Itinerary C+A (Santa Cruz - Santa Cruz)

Galaxy Orion · Galapágy · 7 nights

Délka
7 nights
Nalodění
Santa Cruz, Galapagos
Vylodění
Santa Cruz, Galapagos

O této trase

Discover the geological and biological wonders of the Galapagos on this 7-night expedition starting and ending at Santa Cruz. Guests will explore a diverse array of volcanic landscapes, from the iconic Pinnacle Rock on Bartolome to the ancient lava fields of Sullivan Bay. The route features exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation, including encounters with giant tortoises, waved albatrosses, and various booby species. Each day balances guided terrestrial hikes with immersive snorkeling sessions in nutrient-rich waters home to sea lions, penguins, and reef sharks.

Oblasti na této trase

Santa Cruz IslandSanta Fe IslandGardner BaySullivan BayIsla BartoloméPost Office BaySan Cristobal

Nej zážitky

Gardner Bay

A stunning white coral sand beach on Española Island, ideal for observing large colonies of sea lions and inquisitive mockingbirds.

  • Sea lion colonies
  • Española mockingbirds
  • Turquoise waters

Isla Bartolomé

Famous for its iconic Pinnacle Rock, this island offers a dramatic volcanic landscape and waters home to resident Galapagos penguins.

  • Pinnacle Rock
  • Galapagos penguins
  • Volcanic panoramas

Post Office Bay

A site of great historical significance on Floreana Island where 18th-century whalers established a unique postal system using a wooden barrel.

  • Historic mail barrel
  • Lava tunnel
  • Whaling history

San Cristobal

The easternmost island hosting unique sites like Punta Pitt and Cerro Brujo. It is the only place in the archipelago where one can view three species of boobies nesting together.

  • Punta Pitt boobies
  • Sea lion colonies
  • White sand beaches

Santa Cruz Island

A central hub of the Galapagos, this island features diverse ecosystems from coastal mangroves to lush highlands. It is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station and significant tortoise populations.

  • Giant tortoises
  • Darwin Research Station
  • Highland forests

Santa Fe Island

Known for its unique species of land iguana and a forest of towering prickly pear cacti overlooking a turquoise bay.

  • Endemic land iguanas
  • Giant cacti
  • Galapagos hawks

Sullivan Bay

A geological masterpiece featuring a vast field of relatively young Pahoehoe lava that appears like a frozen black sea.

  • Pahoehoe lava flows
  • Geological exploration
  • Coastal snorkeling

Výlety na břeh

  • Hike across the unique Pahoehoe lava fields at Sullivan Bay to see geological formations.
  • Visit the historic Post Office Bay barrel to participate in the traditional whaler mail system.
  • Trek the highlands of San Cristobal to observe giant tortoises weighing up to 600 lbs.
  • Explore the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the tortoise breeding and conservation centers.
  • Walk the white sand beaches of Cerro Brujo, one of the first sites visited by Charles Darwin.
  • Summit Bartolome Island for panoramic views of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding volcanic landscape.
  • Witness the courtship displays of waved albatrosses and frigatebirds at Suarez Point.
  • Hike across the volcanic landscape of Bartolome to see Pinnacle Rock and lunar-like cones.
  • Observe the giant tortoise breeding program at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
  • Trek through a prickly pear cactus forest on Santa Fe Island to find endemic land iguanas.
  • Visit the historic 18th-century whaling mail system at Post Office Bay on Floreana.
  • Explore the massive waved albatross colony and coastal blowholes at Suarez Point.
  • Walk among nesting blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca boobies at Punta Pitt.

Dobré vědět

  • Check-in and check-out times are coordinated with local flight schedules and will be confirmed upon booking.
  • Activities include a mix of wet and dry landings requiring appropriate footwear.
  • Snorkeling equipment is typically provided for exploration of the coastal waters.
  • Itinerary details are subject to change based on local regulations, weather, and Captain's discretion.
  • Hiking effort ranges from Level 1 (Easy) to Level 3 (Hard) or Level 5 (Intense).
  • Snorkeling equipment is typically used from the beach or dinghies for aquatic exploration.

Program den po dni

  1. Den 1: Embarkation – Arrival At Baltra & Bachas

    After arriving at Baltra Airport and meeting your guide, you will head to Bachas Beach on the northern coast of Santa Cruz. The area features white sands where sea turtles nest and lagoons that are often frequented by flamingos and other shorebirds.

    Potápěčské lokality: Bachas

  2. Den 2: Bartolome & Sullivan Bay – Volcanic Vistas

    Ascend the stairs of Bartolome for a panoramic view of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding volcanic cones. The afternoon is spent exploring the intricate Pahoehoe lava formations at Sullivan Bay, a site known for its geological youth. Snorkeling sessions here commonly feature Galapagos penguins, whitetip reef sharks, and sea lions navigating the clear coastal waters.

    Potápěčské lokality: Bartolome, Sullivan Bay

  3. Den 3: South Plazas & Santa Fe – Iguana Habitats

    Explore South Plaza Island, where colorful Sesuvium plants provide a backdrop for large colonies of land iguanas and diverse seabirds. Later, visit Santa Fe Island to wander through forests of giant prickly pear cacti and snorkel in a turquoise bay. The region is well-known for its resident Galapagos hawks and playful sea lions in the shallow coves.

    Potápěčské lokality: South Plazas Island, Santa Fe Island

  4. Den 4: Cerro Brujo & Punta Pitt – San Cristobal Shorelines

    Walk the expansive white sands of Cerro Brujo, a historic site visited by Darwin that now serves as a bustling sea lion nursery. The journey continues to Punta Pitt, a rugged terrain that is the only place in the islands where all three booby species can be observed nesting together. The underwater terrain often features diverse schools of fish and curious marine mammals.

    Potápěčské lokality: Cerro Brujo, Punta Pitt

  5. Den 5: Highlands & Lobos Island – Tortoises & Frigates

    Travel into the lush highlands of San Cristobal to observe the giant tortoises in their natural freshwater environment. In the afternoon, visit Lobos Island, a small islet where frigatebirds display their red pouches and sea lions lounge along the rocky shore. Snorkeling in the calm channel offers chances to see marine iguanas feeding on submerged algae.

    Potápěčské lokality: Highlands, Lobos Island

  6. Den 6: Gardner Bay & Suarez Point – Española Wonders

    Relax on the coral sands of Gardner Bay, where mockingbirds and sea lions are common sights along the water's edge. The afternoon is dedicated to Suarez Point, home to a massive waved albatross colony and dramatic blowholes. The surrounding waters are known for their high biodiversity, including surgeonfish and occasional reef sharks.

    Potápěčské lokality: Gardner Bay, Suarez Point

  7. Den 7: Post Office Bay & Devil's Crown – Floreana History

    Visit the historic wooden barrel post office before snorkeling in the waters of Floreana. The expedition reaches Devil's Crown, a partially submerged volcanic crater that funnels currents and attracts vibrant schools of snapper and parrotfish. The area is also a significant nesting site for green sea turtles and host to American flamingos in nearby lagoons.

    Potápěčské lokality: Post Office Bay, Cormorant Point, Devil's Crown

  8. Den 8: Disembarkation – Charles Darwin Station

    Concluding the journey, guests visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about tortoise conservation efforts and breeding programs. Following the tour, transfers are provided to the airport for return flights.

Nejbližší odjezdy

Pro tuto trasu nejsou momentálně naplánované žádné odjezdy.

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