BACK TO Darwin
BOOKING ENQUIRY

b5

Length 5 days

Departs on Thursday from Baltra Island Airport
Ends on Monday at Baltra Island Airport

Visitor Sites
Click on each site for more information
  • Day 1 PM Baltra Island Airport Baltra Island Airport account_balance
    28%
    Baltra Island Airport
    Baltra Island Airport

    The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Land Iguana
    Site Rating 28%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Baltra Island Airport

    Baltra Island Airport
    Overall Rating: 28%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

    Baltra Island Airport

    Baltra Island Airport
    Overall Rating: 28%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

  • Day 1 PM Mosquera Island Mosquera Island
    56%
    Mosquera Island
    Mosquera Island

    Located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour, this sand covered reef of rocks and coral (the result of an uprising) has one of the largest populations of sea lions. You can also observe several species of shorebirds and the curious sally lightfoot crabs. There have been occasional reports at this site of Orcas (Orcinus orca) feeding on sea lions.   Landing:  Wet.  Difficulty:  Easy

     

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Sea lions
    Site Rating 56%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Mosquera Island

    Mosquera Island
    Overall Rating: 56%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour, this sand covered reef of rocks and coral (the result of an uprising) has one of the largest populations of sea lions. You can also observe several species of shorebirds and the curious sally lightfoot crabs. There have been occasional reports at this site of Orcas (Orcinus orca) feeding on sea lions.   Landing:  Wet.  Difficulty:  Easy

     

    Mosquera Island

    Mosquera Island
    Overall Rating: 56%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour, this sand covered reef of rocks and coral (the result of an uprising) has one of the largest populations of sea lions. You can also observe several species of shorebirds and the curious sally lightfoot crabs. There have been occasional reports at this site of Orcas (Orcinus orca) feeding on sea lions.   Landing:  Wet.  Difficulty:  Easy

     

  • Day 2 AM South Plaza Island South Plaza Island
    78%
    South Plaza Island
    South Plaza Island

    Various sea birds can be spotted from the top of the sea cliffs.  Land iguanas sit patiently, waiting for cactus flowers to drop.  Marine iguanas and sea lions are also abundant.   South Plaza is also home to the beautiful succulent Sesuvium plant, which changes from bright green in the rainy season to red, orange, and purple during the dry season.  Landing:  Dry.  Difficulty: Moderate.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Hybrid land/marine iguana
    • check Red-billed tropicbirds
    • check Sea lions
    • check Land Iguana
    Site Rating 78%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    South Plaza Island

    South Plaza Island
    Overall Rating: 78%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Various sea birds can be spotted from the top of the sea cliffs.  Land iguanas sit patiently, waiting for cactus flowers to drop.  Marine iguanas and sea lions are also abundant.   South Plaza is also home to the beautiful succulent Sesuvium plant, which changes from bright green in the rainy season to red, orange, and purple during the dry season.  Landing:  Dry.  Difficulty: Moderate.

    South Plaza Island

    South Plaza Island
    Overall Rating: 78%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Various sea birds can be spotted from the top of the sea cliffs.  Land iguanas sit patiently, waiting for cactus flowers to drop.  Marine iguanas and sea lions are also abundant.   South Plaza is also home to the beautiful succulent Sesuvium plant, which changes from bright green in the rainy season to red, orange, and purple during the dry season.  Landing:  Dry.  Difficulty: Moderate.

  • Day 2 PM Santa Fe Island Santa Fe Island
    78%
    Santa Fe Island
    Santa Fe Island

    A visit begins with a wet landing on a small beach. The beaches here are popular with sea lions, which can often be seen surfing the waves. There are two visitor trails here; one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other wending through a forest of massive Santa Fe opuntia cactus. Snorkeling in the radiant blue-green waters is excellent, and you may see a Galápagos green turtle gracefully swim by. Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Sea lions
    • check Giant opuntia cactus forest
    Site Rating 78%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Santa Fe Island

    Santa Fe Island
    Overall Rating: 78%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A visit begins with a wet landing on a small beach. The beaches here are popular with sea lions, which can often be seen surfing the waves. There are two visitor trails here; one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other wending through a forest of massive Santa Fe opuntia cactus. Snorkeling in the radiant blue-green waters is excellent, and you may see a Galápagos green turtle gracefully swim by. Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

    Santa Fe Island

    Santa Fe Island
    Overall Rating: 78%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A visit begins with a wet landing on a small beach. The beaches here are popular with sea lions, which can often be seen surfing the waves. There are two visitor trails here; one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other wending through a forest of massive Santa Fe opuntia cactus. Snorkeling in the radiant blue-green waters is excellent, and you may see a Galápagos green turtle gracefully swim by. Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

  • Day 3 AM Española Island, Gardner Bay Española Island, Gardner Bay
    79%
    Española Island, Gardner Bay
    Española Island, Gardner Bay

    A wonderful white sand beach with a myriad of sea lions, perfect for relaxing. Famous for the Española mockingbirds, which like to pick at your laces.  Great beach relaxation and swimming.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Mockingbirds
    • check Sea lions
    Site Rating 79%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Española Island, Gardner Bay

    Española Island, Gardner Bay
    Overall Rating: 79%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A wonderful white sand beach with a myriad of sea lions, perfect for relaxing. Famous for the Española mockingbirds, which like to pick at your laces.  Great beach relaxation and swimming.

    Española Island, Gardner Bay

    Española Island, Gardner Bay
    Overall Rating: 79%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A wonderful white sand beach with a myriad of sea lions, perfect for relaxing. Famous for the Española mockingbirds, which like to pick at your laces.  Great beach relaxation and swimming.

  • Day 3 PM Española Island, Punta Suarez Española Island, Punta Suarez
    90%
    Española Island, Punta Suarez
    Española Island, Punta Suarez

    A wet landing onto a beach with Sea Lions and colourful Marine Iguanas leads on to a 2km trail through Masked and Blue-Footed Booby colonies (be careful not to step on them!) to some magnificent cliffs with a blow-hole. Beyond here is the Galapagos' only Waved Albatross colony (Apr-Dec) - watch their somewhat clumsy attempts to take-off and land. Other animals including the Large cactus finch and Galapagos Hawk may also be seen.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Galapagos hawk
    • check Giant opuntia cactus forest
    • check Mockingbirds
    • check Nazca booby
    • check Red-billed tropicbirds
    • check Sea lions
    • check Waved albatross
    Site Rating 90%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Española Island, Punta Suarez

    Española Island, Punta Suarez
    Overall Rating: 90%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A wet landing onto a beach with Sea Lions and colourful Marine Iguanas leads on to a 2km trail through Masked and Blue-Footed Booby colonies (be careful not to step on them!) to some magnificent cliffs with a blow-hole. Beyond here is the Galapagos' only Waved Albatross colony (Apr-Dec) - watch their somewhat clumsy attempts to take-off and land. Other animals including the Large cactus finch and Galapagos Hawk may also be seen.

    Española Island, Punta Suarez

    Española Island, Punta Suarez
    Overall Rating: 90%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A wet landing onto a beach with Sea Lions and colourful Marine Iguanas leads on to a 2km trail through Masked and Blue-Footed Booby colonies (be careful not to step on them!) to some magnificent cliffs with a blow-hole. Beyond here is the Galapagos' only Waved Albatross colony (Apr-Dec) - watch their somewhat clumsy attempts to take-off and land. Other animals including the Large cactus finch and Galapagos Hawk may also be seen.

  • Day 4 AM Floreana Island, Post Office Bay Floreana Island, Post Office Bay account_balance
    37%
    Floreana Island, Post Office Bay
    Floreana Island, Post Office Bay

    In the eighteenth century, a group of whalers set up a wooden barrel to collect mail at this site, now known as Post Office Bay. A trail behind the barrel leads through palo santo and palo verde trees to a cave, which is actually a lava tube running down to the sea. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

    Site Rating 37%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Floreana Island, Post Office Bay

    Floreana Island, Post Office Bay
    Overall Rating: 37%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    In the eighteenth century, a group of whalers set up a wooden barrel to collect mail at this site, now known as Post Office Bay. A trail behind the barrel leads through palo santo and palo verde trees to a cave, which is actually a lava tube running down to the sea. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

    Floreana Island, Post Office Bay

    Floreana Island, Post Office Bay
    Overall Rating: 37%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    In the eighteenth century, a group of whalers set up a wooden barrel to collect mail at this site, now known as Post Office Bay. A trail behind the barrel leads through palo santo and palo verde trees to a cave, which is actually a lava tube running down to the sea. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

  • Day 4 PM Floreana Island, Punta Cormorant - Devil`s Crown Floreana Island, Punta Cormorant - Devil`s Crown
    60%
    Floreana Island, Punta Cormorant - Devil`s Crown
    Floreana Island, Punta Cormorant - Devil`s Crown

    Between two tuff cones, the Punta Cormorant landing is on a beach with green, olivine sand. Trails allow you to explore a brackish lagoon where greater flamingoes wade through the water, sifting shrimp with their curved bills. Stingrays can be seen in the shallows. You may also see pintail ducks, stilts, large-billed flycatchers, and several species of finches. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Flamingo
    • check Rays
    Site Rating 60%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Floreana Island, Punta Cormorant - Devil`s Crown

    Floreana Island, Punta Cormorant - Devil`s Crown
    Overall Rating: 60%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Between two tuff cones, the Punta Cormorant landing is on a beach with green, olivine sand. Trails allow you to explore a brackish lagoon where greater flamingoes wade through the water, sifting shrimp with their curved bills. Stingrays can be seen in the shallows. You may also see pintail ducks, stilts, large-billed flycatchers, and several species of finches. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

    Floreana Island, Punta Cormorant - Devil`s Crown

    Floreana Island, Punta Cormorant - Devil`s Crown
    Overall Rating: 60%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Between two tuff cones, the Punta Cormorant landing is on a beach with green, olivine sand. Trails allow you to explore a brackish lagoon where greater flamingoes wade through the water, sifting shrimp with their curved bills. Stingrays can be seen in the shallows. You may also see pintail ducks, stilts, large-billed flycatchers, and several species of finches. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

  • Day 5 AM Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre account_balance
    53%
    Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre
    Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre

    The Station is about a ten-minute walk from the center of Puerto Ayora.  It has its own staff scientists but also hosts visiting scientists from around the world.  The archipelago's first tortoise breeding centre is next door, along with land iguana pens.   An open air rest area serves cold drinks and snacks.  Visit the station's new "mini-museum"  and buy a t-shirt to support the station's work.   Landing: No Landing. Difficulty: Easy.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Mockingbirds
    Site Rating 53%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre

    Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre
    Overall Rating: 53%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The Station is about a ten-minute walk from the center of Puerto Ayora.  It has its own staff scientists but also hosts visiting scientists from around the world.  The archipelago's first tortoise breeding centre is next door, along with land iguana pens.   An open air rest area serves cold drinks and snacks.  Visit the station's new "mini-museum"  and buy a t-shirt to support the station's work.   Landing: No Landing. Difficulty: Easy.

    Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre

    Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre
    Overall Rating: 53%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The Station is about a ten-minute walk from the center of Puerto Ayora.  It has its own staff scientists but also hosts visiting scientists from around the world.  The archipelago's first tortoise breeding centre is next door, along with land iguana pens.   An open air rest area serves cold drinks and snacks.  Visit the station's new "mini-museum"  and buy a t-shirt to support the station's work.   Landing: No Landing. Difficulty: Easy.

  • Day 5 PM Baltra Island Airport Baltra Island Airport account_balance
    28%
    Baltra Island Airport
    Baltra Island Airport

    The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Land Iguana
    Site Rating 28%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Baltra Island Airport

    Baltra Island Airport
    Overall Rating: 28%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

    Baltra Island Airport

    Baltra Island Airport
    Overall Rating: 28%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

account_balance Is of cultural or historical significance

Itinerary Rating
Combined score of all sites visited
Rating: 65%
public Iconic species
pets Biodiversity
photo Striking vistas
beach_access Beach quality
pool Snorkeling quality

Wildlife Sightings
  • check Flamingo
  • check Galapagos hawk
  • check Giant opuntia cactus forest
  • check Hybrid land/marine iguana
  • check Land Iguana
  • check Mockingbirds
  • check Nazca booby
  • check Rays
  • check Red-billed tropicbirds
  • check Sea lions
  • check Waved albatross
Is of cultural or historical significance
You are likely, but never guaranteed, to see these less common species on this itnerary. More common species are not listed here for sake of brevity.
Average rating from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest) by Galapagos naturalist guides
10%
25%
50%
0%
0%
Average rating from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest) by Galapagos naturalist guides
You are likely, but never guaranteed, to see these less common species on this itnerary. More common species are not listed here for sake of brevity.
Average rating from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest) by Galapagos naturalist guides
55%
42%
66%
65%
51%
Average rating from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest) by Galapagos naturalist guides
You are likely, but never guaranteed, to see these less common species on this itnerary. More common species are not listed here for sake of brevity.
Average rating from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest) by Galapagos naturalist guides
75%
76%
83%
0%
0%
Average rating from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest) by Galapagos naturalist guides
You are likely, but never guaranteed, to see these less common species on this itnerary. More common species are not listed here for sake of brevity.
Average rating from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest) by Galapagos naturalist guides
81%
69%
83%
77%
80%
Average rating from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest) by Galapagos naturalist guides
You are likely, but never guaranteed, to see these less common species on this itnerary. More common species are not listed here for sake of brevity.
Average rating from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest) by Galapagos naturalist guides
71%
62%
88%
98%
76%
Average rating from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest) by Galapagos naturalist guides
You are likely, but never guaranteed, to see these less common species on this itnerary. More common species are not listed here for sake of brevity.
Average rating from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest) by Galapagos naturalist guides
94%
93%
84%
0%
0%
Average rating from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest) by Galapagos naturalist guides
Is of cultural or historical significance
Average rating from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest) by Galapagos naturalist guides
25%
24%
37%
49%
51%
Average rating from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest) by Galapagos naturalist guides
You are likely, but never guaranteed, to see these less common species on this itnerary. More common species are not listed here for sake of brevity.
Average rating from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest) by Galapagos naturalist guides
55%
55%
72%
63%
56%
Average rating from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest) by Galapagos naturalist guides
Is of cultural or historical significance
You are likely, but never guaranteed, to see these less common species on this itnerary. More common species are not listed here for sake of brevity.
Average rating from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest) by Galapagos naturalist guides
65%
53%
40%
0%
0%
Average rating from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest) by Galapagos naturalist guides
Is of cultural or historical significance
You are likely, but never guaranteed, to see these less common species on this itnerary. More common species are not listed here for sake of brevity.
Average rating from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest) by Galapagos naturalist guides
10%
25%
50%
0%
0%
Average rating from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest) by Galapagos naturalist guides
Average rating from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest) by Galapagos naturalist guides
65%
59%
69%
70%
63%
You are likely, but never guaranteed, to see these less common species on this itnerary. More common species are not listed here for sake of brevity.