Galapagos catamaran cruise - Seaman Journey Catamaran

Friday: Baltra Airport & North Seymour Island

Your incredible Galapagos journey begins as you board a flight from Quito, Ecuador, to the enchanting archipelago. Before landing, please note that a migration control card fee of $20 USD must be paid. Following a quick stop at Guayaquil, you'll embark on a scenic 1 and ½ -hour flight to Santa Cruz.

Upon arrival, we'll guide you through the mandatory inspection point at the airport, ensuring the preservation of the pristine islands by preventing the introduction of foreign plants or animals. Don't forget to obtain your Galapagos National Park entrance, priced at $100 for adults and $50 for children under 12 years old.

Our knowledgeable guide will then accompany you to the port, where a motorized boat called a panga will whisk you to the magnificent Catamaran Seaman Journey.

PM: North Seymour Island

Prepare to be captivated by the natural wonders of North Seymour Island. An uplifted island, it boasts a relatively flat terrain, adorned with boulders scattered throughout. As we explore, keep an eye out for the impressive nesting sites of magnificent frigate birds. Witness the captivating courtship dance of blue-footed boobies in open areas, while swallow-tailed gulls gracefully perch on cliff edges.

While the outer shores are often met with powerful surf, don't be surprised to find sea lions resting on the beach and even enjoying a bit of bodysurfing. Join us for an evening filled with awe and wonder.

AM: El Barranco

Our adventure continues on Genovesa Island, where El Barranco awaits. Traverse the volcanic rock trail, spanning 1.5 km and taking approximately 2 hours to explore. This region, the island's youngest from a geological perspective, showcases the fragility of its lava cliffs, offering ideal nesting spots for Storm Petrels. Here, you may encounter two petrel species nesting in the cavities and holes formed in the lava.

Keep an eye out for the agile short-eared owl, one of the main predators of the area. You'll also be graced with sightings of red-footed boobies, which exclusively nest on the outer islands of the archipelago—Punta Pitt, Gardner Bay (Floreana), Wolf, Darwin, and Genovesa. Witness the elegant masked booby in their natural habitat as well. As you glide along the cliffs in the panga, observe fur sea lions and various seabird species, adding to the allure of this extraordinary site.

PM: Darwin Bay

Venture into the breathtaking Darwin Bay, formed when the island's crater submerged below sea level. You'll make a wet landing on the stunning white coral sandy beach. This site is a birdwatcher's paradise, where sightings include red-footed boobies, masked boobies, wandering tattlers, lava gulls, whimbrels, yellow-crowned and black-crowned lava herons, and yellow warblers.

Following a gradual climb along the trail's edge, you'll observe the majestic Red-Footed Boobies nesting in the Mangrove trees below. Keep your binoculars handy for sharp-beaked finches, large cactus and ground finches, Galapagos doves, and swallow-tailed gulls. Finally, revel in the sweeping views of the island and its bustling birdlife as you reach the cliff's edge.

AM: Plazas Island

Prepare for a captivating experience at Plazas Island, located east of Santa Cruz. Despite its modest size, this island is teeming with some of the most fascinating and unique Galapagos species. Here, you'll encounter smaller land iguanas than those found on other islands. Witness hybrid iguanas, a remarkable result of mating between male marine iguanas and

female land iguanas, displaying their distinctive black/gray color, land iguana crest, and marine iguana face and tail.

The plentiful population of iguanas thrives thanks to the abundance of tunas (cacti fruit), their favorite food. Enjoy observing swallow-tailed gulls nesting on the rugged cliffs, alongside various seabirds such as Audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds, and brown pelicans.

PM: Santa Fe Island

In the southeastern part of the Galapagos lies Santa Fe Island, primarily formed through uplift rather than volcanic activity. This unique island is believed to be one of the archipelago's oldest. Explore its white coral beach, graced with a vibrant sea lion colony welcoming you to their realm. As you walk along the trail, you'll be delighted by the sight of salt bushes and colossal prickly pear cacti—a true testament to the gigantism characteristic of oceanic islands.

Plunge into the clear waters and enjoy snorkeling alongside playful sea lions and tropical fish, adding an unforgettable aquatic dimension to your adventure.

AM: Jacinto Gordillo Breeding Center

Discover the Jacinto Gordillo Breeding Center, established in 2004 in Cerro Colorado, San Cristobal Island. This center's vital mission is caring for young tortoises, and it initiated an assisted reproduction program in 2008, leading to the successful birth of a baby turtle in captivity. Gain insights into the breeding processes and engage with this meaningful conservation initiative.

PM: Interpretation Center

Immerse yourself in the stunning gardens and breathtaking ocean vistas of the Interpretation Center, which stands in stark contrast to the 1960s buildings at the Charles Darwin Center. Here, you'll uncover the geological and human history of the islands, delve into conservation facts, and learn more about the natural wonders that the Galapagos archipelago offers. As the oldest museum of Natural History in the Galapagos Islands, it is devoted to preserving the pristine nature of these enchanted isles.

AM: Galapaguera

Begin the day with a short visit to La Galapaguera, a natural habitat where you can marvel at Galapagos tortoises. This island hosts endemic species such as the Mockingbird Nesomimus melanotis, lava lizard (Microlophus bivittatus), Chatham Leaf-toed Gecko (Phyllodactylus leei), and of course, the tortoises. Watch in awe as female tortoises leave their footprints in the sand dunes while nesting between January and May.

PM: Cerro Brujo

Prepare to be spellbound by the stunning white coral beach of Cerro Brujo, where you can swim, observe birds, and marvel at sea lions' playful antics. Dive into the crystal-clear waters, making unforgettable memories while snorkeling. Cerro Brujo holds historical significance as the first coast Charles Darwin set foot on during his 1835 voyage. You'll encounter a rich variety of seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, and shore birds.

Take a moment to appreciate the historic pools of salty water behind the sand dunes, once utilized by fishermen as a salt mine to preserve food for the local population. The island's unique fauna includes the Chatham Mockingbird, San Cristobal Lava Lizard, island canary, Galapagos turtles, and the elusive Pajaro Brujo, a little bird endemic to San Cristobal Island. Stroll through lush vegetation, spotting candelabrum cacti and carob trees along the route.

AM: Gardner Bay

Gardner Bay, nestled on Hood Island's north-eastern coast, offers an idyllic beach perfect for relaxation, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and even sea lion observation.

PM: Suarez Point

This area provides an unparalleled opportunity to spot blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. As you explore this picturesque oceanfront site, witness the majestic waved albatrosses using the cliffs as their launching pad. Don't miss the awe-inspiring blowhole, erupting water high into the air, creating marvelous photography opportunities.

AM: Cormorant Point

Cormorant Point boasts one of the finest flamingo lagoons in the Galapagos. This picturesque site, located between two tuff lava cones, exudes a unique atmosphere. Watch in awe as flamingos, common stilts, and white-checked pintail ducks frolic in the lagoon. This area is also a haven for migratory birds, adding to the biodiversity of the island.

Don't miss the two distinct beaches, "The Green Beach" with its high olivine crystal content, and the "Flour Sand Beach" adorned with coral.

PM: Post Office Bay & Baroness Lookout

Delve into history as you visit the historic Post Office Barrel site, a location dating back to the 18th century when whaling ship crews utilized it as a post office. The tradition continues today, where visitors carry letters or postcards by hand to their intended recipients.

Embark on a hike to the elevated slope of Baroness Lookout, capturing a mesmerizing vista stretching from Enderby Islet to Post Office Bay, including Cerro Pajas, the pool of flamingos, and the lush Palo Santo forest.

AM: Charles Darwin Station

As your unforgettable Galapagos adventure draws to a close, immerse yourself in the Galapagos conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Station. Witness the wonders of this National Park information center, the Van Straelen Exhibition Hall, and the Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises. This center also houses Lonesome George, the legendary turtle from Pinta Island, as well as adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity.

After this enriching morning excursion, we'll accompany you to the airport for your mainland flight. As you bid farewell to these magical islands, carry with you cherished memories and a profound appreciation for the remarkable Galapagos archipelago.