Welcome to the Galapagos! You will be picked up at the airport in Baltra and transferred to your accommodations on Sant Cruz Island. (This service is on a group basis.)

Galapagos Magic Lodge is a safari-style tented camp perched high on Santa Cruz overlooking the ocean. The sounds of nature will serenade us and we’ll be able to feast our eyes on the mountains and forests surrounding the Camp. Also, enjoy the peace of having the entire hillside to ourselves, with the exception of seasonal resident giant tortoises.

Yacht Cruise to a Neighboring Island

Today you will embark on a motor yacht cruise to enjoy a half-day excursion to one of the neighboring islands. Onboard you will have the support of welcoming crew members and knowledgeable naturalist guide, to allow you to experience the wonders of these remote islands in both comfort and style.

You have the opportunity to visit North Seymour and Bachas, South Plazas, Santa Fe Island, Bartolome, and Sullivan Bay. Along the way, you might see leaping rays or other sea life, while enjoying the vastness of the Pacific. The yacht tour lets you see the Islands and their wildlife in their most pristine state. Please note that the islands visited may vary according to National Park regulations. (This service is on a group basis.)

After your cruise you will be transferred to your hotel in the main town of Puerto Ayora. Check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. (This service is on a group basis.)

Today you will have multiple activity options to choose from! We have selected the following suggested program to give you an idea of what is possible to do with this day (Please Note: This activity can be replaced with one of the other optional activities noted in the drop-down menu below. Please let your travel specialist know your activity preference during the planning process).

Cerro Mesa & Kayak at Garrapatero

Visit Cerro Mesa viewpoint from where you can admire the whole southern shore of Santa Cruz. Continue towards one of the iconic formations in Galapagos resembling a crater from where you will start a hike downhill for about 30 minutes to the bottom of this collapsed crater. Explore the area, recover energies and start the hike uphill for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Excellent opportunities to find endemic species such as the Wood-pecker Finch and being very lucky giant tortoises.

Later, kayak at Garrapatero. Walk for about 500 mts (~0.3 mile) on a flat and easy terrain through a deciduous forest until we reach El Garrapatero beach. Kayaking activity takes place from the beach along the bay for about 45 minutes. You can make a short walk to the brackish lagoon where we have high possibilities to find pink flamingos. (This service is on a private basis.)

Today you will take an early morning 2.5 hour speed boat transfer to Isabela Island. On arrival at the dock in Puerto Villamil you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. (This service is on a group basis.)

Tintoreras Islands

The adventure begins with a visit to the Tintoreras Islands, a group of small islands close to the town of Puerto Villamil. The islands are named after the white-tipped ‘Tintoreras’ reef sharks that swim in these calm waters. On the Tintoreras, we will see archipelago’s iconic wildlife: white-tipped reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, rays, penguins, and of course pelicans and blue-footed boobies. After walking on the island, you will have a chance to snorkel in the bay. Don’t be surprised if some of the penguins or sea lions jump in to play alongside you in the water! (This service is on a group basis.)

Sierra Negra & Volcan Chico Hiking

You will have the whole day to explore the Isabela highlands! The day begins with a hike up to the crater of the massive Sierra Negra volcano, and then onward to the rim of the Volcan Chico. This fascinating walk usually begins with some morning fog and drizzle which sometimes persists in the shadow of the volcano, adding to its mysterious character. Despite the drizzle, you might see Galapagos hawks, finches, flycatchers and short-eared owls en route.

Once you reach the rim of the Sierra Negra crater, the second largest in the world after the Ngorongoro in Tanzania, you will see the real reward for your efforts. The crater is so large, and the views so expansive, photos can’t do it justice, but bring your binoculars and camera anyway!

Later, as you head towards Volcan Chico, you may get the feeling that you are walking on Mars due to the alien landscape. While it appears to be utterly desolate, a closer look reveals small lizards scurrying among the rocks. From its rim, we will enjoy more amazing views along with lava tubes and fumaroles.

After Volcan Chico and its extreme landscape, you will relax under the shade of a lovely “jaboncillo” tree to enjoy your box lunch while taking in the spectacular and expansive views over the central and northern parts of Isabela Island. In the distance, you will be able to see Fernandina, Pinzon and Santa Cruz Islands. You will then head back down to complete your day of hiking (16 km - 9.94 miles in total) and relax on the beaches of Puerto Villamil. (This service is on a group basis.)

This morning you will take an early morning 2.5 hour speed boat ride back to Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival at the dock you'll be transferred to Baltra Airport for your ongoing flight to the mainland. (This service is on a group basis.)