Baltra is a basaltic plateau-which belongs geologically to Santa Cruz-faulted in an east-west direction. In the distant past, the island was once connected to Santa Cruz and North Seymour.
Baltra airport was built by the Americans during World War II. The army base was intended to defend the Panama Canal against japanese air raids, but the attack never came.
Upon arrival to Baltra Island you naturalist guide will wait for you in the arrivals hall and take you to your first visit on Santa Cruz Island. Before this you will be transferred from Seymour airport by an airport bus (10 min ride) and a ferry ride (5min) to the northside of Santa Cruz in to town of Puerto Ayora which takes around 45 minutes to get to the hotel
In the afternoon, we will visit Charles Darwin Station, where we can check out giant tortoises in captivity and learn about the breeding program of this iconic animal then, return to the hotel for the Welcome Dinner.
On day 2 you will visit any two islands of the below list (one island per day). Depending on your departure and availability the visits of the islands will vary. Each island is unique in itself and has different highlights to offer. This is an amazing chance to reach out to inhabited islands in the archipelago. Each day tour will include lunch onboard, a walking and a snorkeling activity to maximize your experience.
This morning you will visit the beautiful Tortuga bay beach, with our local guide. A 45 minutes walk on a cobblestone path (2.5 km one way) leads you to one of the fine white sandy beaches of the archipelago. An enchanting forest of the tall Opuntia Cactus and volcanic rock surrounds the path, and the view is breathtaking. Throughout your walk you can see finches, yellow warblers, mockingbirds, and lava lizards. An excellent place also for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or surfing. Marine iguanas, blue footed boobies, sharks, sea birds and sea turtles can be spotted here.
In the afternoon we continue to the highlands of Santa Cruz where we will have a great opportunity to get close and personal with the giant tortoises roaming in their natural habitat. Explore cavernous underground Lava Tunnels where you can view one of the geologic wonders of our volcanic islands. These activities will be followed up with a full lunch in the highlands.
Early in the morning we give you a box breakfast; you will be sailing unaccompanied to San Cristobal island by public speedboat (2 hours). Speedboat rides can be bumpy therefore prepare yourself with seasickness medication.
Upon your arrival, our representative will meet you at the port and will assist you with the hotel check-in. With our specialized guide we are going to visit The Interpretation Center which will bring you closer to the human and natural history of the archipelago.
We continue to CERRO DE LAS TIJERETAS (FRIGATEBIRD HILL) is a hill covered with palo santos, overlooking an almost circular cove. This place has a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding coastline of Wreck Bay and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, as well as the very well known Kicker Rock. you may observe two species of frigate birds, perhaps nesting, this bird having their "courtship" display in March- April.
In the afternoon, we are going to visit LA LOBERIA, a beautiful coral sand beach where we can observe many sea lions and marine iguanas. We will take a short walk to observe the native flora and Darwin´s finches, finishing off the day with your choice of relaxing on the beach or swimming/snorkeling in crystal clear sea water before you return to the hotel.
You will be picked up by your guide after breakfast. Based on availability, you will get to visit either: ISLAS LOBOS or KICKER ROCK. Optional activities may include walking, swimming and snorkeling. After your exciting day you´ll return to the Hotel
*This morning you will have the opportunity to visit one of these beautiful places below describes based on availability.
Located on the west side of the island, a 45 minute boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno makes it a great day excursion.
It consists of two stunning vertical walls/rock formation of 500ft. surrounded by abundant sea life (especially sharks including hammerheads!) and a variety of fishes.
While snorkeling around the walls you can have great sightings of marine life, including, sea turtles and sea lions.
During the excursion you also have time to explore one of the many beautiful beaches close to Kicker Rock where you will have time for relaxing on the beach or do some extra snorkeling.
Today we enjoy a box lunch onboard. We arrive back to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno early afternoon where you can enjoy some free time in town.
Is an small islet a 30 minutes by boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, surround by wildlife such as frigate birds, blue footed boobies, sea lions colonies, marine iguanas and sea birds. The tour involves a walk for approximately 1 hour follow by snorkeling around the area or you can enjoy some relax time in a nearby beach. Enjoy lunch on board.
We arrive back to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno early afternoon where you can enjoy some free time in town.
This morning you will have breakfast in the hotel and then transfer back to the airport where you catch your plane back to Ecuador mainland (flight is not included).
Depending on your time departure, you still have some hours to do few activities nearby such as walk or swimming at the close beach, just to name few considering the airport in San Cristobal island is located just 5 minutes from the town. And that most of the flights departures from this island are at mid-day.For your information this trip is not a group tour. You will be guided during activities by various naturalist guides from the Galapagos National Park. During the activities you will meet other passengers from other tour companies which makes a great chance to meet other travelers. Transiting in the speedboats from island to island you will be on your own but your well looked after as we take the hassle out of all the logistics. Tour Operations in Galápagos, are subject to space availability and itineraries may change, due to weather conditions, operational and logistical matters, so the number of excursions and visits are limited, so not specific excursion can be guaranteed.
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