Galapagos Wildlife Discovery 5 days | Tribute

Upon your arrival at San Cristobal, a warm welcome awaits you. A friendly guide will be waiting to greet you and assist with collecting your luggage. After a short bus ride to the harbor, you'll board the Tribute cruise. Once settled in your cabins, a delicious lunch will be served.

In the afternoon, the cruise will take you to Lobos Islet, home to a lively colony of Galapagos sea lions. Approach nurturing females within a few meters, and during the breeding season, witness territorial males fiercely defending and mating with their harem. The islet is also a breeding ground for two iconic species – male blue-footed boobies and great frigate birds. Watch as they engage in captivating displays, showcasing their vibrant blue feet and inflating their balloon-sized scarlet pouches in an attempt to impress both females and curious tourists alike.

During the morning exploration of Santa Fe Island, be amazed as sea lions casually approach you. Galapagos hawks, perched at outlooks, are also within close reach, keeping an eye out for marine iguanas or lava lizards. Following a trail through a cactus forest, witness giant opuntia prickly pears, growing larger here than on any other island, revealing a captivating evolutionary tale.

Later, at Barrington Bay, enjoy a refreshing swim amidst a vibrant marine community, including sea lions, blue chin parrotfish, surgeonfish, stingrays, green turtles, and whitetip reef sharks.

In the afternoon, disembark the cruise to explore Black Turtle Cove from a dinghy. This area showcases the transformative impact of mangroves on the marine environment, creating a unique habitat. Three mangrove species extend from the shore into the lagoon, reaching nearly a mile inland.

As you drift through quiet waters, spot spotted eagle rays in a diamond formation, white-tipped reef sharks gliding beneath the boat, and Pacific green turtles surfacing for air—a serene and captivating experience.

This morning, your destination is Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island. Being one of the outer and most exclusive Galapagos islands, Genovesa justifies the longer navigation of the previous night. This compact site, nestled in the heart of a flooded crater, offers a miniature representation of the extremely diverse coastal ecosystems of the Galapagos, almost overwhelming for a single day of exploration.

Along the surf, Whimbrels and wandering tattlers actively forage, sharing the space with peacefully resting Galapagos sea lions. Impressive frigatebirds and red-footed boobies find their nesting grounds in the mangroves, where you'll also encounter vocalists like the yellow warbler, Darwin’s finches, and the Galapagos mockingbird. Notably, two subpopulations of the same large cactus finch species showcase distinct singing patterns.

Genovesa, also known historically as "Tower," exudes a regal ambiance. Follow in the footsteps of Prince Philip, a devoted Galapagos lover, and explore this favored birding spot with the largest breeding colonies of red-footed and Nazca boobies. Keep an eye out for the remarkable short-eared owl, known for its unique hunting technique on foot.

Approaching Chinese Hat from the north, the origin of its name becomes evident. Arriving just in time, witness the colonization of this young, barren islet by pioneer species sprouting from holes in the lava. Galapagos sea lions, numerous marine iguanas, eagles, and mockingbirds contribute to the fertile soil. A highly recommended snorkeling experience awaits, as this spot is home to a colony of critically endangered Galapagos Penguins, affected by the impacts of climate change. While swimming, these penguins may curiously approach your mask, accompanied by sea lions and elusive Pacific green turtles.

In the afternoon, embark on a 'wet landing' on the extraordinary red beach of Rabida Island. The rocks and sand of this beach exhibit an intense rusty color due to oxidized iron particles. Adjacent to the beach lies a shallow green lagoon, a rare oasis on this arid island that attracts various aquatic birds, including pintails and sometimes American flamingos. Within the evergreen foliage of surrounding mangrove bushes, numerous species of songbirds hide and breed.

A major highlight is the breeding colony of brown pelicans, the only ones globally known for their plunge-diving behavior. After your exploration, inflatable dinghies will pick you up to prepare for a rewarding snorkeling experience.

The dinghies will ferry you to the tourist pier of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, where you'll then be transported to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Named in honor of the British naturalist who developed the Theory of Evolution after his 1835 visit to these islands, the station focuses on the conservation and restoration of Galapagos ecosystems, as well as the sustainable development of local communities.

Within the station, there's an interpretation center highlighting the National Park and its Marine Reserve. The most memorable segment of your visit will likely be the successful breeding center and enclosures featuring Galapagos giant tortoises.

Following this insightful visit, you will disembark and be transferred to Baltra airport.