Galapagos Exclusive with Mark Carwardine

Typical Itinerary

1. Day 1: Fly to Quito

   This morning we depart the UK on flights to Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. On arrival we are transferred to our accommodation in the city and the rest of day is free so we can explore this historic city and its attraction or relax in the hotel after our journey.

   Accommodation: Hotel Patio Andaluz, 1-night

2. Day 2: Fly to the Galapagos Islands & board Beluga

   On arrival at the airport in the Galapagos on San Cristóbal Island, we are transferred by vehicle to the highlands of San Cristóbal where we head to El Junco Lagoon. This lagoon lies in the collapsed crater of a volcano and is in fact the only source of freshwater to be found in the Galapagos archipelago. El Junco is a haven for birdlife with San Cristobal mockingbird and white-cheeked pintail being two endemic species we might encounter. After our visit at El Junco, we head back to port where we board our vessel which will be home for the next 12 nights during our voyage of the Galapagos. 

   Accommodation: Beluga, 12-nights

3. Day 3: Gardner Bay, Española Island

   This morning we wake to the beautiful scene of Gardner Bay on the northeast coast of the island which is inhabited by sealion colonies who can often be seen lounging in the sun. We make a wet landing on the white, sandy beach and once on land we will quickly start to notice the famous Española mockingbird as we get ready to go snorkelling. A dazzling array of tropical reef fish, such as surgeonfish, parrotfish and even moorish idol will be waiting below the waves for us as well as possible white-tipped reef shark and even a manta ray or two. After an exciting time in the water we return to beach and hop back on the pangas to take us back to the Beluga.

   This afternoon we visit Punta Suarez on Española. This is arguably one of the finest walks in the Galapagos because Punta Suarez offers the opportunity to see a colony of waved albatross who nest here between April and September. Española Island is the only location where this incredible bird species chooses to nest and we should have fantastic views of the albatross making for a great finale to our wildlife sightings in the Galapagos. Other species that we can see at Punta Suarez are Galapagos hawk, lava lizard, Nazca booby, red-billed tropicbird and Galapagos snake.

4. Day 4: Floreana

   This morning we make a landing at Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island for an easy, yet rewarding walk on the beaches and along the shores of a brackish lagoon. This is an excellent place for observing Caribbean flamingos and white-cheeked pintails, and Galapagos flycatchers are common over the volcanic cinders a short distance inland.

   Afterwards, we visit Devil’s Crown for a spot of snorkelling or a panga (dinghy) ride to enjoy a variety of marine life including Galapagos sealions and spotted eagle ray. Later in the afternoon, we visit Post Office Bay to learn more about the human history of the Galapagos.

5. Day 5: Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz & Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island

   We sail through the evening and early morning to reach our next landing location at Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island. Situated on the north-west coast of the island, this particular location is an excellent spot for observing land iguanas. There is also an wonderful variety of birds to be seen here too including flamingos that frequent the pond behind the beach where we land as well as yellow warbler, Galapagos doves and some of the Darwin finches.

   This afternoon we make a wet landing at Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island which is famous for its extensive lava flows that highlight just how recent some of the Galapagos archipelago is in geological terms. We'll spend an hour or two exploring the lava flows and enjoying the pioneer flora and fauna species that we come across. Once again, there is an opportunity to swim and snorkel from the beach before heading back to our vessel and there is a good chance that some playful sealions might be in the vicinity. We return to the Beluga for dinner in the evening

6. Day 6: Genovesa

   During the night we make one of our longest navigations of the itinerary as we sail from Santiago and Santa Cruz to the island of Genovesa in the north-east corner of the main archipelago. By morning, we will have reached Darwin Bay which is also our first landing spot of the day as well. 

   Setting a foot on a sandy beach to begin with, we will walk along a flat trail taking us past the mangroves and through the saltbush towards a tidal lagoon. This walk should provide ample opportunity to observe swallow-tailed gull, great frigatebirds, large beaked cactus finch, marine iguana, the endemic lava gull and red-footed booby. Depending on what see along the trail, there may be for a swim before returning to the Beluga for lunch. 

   This afternoon we visit one of the most iconic locations on the Galapagos Islands, Prince Phillip's Steps on Genovesa. Our excursion begins with a 45 minute panga ride around the bay before a dry landing at the steps themselves where we ascend to the plateau atop the island. We will take the steps slowly and once we reach the top of the steps, we will should encounter red-billed tropicbird, warbler finch, large ground finch, lava heron, Nazca booby and large numbers of red-footed booby. It is thought as many as 200,000 red-footed boobies nest on Genovesa creating quite the spectacle. Once again we sail during the evening and through the night as we return to the middle of the Galapagos archipelago and the island of Santa Cruz arriving early the following morning. 

7. Day 7: Santa Cruz

   To start the day, we will enjoy a panga ride around Black Turtle Cove on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. This location known for its flourishing mangrove forest and is a particular haven for turtle. We may well see a few different species of turtle swimming around the mangrove trees and poking their heads above the surface. In addition to the turtles, it is also possible to white-tipped reef sharks and a variety of rays swimming beneath our pangas. We will also observe a number of birds including pelicans and a selection of different herons and egrets.

   This afternoon we will make a dry landing on Santa Cruz where we are transferred to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to enjoy this verdant landscape and to observe giant tortoises before continuing to the Charles Darwin Research Centre for an afternoon visit. At the centre there will be another opportunity to view giant tortoises as well as land iguanas before we continue to the town of Puerto Ayora where we re-board our vessel

8. Day 8: Rábida

   We make a wet landing at Chinese Hat to take a closer look at the intriguing volanic landscape and the excellent wildlife as there is a colony of marine iguanas and sealions that can be seen as well as Sally Lightfoot crabs, American oystercatchers, laval lizards and, if we're lucky, Galapagos penguin. 

9. Day 9: Isabela

   Overnight the Beluga will sail to Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago, at breakfast we make a landing at Puerto Villamil where a small bus will be waiting to take us up to the caldera of Sierra Negra. At the rim of the volcano we could see recent lava flows and parasitic volcanic cone landforms.

   Later in the day we have some time to explore Puerto Villamil and this should provide some excellent wildlife sightings. The town itself is positioned on a white sandy beach with mangroves nearby. There is a possibility of encountering and photographing marine iguana, blue-footed booby and a variety of shorebirds as we walk around the town. Puerto Villamil also has a lagoon that is often frequented by flamingos.

10. Day 10: Continue to explore Isabela

    We start the day by make a landing at Punta Moreno. This volcanic landscape may appear desolate at first glance, but as we explore the area it quickly becomes apparent that there is wildlife everywhere. White-cheeked (or Galapagos) pintail, blue-winged teal, black-necked stilt and common gallinule are some of the species we may encounter. We can also spot some larger species as well including Caribbean flamingo, great blue heron and even the flightless cormorants which usually perch on the rocks closest to the sea. Punta Morneo is also a good location for observing marine iguanas.

    This afternoon we will enjoy a panga ride at Elizabeth Bay to search its mangroves and rocky islets which are home to Galapagos penguin and marine iguanas. The calm waters around the mangroves are a haven for several marine species such as spotted eagle ray, white-tip reef shark, golden ray and green sea turtle.

11. Day 11: Urbina Bay & Tagus Cove on Isabela

    Today will begin with a guided walk on the shores of Urbina Bay which is particularly well known for its land iguana population and these individuals are thought to be the largest in the archipelago. There is also a good possibility during our time here that we will encounter wild giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, flightless cormorants and Galapagos brown pelicans.

    Following lunch, we make a dry landing in the afternoon at Tagus Cove on Isabela. This will be one of longer walking excursions during the voyage so good footwear is important. Once on land we will walk uphill to the saltwater lake at Darwin's Crater which offers excellent views of the surrounding landscape.

12. Day 12: Fernandina

    During the night the Beluga will have sailed to the island of Fernandina and in the morning we visit one of the most famous landing spots in the Galapagos, Punta Espinoza. Almost as soon as we step ashore, we will be able to see the large colony of marine iguana and we can spend time here admiring these incredible creatures as well as capturing some stunning photographs. We continue to explore on foot for opportunities to encounter other species such as Galapagos hawk, Galapagos penguin and flightless cormorant.

    In the afternoon, we return to Isabela and make our way to Punta Vicente Roca where we head out in the pangas once more. Following the line of the cliffs we scan for seabirds including Nazca and blue-footed boobies as well as other wildlife. There will also be an opportunity to snorkel here and in the water we could encounter sealions, green sea turtle, marine iguana and sometimes common bottlenose dolphins frequent these waters.

13. Day 13: Santiago & Bartolome Island

    Over the course of the night we will have navigated to the island of Santiago and we make a morning landing on black sand beach at Puerto Egas for an easy-pace, but rewarding walk as we keep an eye out for sally lightfoot crabs, Galapagos fur seals, American oystercatchers and a colony of sealions. The walking trail will take us further inland where we could encounter some of the famous finches, including warbler, woodpecker, large tree and common cactus.

    Whilst we enjoy lunch, the Beluga will sail to Bartolome Island where we make two landings. Exploring both above and below the waves, there are numerous species that we could come across during our time such as great blue heron, Galapagos hawk and Galapagos penguin.

14. Day 14: North Seymour

    This morning we make a dry landing on North Seymour Island for a walk on the beach and further into the interior of the island. The terrain is flat and mostly level so it should be easy going and North Seymour is one of the finest islands in the archipelago for observing some of the more iconic birds in the Galapagos. Out on foot in the company of our naturalist guide we can encounter colonies of blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and magnificent frigatebirds. Hopefully there should be some good photographic opportunities for these birds as well. Whilst exploring North Seymour, we may also come across Galapagos snake and sealions. Afterwards, we bid farewell to the crew on the Beluga and disembark as we are transferred back to the airport on Baltra to catch our flights back to the UK.

15. Day 15: Return UK