Natural Selection Journey 7-Day | Isabela II

Baltra Airport and Santa Cruz Island
We arrive at Baltra Island in the morning and board the Isabela II at the nearby dock. Then, we have a briefing, a boat drill, and a delicious lunch on board.

Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
At Las Bachas on Santa Cruz Island, enjoy the stunning white beach, birdwatching, and a refreshing swim before returning to the ship. End the day with a cocktail, expedition briefing, and a delicious dinner.

Punta Pitt (San Cristobal)
Start your day at the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island. It’s the only place in the Galapagos where all three species of boobies coexist with both frigatebird species and a colony of bachelor sea lions. If the weather is good, you can swim, kayak, snorkel, or take a panga ride from the beach.

Cerro Colorado (San Cristobal Island)
Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and visit the breeding centre for critically endangered giant tortoises at Cerro Colorado. Watch for diverse bird species and the endemic San Cristobal lava lizard in this enchanting setting.

Gardner Bay (Española Island)
In the morning, we’ll walk on the pristine white coral beach of Gardner Bay. You can observe playful sea lions, charming Española mockingbirds, and finches. Enjoy fantastic snorkeling opportunities and optional kayaking, a dinghy ride, or a glass-bottom boat excursion.

Punta Suarez (Española Island)
After a satisfying lunch, the afternoon expedition at Punta Suarez leads along an exhilarating trail through lava and boulder fields. Marvel at unique seabird colonies and vibrant marine iguanas, adding to the wonder of your visit. It’s sure to be memorable.

Cormorant Point (Floreana Island)
Explore the uniquely green-tinged olivine-crystal beach of Cormorant Point in the morning and spot American flamingos at a brackish water lagoon. On the opposite side of the island, visit a white-sand beach famous for sea turtle nesting at night. At Champion Islet, enjoy snorkeling, a panga ride, or a glass-bottom boat trip and see the rare Charles mockingbird.

Post Office Bay & Baroness Cove (Floreana Island)
After lunch, we’ll visit Post Office Bay to see the historic barrel that has served as a post office for over two centuries in the archipelago. This site is significant as it’s where Darwin’s voyage aboard the Beagle made a stop and where he gathered observations that influenced his evolutionary theories. We’ll end the visit with a snorkeling session off the beach.

Punta Moreno (Isabela Island)
Today, you’ll see an incredible array of fifteen unique species. Start by strolling through the mangroves to spot sea turtles. Then, explore the landscape dominated by the majestic volcanoes of southern Isabela Island. The rugged trail leads inland, offering views of lava formations and wildlife, including Galapagos penguins, cormorants, pelicans, herons, sea lions, marine iguanas, and crabs. Take advantage of the inland lagoons, home to ducks, stilts, flamingos, hawks, and mockingbirds. Finish with a glass-bottom boat ride or snorkeling.

Punta Mangle (Fernandina Island)
In the afternoon, we will journey to Fernandina Island and explore the coastline on pangas. We will see Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, rays, sea turtles, dolphins, and whales in the nutrient-rich waters. Conclude with a glass-bottom boat ride or deep-water snorkeling, depending on sea conditions.

Eden Islet
Embark on a scenic panga ride to Eden Islet off the coast of Santa Cruz—Marvel at blue-footed boobies, reef sharks, and frigates in their natural habitat. Snorkel and, weather permitting, enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride to witness the stunning volcanic surroundings.

North Seymour Island
North Seymour Island is one of the most remarkable visitor sites in the archipelago, boasting diverse habitats, ecosystems, and iconic species. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the coast and witness nesting frigatebirds, land iguanas, and colonies of sea lions. Explore the coastal wonders by dinghy, spot fur seals, and partake in deep-water snorkeling. Conclude the day with an evening briefing, cocktail, and dinner.

Arriving at Baltra Island, we’ll head to the airport for our return flight to the mainland. Thanks for joining us on this remarkable expedition through the Galapagos Islands!