The Galápagos: A Journey by Sea

Day 1 (Thursday, July 24) Arrivals: Depart the U.S. on a flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador and transfer to the hotel, Hilton Colon Guayaquil, on arrival. 

Day 2 (Friday, July 25): We land at Baltra Island by plane in the morning and transfer to the nearby dock to board the Isabela II, where we take part in an introductory briefing, boat drill, and lunch. We'll disembark for a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station's giant tortoise breeding center. Here are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation, and National Park Administration. Back on the ship, settle in with a welcome cocktail, a briefing on the next day’s expedition plan, and a delicious dinner.

Day 3 (Saturday, July 26): In the morning, we land on the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island, Punta Pitt. We’ll follow a trail to the beach and observe the famous Galápagos boobies. This is the only site in the archipelago where all three species can be found together, along with two frigate bird species, and bachelor sea lions. Additional water activities will also be offered if weather permits. In the afternoon, you’ll disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for the island’s southern shore. Within the deciduous forest at Cerro Colorado, we will visit the iconic, endangered giant tortoises, and other endemic species.

Day 4 (Sunday, July 27): Welcome to Española Island! Start your morning in Gardner Bay for a walk on the beach to observe sea lions, mockingbirds, finches, and to soak in the scenery. You’ll then have the opportunity for snorkeling, kayaking, an inflatable dinghy ride, or a ride on the glass-bottom boat. Return to the ship for lunch on board followed by an outing at Punta Suarez. This scenic location boasts lava and boulder terrains as well as colonies of albatrosses, boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, the unique marine iguanas, and the coastal landmark dubbed the “blowhole.”

Day 5 (Monday, July 28): We’re venturing to Floreana Island today. Disembark in the morning at Cormorant Point, a curiously olivine-crystal beach, and walk to a lagoon where American flamingos can be observed. From there, cross the island to a white-sand beach which is a nesting ground for sea turtles. You’ll have the opportunity at Champion Islet to snorkel, enjoy a panga ride, or go out in a glass-bottom boat. After lunch, the group will land at Baroness Cove and Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as an informal post office in the archipelago for over two centuries.

Day 6 (Tuesday, July 29): Isabela Island and Fernandina Island are our stops for today! Disembark at Punta Moreno, Isabela Island for a meander through mangroves in search of sea turtles. Take in the landscape that is dominated by giant volcanoes on a trail that loops through lava formations, pioneer lava cactus, and scalesia trees. Here, we hope to see the Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, brown pelicans, herons, sea lions, marine iguanas, and more! Additional water activities are offered here. The afternoon will feature Punta Mangle on Fernandina Island. Board a pangas, inflatable dinghy, to explore the coastline of the archipelago’s youngest ecosystem of tiny bays, mangroves, and coves.

Day 7 (Wednesday, July 30): You’ll arrive on Eden Islet on Santa Cruz Island this morning for another panga ride to the volcanic Islet to observe blue footed boobies, reef sharks, and frigates. Weather-permitting, water activities will be offered. Saving the best for last, you’ll spend the afternoon on North Seymour Island, the location of nesting frigatebirds, where males will be displaying their balloon-like red gular sacs, as well as land iguanas and sea lion colonies. Explore the coast with snorkeling and a dinghy ride, and end the day with dinner.

Day 8 (Thursday, July 31): Our journey ends at Baltra Island where we transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland. Upon arrival we'll check into our hotel to rest and freshen up. Later we gather for a festive farewell dinner.

Day 9 (Friday, August 1) Departures: Bid your Isabela II and Academy team a fond farewell—today you’ll disembark and head back home.