19th – 29th May 2026
Explore Galapagos in the footsteps of Darwin
Day 1: Quito
Arrival in Quito to stay at the Hotel Garden San Jose.
Day 2: Baltra Airport – Santa Cruz Island
Departure from Quito to Baltra (approx. 2 and half hour flight).
HIGHLANDS
The highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green, contrasting beautifully with many of the dry, lower islands. Famous for the underground lava tubes, over half a mile long, and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience.
CHARLES DARWIN STATION
The Charles Darwin Research Station is in the town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.
Here you’ll experience some of the conservation and research efforts focusing on the Galapagos Islands. Tour the Van Straelen Exhibit Hall. This may be your only opportunity to see the giant Galapagos tortoises.
The Charles Darwin Research Station conducts and facilitates research on the Galapagos Islands and the Galapagos Marine Resources Reserve of Ecuador. The station is a part of the Charles Darwin Foundation, an international non-profit organization dedicated to scientific research on the Galapagos Islands since 1959.
The Darwin Station provides:
- Information and technical assistance for the Galapagos National Park Service and other branches of the government of Ecuador.
- Support for resident and visiting scientists who work in Galapagos.
- Environmental education for island communities and schools and for the visitors that come to Galapagos each year.
- Hands-on training in science, education, and conservation for Ecuadorian university students who participate in the Darwin Station’s volunteer and scholarship programs.
Day 3: Sombrero Chino Island and Rabida Island
Chinese Hat is a tiny Island just off the southeastern tip of Santiago Island. It is a wonderful example of a volcanic cone. Opposite Sombrero Chino, on the rocky shoreline of nearby Santiago, Galapagos Penguins are often seen.
There is a small sea lion cove on the north shore, where boats anchor and land at the visitor site.
A 400-meter trail goes around the cove and through a sea lion colony – Marine Iguanas cover the landscape. The volcanic scenery is attractive, and there are good views of the cone. There are also snorkeling and swimming opportunities in the cove.
Rabida
Rabida Island (Jervis) is one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago and a great snorkeling site. It is famous for maroon sandy beach and stunning viewpoints. The island is a birdwatcher’s delight. Some of the archipelago’s rarest species are to be seen here in relative abundance.
Day 4: Isabela Island
Morning: Sierra Negra
Located in the southern part of Isabela between the volcanoes Alcedo and Cerro Azul. Sierra Negra’s caldera is the largest in the Galapagos and the second largest in the world.
The journey up to the crater begins at Puerto Villamil. The landscape along the way is beautifully picturesque. The views from the top are quite spectacular.
Afternoon: Puerto Villamil
This port is home to many native Galapagenians. The port is surrounded by extensive, white sandy beaches with lagoons and wetlands. It is a great place to absorb history and culture and to enjoy some shopping.
Elizabeth Bay is located on the east coast of Isabela Island. Penguins and Blue-footed Boobies can be spotted on the rocky islets. With an abundance of marine life and clear water, the area is perfect for snorkeling.
Afternoon: Punta Moreno
Is located near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. The plethora of birds seen during a dinghy ride along the striking rocky shores or a hike along the path are a birdwatcher’s delight. In the tidal pools green sea turtles and white-tip sharks are often seen.
Day 5: Isabela Island
Morning: Elizabeth Bay
Elizabeth Bay is located on the east coast of Isabela Island. Penguins and Blue-footed Boobies can be spotted on the rocky islets. With an abundance of marine life and clear water, the area is perfect for snorkelling.
Afternoon: Punta Moreno
Is located near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. The plethora of birds seen during a dinghy ride along the striking rocky shores or a hike along the path are a birdwatcher’s delight. In the tidal pools green sea turtles and white-tip sharks are often seen.
Day 6: Isabela Island – Urbina Bay & Fernandina Island – Tagus Cove
Morning: Urbina Bay
Lying at the foot of Alcedo Volcano, south of Tagus Cove, is Urbina Bay. Here you can see Penguins, Noddy Terns, Marine Iguanas and a host of other species.
Afternoon: Tagus Cove
Lying directly east of Fernandina is the narrow channel of Tagus Cove. The cove’s quiet waters make for an ideal panga ride beneath the sheltered cliffs, a well-known breeding site for several endemic bird species.
Day 7: Fernandina Island – Punta Espinoza & Isabela Island – Punta Vicente Roca
Morning: Punta Espinoza
Flightless Cormorant, Pelicans, Sea Lions, Sally Light Foot Crabs and an abundance of Marine Iguanas can be seen along the shores of one of world´s most active volcanoes.
Afternoon: Punta Vicente Roca
Punta Vicente Roca is a wonderful snorkelling site. After the snorkelling we venture out on a panga. Nazca Boobies, pelicans, Swallow-tailed Gulls, Marine Iguanas, Flightless Cormorants and penguins are often seen in the area.
Day 8: James Island
Morning: Playa Espumilla / Caleta Bucanero (James Island)
Here you will see Galapagos Fur Seals and there is a good chance of spotting the Galapagos Hawk, the Galapagos Dove and Vermilion Flycatcher. Tucked behind Espumilla Beach are salt-water lagoons where Flamingos and White Cheeked Pintail Ducks may be seen.
Caleta Bucanero, is located on the northwest side of Santiago and takes its name from the fact that the first navigators, pirates, Buccaneers and later, whalers, used the island to beach their boats, look for fresh water and catch giant tortoises for food.
The island Bucanero is now home to a great variety of marine birds, sea lions and fur seals.
Afternoon: Bartolome Island
Nowhere else is the geological history of the Islands better portrayed than here. The most impressive volcanic scenery.
Day 9: North Seymour Island & Santa Cruz
North of Baltra (South Seymour) is the small islet of North Seymour. The largest colony of Magnificent Frigate Birds is found here, as well as nesting Blue footed Boobies and Swallow-Tailed Gulls
Disembark the Beluga, one night stay at the Enchanted Galapagos Lodge (bed and breakfast), with access to shopping and the Charles Darwin Station.
Day 10: Quito
Return flight to Quito to stay at the Hotel Garden San Jose, before your final return flights, the following day.