Galapagos 4 Day South-Eastern Islands Cruise | Monique

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and assisted at the airport, then transferred from Baltra Airport to the M/C Monique.

In the afternoon, visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, also known as the Charles Darwin Research Station. The center hosts an interpretation center, museum, library, and tortoise breeding facility, home to various tortoise subspecies being prepared for reintroduction.

After the visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, we continue to 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.

This morning experience an island tradition that dates back to the 18th century when whalers used a wooden barrel to exchange mail—a custom you can still participate in today. Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, or walking and swimming through a lava tunnel.

In the afternoon, visit two contrasting beaches—one with olivine-rich green sand, and the other a white coral “Flour Beach” created by parrot fish over thousands of years. A saltwater lagoon nearby is frequented by one of the archipelago’s largest populations of Galapagos flamingos, and is home to stilts, pintails, and flycatchers.

Begin your day at Punta Suarez, one of the most biologically diverse sites in the Galapagos. As you follow a rugged trail along dramatic sea cliffs, you’ll pass by large colonies of Nazca and blue-footed boobies, boldly curious mockingbirds, vibrantly colored marine iguanas, and — during the right season — the world’s only population of waved albatrosses. Watch as these majestic birds court, nest, or launch themselves gracefully into the ocean air.

Spend the afternoon on the soft white sands of Gardner Bay, a pristine beach where sea lions lounge and the ocean invites you in. Whether you choose to swim, snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard, the surrounding turquoise waters offer a perfect opportunity to observe marine life. Just offshore, Gardner and Osborn Islets are home to coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, rays, and playful juvenile sea lions — ideal for a vibrant snorkeling adventure.

Start your morning with breathtaking views of Kicker Rock — a towering, twin-peaked volcanic formation rising from the sea. This iconic landmark is a haven for seabirds such as blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds, often seen perched on its narrow ledges. Then head to Witch Hill, a secluded bay with fine white sand and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Its shallow saltwater lagoon offers a peaceful setting ideal for spotting marine life and enjoying views of Kicker Rock from a unique vantage point.

After this last visit, transfer to San Cristobal airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.