Galapagos: La Pinta | 7 days Darwins Legacy

Baltra Island

Start your adventure with an early morning flight to Baltra Island, where you’ll board Yacht La Pinta. Receive a welcome briefing, participate in a boat drill, get your cabin assignment, and enjoy lunch aboard.

North Seymour Island

Upon arrival, explore North Seymour Island’s diverse terrain, bird colonies, sea lions, and land iguanas. Opt for a coastal dinghy exploration and enjoy an evening briefing, cocktail, and dinner onboard.

Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)

Exploration of Punta Vicente Roca will be via panga rides led by expert naturalists. They will provide insightful commentary on the area’s geology, showcasing remnants of lava flows and tuff stones. You can encounter a rich array of wildlife and snorkel along the cliffs, hoping to swim alongside green sea turtles.

Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Fernandina Island, the youngest and most pristine in the archipelago. Punta Espinoza showcases stark landscapes with vibrant wildlife, including soaring hawks, playful penguins, and flightless cormorants. The awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding volcanic terrains make this destination a favorite among nature enthusiasts.

Urbina Bay (Isabela Island)

Head to Urbina Bay on Isabela Island’s western coast to witness the fascinating evolutionary process of newly emerged lands colonized by diverse species. Explore the shoreline adorned with corals, shells, and vibrant Galapagos land iguanas, with occasional sightings of giant tortoises. Keep an eye out for various whale species while navigating the Bolívar Channel.

Tagus Cove (Isabela Island)

Tagus Cove, located in the secluded northwest of Isabela, has a rich history as an anchorage for pirates and whalers, with a notable visit by HMS Beagle in 1835. Today, visitors can enjoy an engaging experience by trekking uphill to the rear of Darwin Crater, snorkeling or kayaking in the crystal-clear waters, and embarking on a memorable hike.

Rabida Island

Landing at Rabida Island’s red-hued beach offers a chance to spot marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and Darwin’s finches. You can snorkel off the beach or join a glass-bottom boat tour to explore the marine life below.

Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island)

Explore the captivating landscapes of Dragon Hill on the northern coast of Santa Cruz. Enjoy a walk around a brackish water lagoon frequented by many bird species and take panoramic views of the bay and neighboring western islands. Look out for the iconic land iguanas that inhabit this area, adding to the allure of this remarkable destination.

Puerto Ayora & Charles Darwin Research Station

Explore the Research Station named after Charles Darwin. Visit the giant tortoise pens and enjoy a delightful lunch on the island.

Highlands of Santa Cruz Island

After lunch, explore the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island, home to Darwin’s Finches and unique Scalesia trees. Encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat and visit a tortoise reserve for a closer look at these gentle giants.

Post Office Bay

Start your day with a picturesque panga ride along Floreana’s north shore. Visit Baroness Cove for stunning vistas, then head to Post Office Bay for a historic post office barrel and opportunities for kayaking and snorkeling.

Champion Islet & Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)

Before disembarking at Punta Cormorant, you can snorkel or ride on a glass-bottom boat along the coast of the extinct cone, “Champion Islet.” Later, explore Punta Cormorant, where you can stroll by an olivine-crystal beach and a brackish water lagoon, with sightings of greater flamingos. There’s also a pristine white-sand beach frequented by sea turtles that emerge at night to nest.

Conclude our unforgettable journey on Baltra Island, where we transition to the airport for our return flight to the mainland. Due to its uplifted formation, the island’s level terrain was pivotal in its selection as the ideal airport site in the 1940s.