North Central Itinerary - Letty Yacht - Galapagos Cruise

A.M. Baltra Airport

Our first stop is Baltra, where we will transfer.

P.M. Bartolomé 15:00 - 18:00

Afterward, we'll head to Bartolomé, an uninhabited island situated in Sullivan Bay to the east of Santiago Island. Bartolomé is famous for Pinnacle Rock, a volcanic cone formed from an underwater volcanic eruption. Visitors might recognize this island and Pinnacle Rock from the 2003 blockbuster film *Master and Commander*. Tourists can choose between two spots: one involves a hike to a spectacular viewpoint, and the other is a beach where they can enjoy snorkeling and swimming. Bird enthusiasts should keep an eye out for Galapagos Penguins, Herons, and Galapagos Hawks.

Activities: TK / PR / SN

It's an island in the northeastern part of the Galapagos archipelago, shaped like a horseshoe. Formed by the eruption of a shield volcano and subsequent collapse of one side of the caldera, Genovesa shows evidence of ongoing lava flows along its volcano's edges. Nicknamed 'The Bird Island,' Genovesa is renowned for its diverse and abundant bird species, including frigatebirds, Nazca and red-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, storm petrels, red-billed tropicbirds, finches, and mockingbirds. Visitors can explore two main sites: one along the beach popular for snorkeling and swimming, and another at the point where the two sites converge.

A.M. Darwin Bay 08:00 - 12:00h

The highlight of the morning is Darwin Bay, a small sandy and coral beach accessible by foot. Here, visitors can observe red-footed boobies in two plumage variations, along with frigatebirds, Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, finches, and mockingbirds. Genovesa's reputation as a bird sanctuary is underscored by the presence of Galapagos penguins and herons.

P.M. Prince Philip's Steps 14:00 - 18:00h

After lunch, we proceed to Prince Philip's Steps (El Barranco). Named after Prince Philip, who visited the island in 1965 and 1981, this Galapagos attraction offers views of marine life through cracks in the lava cliffs. The trail continues inland through Palo Santo forests, passing additional nesting colonies of boobies. Finally, visitors can marvel at a rocky lava plain inhabited by wedge-rumped storm petrels and short-eared owls.

Activities: TK / KY / PR

A.M. Plazas 08:00 - 12:00h

Located off the east coast of Santa Cruz, the Plazas Islands consist of two small crescent-shaped islets: North Plaza and South Plaza. South Plaza is renowned for its diverse wildlife and stunning flora. Conservation efforts focus on addressing the decline of the cactus population, crucial for the survival of land iguanas. The long-term objective is to restore the cactus forest while ensuring a healthy population of land iguanas.

Activities: TK / KY / PR

P.M. Santa Fe

Santa Fe Island, a small uninhabited island in the Galapagos archipelago, lacks freshwater and has never been inhabited by humans. It is inhabited by a large population of goats, which have adapted to drinking seawater. The island features two snorkeling sites in the landing bay and another in the adjacent bay, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.

Activities: TK / KY / PR

Meals: B - L - D

A.M. El Chato - Twin Craters 08:00 - 12:00h

Located in Santa Rosa, approximately 21.7 kilometers from Gus Angermeyer, El Chato offers visitors a chance to observe giant tortoises, owls, Darwin's finches, and lava tunnels. Nearby, there's a lava tunnel formed by around 400 meters of solidified lava.

Following that, we'll visit Los Gemelos (Twin Craters): These two large sinkholes along the road between Puerto Ayora and Baltra were created by collapsed magma chambers. Visitors can explore them by stopping at the roadside and walking around their rims. A circular trail leads through the scenic Scalesia forest to the larger crater, offering opportunities to observe land birds like the Galapagos Dove, Vermilion Flycatcher, Short-eared Owl, and various finch species.

Activities: TK

Charles Darwin

This well-known national park site northeast of Puerto Ayora hosts over 200 scientists and volunteers engaged in research and conservation efforts, notably including captive breeding programs for giant tortoises.

Among the arid zone vegetation, visitors can observe Galapagos giant tortoises in enclosures. There's also a nursery equipped with incubators where baby tortoises are cared for until they reach about 1.5 kg or four years old, after which they are returned to their native islands.

Activities: TK

Meals: B - L - D

Although it's our last day, we're eager to have fun! We begin at Borrero Bay, a white coral beach frequented by green turtles. Yellow warblers and Darwin's finches are drawn to the area's palo santo trees, leatherleaf, and salt-tolerant plants. The elevation of the extinct volcano showcases various vegetation zones, ranging from littoral to arid, humid, and dry pampas. This breathtaking landscape can be appreciated while swimming in the bay's azure waters or taking a leisurely walk along the beach.

Activities: TK

Meals: B

Transfer to the airport.