Mary Anne

AM: After arriving at Baltra airport we will be greeted by a cruise representative to then board the Mary Anne and have lunch.

PM: After lunch, we will navigate a short distance to Black Turtle Cove, a large mangrove lagoon on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. Pelicans and herons roost on the branches, while marine dwellers such as Green Sea Turtle or Golden Ray may cruise right next to the panga as it makes its way through the mangroves.

AM: We travel to Genovesa Island and reach Darwin Bay, a unique site lined with red mangrove and soft-haired prickly pear cacti where Red-footed Boobies and Great Frigatebirds perch tamely.

PM: At Prince Philip Steps, we climb the edge of a cliff where Frigatebirds, Nazca Boobies, and Red-footed Boobies nest. We will be seeking out the impressive Red-billed Tropicbird amidst Galapagos Storm Petrels.

AM: Dry landing at Bartholomew to climb up the wooden steps and reach the summit of this spatter cone for the most breathtaking panorama of the islands’ well photographed Pinnacle Rock, views of neighboring Santiago, and many other central islands in the distance.

PM: Less than a quarter of one square kilometer in size, this island gets its name from being shaped like a Chinese hat. The hat shape is best appreciated from the north side. Lava formations can be seen on the western side of the island, formed under the sea, and raised upward and for this reason, it is possible to observe coral heads on the lava. Be amazed by the landscapes covered by sea lions colonies, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins. 

AM: Land onto Rabida’s deep-red beaches to explore the red island’s fascinating interior and saltwater lagoon. Darwin’s finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, and yellow warblers feed off the vegetation; given the right time of the year, brown pelicans nesting on salt bushes that fringe the beach.

PM: We head across to Cerro Dragon on Santa Cruz’s north-west shore; we visit a saltwater lagoon, home to Greater Flamingos, Black-necked Stilts, and White-cheeked Pintails. Further inland we find a fantastic land iguana nesting site.

AM: We will spend this day visiting Santa Cruz Island ́s most famous highlights. We will have a dry landing at the dock of Puerto Ayora to then board our transportation and head to the island’s highlands. This area, in contrast to the coastal region, has lush vegetation and forest due to the humidity in the higher regions. We will visit one of the ranches of the area where it is possible to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. As these animals migrate from the coastal area to the highlands and back, the chosen ranch will depend on the presence of the tortoises since they roam free and change locations. This is also a good place to see the Galapagos hawk and barn owl of this island and the surrounding forests are filled with birds such as the vermilion flycatcher or the yellow warbler. 

PM: We will enjoy lunch at the ranch to then head back to Puerto Ayora for our second visit of the day, the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Here, we will see tortoises from different islands. The animals are found in large semi‐natural pens for their protection, but also to ensure an easy view for the visitors. The pens are divided according to four different stages: eggs, neonates, juveniles (held here until they are mature enough to be "repatriated"), and adults. 

AM: Dry landing on one of the oldest docks of the Archipelago, colorful Plaza Sur is home to vibrant green prickly pears, deep red Sesuvium, and coppery-orange land iguanas; impressive seaward cliffs are excellent for a variety of coastal birds. This is also a great place to observe the adult and pup sea lions swimming along the shores.

PM: After a wet landing onto a white beach where sea lions are usually resting, on Santa Fe, we will be looking for the endemic species of land iguana, larger and yellower than land iguanas on other islands. The largest prickly pear cacti in the Galapagos are also found here.

AM: We will spend the day in fantastic Española, starting with Gardner Bay an outstanding beach with sea lions, marine iguanas, and the intrepid Española Mockingbird. Close to Española, there is a good spot for snorkeling called Gardner Islet. While snorkeling, there is a good chance playful sea lions will join you. Get ready for more snorkeling at Osborn islet, a great place to observe great quantities of marine life.

PM: Punta Suárez is a spectacular walk into the intimacies of life at sea, with nesting sites of Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies, as well as the fascinating breeding rituals (April to December) of Waved Albatross. Lined with neon-colored marine iguanas (January), and lazy Galapagos sea lions, we walk up to an amazing viewpoint of the famous geyser near the trail which sprays water some 25 m (75 feet) into the air. The trail is about 4 km (2 miles) long and the walk takes about 2 hours.

AM: This is our last day on the islands. After breakfast we will disembark in Puerto Ayora to take our transport to the Baltra airport, making a short stop to visit the Twin Craters. The Gemelos (the twins) are two deep craters located to the side of the road that leads to Puerto Ayora from the other side of the island. These huge holes were probably created in a volcanic explosion or by magma chambers underneath the island's surface. This is also a good place to see the Galapagos hawk and barn owl of this island and the surrounding forests are filled with birds such as the vermilion flycatcher or the yellow warbler. Something worth mentioning is the contrast of the vegetation of the highlands with the arid coastal zones.

After this visit, we will make our way to the Baltra airport for the flight to mainland Ecuador.

AM: After arriving at Baltra airport we will be greeted by a cruise representative and then board a bus that will take us to Puerto Ayora for the first visit to the islands. Please keep in mind that this itinerary starts right after you arrive at the islands. If possible, please wear clothes comfortable enough for a visit to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island: comfortable shoes, a hat for the sun, pants or shorts.

PM: After arriving at the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center we will see tortoises from different islands. The animals are found in large semi-natural pens for their protection, but also to ensure an easy view for the tourists. The pens are divided according to four different stages: eggs, neonates, juveniles (held here until they are mature enough to be "repatriated"), and adults.

Afterward, we will head back to Puerto Ayora, where we will have some time to explore the town and shops by ourselves before boarding the Mary Anne at around 17:00. Once on board, we will be welcomed by the crew and captain, have a short security drill, and enjoy dinner and the briefing for the next day's activities. 

AM: We spend the day on Floreana, the legendary homestead of infamous Baroness Eloise Von Wagner de Bousquet. Wet landing onto the olivine beaches of Punta Cormorant; we will be seeking Greater Flamingos on our way to another special beach with the finest sand you’ll set your foot on, a sea turtle nesting ground where sharks and rays also visit regularly. We end the outing on a short panga ride to Devil’s Crown, a key snorkeling site.

PM: After lunch, we will visit Post Office Bay where you can drop your postcards in the barrel as the whalers did centuries ago.

AM: This morning we will visit Floreana Island ́s Black Beach to learn about the intriguing human history of the island and its first inhabitants. Floreana was the first island in the archipelago to be inhabited since it has one of the very few freshwater sources.

We will visit this freshwater source known as Asilo de La Paz, as well as the caves that served as hideouts for pirates and where the first Galapegueño was born, according to the stories of Floreana, which involve the infamous Baroness Eloise Wagner von Bousquet and her lovers who mysteriously began to disappear after settling on the island. 

PM: After our visit, we will have the best opportunity for a not‐so‐common yet well beloved activity in the archipelago, full afternoon navigation to look for whales and dolphins. The waters of the Galapagos form the second largest marine reserve in the world very rich in wildlife.

The biggest representatives of the underwater fauna are the different species of whales and dolphins found here. We will navigate from Floreana to Isabela Island while looking for these fascinating creatures, which are commonly seen in this area. This afternoon is completed by the impressive landscapes of Isabela and the Cerro Azul volcano. 

AM: We arrive at Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos. After breakfast, we step ashore at Punta Moreno onto a superb pahoehoe lava flow surrounded by giant shield volcanoes, some still active! From here we will do a short hike to a lagoon where flamingos are usually present.

PM: We disembark at Urbina Bay (wet landing) onto a black sand beach, a nesting site for green sea turtles. We take a brief hike inland in search of land iguanas and giant tortoises (seasonal) that migrate to and from the highlands. At the beach, we will admire the remains of a geological uplift exposing coral heads and marine fossils and if the sea conditions and time are on our side, we will also snorkel in these waters.

AM: Dry landing near Tagus Cove, a historic pirate hideaway where names of countless ships are recorded for posterity on the cliff face. Hike through beautiful Galapagos landscapes to Darwin Lake, a salt-water crater lagoon surrounded by tuff stone.

PM: We cross Bolivar Channel to Fernandina Island, one of the world’s most unspoiled sites, and disembark at Punta Espinosa. Strolling along the shoreline, we will be on the lookout for Flightless Cormorants, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos penguins and hawks, sooty-colored marine iguanas and bright red-orange Sally Lightfoot Crabs.

AM: At Puerto Egas, we disembark on a dark sand volcanic beach with an interesting history of human settlement. Sleepy Galapagos fur seals lounge under arches of lava carved by the ocean and occasionally dip into the crystalline pools, also known as “grottos”. Walk along the shore and observe the abundant marine life.

PM: At Buccaneer Cove we will take a panga ride around the beautiful coastline. This place got its name because it used to be a refuge for British Buccaneers during the time they would anchor here to collect supplies and clean their ships among other activities. The cove is very scenic with views of the cliffs and a dark beach. Do not forget to look for two unusual rock formations known as ‘the monk’ and ‘elephant rock’. 

After three days of exploring the fabulous western islands, we head to central Santiago to disembark at Espumilla onto a golden-colored sand Green Sea Turtle nesting site. A forest trail will take us through some of the largest specimens of Palo Santo on the islands to observe Yellow Warblers, the unbelievably tame Galapagos Flycatcher, and the ever-intriguing Darwin’s finches.

AM: We head across to Sullivan Bay in Santiago to walk over a recent lava flow, including very fresh pahoehoe lava formations, lava bubbles containing crystallized minerals, and pioneer plants. Along the shoreline, we may find Galapagos penguins and herons going after small fish. 

PM: Disembark on North Seymour, a small uplifted island, where we will walk right up to bird nesting colonies of the two species of Frigatebirds, Blue-footed Boobies, and Swallow-tailed Gulls, and experience, depending on the season, spectacular displays. 

AM: Mosquera is a small islet located between Baltra Island and North Seymour measuring about 160 meters across and 600 meters long. It is home to one of the largest sea lion colonies and is also a haven for shorebirds. Orcas occasionally come to the islet to feed on the sea lions.

After this visit, the ship will sail to Baltra where passengers ending their trip will disembark and passengers beginning their cruise will join us on board.