Central Galapagos Islands

Day 1: San Cristobal - Kicker Rock

Morning flight from mainland Ecuador to San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by the Natural Paradise staff and transferred to the yacht. You will be shown to your cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.

In the afternoon, you will visit Kicker Rock. This striking rock formation is located a couple hours off the western shore of San Cristobal. Jutting out of the water, the rocks stand vertically at hundreds of feet above the ocean divided by a small channel. Although there are no landing areas, kayaking will allow visitors to spot a variety of marine life.

Day 2: North Seymour - South Plaza Island

In North Seymour you will be able to see Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and magnificent frigate birds which are abundant on this island. North Seymour was formed by a series of submarine lava flows containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterised by its arid vegetation zone.

In the afternoon, you will head to South Plaza Island. This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colourful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is the Sesuvium. During the rainy season its colour is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end of June through January) a bright red.

Day 3: Rabida Island - Bartholome Island

In the morning, you will visit Rabida Island which is one of the most colourful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago, as well as a great snorkelling site. We will start on Rabida's famous maroon sandy beach, and after an easy hike, you will arrive to a stunning lookout to enjoy the amazing landscapes. The island is a birdwatcher's delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance such as nine varieties of finches, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans.

In the afternoon, you will head to Bartholome Island, home of the famous Pinnacle Rock. Bartholome consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. We will take a trail of stairs to the summit of the volcano (about 30 or 40 minutes) where you will enjoy one of the best views of the islands! You will also visit a small, beautiful beach surrounded by the only vegetation found on this barren island. The beach is perfect for snorkelling where you may even see Galapagos penguins.

Day 4: Sullivan Bay - Dragon Hill

In the morning, you will visit Sullivan Bay located on the southeast part of Santiago. This place is interesting for its geology because the area is covered by lava flows. This place has elevations in the form of small volcanoes formed by the lava flows.

In the afternoon you will visit Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz. The visitors' site at Dragon Hill is located on the northwestern part of Santa Cruz Island and consists of a trail that runs through three different environments although it is only slightly less than a mile long (1,600 meters). The beach is very rocky. At high tide it's a nice place for snorkelling. At this visiting site you can find vegetation typical of the intertidal and dry zones.

Day 5: Santa Cruz Island - Baltra Airport

In the morning, you will visit Twin Craters located opposite to each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only figurative; not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. The view is breathtaking.

After this final visit, you will be transferred to Baltra's airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.

• On-board accommodation 
• All meals during the voyage
• Pre and post cruise transfers
• All expedition shore excursions
• Use of equipment for water activities

• Air transportation
• Passport, visa and immigration fees
• Airport arrival/departure taxes
• Travel protection plan
• Galápagos National Park fee: US$200 per person
• Transit control card: US$20 per person
• Christmas & new-year surcharges
• Laundry service
• Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages
• Gratuities
• Any items not mentioned as included