8 Days A Southern & Central Cruise - Cormorant II Catamaran - Galapagos

In the morning: Arrival at Baltra Airport

Morning flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra in the Galapagos Islands. You will arrive at Baltra Island in the morning. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by a Cormorant II staff member and transferred to the yacht. You will be shown to your cabin where you will have time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.

In the afternoon: Bachas Beach

Bachas Beach is located on the northern shore of Santa Cruz and is ideal for swimming. One of the few remnants of the U.S. presence during World War II, a floating pier, can be seen here. You may spot flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, whimbrels, and sea turtles that nest on the beach.

In the morning: El Barranco

El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, is a steep, rocky path that leads up a high cliff face. From here, you can enjoy a marvelous view. The area is home to Palo Santo vegetation and wildlife such as red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, Galapagos storm petrels, and Galapagos doves.

In the afternoon: Darwin Bay

Visit the white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay, where a half-mile trail winds through mangroves filled with land birds like Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. Further along the path, tidal pools offer playful sea lions. At the end of the trail, there is a spectacular view of a cliff.

In the morning: South Plaza Island

This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is covered by Opuntia cacti. It is home to one of the largest sea lion colonies and colorful yellow and red land iguanas. The landscape features Sesuvium plants, which change color from greenish-yellow in the rainy season to bright red during the dry season.

In the afternoon: Santa Fé Island

Santa Fé Island, also known as Barrington, has a small, picturesque bay and anchorage on the northeast coast. The bay offers two trails: one leads to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other stretches from a small beach to a forest of tall prickly pear cacti.

In the morning: Pitt Point

Pitt Point, located on the northeastern tip of San Cristobal Island, hosts an abundance of bird species, including frigate birds, storm petrels, and three types of boobies: Nazca, blue-footed, and red-footed. A steep trail ascends a cliff and continues through a ravine, providing ample birdwatching opportunities.

In the afternoon: Witch Hill

Situated on the northern coast, Witch Hill is home to one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos, with white powdery sand and diverse wildlife. You can see sea turtles, rays, and booby birds here. The clear water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

In the morning: David Rodriguez Breeding Center “La Galapaguera”

The David Rodriguez Breeding Center, located in Cerro Colorado, is a new visitor site on the southeastern part of San Cristobal Island. It can be reached in roughly an hour by road from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Land birds like warblers, finches, and mockingbirds can be seen on the surrounding trees and shrubs. The breeding center protects giant tortoises living in a controlled area to shield them from introduced predators like pigs and goats.

In the afternoon: Lobos Island

Lobos Island, or “Sea Lion Island,” is filled with playful, lively sea lions that will greet you. This island also offers great snorkeling opportunities and the chance to spot blue-footed and Nazca boobies.

Or: Kicker Rock

Kicker Rock is a striking rock formation a couple of hours off the western shore of San Cristobal. The towering rocks stand vertically at hundreds of feet above the water, divided by a small channel. Although there are no landing areas, circumnavigation provides the opportunity to see a variety of marine life.

In the morning: Suarez Point

Suarez Point offers the chance to see blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. This island is home to nearly all of the world’s population of waved albatrosses. You will visit a beautiful cliffside spot where albatrosses use the height as a launching pad. There is also a blowhole that shoots seawater into the air.

In the afternoon: Gardner Bay, Gardner Islet & Osborn Islet

Visit Gardner Bay and walk across a stunning white-sand beach among a bustling sea lion colony. You can also swim with sea lion pups. Curious mockingbirds may also be spotted on the beach.

In the morning: Post Office Bay

Land on a beach and visit a historic spot where 18th-century whalers placed a wooden barrel to be used as a mail drop. Visitors still use this makeshift post office to leave postcards.

Afterwards: Baroness Viewing Point

Baroness Viewing Point offers stunning views of the Galapagos landscape. The area is rich in history, with legends about an eccentric baroness and her lovers, involving a mysterious murder. Visitors can take easy trails to explore the flora and fauna of Floreana.

In the afternoon: Cormorant Point

Cormorant Point is home to a large flamingo lagoon, and birds like common stilts and white-cheeked pintails can also be seen. The island’s beaches are distinctive: Green Beach has a greenish hue due to olivine crystals, while Flour Sand Beach is composed of fine white coral.

Afterwards: Champion Islet

Champion Islet is named after the whaler Andrew Champion and is a small island located off the coast of Floreana. It is considered one of the best spots in the Galapagos for snorkeling and a great place for dolphin watching.

In the morning: Twin Craters

Visit the Twin Craters, located on either side of the road from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. These formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures. The breathtaking views make this a great final stop.

Afterwards: Baltra Airport Departure

After this last visit, you will be transferred to Baltra Airport for your flight back to the mainland.