Day 1: Baltra Airport Arrival - Pinnacle Rock
In the morning: Baltra Airport Arrival
Morning flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra, Galapagos Islands.
You will arrive at Baltra Island in the morning. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by a Horizon
staff member 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: Pinnacle Rock
You will head to Bartholomew Island where the famous Pinnacle Rock is found. Bartholomew 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 snorkeling where you may even see and swim with
Galapagos penguins.
Day 2: Rabida - Egas Port
In the morning: Rabida
You will visit Rabida Island (or Jervis) which is one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago as well as a
great snorkeling site. We will start on Rabida’s famous maroon/red sand 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 species are abundant such as a few varieties
of finches, Galapagos vermilion flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans.
In the afternoon: Egas Port
Egas Port, also known as James Bay, on Santiago Island is home to the curious Galapagos hawks and quick-footed Galapagos
lava lizards. The trail leads to the coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos furseals bathe in
the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site.
Day 3: Darwin Bay - El Barranco
In the morning: Darwin Bay
Visit the white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay which includes a half mile trail (0,75km) that winds through mangroves filled with
land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls, which can easily be spotted here. Further down the path
we’ll find tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view of a cliff.
In the afternoon: El Barranco
El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, is a steep, rocky path that leads up a high cliff rock face. A marvelous view can
be appreciated from here. This site is also home to Palo Santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared owls,
Galapagos storm petrels, and Galapagos doves.
Day 4: Mosquera Islet - Highlands
In the morning: Mosquera Islet
Mosquera Islet is located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour. This reef of rocks and coral (the result of an uprising) is
only 160 meters across at its narrowest width. This island has one of the largest populations of sea lions and is home to many
shorebirds. There have been occasional reports at this site of orcas feeding on sea lions.
In the afternoon: Highlands
Accessible by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green which contrast beautifully with the dry, lower
part of the islands. The predominant vegetation in the highlands are Scalesia trees which create a lush green forest. The lava
tunnels, over half a mile long, are underground and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience. At this place you’ll have
lunch.
Afterwards: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center
You will visit “Fausto Llerena” Tortoise Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora, 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 5: North Seymour - Baltra Airport Departure
In the morning: North Seymour
In North Seymour you may 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 characterized by its arid vegetation zone.
Afterwards: Baltra Airport Departure
After this final visit, you will be transferred to the Baltra airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.
