Samba Tourist Superior Sail Boat ***

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.

This white sand coral beach heads a half mile trail (0.75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls can be spotted here. Further down the path are tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view from a cliff.

Is located in the southern part of Darwin Bay. There is a 1.5 km trail on volcanic rock and the trek can be done in about 2 hours. This is the youngest area of the island, from a geological point of view. The cliffs located in the south are composed of very fragile lava.

There are no land visits to Marchena Island. It had recent volcanic activity in 1992. The island exhibits pristine flora and fauna since it was never inhabited by humans. The island is remembered for the mysterious discovery of the mummified remains of two bodies on the beach. One of the bodies was the remains Rudolf Lorenz, one of the lovers of the infamous Baroness who lived on Floreana. The other body was the captain of the boat Rudolf was on.

There are no land visits to Marchena Island. It had recent volcanic activity in 1992. The island exhibits pristine flora and fauna since it was never inhabited by humans. The island is remembered for the mysterious discovery of the mummified remains of two bodies on the beach. One of the bodies was the remains Rudolf Lorenz, one of the lovers of the infamous Baroness who lived on Floreana. The other body was the captain of the boat Rudolf was on. The Black Beach is composed of black basaltic sand.

Albermarle point is located at the northern tip of Isabela Island and is the nesting site to a large colony of flightless cormorants.

Located on the northwestern coast of the island and comprised of two separate coves, this site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating mola-mola (sunfish) may be spotted here. This bay is great for diving and snorkeling.

No foreign species have ever invaded Fernandina Island, and therefore it is one of the world’s most pristine island ecosystems. The volcano “La Cumbre” dominates the landspace with lava fields reaching the ocean. The island’s highlight features the flightless cormorant nesting site. This area provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos hawk.

Urbina Bay 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.

Elizabeth Bay is located on the east coast of Isabela Island. The bay contains many islets, which can be visited by dinghy. Penguins and blue-footed boobies can be spotted on the rocky islets. With an abundance of marine life and clear water, the area is perfect for snorkeling and viewing schools of colorful fish, sea lions, and perhaps even sharks.

Moreno Point is located near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. The plethora of birds seen during a dinghy ride along the striking rocky shores or a hike along path through lava rock leading to tide pools and mangroves create a birdwatchers delight. In the tide pools green sea turtles or white-tip sharks can be spotted.

Is a 450 meter high hill. The main attractions are a Pirates Cave (Cueva de los Piratas) and the other is the freshwater spring. The two sites are located at the base of the hill.

A path 900 m long made up of rocks and sand. The main attraction of this site is the presence of Galapagos Sea Lions that are on the beach and in the bay. Marine iguanas are also seen along the shores and lots of sea turtles in the rocky reefs of the Bay. The practice of snorkeling and kayaking are the main ancillary activities that take place here.

Reached by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green, contrasting beautifully with much of the dry, lower islands. The dominant vegetation in the highlands is the Scalesia trees, creating the lush green color. The lava tubes, over half a mile long, are underground and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience.

Baltra: Transfer to Baltra Airport.