South Galapagos Islands (D)

Day 1: San Cristobal Airport - Interpetation Center & Frigatebird Hill (San Cristobal Island)

Departure from Quito or Guayaquil to San Cristobal in a 2-hour flight. Upon arrival, passengers are picked up at the airport by our naturalist guides and taken on a ten-minute bus drive to the pier to board the Galapagos Legend.

The interpretation center is full of interesting information and offers the perfect overview to the formation of Galapagos, its significance in the world, threats and conservation efforts. Followed by a hike to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) we will have great looks at both species of frigatebird, with the bonus of a beautiful view of the bay below.

Day 2: Española Island: Gardner Bay - Punta Suarez

One of the most stunning beaches in all of Galapagos. The long, white, sandy beach, lapped by turquoise waters is home to a colony of Galapagos sea lions, indifferent to the humans that walk amongst them. The Hood mockingbirds, endemic to this particular island, will be eager to inspect the visitors and satisfy their innate curiosity. Darwinis finches may also join the throng including the reclusive warbler finch. W/e can also snorkel here from the beach, in the shallows of the bay.

One of the highlight visits of the trip. Punta Suarez seems to have everything - a naturalistis Paradise. A slew of marine iguanas and sea lions greet us at the landing site from where our walk continues with close encounters of boobies, endemic lizards, gulls and evena
dramatic blow hole. The oldest extant island in the archipelago it is our only opportunity to commune with the endemic waved albatross during their breeding season between April and December. With luck, we can watch their complex courtship display.

Day 3: Floreana Island: Post Office - Punta Cormorant, Devil’s Crown

A very short walk from the beach leads us to the famous Post Office Barrel Claimed to have been first setup in 1793 by Captain James Colnett it remains the oldest functioning épost officei in the Pacific. The system was that whalers and fur sealers would leave addressed letters in the barrel to be picked up by homeward bound colleagues. In the spirit of maintaining tradition visitors today will
often take letters and hand-deliver them in their home countries.

On arriving, the observant visitor will notice that olivine, a volcanic crystal, has proffered a subtle green hue on the dark beach. Our walk takes us past island-endemic Scalesia plants to a large, shallow, lagoon often inhabited by a variable number of shockingly pink greater
flamingoes. We continue through a forest of palo santo trees to arrive at a powdery white beach, a nesting area of green turtles. As we paddle barefoot in the shallow water we will spot diamond stingrays and white-tipped reef sharks.

One of the favourite snorkeling sites in the islands. Devilis Crown, an eroded volcanic cone, is home to an abundance of fish and marine animals. We will swim with big schools of yellow- tailed surgeonfish, salemas and creolefish and with luck may spot turtles, spotted eagle rays, parrotfish, and even hammerhead sharks! The jagged écrowni is a roosting area for boobies, noddies, tropicbirds and frigates.

Day 4: Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill - Punta Bowditch

Arriving to a small lava dock our first encounters are with marine iguanas that blend-in perfectly to the dark rock. As we walk past large prickly pear cacti we arrive to one end of a long, sickle-shaped, beach with Dragon Hill standing in the distance. Our walk takes us on a
circular path, past a shallow lake where flamingoes frequently come to feed. Waders such as stilts, turnstones and sandpipers work the muddy edges frenetically looking for food as we continue inland to a dry, forested habitat where land iguanas nest and burrow.

Feel the indescribable feeling of being were no one else has. Relax on a powdery beach, snorkel around turquoise water islets and hike beside salt pools and dried white corals. Be one of the first -humans- to visit Punta Bowditch at Legend's South itinerary D.

Day 5: Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz Island) - Baltra Airport

Dry landing. In the mountains of Galapagos is possible to admire different kind of birds, such as: tree and ground finches, vermillion flycatchers, paint-billed crakes, yellow warblers, and cattle egrets {usually standing on the tortoises’ shell). The joumey to the reserve offers great opportunities to see the contrasts that the island offers in reference to the variety of ecosystems. The road goes from the coast through the agricultural zone and straight up to the dense humid forests. Often, Galapagos giant tortoises are also seen on the way, ‘wandering through pastures in the paddocks. This spot is a birdwatchers’ haven, since almost every land bird present on the island lives or migrates here.

After the visit. passengers will be transferred to the airport for their return flight to Guayaquil or Quito.

• On-board accommodation 
• All meals during the voyage 
• Activities/shore excursions as specified 
• Bilingual naturalist guides 
• Transfers

• International and internal airfares 
• Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable 
• Travel insurance 
• Galápagos National Park fee: US$200 per person
• Transit control card: US$20 per person
• Kayaking, and wetsuit equipment
• Possible fuel surcharges
• Gratuities
• Any items not mentioned as included