4-Day Galapagos Cruise: Discover Wildlife and Breathtaking Locations - Hermes Catamaran

Baltra
Transfer to the boat, meet your guide, and board. In the afternoon, visit the highlands of Santa Cruz, where you'll explore a tortoise ranch and observe stunning volcanic formations.

Santa Cruz Highlands Excursion (PM)
Discover the highlands of Santa Cruz and spot Galápagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Wander through underground lava tunnels, some stretching over 1 km (0.6 mi), and look out for barn owls that may be roosting here.

Dragon Hill (AM)
Head to Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz's west coast to observe land iguanas and a saltwater lagoon frequented by flamingos and other birds. Walk through a Scalesia tree forest, home to a rare species with only 400 specimens remaining globally.

Chinese Hat Visit (PM)
Visit Chinese Hat, a small, uniquely shaped island near Santiago. Enjoy a white-coral sand beach, snorkeling with sea lions and penguins, and trekking volcanic landscapes for breathtaking views. Spot marine iguanas and explore a large sea lion colony.

Snorkeling (Chinese Hat) (PM)
Snorkel directly from the coral beach, encountering playful sea lions, tropical fish, marine iguanas, and Galápagos penguins.

Genovesa Island
Journey to the remote Genovesa Island, renowned for its red-footed booby colony, which is estimated to host around 200,000 birds—a paradise for bird enthusiasts.

Prince Philip’s Steps (AM)
Climb the 81-foot stairway of El Barranco, named after the British monarch’s visit in 1964. At the top, enjoy incredible views and spot Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, mockingbirds, and finches along the palo santo trail. Witness wedge-rumped storm petrels and short-eared owls in their natural environment.

Darwin Bay (PM)
Formed by the collapse of Tower Island’s caldera, Darwin Bay offers exceptional birdwatching. Walk a flat trail to observe swallow-tailed gulls, lava herons, yellow-crowned night herons, red-footed boobies, and great frigatebirds. Visit a tidal lagoon where playful sea lions swim and conclude with stunning cliffside views.

Black Turtle Cove Excursion (AM)
Take a morning panga ride through Black Turtle Cove, exploring its serene mangroves. Observe a diverse range of marine life, including manta rays, sea turtles, and whitetip reef sharks.

Disembark at Baltra and return to mainland Ecuador.