Grand Ocean Spray

Deals

AM: Upon arrival, reception and assistance at the airport, transfer from San Cristobal Airport to the M/C Grand Ocean Spray.

PM: Lobos Island is aptly named after the many sea lions that reside here resting and playing along the rocky shores. It is also home to many different birds like pelicans, frigate birds and their nests, yellow warblers and more. Within the small channel the waters are very clear, making it easy to find sea turtles, sea lions, stingrays and perhaps even white-tipped sharks.

AM: When arriving at Pitt Point, it will feel as if you’ve landed on an extraterrestrial planet.  You can see the many different developments over time of how volcanic activity formed this island.  A walk to the top beholds amazing views of the surrounding waters.  Watch out for blue-footed boobies nests on the ground and keep an eye out for the red-footed boobies nesting in the trees once you reach the top of the island.

PM: Witch hill has awesome crevices and eroding rocks along the shoreline where you will first pass in dinghy. Afterwards be prepared to visit a powdery white sand beach with teal and turquoise waters.

AM: When arriving at Pitt Point, it will feel as if you’ve landed on an extraterrestrial planet.  You can see the many different developments over time of how volcanic activity formed this island.  A walk to the top beholds amazing views of the surrounding waters.  Watch out for blue-footed boobies nests on the ground and keep an eye out for the red-footed boobies nesting in the trees once you reach the top of the island.

PM: Witch hill has awesome crevices and eroding rocks along the shoreline where you will first pass in dinghy. Afterwards be prepared to visit a powdery white sand beach with teal and turquoise waters.  

AM: Black Turtle Cove is located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. This shallow inlet is surrounded by mangroves and provides a natural protection for a variety of marine life, attracting the vulnerable juveniles of many species. Below the surface of the water, you can see both black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, golden cow-nose rays, and spotted eagle rays. Pelicans and blue-footed boobies hunt here, diving gracefully into the water.

After this last visit, transfer to Baltra airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. Assistance and farewell at the airport.

AM: Upon arrival, reception and assistance at the airport, transfer from Baltra Airport to the M/C Grand Ocean Spray.

PM: Pinnacle Rock is a volcanic cone formed by magma expelled by an underwater volcano. The sea cooled the hot lava and as it exploded from contact, the pieces formed together this huge rock of many, many layers of basalt. The huge rock also has a beach where a small population of green sea turtles will nest during breeding season. Galapagos penguins gather here and swimming can offer beautiful sights of colorful schools of fish and curious sea lions.

AM: Darwin Bay used to be a shield volcano, now you can see where one of the sides of its caldera collapsed after hundreds of years of erosion.  It is known for the wide variety of birds that can be seen.  Over 20,000 red-footed boobies are estimated to call this island home within the trees and bushes of Genovesa Island.

PM: Also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps. It leads to a rocky path up a cliff that rewards guests with a remarkable view.  It is also home to a Palo Santo forest that is home to the nesting red-footed boobies and other shorebirds.

AM: As the second Island Charles Darwin discovered, it was originally named after King James of England.  Buccaneer Cove is an excellent opportunity for snorkeling and was once a refuge for passing sailors and pirates.  The underwater formations provide an amazing home for the many different tropical species of fish that can be found here.

PM: Egas port is also known as James Bay, home to quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards.  There are grottos and tide pools housing all kinds of different marine species.  This is also one of the best snorkeling sites in the Galapagos.

AM: The island was named after English nobleman Lord Hugh Seymour. Formed by uplifted submarine lava, the island is home to a huge colony of about 2,500 land iguanas and large populations of sea lions, blue-footed boobies, common noddies, and frigatebirds. Along the coast, it is possible to see land and marine iguanas and the biggest colony of Magnificent Frigatebirds.

PM: On the highlands of Santa Cruz, you’ll have the opportunity to see the famous giant tortoises in the wild. So renowned are these endemic animals that they gave the archipelago its name. Birdwatching is also one of the activities do to in the Santa Cruz highlands, since this area is home of finches and other Galapagos birds. After the visit to the highlands, we continue to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station that provides guests with a unique opportunity to find out about the vital work that is being carried out to preserve the archipelago’s ecosystems. The Research Center is also home to a significant breeding program for Galapagos tortoises, whose numbers have been in decline since the 1970’s. These captivating reptiles are very accustomed to humans, so be sure to bring your camera for some close-ups. 

AM: This visitor site is located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour. It is a reef of rocks and coral (the result of an uprising) and a great white sand beach. Its narrowest width reaches about 160 meters and has an estimated length of 600 meters. In most of the perimeter there is a base of lava rocks, as evidence of the lava uprising, except in the southwest side where the landing occurs. This island has one of the largest populations of sea lions. You can also observe several species of shorebirds. There have been occasional reports at this site of Orcas (Orcinus orca) feeding on sea lions.

After this last visit, transfer to Baltra airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. Assistance and farewell at the airport. 

AM: Upon arrival, reception and assistance at the airport, transfer from Baltra Airport to the M/C Grand Ocean Spray.

PM: This site offers rare, up close viewing of Galapagos wildlife and well-preserved remnants of fragile volcanic rock that can't be found in such a unique condition anywhere else. The island is named after the similarity of an Asian type of hat.  Here you can see American Oystercatchers and Galapagos Penguins swimming along the shores.

AM: Vicente Roca Point has outstanding geological formations and is a great place to see various bird species.  Because this visitor site is located on the western area of the island, the Cromwell Current provides cold water that carries many nutrients for both land and aquatic species, offering the chance to see amazing feeding frenzies.

PM: As one of the most pristine islands in the archipelago, Fernandina has never had a foreign species invade.  It is also the most active island and farthest west.  Espinoza point is the only visitor site on the entire island.  Here you can see marine iguanas, Galapagos hawks and enjoy a walk and snorkeling activity at one of the most natural, unspoiled sites in the entire world.

AM: If you like historic remnants, then you will enjoy finding what was left behind by pirates and sailors in the 1800s.  This site was one of their preferred pit stops while traveling the seas. The walk here will provide incredible views of the cove and on the other side the mangrove forest where the last 35 pairs of Mangrove finches thrive.

PM: Millions of years ago, Urbina Bay was once laying on the ocean floor.  Volcanic uplifts caused it to rise and now it is occupied by sea lions, land iguanas and flightless cormorants.  It is a great place to enjoy some free time on the beach or the guide may suggest a walk.

AM: This visitor site is visited by dinghy only as the park authorities have no authorized landing in order to protect the island.  While in the dinghy you can appreciate a large abundance of marine life that can be seen in the clear waters. 

PM: The beautiful rocky shores of Moreno Point offers a plethora of birds to be seen.  It is truly a birders delight.  The main attraction are the coast lagoons where white tipped sharks can be seen and the panoramic views of Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes cannot be missed.

AM: The Charles Darwin Research Station is one of the Galapagos Island’s most important sites for visitors. It is a research facility that has an extensive collection of Galapagos plant life specimens carefully preserved and also acts as a biological research station and active breeding center operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation.  Their biggest conservation efforts are to one day eliminate all invasive and non-native plants and animals destroying endemic species within the islands.  

PM: The highlands are located in the northern part of Santa Cruz and can reach elevations up to 1500 meters.  This area is rich with hills, ferns, volcanoes and wildlife.  A great contrast to the molten lava hardened beaches and rocky areas of other islands already seen.  It is home to giant tortoises, mockingbirds, finches and many other species.

AM: South Plaza is one of the smallest islands with a visitor site, but is home to an incredible amount of diverse flora and fauna. It has a large population of Sesuvium plants like the prickly pear cactus tree that is an important source of food for the land iguana. Just a few years ago mice were finally eradicated from the island, helping the population of land iguanas grow healthily once more. The amazing colors of the turquoise waters against the black lava create a setting for amazing photography opportunities.

After this last visit, transfer to Baltra airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. Assistance and farewell at the airport. 

AM: Upon arrival, reception and assistance at the airport, transfer from Baltra Airport to the M/C Grand Ocean Spray.

PM: Santa Fe is home to the endemic Santa Fe iguana.  The island was created by a volcanic uplift that now hosts a forest of Opuntia and Palo Santo trees. It is a picturesque island with two different trails, one leading to a scenic viewpoint and the other leading to a small beach.  Giant tortoises were once native here but went extinct after pirates and sailors took them aboard as a source of food.  

AM: This is a phenomenal site where you will get to see many of Española Island's endemic species. The trail will pass by the only Waved Albatross breeding site in all of Galapagos. If you are lucky you might see a young albatross take off for its first flight for up to five years at sea. Older birds stay at sea for months at a time, only coming back to breed. They have the same mate for life and will meet each other each year, only here to reproduce. Other species that can be seen are marine iguanas that stay brightly colored year-round, Galapagos doves, Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropic birds, and Darwin finches.

PM: This white sandy beach is home to a large colony of sea lions and incredibly blue and turquoise waters.  Three different finches can be seen, as well as the Española mockingbird.  Over time, the mockingbird must have been offered water or food from tourists and now they have no fear of walking on your things or landing very close to you. 

Or visit the Osborn and Gardner islets that are amazing for underwater discovery. Snorkeling is a highlight on this visitor point.

It is so important not to feed or touch the animals.  It can disrupt their normal behaviors and threaten their future.

AM: The Interpretation Center has been open to the public since 1998, offering extensive knowledge about the history of Galapagos. San Cristobal is also the island where Charles Darwin first landed on.  It is now home to the capital of Galapagos and houses many government offices, as well as part of the Ecuadorian Navy.  Giant tortoises are bred at the Galapaguera and roam in a semi-natural habitat created by the center.

PM: Lobos Island is aptly named after the many sea lions that reside here resting and playing along the rocky shores. It is also home to many different birds like pelicans, frigate birds and their nests, yellow warblers and more.  Within the small channel the waters are very clear, making it easy to find sea turtles, sea lions, stingrays and perhaps even white-tipped sharks.

AM: When arriving at Pitt Point, it will feel as if you’ve landed on an extraterrestrial planet.  You can see the many different developments over time of how volcanic activity formed this island. A walk to the top beholds amazing views of the surrounding waters.  Watch out for blue-footed boobies nests on the ground and keep an eye out for the red-footed boobies nesting in the trees once you reach the top of the island.

PM: Witch hill has awesome crevices and eroding rocks along the shoreline where you will first pass in dinghy. Afterwards be prepared to visit a powdery white sand beach with teal and turquoise waters.  

AM: Ask the Cruise Manager for one of our complimentary postcards to write a message and address it home.  Leave it in the barrel used before by pirates and sailors. While your there, see if there are any other postcards you can take home with you to send for fellow travelers who have already left their messages!  

PM: Cormorant is an interesting visitor site. Two beaches can be visited here, just beyond the first beach is a saltwater lagoon with flamingos. One of the beaches look green because of the olivine crystals, and the other is appropriately called Flour Beach because of the powdery white sand, made from fine, pulverized coral. Watch your feet if wading in the water, stingrays love to hang out here as well.

Devil’s Crown boasts one of the finest snorkeling opportunities.  Below the surface are amazing volcanic structures that have submerged over time.  Hundreds of colorful fish species can be seen along the reef, along with sharks, rays, sea turtles, sea lions, and rays.  It’s a beautiful underwater spectacle that cannot be missed.

AM: Black Turtle Cove is located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. This shallow inlet is surrounded by mangroves and provides a natural protection for a variety of marine life, attracting the vulnerable juveniles of many species. Below the surface of the water, you can see both black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, golden cow-nose rays, and spotted eagle rays. Pelicans and blue-footed boobies hunt here, diving gracefully into the water. After this last visit, transfer to Baltra airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. Assistance and farewell at the airport. 

AM: Upon arrival, reception and assistance at the airport, transfer from Baltra Airport to the M/C Grand Ocean Spray.

PM: This site offers rare, up close viewing of Galapagos wildlife and well-preserved remnants of fragile volcanic rock that can't be found in such a unique condition anywhere else. The island is named after the similarity of an Asian type of hat.  Here you can see American Oystercatchers and Galapagos Penguins swimming along the shores.

AM: Vicente Roca Point has outstanding geological formations and is a great place to see various bird species.  Because this visitor site is located on the western area of the island, the Cromwell Current provides cold water that carries many nutrients for both land and aquatic species, offering the chance to see amazing feeding frenzies.

PM: As one of the most pristine islands in the archipelago, Fernandina has never had a foreign species invade.  It is also the most active island and farthest west.  Espinoza point is the only visitor site on the entire island.  Here you can see marine iguanas, Galapagos hawks and enjoy a walking and snorkeling activity at one of the most natural, unspoiled sites in the entire world.

AM: If you like historic remnants, then you will enjoy finding what was left behind by pirates and sailors in the 1800s.  This site was one of their preferred pit stops while traveling the seas. The walking here will provide incredible views of the cove and on the other side the mangrove forest where the last 35 pairs of Mangrove finches thrive.

PM: Millions of years ago, Urbina Bay was once laying on the ocean floor.  Volcanic uplifts caused it to rise and now it is occupied by sea lions, land iguanas and flightless cormorants.  It is a great place to enjoy some free time on the beach or the guide may suggest a walk.

AM: This visitor site is visited by dinghy only as the park authorities have no authorized landing in order to protect the island.  While in the dinghy you can appreciate a large abundance of marine life that can be seen in the clear waters.

PM: The beautiful rocky shores of Moreno Point offers a plethora of birds to be seen.  It is truly a birders delight.  The main attraction are the coast lagoons where white tipped sharks can be seen and the panoramic views of Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes cannot be missed.

AM: The Charles Darwin Research Station is one of the Galapagos Island’s most important sites for visitors. It is a research facility that has an extensive collection of Galapagos plant life specimens carefully preserved and also acts as a biological research station and active breeding center operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation.  Their biggest conservation efforts are to one day eliminate all invasive and non-native plants and animals destroying endemic species within the islands.  

PM: The highlands are located in the northern part of Santa Cruz and can reach elevations up to 1500 meters.  This area is rich with hills, ferns, volcanoes and wildlife.  A great contrast to the molten lava hardened beaches and rocky areas of other islands already seen.  It is home to giant tortoises, mockingbirds, finches and many other species.

AM: South Plaza is one of the smallest islands with a visitor site, but is home to an incredible amount of diverse flora and fauna. It has a large population of Sesuvium plants like the prickly pear cactus tree that is an important source of food for the land iguana. Just a few years ago mice were finally eradicated from the island, helping the population of land iguanas grow healthily once more. The amazing colors of the turquoise waters against the black lava create a setting for amazing photography opportunities.

PM: Santa Fe is home to the endemic Santa Fe iguana.  The island was created by a volcanic uplift that now hosts a forest of Opuntia and Palo Santo trees.  It is a picturesque island with two different trails, one leading to a scenic viewpoint and the other leading to a small beach.  Giant tortoises were once native here but went extinct after pirates and sailors took them aboard as a source of food. 

AM: This is a phenomenal site where you will get to see many of Española Island's endemic species. The trail will pass by the only Waved Albatross breeding site in all of Galapagos. If you are lucky you might see a young albatross take off for its first flight for up to five years at sea. Older birds stay at sea for months at a time, only coming back to breed. They have the same mate for life and will meet each other each year, only here to reproduce. Other species that can be seen are marine iguanas that stay brightly colored year round, Galapagos doves, Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropic birds, and Darwin finches.

PM: This white sandy beach is home to a large colony of sea lions and incredibly blue and turquoise waters.  Three different finches can be seen, as well as the Española mockingbird.  Over time, the mockingbird must have been offered water or food from tourists and now they have no fear of walking on your things or landing very close to you. 

Or visit the Osborn and Gardner islets that are amazing for underwater discovery. Snorkeling is a highlight on this visitor point.

It is so important not to feed or touch the animals.  It can disrupt their normal behaviors and threaten their future.

AM: A short distance from the centre of San Cristobal is the San Cristobal Interpretation Center, open to the public since 1998, which provides an extensive knowledge about the fascinating history of the archipelago and give visitors a more holistic understanding of these islands' unique habitats and wildlife.

The main areas of focus, which are addressed through a number of expositions are: natural history, human history and conservation for the future. For those who are interested in the geology of the archipelago there is a complete exhibit on the volcanic birth of the Galapagos and how this impacted on the habitats present here.

After this last visit, transfer to San Cristobal airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. Assistance and farewell at the airport. 

AM: Upon arrival, reception and assistance at the airport, transfer from San Cristobal Airport to the M/C Grand Ocean Spray.

PM: Lobos Island is aptly named after the many sea lions that reside here resting and playing along the rocky shores. It is also home to many different birds like pelicans, frigate birds and their nests, yellow warblers and more. Within the small channel the waters are very clear, making it easy to find sea turtles, sea lions, stingrays and perhaps even white-tipped sharks.

AM: When arriving at Pitt Point, it will feel as if you’ve landed on an extraterrestrial planet.  You can see the many different developments over time of how volcanic activity formed this island.  A walk to the top beholds amazing views of the surrounding waters.  Watch out for blue-footed boobies nests on the ground and keep an eye out for the red-footed boobies nesting in the trees once you reach the top of the island.

PM: Witch hill has awesome crevices and eroding rocks along the shoreline where you will first pass in dinghy. Afterwards be prepared to visit a powdery white sand beach with teal and turquoise waters.  

AM: Ask the Cruise Manager for one of our complimentary postcards to write a message and address it home.  Leave it in the barrel used before by pirates and sailors. While your there, see if there are any other postcards you can take home with you to send for fellow travelers who have already left their messages!  

PM: Cormorant is an interesting visitor site. Two beaches can be visited here, just beyond the first beach is a saltwater lagoon with flamingos. One of the beaches look green because of the olivine crystals, and the other is appropriately called Flour Beach because of the powdery white sand, made from fine, pulverized coral. Watch your feet if wading in the water, stingrays love to hang out here as well.

Devil’s Crown boasts one of the finest snorkeling opportunities.  Below the surface are amazing volcanic structures that have submerged over time.  Hundreds of colorful fish species can be seen along the reef, along with sharks, rays, sea turtles, sea lions, and rays.  It’s a beautiful underwater spectacle that cannot be missed.

AM: Black Turtle Cove is located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. This shallow inlet is surrounded by mangroves and provides a natural protection for a variety of marine life, attracting the vulnerable juveniles of many species. Below the surface of the water, you can see both black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, golden cow-nose rays, and spotted eagle rays. Pelicans and blue-footed boobies hunt here, diving gracefully into the water.

PM: Pinnacle Rock is a volcanic cone formed by magma expelled by an underwater volcano. The sea cooled the hot lava and as it exploded from contact, the pieces formed together this huge rock of many, many layers of basalt. The huge rock also has a beach where a small population of green sea turtles will nest during breeding season. Galapagos penguins gather here and swimming can offer beautiful sights of colorful schools of fish and curious sea lions.

AM: Darwin Bay used to be a shield volcano, now you can see where one of the sides of its caldera collapsed after hundreds of years of erosion.  It is known for the wide variety of birds that can be seen.  Over 20,000 red-footed boobies are estimated to call this island home within the trees and bushes of Genovesa Island.

PM: In English, this visitor site is also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps.  It leads to a rocky path up a cliff that rewards guests with a remarkable view.  It is also home to a Palo Santo forest that is home to the nesting red-footed boobies and other shorebirds.

AM: As the second Island Charles Darwin discovered, it was originally named after King James of England.  Buccaneer Cove is an excellent opportunity for snorkeling and was once a refuge for passing sailors and pirates.  The underwater formations provide an amazing home for the many different tropical species of fish that can be found here.

PM: Egas port is also known as James Bay, home to quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards.  There are grottos and tide pools housing all kinds of different marine species.  This is also one of the best snorkeling sites in the Galapagos.

AM: The island was named after English nobleman Lord Hugh Seymour. Formed by uplifted submarine lava, the island is home to a huge colony of about 2,500 land iguanas and large populations of sea lions, blue-footed boobies, common noddies, and frigatebirds. Along the coast, it is possible to see land and marine iguanas and the biggest colony of Magnificent Frigatebirds.

PM: On the highlands of Santa Cruz, you’ll have the opportunity to see the famous giant tortoises in the wild. So renowned are these endemic animals that they gave the archipelago its name. Birdwatching is also one of the activities do to in the Santa Cruz highlands, since this area is home of finches and other Galapagos birds. 

After the visit to the highlands, we continue to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station that provides guests with a unique opportunity to find out about the vital work that is being carried out to preserve the archipelago’s ecosystems. The Research Center is also home to a significant breeding program for Galapagos tortoises, whose numbers have been in decline since the 1970’s. These captivating reptiles are very accustomed to humans, so be sure to bring your camera for some close-ups. 

AM: This visitor site is located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour. It is a reef of rocks and coral (the result of an uprising) and a great white sand beach. Its narrowest width reaches about 160 meters and has an estimated length of 600 meters. In most of the perimeter there is a base of lava rocks, as evidence of the lava uprising, except in the southwest side where the landing occurs. This island has one of the largest populations of sea lions. You can also observe several species of shorebirds. There have been occasional reports at this site of Orcas (Orcinus orca) feeding on sea lions.

After this last visit, transfer to Baltra airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. Assistance and farewell at the airport.