your luggage will be directly transferred to the M/C Seaman Journey. Santa Cruz's highlands promise exhilarating encounters with wild Galapagos Tortoises, along with opportunities to explore lava tubes, sinkholes, and craters. After this enriching visit, you'll proceed to the M/C Seaman Journey, ready for the next leg of your journey.

In the morning, you'll explore Moreno Point on Isabela Island, situated along its northern coast between the towering Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes. Traverse a trail that meanders along a Pahoehoe lava flow, characterized by its corrugated or accordion-like texture, leading you into a maze of coastal lagoons. These serene lagoons and mangroves are teeming with diverse bird species, offering a picturesque backdrop for exploration.

Later in the afternoon, you'll venture to Mangle Point off the eastern shores of Fernandina Island. This idyllic spot is renowned for its exceptional snorkeling opportunities and scenic rides through a lush grove of mangrove trees aboard a panga or zodiac. A leisurely hike of approximately half a mile is also an option. As you navigate the waters, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of sea lions, tortoises, pelicans, rays, and a myriad of bird species, adding to the enchantment of your marine adventure.

In the morning, you'll explore Urbina Bay on Isabela Island, nestled at the foot of Alcedo Volcano on the island's western coast, sandwiched between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area underwent a significant uplift in 1954, resulting in the land rising over 16 feet and expanding the coast half a mile out, leaving marine life stranded along the new shore. Urbina Bay offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities, with its path starting from a wet landing and stretching approximately 3200 meters across sand, pumice, lava, coral, and vegetation. Keep an eye out for iguana burrows and the vibrant red and blue lobsters that inhabit the area. Darwin's finches and land iguanas, larger than those found on South Plaza Island and elsewhere in the Galapagos, are among the notable wildlife you may encounter. Wild tortoises, sometimes found out of season, roam the area, while an array of vegetation, including chamomile, Rosewood, and the beautiful flowers of Darwin's cotton, add to the island's allure.

In the afternoon, you'll visit Tagus Cove, situated to the west of Darwin Volcano on Isabela Island. Once a favored haunt of pirates and whalers, the cove is known for a peculiar tradition started by these seafarers: the inscription of boat names. Along the trail, you'll encounter a small cave adorned with inscriptions dating back to the 1800s. The cove derived its name from a British warship that passed through the islands in 1814 in search of Galapagos Tortoises for sustenance. Volcanic rocks of various sizes, including spherical lapilli or petrified rain, dot the landscape, remnants of former eruptions that contribute to the unique terrain of Tagus Cove.

In the morning, you'll explore Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island, a renowned site celebrated for its vast colonies of marine iguanas and unique wildlife such as the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk, and Galapagos snake. This location offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness these fascinating species in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, your journey takes you to Vicente Roca Point, one of the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring spots in the enchanting Galapagos Islands. Situated on the northwestern coast of the island, Vicente Roca Point captivates visitors with its towering cliffs and striking formations of tuffstone, ash, and lava, lending the area a truly majestic ambiance. This expansive bay teems with vibrant marine life, offering sightings of seahorses, sea turtles, and the intriguing Mola-mola or sunfish. It's an ideal destination for engaging in Panga Rides and snorkeling adventures. Amidst the natural splendor, you'll encounter penguins, blue-footed boobies, terns, boobies, and sea lions, adding to the charm of this remarkable location. Don't miss the chance to snorkel and observe sea turtles, stingrays, and pufferfish, completing your immersive experience in this aquatic wonderland.

In the morning, you'll explore Espumilla Beach on Santiago Island, nestled along the northern coast of James Bay. Despite the challenges posed by the El Niño phenomenon, which led to the sedimentation of one of its lagoons and the subsequent disappearance of a flamingo colony, Espumilla Beach remains a captivating destination. Here, you'll be enchanted by the lush palo santo forest and have the opportunity to witness the nesting of baby turtles, adding to the island's allure and ecological diversity.

In the afternoon, your journey continues to Puerto Egas, situated on the west side of Santiago Island. This site boasts a unique attraction: its striking black beach, formed by the volcanic tuff deposits that characterize the island's geological landscape. Puerto Egas earned its name from a failed attempt to exploit salt resources, a project abandoned due to the low market value of salt on the mainland, rendering the endeavor economically unviable for Galapagos. Despite the remnants of this historical venture, the black sand beach stands as a testament to the island's natural beauty and geological heritage.

In the morning, you'll explore Rabida Island, renowned for its distinctive red-hued rocks and sands, a result of the island's porous volcanic material interacting with external elements like rain, saltwater, and sea breeze, which act as oxidizing agents. As you embark on a leisurely stroll along a scenic trail, you'll encounter a coastal lagoon nestled behind the beach. This tranquil oasis offers prime birdwatching opportunities, with sightings of various land birds including finches, doves, yellow warblers, and mockingbirds. Keep an eye out for the vibrant colony of flamingos that grace the lagoon, adding to the island's charm and ecological diversity.

In the afternoon, your journey continues to Chinese Hat, a petite islet situated just off the southeastern tip of Santiago Island. Its distinctive shape, resembling a traditional Chinese hat when viewed from the north, is a testament to its recent volcanic origins. On the western side, you'll encounter fascinating lava formations, formed underwater and subsequently uplifted, resulting in the presence of coral heads atop the lava. Chinese Hat offers an exceptional opportunity to delve into geological wonders such as lava tubes and flows. As you explore the landscape, you'll encounter thriving colonies of sea lions, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins, further enhancing your understanding of the island's rich biodiversity and geological history.

On your final day of exploration, you'll embark on a dinghy ride to Black Turtle Cove, located on the north coast of Santa Cruz, just west of Baltra, it offers a window into a quiet hideaway of the Galapagos. Once in the cove, the boat continues with the engines off and begins to explore the mangroveprotected cove. Sea turtles feed and mate in the calm waters, and three species of sharks are found here: the blacktip shark, the white-tip shark, and the Galapagos shark. Groups of spotted rays are also often seen, as well as egrets and herons.

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