Nemo II

AM: After arriving at Baltra airport you will be greeted by a representative of the vessel then board the Nemo II, enjoy a welcome drink, and have lunch.

PM: The name Bachas is “Spanglish” for 'barges' which were wrecked offshore during World War II. A common first landing site, there is a delightful swimming beach here, with a lagoon behind, and a longer beach for a stroll and wildlife watching. The saltwater lagoon behind often has great blue herons and small waders such as sander lings and semi‐palmated plovers. Both beaches are nesting areas for green sea turtles, which leave tracks in the sand to the back of the beach, especially from November to February. The beach offers ample space one can explore at leisure.

AM: Darwin bay, is the caldera of a collapsed volcano. We land on a small coral beach, were will take an easy walk. For those looking for a little more action there is a demanding optional walk over lava rock. This path will uncover stunning views from the cliffs with ample time and opportunity to photograph the amazing bird life. You may observe such species as swallow-tailed gulls, red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, large ground finches, large cactus finches, sharp-billed ground finches, small marine iguanas, and great Frigatebirds.

PM: Also known as the bird island: El Barranco, this is a demanding walk up a steep cliff, where tropicbirds, red-footed boobies and other nesting seabirds can be found. We follow the trail through Palo Santo forest to a storm petrel colony passing red boobies and great Frigatebirds along the way.  

AM: Breakfast service. Panga boat ride to Sullivan Bay. Wet landing. Nature walk. The main attraction of this bay is the broad, Pahoehoe, or rope lava flows. It is one of the most incredible places to compare the lava flows and their characteristics.

PM: Lunch and navigation to visit Rabida. One of the special features of Rabida Island is its remarkable red color, which is a result of the high percentage of oxidized iron in the composition of lava. Here we will witness the nine varieties of finches, as well as the large-billed flycatchers and brown pelicans. There is also a small salt-water lagoon where greater Flamingos can be seen and a beautiful colony of sea lions. 

AM: In the morning, enjoy the Highlands of Santa Cruz. This reserve offers you one of the best possibilities to see the huge turtles of Santa Cruz Island in their natural habitat. You can observe them from very close.

After your morning excursion, you will be assisted to Baltra airport for your flight to the mainland.

AM: Your trip begins with a morning arrival at the Baltra airport, where you will be welcomed by your cruise guide and transferred to the yacht.

PM: After lunch on board, you will make a dry landing in Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Scientific Station and Breeding Center. This is an excellent introduction to the islands' origin and formation, where you will learn how Galapagos turtles are raised and meet Jorge, the famous solitary turtle. The station also features its own beach that is popular with visitors on weekends.

AM: Following breakfast, a wet landing on Santa Fe Island brings you to one of the most beautiful coves in the Galapagos. Your visit begins with a turquoise lagoon panga ride before going ashore to encounter sea lion colonies and native Galapagos Hawks. You will also see the island's unique endemic Land Iguanas, which are the largest in the archipelago and resemble small beige and brown dinosaurs.

PM: The afternoon features a dry landing on South Plaza Island, known for its rocky trail and large populations of yellow-brown land iguanas that feed on prickly pear cactus. As you walk along the sea cliffs, you will spot Swallow-tailed Gulls, Frigatebirds, and Boobies, alongside Marine Iguanas and rare Hybrid Iguanas whose parents are Marine and Land Iguanas.

AM: The morning includes a dry landing and nature walk on Bartolome, the most photographed island in the Galapagos due to its famous Tuff Cone, Pinnacle Rock. You will have the opportunity to explore its barren volcanic landscape and snorkel from the northern twin half-moon beach. The surrounding waters are filled with sea lions, Galapagos Penguins, stingrays, and sharks.

PM: After lunch, you will enjoy a wet landing at Chinese Hat, a tiny island with a crescent-shaped white sand beach that is home to sea lions and Sally Lightfoot Crabs. The trail explores the island's striking volcanic origin, featuring Pahoehoe lava and lava tubes, followed by deep-water snorkeling alongside white-tipped sharks and playful penguins.

AM: Your final morning begins with a breakfast service and a circumnavigation of Daphne Major and Daphne Minor. Since disembarkation is not possible on these islands, the yacht will sail around them, giving you one last look at the beautiful scenic vistas of the Galapagos.

After taking in the final views, your cruise concludes with an 08:30 AM check-out process and a transfer to the Baltra airport for your departure flight.

AM: After arriving at Baltra airport you will be greeted by a representative of the vessel then board the Nemo II, enjoy a welcome drink, and have lunch.

PM: The main visit in Puerto Ayora is to Charles Darwin Station. An excellent way to begin learning about the islands, their origin and formation. You will learn about how the Galapagos turtles are raised and meet Jorge, the famous solitary turtle. The Scientific Station has its own beach that receives many visitors on weekends

AM: Elizabeth Bay is one of the few places from Galapagos Archipelago in which landing is forbidden. This happens because there is not a single place to stay in, and also to preserve the natural species of plants and animals living there. However, you can swim and play some water sports as a gift. Animals will be happy to welcome you to this water paradise

PM: Lunch service and navigation to Urbina Bay. Wet landing. Nature walk and more wildlife watching. Shallow water snorkeling. 

Lying at the foot of Alcedo Volcano, south of Tagus Cove, is Urbina Bay, one of the best and the most recent example of geological uplift in the Galapagos. Uplifts occur when the molten materials beneath the surface shifts. In 1954 the shoreline was uplifted by nearly 15 feet (4 meters). The coastline was driven 3/4 of a mile further out to sea, exposing giant coral heads and stranding marine organisms on what was now on shore. A Disney film crew visited the site shortly afterwards and discovered skeletons of sharks, sea turtles and lobsters unable to find the ocean from the rapidly rising land. Schools of fish were found stranded in newly formed tide pools. Boulder sized coral heads can be seen near the area that once was the beach. The uplifting of Urbina Bay was followed by an eruption of Alcedo a few weeks later.

AM: Tagus cove (Isabela Island) is situated directly east of Fernandina Island on the west coast of Isabela Island. It is a beautiful, well-protected cove sheltered by the shoulders of two volcanic craters and has been used as an anchorage for over 300 years. A nature trail here ascends through the typical dry vegetation zone and offers spectacular views of Darwin Lake, a saltwater crater lake and the long narrow inlet that appears to connect with it. At the top of the trail it is possible to observe the different vegetation zones, catch a glimpse of Darwin and Wolf volcanoes, and observe Galapagos Penguins, Flightless Cormorants and Pelicans. 

PM: After lunch, visit the Fernandina Island. which is the youngest and most active volcano in the Galapagos, with eruptions taking place every few years. The flat lava of Punta Espinosa offers a stark and barren landscape, but here flightless cormorants build their nests on the point, sea lions sprawl on the beach or play in the tide pools and large numbers of marine iguanas dot the sand. We also will have the opportunity to compare the Aa and Pahoehoe lava types here.

AM: The day begins just a short distance beyond the tide pools and heads to the fur seal grotto. Fur seals and sea lions can be seen swimming in the rocky lava ringed pools. This may be the only opportunity visitors have to see and swim with fur seals. The crystal clear water, volcanic bridges, fur seals and sea lions make this a magnificent place for swimming and snorkeling. 

Visitors who now come to Espumilla Beach mostly do so in search of birds rather than water. A short walk inland takes visitors through a mangrove forest normally inhabited by the common stilt. Sea turtles also visit these mangroves to nest. Beyond the mangroves is a brackish lagoon where flocks of pink flamingos and white cheeked pintails can be seen. The trail makes a loop heading over a knob into a sparely forested area then back to the beach.

Less than an hour north of Puerto Egas, Buccaneer Cove served as a safe haven for pirates, sailors and whalers during the 18th and 19th century. Anchoring in the protected bay they were able to make much needed repairs to their ships while other men went ashore to stock up on salt, tortoises, fresh water and firewood. Several years ago ceramic jars were found at the bottom of the bay, the disregarded cargo of some mariner from years ago. Inside the jars were supplies of wine and marmalade.  

PM: After lunch, a visit to Puerto Egas begins with a wet landing on the dark sand beaches of James Bay. Taking a walk along the rocky coast offers visitors the opportunity to view some of the tide pools Galapagos Island's best . Sponges, snails, hermit crabs, barnacles and fish including the endemic four can be seen. The walk also presents visitors with a variety ofeyed blenny shore birds, marine iguanas, sally light foot crabs and sea lions.

AM: In the morning, a panga boat ride to Caleta Tortuga, also known as Black Turtle Cove. There is no landing at this sight. It is located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island and the way to reach it is by a panga boat (motorized canoe). You will be able to see its mangrove swamp where marine turtles are nesting during certain seasons of the year, as well as sharks and rays.

After your morning excursion, you will be assisted to Baltra airport for your flight to the mainland.

AM: Your Galapagos adventure begins with a morning arrival at the Baltra airport, where you will be greeted by the cruise guide and transferred to the yacht.

PM: Following lunch on board, the catamaran navigates to North Seymour Island for a dry landing and a nature walk. The trail is approximately 2 km in length, crossing the inland of the island and exploring the rocky coast, bringing you close to colonies of Blue-Footed Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds. You will get to observe how the Blue-Footed Boobies nest on the ground using twigs, while the Magnificent Frigatebird nests just above them in the saltbushes.

AM: After breakfast, you will make a dry landing on Lobos Island, which is famous for its population of sea lions and fur sea lions. Here, you will also spot nesting grounds for the great Frigatebird and a small number of blue-footed boobies, and visit a breeding center to learn about the geological phenomena that created the islands.

PM: In the afternoon, you will sail to Cerro Brujo for a wet landing on a beautiful white sand beach, home to Brown Pelicans, Blue-Footed Boobies, marine iguanas, and sea lions. You will also experience a navigable small boat ride near Kicker Rock, also known as León Dormido, which is an eroded lava cone rising 500 feet from the ocean. Beneath the sea, the nearly crystal waters offer a brilliant show of colorful tropical fish and invertebrates.

AM: The morning starts with a dry landing and nature walk on Gardner Island, followed by a tranquil panga ride around Osborn Islet since landing is not permitted. These calm waters offer one of the best spots in the archipelago to snorkel with playful sea lions, parrotfish, butterfly fish, and corals.

PM: Following lunch, you will visit Suarez Point via a dry landing, offering great wildlife viewing. As you walk along the beach and the cliff's edge trail, you will encounter the largest Marine Iguanas of Galapagos, colorful Lava Lizards, and nesting Masked and Blue-Footed Boobies.

AM: Your day begins with a wet landing at Cormorant Point to explore a green sand beach, before walking to a lagoon where Pink Flamingoes make their home. The morning offers a variety of activities, including a visit to the fine white sands of "Flour Beach," deep water snorkeling, kayaking, and a panga ride to Champion Islet.

PM: After lunch, a panga ride takes you to Post Office Bay, where you can participate in a tradition started by British whalers in 1793 by dropping off or picking up letters without stamps. You will also visit The Baroness Viewpoint, a site known for its impressive scenic beauty and history, before enjoying some final snorkeling from the beach.

AM: Your final morning starts with a breakfast service and a dry landing to visit the Santa Cruz Highlands. This incredible reserve provides one of the best possibilities to see the huge turtles of Santa Cruz Island from very close in their natural habitat.

AM: After arriving at Baltra airport you will be greeted by a representative of the vessel then board the Nemo II, enjoy a welcome drink, and have lunch.

PM: The name is “Spanglish” for 'barges' which were wrecked offshore during the World War II. A common first landing site, there is a delightful swimming beach here, with a lagoon behind, and a longer beach for a stroll and wildlife watching. The saltwater lagoon behind often has great blue herons and small waders such as sander lings and semi‐palmated plovers. Both beaches are nesting areas for green sea turtles, which leave tracks in the sand to the back of the beach, especially from November to February. The beach offers ample space one can explore at leisure. Welcome cocktail and dinner on board.

AM: After breakfast, visit Darwin Bay is the caldera of a collapsed volcano. We land on a small coral beach, were will take an easy walk. For those looking for a little more action there is a demanding optional walk over lava rock. This path will uncover stunning views from the cliffs with ample time and opportunity to photograph the amazing bird life. You may observe such species as swallow-tailed gulls, red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, large ground finches, large cactus finches, sharp-billed ground finches, small marine iguanas, and great Frigatebirds.

PM: In the afternoon visit  Prince Phillip´s Steps, Also known as the bird island: El Barranco, this is a demanding walk up a steep cliff, where tropicbirds, red-footed boobies and other nesting seabirds can be found. We follow the trail through Palo Santo forest to a storm petrel colony passing red boobies and great Frigatebirds along the way.

AM: After breakfast, Panga boat ride to Sullivan Bay, the main attraction of this bay are the broad, Pahoehoe or rope lava flows. It is one of the most incredible places to compare the lava flows and their characteristics.

PM: In the afternoon, navigation to visit Rabida. One of the special features of Rabida Island is its remarkable red color, which is a result of the high percentage of oxidized iron in the composition of lava. Here we will witness the nine varieties of finches, as well as the large-billed flycatchers and brown pelicans. There is also a small salt-water lagoon where greater Flamingos can be seen and a beautiful colony of sea lions. 

AM: Breakfast and visit to Santa Cruz Highlands. The highlands of Santa Cruz have incredible zones of vegetation. This reserve offers you one of the best possibilities to see the huge turtles of Santa Cruz Island in their natural habitat. You can observe them from very close.

PM: The main visit in Puerto Ayora is to Charles Darwin Station. An excellent way to begin learning about the islands, their origin and formation. You will learn about how the Galapagos turtles are raised and meet Jorge, the famous solitary turtle. The Scientific Station has its own beach that receives many visitors on weekends.

AM: Breakfast on board and Visit to Elizabeth Bay, this is one of the few places from Galapagos Archipelago in which landing is forbidden. This happens because there is not a single place to stay in, and also to preserve the natural species of plants and animals living there. However, you can swim and play some water sports as a gift. Animals will be happy to welcome you to this water paradise.

PM: Lunch and navigation to Urbina Bay. Lying at the foot of Alcedo Volcano, south of Tagus Cove, is Urbina Bay, one of the best and the most recent example of geological uplift in the Galapagos. Uplifts occur when the molten materials beneath the surface shifts. In 1954 the shoreline was uplifted by nearly 15 feet (4 meters). The coastline was driven 3/4 of a mile further out to sea, exposing giant coral heads and stranding marine organisms on what was now on shore. 

A Disney film crew visited the site shortly afterwards and discovered skeletons of sharks, sea turtles and lobsters unable to find the ocean from the rapidly rising land. Schools of fish were found stranded in newly formed tide pools. Boulder sized coral heads can be seen near the area that once was the beach. The uplifting of Urbina Bay was followed by an eruption of Alcedo a few weeks later.

AM: After breakfast, visit to Tagus Cove in Isabela Island. It is a beautiful, well-protected cove sheltered by the shoulders of two volcanic craters and has been used as an anchorage for over 300 years. A nature trail here ascends through the typical dry vegetation zone and offers spectacular views of Darwin Lake, a saltwater crater lake and the long narrow inlet that appears to connect with it. At the top of the trail it is possible to observe the different vegetation zones, catch a glimpse of Darwin and Wolf volcanoes, and observe Galapagos Penguins, Flightless Cormorants and Pelicans.

PM: In the afternoon visit Fernandina Island, is the youngest and most active volcano in the Galapagos, with eruptions taking place every few years. The flat lava of Punta Espinosa offers a stark and barren landscape, but here flightless cormorants build their nests on the point, sea lions sprawl on the beach or play in the tide pools and large numbers of marine iguanas dot the sand. We also will have the opportunity to compare the Aa and Pahoehoe lava types here. 

AM: The morning kicks off with a wet landing at Espumilla Beach, where visitors can hike through mangrove forests to spot pink flamingos and nesting sea turtles. The journey continues to Buccaneer Cove, a historic 18th-century pirate haven framed by dramatic tuff cliffs and rock formations like the "Monk" and "Elephant." The morning concludes with a panga boat ride and deep-water snorkeling, offering a rare opportunity to swim alongside the Galapagos Fur Seal, the smallest of its kind.

PM: After lunch, the group lands on the dark sands of James Bay to explore Puerto Egas. The excursion features a nature walk past historic salt mine ruins—remnants of a 1950s business venture—leading to a stunning vista of a sunken crater lake. The trail offers sightings of Darwin’s finches and Galapagos hawks, ending at the fur seal grotto and tide pools, where sponges, marine iguanas, and sally lightfoot crabs thrive among the volcanic rock.

AM: In the morning, a panga boat ride to Caleta Tortuga, also known as Black Turtle Cove. There is no landing at this sight. It is located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island and the way to reach it is by a panga boat (motorized canoe). You will be able to see its mangrove swamp where marine turtles are nesting during certain seasons of the year, as well as sharks and rays. After the morning excursion, you will be assisted to Baltra airport for your flight to the mainland.

AM: Arrive at Baltra airport, meet your guide, and transfer to the Nemo II yacht.

PM: Sail to North Seymour for a dry landing and a 2 km hike. You’ll walk through colonies of Blue-footed Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds—famous for their vibrant red throat pouches—nesting among the Palo Santo trees and saltbushes.

AM: Visit Lobos Island for a nature walk to see sea lions and fur seals. Enjoy deep-water snorkeling and a visit to the breeding center to learn about the archipelago’s volcanic geology.

PM: Explore Cerro Brujo’s white sand beaches via panga ride and wet landing. You’ll also navigate past the towering Kicker Rock (León Dormido) to spot sharks and tropical fish through the crystal-clear waters.

AM: Spend the morning at Gardner Bay and Osborn Islet. Activities include panga rides, swimming, and snorkeling with inquisitive sea lions and schools of colorful parrotfish along the white sandy shores.

PM: Head to Suarez Point for a hike among the largest marine iguanas in the Galapagos. This high-energy site features nesting Masked Boobies and Blue-footed Boobies along dramatic ocean cliffs.

AM: Land at Cormorant Point to see the "Green Sand Beach" and a flamingo lagoon. Afterward, enjoy a panga ride to Champion Islet for snorkeling or kayaking near the Baroness Viewpoint.

PM: Visit the historic Post Office Barrel to participate in the 18th-century whaling tradition of hand-delivering mail. Explore the ruins of a Norwegian fishing village and the Baroness’s house before a final beach snorkel.

AM: Travel into the lush Santa Cruz Highlands. This is your premier opportunity to see the famous Giant Tortoises roaming freely in their natural, verdant habitat.

PM: Visit the Charles Darwin Scientific Station in Puerto Ayora. You’ll learn about island conservation, see the tortoise breeding center, and visit the memorial site of the legendary Lonesome George.

AM: Wet landing at Santa Fe Island, an uplifted formation home to a turquoise lagoon. Hike through saltbushes to find the endemic Santa Fe Land Iguana, which is larger and more "dinosaur-like" than those on other islands.

PM: Explore South Plaza, famous for its carpet of red sesuvium vegetation and hybrid iguanas. The trail offers sightings of Swallow-tailed Gulls and a large colony of "bachelor" sea lions lounging along the cliffs.

AM: Visit Bartolome Island, home to the iconic Pinnacle Rock. Climb the volcanic trail for the archipelago’s most famous view, then snorkel with Galapagos Penguins and white-tipped reef sharks.

PM: Head to Chinese Hat (Sombrero Chino) for a walk across fragile Pahoehoe lava fields. This restricted site offers a pristine white sand beach shared by sea lions and bright red Sally Lightfoot crabs.

AM: Enjoy a final breakfast on board as the yacht circumnavigates Daphne Major and Minor. Take in the last views of these steep volcanic cones from the deck before transferring back to Baltra for your departing flight.