Galaxy

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PM: San Cristobal airport. Reception at the airport. Transfer in. Welcome onboard Galaxy Cruise. Welcome, drink, and lunch. 

Panga ride, swimming, and snorkeling at Lobos Island. Here, we can walk, swim and snorkel among the seals, frigate birds, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the small endemic Galapagos snake.

AM: Breakfast early in the morning. Our first visit starts with a wet landing at Gardner Bay. Activities during this visit: short walk, swimming, snorkeling, and observation of seal colony. The sea lion is one of the animals that receive a lot of attention from visitors in the Galapagos: they are curious and playful, but at times aggressive; they are nice and loving, but also lazy. We are going to find many of them relaxing on the beach enjoying the sun in Gardner Bay. In addition to observing these fascinating animals, we will be able to swim with sea lions, sea turtles, a diversity of tropical fish, marine iguanas, etc. while snorkeling. We will return to the ship and sail to Gardner and Osborn Islets. Lunch. 

PM: Dry landing at Suarez Point. Activities: Walking, sight-seeing. We recommend athletic shoes, a hat or cap, and sunscreen. There is no color more amazing and outstanding in this tropical desert island than that of the blue-foot boobies. These birds have an impressive form of “greeting,” and it is a real thrill to see their mating dance. The blue-footed booby can be seen on several islands, as nesting grounds and food are located along with several coastal locations. The albatross, an aristocratic bird weighing up to four kilograms, can be observed here. This is one of the largest birds of the islands, with approximately 12,000 couples nesting on Espanola Island and a smaller number nesting on Silver Island, near mainland Ecuador. This species is considered endemic to this island.

During our walk, we will observe these fantastic birds while taking in the beautiful landscapes offered by this island. It is important to note that albatrosses will not be seen between January and March (non-breeding season). We will also see colonies of marine iguanas, masked boobies, finches, Española mockingbirds, and seagulls endemic to the islands. Our walk will be along lava rock, where we will be able to see lava tubes. Red mangroves are found here. Delicious snacks and fresh beverages are waiting for you on the ship. Dinner.

AM: Breakfast early in the morning. Our first visit will be a wet landing at Post Office Bay. Activities: short walk, swimming, snorkeling, explanation of the mail system. Mail Bay is located on the north side of Floreana Island. Captain James Colnett installed an empty barrel to be used as a post office for the whaling fleets that stopped at the Galapagos Islands. You can leave postcards to your friends and relatives here and/or pick up mail to deliver. Back at the ship, delicious snacks and beverages await. 

PM: Wet landing, snorkeling, and short trek at Cormorant Point. This point is located on western Floreana Island, and it is famous for its dark green beach (due to a large number of olivine crystals). You can see many marine invertebrates here, as well as sea lions, sea iguanas, frigate birds, and pelicans.  

Activities at Devil's Crown include a panga ride and optional swimming. Enjoy a panga ride around a small island, a satellite islet of Floreana Island. Here, we will find a group of rocks that resemble a crown due to the constant erosion caused by the sea. It is one of the better places to snorkel (shallow diving) in and around the crown. Excellent visibility allows guests to admire a great variety of fish and sea animals. Dinner.

AM: Wet landing at Santa Fe this morning, as we enjoy hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. At 60m above sea level, this central island is a unique place to visit. It has an incredible bay with turquoise water, protected by a natural barrier of rocks. You will see colonies of seals, while hawks fly overhead. This island is home to one of two species of land iguanas found in the Galapagos. Their main food source is the leaves and fruit of the large, thick cacti found here. Crabs, nocturnal herons, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, and land doves are frequently seen. The bay is an excellent place to swim and snorkel. Marine tortoises, rays, sea lions, and tropical fish are an amazing attraction! Snacks and refreshing beverages are waiting for you aboard the ship. Lunch. Navigate to South Plazas Island. 

PM: South Plaza is made up of two small islands created by the uplifting of the land. The land iguanas are smaller here; nesting during the warm season. The hike runs along an extraordinary cliff where seabirds nest. There are approximately 1,000 sea lions located on the south side of Plazas Island. Dinner.

AM: Breakfast is very early in the morning. Luggage and belongings should be ready for checkout, our last visit, the Charles Darwin Research Station. The Charles Darwin Station is located in the main port on Santa Cruz Island; we will take a private bus to the entrance of the breeding center where we will see tortoises and land iguanas in captivity. This center is the main breeding site on the islands. Animals that were in danger of extinction on various islands are maintained here in captivity. Thanks to the dedicated work of several institutions, some species are being saved. This is where Lonesome George lived, the famous last survivor of the species of giant tortoise found on Pinta Island. 

After your morning excursion, you will be transferred to Baltra Airport for your departure flight.