Central & North Galapagos Islands

Day 1: Baltra Airport to Santa Cruz

You will arrive at Baltra Island in the morning. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by the Majestic 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 “Fausto Llerena” Giant land tortoises breeding centre in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, where giant tortoises are bred in captivity; this is home to tortoises ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long adults. Subspecies of the giant tortoises interact with one another, and many of the older tortoises are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four years-old and strong enough to survive on their own.

Day 2: Genovesa to El Barranco and Darwin Bay

In the morning, you will visit El Barranco which is also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps. It is a steep, rocky path that leads up to a high cliff-face. A marvellous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to palo santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, Galapagos swallows, and Galapagos doves.

The afternoon will see you visit the white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay which heads a half mile trail (0,75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls can be spotted here. Further down the path we find tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view of a cliff.

Day 3: Rabida Island to Chinese Hat Islet

This morning will see you visit Rabida Island. Rabida Island is one of the most colourful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago and a great snorkelling site. Its famous maroon sandy beach and stunning lookouts provide wonderful 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.

This afternoon you will visit Chinese Hat Islet. This small islet is located near the south-east coast of Santiago Island. Its name comes from the distinct shape of the islet’s summit. This small islet is a great location to view many geological formations such as lava tubes and lava flows. Some of the lava flows were formed underwater and subsequently raised above sea level. The presence of coral heads on the lava flow indicates this phenomenon.

Day 4: San Cristobal to Witch Hill and Lobos Island

In the morning, you will visit Witch Hill. Located on the northern coast, this eroded hill and its surroundings present one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos with its white powdery sand and the abundance of animals. Wildlife includes sea turtles, rays, and various types of booby birds. The clear water provides an excellent opportunity for enjoying swimming and snorkeling.

In the afternoon you will be involved in an excursion to Lobos Island which means “Sea Lion Island.” This appropriately named island is ripe with noisy, playful, jolly sea lions who will welcome you to their home with open, well, fins. This island also offers great snorkelling opportunities as well as the chance to see blue-footed and Nazca boobies.

Day 5: Intrepretations Centre and depart

In the morning, you will visit the Interpretation Centre. This site is part of an environment project. The tour of this centre will explore the natural history of the islands including human interaction and conservation efforts. The Museum of Natural History explains the volcanic origin of the archipelago, ocean currents, climate, and the arrival of endemic species. The Human History exhibit chronologically describes significant events such as discovery and colonisation of the islands.

After visiting The Interpretation Center and the Galapaguera, you will be transferred to the San Cristobal airport to catch your flight to Guayaquil or Quito on mainland Ecuador.

• On-board accommodation
• All meals throughout cruise  
• Transfers in the islands   
• All excursions
• Bilingual national park guide
• Use of snorkelling and wetsuit equipment

• International & internal airfares
• Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
• Galápagos National Park fee: US$200 per person
• Transit control card: US$20 per person
• Christmas & new-year surcharges
• Travel Insurance
• Alcoholic beverages
• Gratuities
• Any items not mentioned as included