After flying into Seymour Airport on the pint-sized island of Baltra, you will travel to the adjoining island of Santa Cruz. Take a trip to the highlands for the chance to see iconic Galapagos tortoises in the wild, and then head to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the conservation and preservation of native island species. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, enjoy dinner on board the yacht as you set off on your charter.
On the tip of Isabela Island, Punta Vicente Roca is a thriving metropolis of underwater activity, thanks to the nutrient-rich waters supplied by the Humboldt Current. A vast spectrum of marine life gives you the rare opportunity to see red-lipped batfish, frogfish, sea lions, and sea turtles. After a morning of snorkelling, head north to Isabela’s sister island Fernandina, which is home to an active volcano. You will be able to explore a spit of land known as Punta Espinoza, which is inhabited by flightless cormorants, penguins and Galapagos hawks.
In Urbina Bay, marvel the natural wonder of a marine reef that has been uplifted by as much as 4m, or 13ft,out of the water. Beyond this, a sandy beach stretches out enticingly, inviting you to lie back and while away the morning basking in the sun. Peppered along the shore, giant tortoises and land iguanas can also be spotted sunning themselves. In the afternoon, step on shore at Tagus Cove, and take a hike to Darwin Lake; a saltwater lagoon in a naturally occuring tuff cone resembling the base of a volcano. An abundance of verdant algae has created a bright green underwater pasture in the cove, providing an incredible sight to behold.
Shaped by volcanic activity, Bartolome Island was named after a lifelong friend of Charles Darwin and boasts breathtaking views over a terrain of red, orange, green and black volcanic formations. You can hike up the famous Pinnacle Rock, which stands proud overlooking the bay. While this environment is notoriously harsh, turtles can be seen lumbering along the shore or slumped in the shallows of the sea, and oystercatchers wade in these waters hunting for fresh catch. Two neighbouring coraline beaches offer the chance to swim alongside playful sea lions.
Bachas Beach is a major egg-laying site for turtles; if you are visiting in the warmer months, during nesting season, be sure to stop off here and see if you can spot the eggs cradled in the icing-sugar sand. Alongside turtles, expect to see pink flamingos and other birds flitting through the air or paddling in the water. After exploring the beach, head onwards to Rabida Island- also known as Jervis Island. A natural phenomenon has given the beaches a rust-hued tint, and the red sand will take your breath away.
Bachas Beach is a major egg-laying site for turtles; if you are visiting in the warmer months, during nesting season, be sure to stop off here and see if you can spot the eggs cradled in the icing-sugar sand. Alongside turtles, expect to see pink flamingos and other birds flitting through the air or paddling in the water. After exploring the beach, head onwards to Rabida Island- also known as Jervis Island. A natural phenomenon has given the beaches a rust-hued tint, and the red sand will take your breath away.
Located around 160 nautical miles from the main archipelago, Isla Darwin spans just one square kilometre. Be warned that the island is the smallest in the Galapagos and offers no dry landing sites or direct access to the island itself, but luckily the attraction of this spot doesn’t involve seeing the sights on land. Instead, it’s what’s below the surface. The site is teeming with marine life, including whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, humpback whales and reef sharks. It’s a certified paradise for megafauna enthusiasts.
Towering out of the Pacific Ocean, Darwin’s Arch is a natural rock formation that sits on a submerged plateau. Enjoy breakfast on your yacht overlooking the site and its surrounding outcrops; then be sure to get below the surface of the sea to witness something truly spectacular. Here, the seas are a breeding ground for the aforementioned sharks and whale species, but also showcase seals, turtles, stingrays, dolphins and countless types of fish and coral.
Your charter will head back to Santa Cruz Island for your flight back to the mainland. Before you board the plane, be sure to check out some of the restaurants on the island- Finch Bay Restaurant is an extremely popular option for fresh and flavourful cuisine.
