Description
Great land-based safari option in the Galapagos. This adventure combines luxury lodges on San Cristobal and Santa Cruz Islands with daily island visits or land based activities included.
Overview
This safari is perfect for those travellers that struggle with their sea legs. Spend 9 days in luxury lodges on the islands of San Cristobal and Santa Cruz. Combine days cruising to nearby uninhabited islands and land safaris to see iconic Galapagos wildlife like the blue-footed and red-footed boobies, land iguanas, penguins and giant tortoises; explore an incredible underwater world of rays, turtles, sharks and tropical fish and learn about the dramatic volcanic history of these enchanting islands.
WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP EXTRAORDINARY
- Enjoy up close encounters with the extraordinary wildlife of the Galapagos.
- Stay at luxury lodges on San Cristobal and Santa Cruz Islands.
- Cruise to nearby islands in search of blue footed boobies, Galapagos penguins and playful sea lions.
- Learn about the dramatic volcanic history of the Galapagos.
Itinerary
Today you arrive to San Cristobal Island, Galapagos. After settling in you have some free time for some lunch. This afternoon you enjoy a visit to the Interpretation Centre where you learn about the history of these enchanting islands and how people came to live there. A little later, a hike takes you up to Frigatebird Hill, which as its name suggests, is home to a great number of these graceful birds. There are also magnificent views of the island and out to the ocean from this vantage point. From here you stroll down to Darwin Bay, the original landing point of Charles Darwin, and a stunning location for swimming and snorkelling. It is also your first interaction with an abundance of marine life including sea lions, tropical fish, rays and turtles. Finally, you can relax in the serenity of Carola Beach and experience the curiosity of the local sea lions.
Overnight: Golden Bay Hotel
After breakfast you head to the port in time for your short cruise to the nearby Lobos Island. Lobos Island is a small islet populated with a sea lion colony, frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies. These fearless creatures allow for real up close encounters as they demonstrate their quirky behaviour. After a little exploration, there is time for some swimming and snorkelling. Return on board for some lunch before continuing to Ochoa Beach. This spectacular white sandy beach can only be accessed by boat and you often have it to yourself for some rest and relaxation before heading back to the lodge.
Overnight: Golden Bay Hotel(B, L)
Today, you navigate to the famous Kicker Rock, regarded as one of the best snorkelling spots in the Galapagos. Kicker Rock is a dazzling volcanic formation that rises from the ocean floor and creating an underwater channel between two rocky islands. Nazca and blue-footed boobies rest on the craggy rocks, but it is underwater where all the action happens. It is not uncommon see eagle rays, white reef sharks, an abundance of tropical fish, and even the odd hammerhead shark. Enjoy lunch on board before heading back to the lodge. Arriving in the early afternoon there should be time to unwind on the nearby Playa Mann.
Overnight: Golden Bay Hotel(B, L)
Today is an early start as you cruise to Punta Pitt, one of only two places on the island to where you can find the bizarre red-footed booby. A wet landing brings you to a delightful golden sand beach and a hike takes you up through some fascinating volcanic scenery, dramatically different from the south of the island. At the top of a volcanic tuff you arrive to the only place in the Galapagos where all three species of booby and both species of frigatebird nest in the same area. Returning to the shore you will have some time to snorkel and swim from the beach. Turtles and rays are often spotted in these warm translucent waters. Return by boat and arrive back in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Golden Bay Hotel(B, L)
After a relaxing morning you head to the airport for your flight to Baltra. Met on arrival you are transferred to your luxury lodge on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. A short meeting to brief you on the next few days’ activities and informative Galapagos documentaries are displayed in the explorers lounge. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax into your beautiful new surroundings. Try out the infinity pool or you could relax in the spa.
Overnight: Pikaia Lodge(B, L, D)
Today you travel to North Seymour Island aboard the Pikaia I. You are given a private cabin for the day and breakfast is served aboard the boat. North Seymour was formed by seismic shift and accounts for its low, flat profile. Noisy swallow-tailed gulls nest in the cliffs near to where you land. The trail leads you through large colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Arriving during mating season (April-May) gives you the opportunity to witness their charming courtship rituals. Land iguanas and sea lions can also be seen here. This afternoon you head to Las Bachas, a beautiful white sandy beach perfect for swimming and snorkelling. By taking a short walk to a nearby lagoon you can find pink flamingos feeding.
Overnight: Pikaia Lodge(B, L)
Today you explore Santa Cruz Island by land. Enjoy a morning visit to Charles Darwin Research Station and discover the great work conservation scientists are doing to preserve the giant tortoise population in the Galapagos. Here you can find new hatchlings as small as three inches long to fully-grown adults that can reach up to six feet in length. Later on you may head to the highlands of Santa Cruz where you can walk with these giant Galapagos icons roaming free in the wild. You might explore ‘los gemelos’ twin craters and discover the lava tunnels found in the area. If time permits you may also visit some local organic coffee farms.
Overnight: Pikaia Lodge(B, L, D)
Today you board the boat again it makes it way to Bartolome Island. Enjoy a hearty breakfast on board as you ready yourself for a short climb. A pathway takes you up approximately 300 steps to the summit and some of the most breath-taking panoramas in the Galapagos. At the top your guide will explain the volcanic origins of the Galapagos whilst marvelling at the spectacular views, including the iconic Pinnacle Rock. After the hike, there is a zodiac ride along the coastline where Galapagos penguins and sea lions rest on the rocks and swim in the crystalline waters. Relish in a tasty lunch whilst the boat travels to the north east coast of the Santiago Island. Disembark at the alluring Sullivan Bay, a coral white sand beach before continuing to hike on lava that flowed here less than 100 years ago. It is a great place to learn more about the origins of this volcanic archipelago. End a thrilling day with some time to snorkel from the beach.
Overnight: Pikaia Lodge(B, L, D)
This morning you are transferred to the airport in time for you flight to mainland Ecuador and connect with your international flight home.
Accommodation
- Golden Bay Hotel
- Pikaia Lodge
Cancellation Policy
Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and it is our endeavor to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and ration in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the program. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below,
- Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the event: Full refund as cash.
- Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 % refund as cash.
- Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.
- Cancellations will be accepted only by email.
Note: We reserve the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.
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