Natural Paradise Galapagos Cruise 8 Days B itinerary:
show reverse itinerary
Day 1 SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Morning flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra, Galapagos Islands
You will arrive at Baltra Island in the morning. After passing through immigration and baggage claim,
you will be met by the Natural Paradise staff and transferred to the yacht. You will be shown to your
cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.
In the afternoon you will visit Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz. The visitors’ site at Dragon Hill is located
on the northwestern part of Santa Cruz Island and consists of a trail that runs through three different
environments although it is only slightly less than a mile long (1,600 meters). The beach is very rocky.
At high tide it’s a nice place for snorkeling. At this visiting site you can find vegetation typical of the
intertidal and dry zones.
Day 2 ISABELA & FERNANDINA ISLANDS
In the morning, visit is at Vicente Roca Point. Comprised of two separate coves, this site is a large bay
with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating
Mola mola (or sun fish).
In the afternoon, crossing the Bolivar Channel that divides Isabela and Fernandina Islands, you will land
at Espinosa Point, and after walking past a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions, reach
the island’s highlight: the fightless cormorant nesting site. This area provides a great opportunity to
see the Galapagos hawk.
Day 3 ISABELA ISLAND
In the morning, you will go to Urbina Bay which is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west
coast between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954 causing the
land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out leaving marine life stranded on the new
shore. This area is also a great place for snorkeling.
In the afternoon you will visit Moreno Point located southwest of Elizabeth Bay. Here a dry landing
onto what was once owing lava is possible. The lava has left craters in its wake which formed crystal
tide pools. By looking into the pools, you can peer into another world as the marine life drifts by your
window. In the brackish pools of this area, you may see pink amingos, white-cheeked pintails, and
common gallinules. If you look carefully into the pools, you may see white-tip reef sharks and some
sea turtles.
Day 4 ISABELA ISLAND
The morning will consist of a visit to The Sierra Negra Volcano which is the largest basaltic caldera
in the Galapagos with a diameter of 6.2 miles (10 km). The site offers impressive views and the
opportunity to observe up to seven species of finches and a rich display of vegetation. The north side
of the caldera provides evidence of its most recent volcanic activity in 2005.
In the afternoon you will visit The Wall of Tears (El Muro de las Lágrimas) which is 65 feet (25 meters)
high and an important piece of the island history. A penal colony existed on Isabela from 1945-1959,
and the prisoners were forced to build the wall, stone by stone, while in isolation from the rest of
the world, and thousands died during the construction. Many claim to feel the heavy energy of this
historical site, and locals claim to hear cries in the wind.
Afterwards you will head to the Wetlands of Isabela Island which are located just outside of Puerto
Villamil. The Wetlands consist of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves and are home to a variety of
unique bird species such as common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails, and gallinules. The
Wetlands can be visited on foot via a path through the swamps
Next you will visit Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center of Isabela. It is located about one mile (1.5 km)
from Puerto Villamil. In this breeding center, populations from South Isabela Sierra Negra Volcano,
Cerro Azul, Cazuela, Cinco Cerros, Roca Union, San Pedro, Tables and Cerro Paloma have been bred
in captivity. In total there are 330 juvenile and adult tortoises.
Day 5 CHINESE HAT & MOSQUERA ISLETS
In the morning, you will visit Chinese Hat islet. This small islet is located near the southeast coast
of Santiago Island. Its name comes from the distinct shape of the islet’s summit. This small islet is a
great location to view many geological formations such as lava tubes and lava flows. Some of the lava
flows were formed underwater and subsequently raised above sea level. The presence of coral heads
on the lava flow indicates this phenomenon.
In the afternoon you will visit Mosquera Islet, it is located between the islands of Baltra and North
Seymour, this reef of rocks and coral (the result of an uprising) is only 160 meters across at its
narrowest width. This island has one of the largest populations of sea lions and is home to many
shorebirds. There have been occasional reports at this site of orcas feeding on sea lions.
Day 6 FLOREANA ISLAND
In the morning, you will visit the famous Post Office Bay. You will land on a beach and head to a
spot where 18th century whalers placed a wooden barrel used as an unofficial mail box. The custom
continues to this day with Galapagos visitors. So, don’t forget your postcards, and don’t be surprised
if the post card arrives to its destination before you even get home!
In the afternoon, you will head to Cormorant Point. Here you will enjoy a hike to a salt-water lagoon
which is home to flamingos. You will also get to swim in the crystal clear waters of the Devil’s Crown.
This extinct volcano peaks out of the waters just off of Floreana’s coast and offers a magnificent
snorkeling experience.
Afterwards, you will visit Champion Islet, named after the whaler Andrew Champion, is a small island
located just offshore Floreana Island in the southern part of the Archipelago, considered as one of
the most beautiful places on Galapagos for all snorkeling and diving fans and an excellent opportunity
for dolphin watching.
Day 7 ESPANOLA ISLAND
In the morning, you will visit Suarez Point. On the trail you will have the chance to see blue-footed
boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. This island is the breeding site of nearly all of the world’s
12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. You will also visit a beautiful site on the ocean front where there
is a cliff that the large albatrosses use as a launching pad! You will have the chance to see the famous
blowhole that spurts water into the air. The landscape is great for photography.
In the afternoon, excursion takes you to the spectacular Gardner Bay. After landing, you can walk
across a lovely white-sand beach amongst a busy sea lion colony or dive into the water to swim with
sea lion pups. You may also see curious mockingbirds on the beach.
Day 8 SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
In the morning you will involve an excursion to Lobos Island which means “Sea Lion Island.” This
appropriately named island is ripe with noisy, playful, jolly sea lions who will welcome you to their
home with open, well, fins. This island also offers great snorkeling opportunities as well as the chance
to see blue-footed and Nazca boobies.
After this final visit, you will be transferred to San Cristobal’s airport in time for your flight back to
the mainland.
Please Note:
Itineraries are unlikely to change significantly but are subject to change. Weather, wildlife breeding, safety concerns, instructions from the Galapagos National Park, specific abilities and interests of passengers as well as operational matters may cause your guide or captain to change the time or nature of visits. Your guide and captain will always endeavor to select the best itinerary within these limits.
Natural Paradise Galapagos Cruise 8 Days B reverse itinerary:
show main itinerary
Itineraries are unlikely to change significantly but are subject to change. Weather, wildlife breeding, safety concerns, instructions from the Galapagos National Park, specific abilities and interests of passengers as well as operational matters may cause your guide or captain to change the time or nature of visits. Your guide and captain will always endeavor to select the best itinerary within these limits.
In the morning you will involve an excursion to Lobos Island which means “Sea Lion Island.” This
appropriately named island is ripe with noisy, playful, jolly sea lions who will welcome you to their
home with open, well, fins. This island also offers great snorkeling opportunities as well as the chance
to see blue-footed and Nazca boobies.
After this final visit, you will be transferred to San Cristobal’s airport in time for your flight back to
the mainland.
In the morning, you will visit Suarez Point. On the trail you will have the chance to see blue-footed
boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. This island is the breeding site of nearly all of the world’s
12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. You will also visit a beautiful site on the ocean front where there
is a cliff that the large albatrosses use as a launching pad! You will have the chance to see the famous
blowhole that spurts water into the air. The landscape is great for photography.
In the afternoon, excursion takes you to the spectacular Gardner Bay. After landing, you can walk
across a lovely white-sand beach amongst a busy sea lion colony or dive into the water to swim with
sea lion pups. You may also see curious mockingbirds on the beach.
In the morning, you will visit the famous Post Office Bay. You will land on a beach and head to a
spot where 18th century whalers placed a wooden barrel used as an unofficial mail box. The custom
continues to this day with Galapagos visitors. So, don’t forget your postcards, and don’t be surprised
if the post card arrives to its destination before you even get home!
In the afternoon, you will head to Cormorant Point. Here you will enjoy a hike to a salt-water lagoon
which is home to flamingos. You will also get to swim in the crystal clear waters of the Devil’s Crown.
This extinct volcano peaks out of the waters just off of Floreana’s coast and offers a magnificent
snorkeling experience.
Afterwards, you will visit Champion Islet, named after the whaler Andrew Champion, is a small island
located just offshore Floreana Island in the southern part of the Archipelago, considered as one of
the most beautiful places on Galapagos for all snorkeling and diving fans and an excellent opportunity
for dolphin watching.
In the morning, you will visit Chinese Hat islet. This small islet is located near the southeast coast
of Santiago Island. Its name comes from the distinct shape of the islet’s summit. This small islet is a
great location to view many geological formations such as lava tubes and lava flows. Some of the lava
flows were formed underwater and subsequently raised above sea level. The presence of coral heads
on the lava flow indicates this phenomenon.
In the afternoon you will visit Mosquera Islet, it is located between the islands of Baltra and North
Seymour, this reef of rocks and coral (the result of an uprising) is only 160 meters across at its
narrowest width. This island has one of the largest populations of sea lions and is home to many
shorebirds. There have been occasional reports at this site of orcas feeding on sea lions.
The morning will consist of a visit to The Sierra Negra Volcano which is the largest basaltic caldera
in the Galapagos with a diameter of 6.2 miles (10 km). The site offers impressive views and the
opportunity to observe up to seven species of finches and a rich display of vegetation. The north side
of the caldera provides evidence of its most recent volcanic activity in 2005.
In the afternoon you will visit The Wall of Tears (El Muro de las Lágrimas) which is 65 feet (25 meters)
high and an important piece of the island history. A penal colony existed on Isabela from 1945-1959,
and the prisoners were forced to build the wall, stone by stone, while in isolation from the rest of
the world, and thousands died during the construction. Many claim to feel the heavy energy of this
historical site, and locals claim to hear cries in the wind.
Afterwards you will head to the Wetlands of Isabela Island which are located just outside of Puerto
Villamil. The Wetlands consist of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves and are home to a variety of
unique bird species such as common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails, and gallinules. The
Wetlands can be visited on foot via a path through the swamps
Next you will visit Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center of Isabela. It is located about one mile (1.5 km)
from Puerto Villamil. In this breeding center, populations from South Isabela Sierra Negra Volcano,
Cerro Azul, Cazuela, Cinco Cerros, Roca Union, San Pedro, Tables and Cerro Paloma have been bred
in captivity. In total there are 330 juvenile and adult tortoises.
In the morning, you will go to Urbina Bay which is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west
coast between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954 causing the
land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out leaving marine life stranded on the new
shore. This area is also a great place for snorkeling.
In the afternoon you will visit Moreno Point located southwest of Elizabeth Bay. Here a dry landing
onto what was once owing lava is possible. The lava has left craters in its wake which formed crystal
tide pools. By looking into the pools, you can peer into another world as the marine life drifts by your
window. In the brackish pools of this area, you may see pink amingos, white-cheeked pintails, and
common gallinules. If you look carefully into the pools, you may see white-tip reef sharks and some
sea turtles.
In the morning, visit is at Vicente Roca Point. Comprised of two separate coves, this site is a large bay
with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating
Mola mola (or sun fish).
In the afternoon, crossing the Bolivar Channel that divides Isabela and Fernandina Islands, you will land
at Espinosa Point, and after walking past a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions, reach
the island’s highlight: the fightless cormorant nesting site. This area provides a great opportunity to
see the Galapagos hawk.
Morning flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra, Galapagos Islands
You will arrive at Baltra Island in the morning. After passing through immigration and baggage claim,
you will be met by the Natural Paradise staff and transferred to the yacht. You will be shown to your
cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.
In the afternoon you will visit Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz. The visitors’ site at Dragon Hill is located
on the northwestern part of Santa Cruz Island and consists of a trail that runs through three different
environments although it is only slightly less than a mile long (1,600 meters). The beach is very rocky.
At high tide it’s a nice place for snorkeling. At this visiting site you can find vegetation typical of the
intertidal and dry zones.
* = Indicative