4 Days Cruise Naturalist - Calipso Yacht - Galapagos

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport in the morning, following your flight from Quito or Guayaquil, you will undergo immigration and collect your baggage. A Calipso staff member will greet you and facilitate your transfer to the yacht. Upon boarding, you'll be escorted to your cabin where you can settle in before enjoying lunch and a welcome briefing.

In the afternoon, you'll visit South Plaza Island, a small landmass characterized by steep cliffs formed from volcanic activity. The island is adorned with Opuntia cacti and inhabited by a large colony of sea lions, as well as vibrant yellow and red land iguanas. Its predominant plant species, Sesuvium, changes color throughout the year - appearing greenish to yellowish during the rainy season and transitioning to a vivid red from the end of June through January.

Begin your day with a visit to Post Office Bay, where you'll disembark onto a sandy shore and journey to a location marked by an 18th-century whalers' tradition - a wooden barrel acting as an informal mailbox. This unique practice, continued by Galapagos visitors, invites you to bring along postcards, potentially delivering your messages before you return home.

Following your visit to Post Office Bay, venture to Baroness Viewing Point, a captivating site rich in Galapagos ambiance. Once inhabited by a lavish baroness and her three paramours, the island's history is steeped in intrigue, with legends surrounding a compelling murder mystery. The area offers easily accessible trails for exploring Floreana's diverse flora and fauna.

Later in the day, explore Cormorant Point, renowned for its expansive flamingo lagoon where various avian species, including common stilts and white-cheeked pintails, thrive. The island boasts distinct beaches: the Green Beach owes its verdant hue to the abundance of olivine crystals in the sand, while the Flour Sand Beach is composed of pristine white coral.

Begin your day with a visit to Santa Fé Island, also known as Barrington Island, renowned for its charming small bay and anchorage nestled along the northeast coast. Two visitor trails await exploration: one leading to a breathtaking cliff-top viewpoint, while the other winds from a petite beach to a towering forest of prickly pear cacti.

In the afternoon, journey to the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora. Here, captive breeding efforts are underway for giant tortoises, ranging from adorable 3-inch hatchlings to majestic 4-foot-long adults. Various subspecies coexist, providing an opportunity to witness their interactions. Many of the elder tortoises are accustomed to human presence, often extending their necks for a perfect photo opportunity. The young tortoises are nurtured until they reach approximately four years of age, ensuring their readiness to thrive independently in the wild.

Interpretation Center: Informational visitor’s center in San Cristobal Island. Learn about the flora & fauna of Galapagos and conservation efforts.

Departure.

Transfer to San Cristobal Island for your flight home.