Galapagos Enchanted Escape 5 days | Tribute

Arriving at Baltra Airport, your gateway to the enchanting Galapagos, is the beginning of a unique adventure. Upon arrival, a warm welcome awaits you. Your luggage will be handled with care and a friendly local guide will assist you, leading you on a short bus ride to the harbor. Here, you'll embark on your ship, greeted by the friendly crew and captain. Once aboard, your comfortable cabins will be assigned, and you can savor your first delightful lunch at sea.

Santa Cruz, a picturesque island, beckons you to explore its wonders. Encounter magnificent Galapagos giant tortoises as they peacefully roam through pastures in both the agricultural and transition zones of the nearby El Chato Tortoise Reserve.

As you continue your Galapagos journey, Mosquera awaits with its pristine white coral sand beaches, where Galapagos sea lions bask in the sun. The stunning contrast of the azure waters against the sandy shores makes for a mesmerizing scene. A beach walk offers the chance to witness various species of waders and sanderlings. Keep your eyes peeled for red clip crabs, playing hide and seek among the rocks, and, if luck is on your side, you might spot yellow-crowned night-herons or even a captivating red-footed booby.

And let's not forget the must-visit South Plaza, a captivating 'Jurassic islet' that introduces you to the emblematic 'Galapagos dragons'. Marvel at these incredible creatures as they gracefully move across the landscape, creating a truly unforgettable spectacle.

This morning promises a wet landing on a pristine peninsula adorned with an aromatic palo santo forest. The beach's unique green hue is a testament to the high percentage of glassy olivine crystals, remnants of the surrounding tuff cones. As you cross to the other side, a 'flour sand' beach awaits, created by coral pulverized by the diligent Parrotfish. Keep your eyes peeled for schools of stingrays, gracefully burying themselves in the sandy bottom. If you're here during the first months of the year, witness the awe-inspiring sight of Pacific green turtles coming ashore to bury their eggs.

In the afternoon, while you savor a delicious lunch, we navigate to Post Office Bay, a historical site intermittently in use since the eighteenth century when the Galapagos served as a resupplying port for Pacific pirates. Embrace the tradition by sending greeting cards worldwide through the historical barrel that remarkably still works. On the nearby beach, expect the delightful presence of sea lions, Pacific green turtles, golden rays, and perhaps even penguins. Continue your exploration by climbing the miniature basaltic cone of Baroness Lookout, where paradisiacal coastal views await. This viewpoint was the cherished spot of one of Floreana's first modern-era colonists, the eccentric Baroness and 'Empress of Galapagos,' Eloisa von Wagner Bosquet. Intriguingly, her house stands a few meters behind, marking the site of mysterious disappearances and deaths during the enigmatic 1930s.

Española Island stands as a true haven for birdwatchers, earning its place among the world's greatest. Various finches, frigates, blue-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies gracefully inhabit this stunning landscape. The island is also home to the endemic Española mockingbird, Albatross, and Galapagos hawk. Keep an eye on the ground, as each Albatross couple delicately lays an egg and expertly rolls it over to enhance hatching success. Venture to the cliffs, where juveniles bravely learn to fly by taking the plunge into the abyss. Meanwhile, organized nurseries host the chicks safely while the adults explore the open sea.

A not-to-miss highlight of this visit is "El Soplador," a majestic 25-meter water geyser born from the powerful collision of ocean waves with the island's cliffs, spouting through a lava tunnel. This site not only provides a breathtaking backdrop for a meditative experience but also creates the perfect setting for capturing memorable photos.

Our exploration of Española Island continues, the oldest in the archipelago, boasting an age estimated at over 4 million years. Situated in the extreme southeast, this island holds more wonders. Along its northeastern coast, Gardner Bay invites you to refresh in the turquoise sea and snorkel alongside eagle rays, golden rays, barracudas, batfish, turtles, sea lions, and even white-tipped sharks. The vibrant marine life in these pristine waters promises an unforgettable underwater adventure.

On this final day of your journey, we invite you to disembark onto the captivating shores of San Cristobal Island. Your first stop will be the Interpretation Center, a place where a rich collection of photos, historic documents, and detailed maquettes come together to provide a profound insight into the dedication and intricate efforts involved in preserving the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos.

Following this visit, you will make your way to San Cristobal Airport. There, amid the captivating memories of your Galapagos adventure, you will catch your flight, carrying with you the wonders and stories of these remarkable islands.