Below are a selection of islands you may visit during your expedition. Itineraries are subject to Galapagos National Park regulations. North Seymour: Follow coastal trails past playful Galapagos sea lions on this wildlife-rich central island. Continue inland through a silvery forest of endemic palo santo trees, where frigatebirds nest, blue-footed boobies dance, and where you may also encounter prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cactus. Bartolome: Climb the steps to the summit of this 300-foot volcanic wonderland for stunning views. Explore, swim, and snorkel from the beach. Catch a glimpse of Galapagos penguins, one of the world's rarest. Isabela: Cross the Equator at Volcan Ecuador, the northernmost of Isabela's six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins, sea turtles, and the elusive ocean sunfish. Over two days, land in the footsteps of Darwin and Melville, and look for wildlife along the wildly eroded volcanic shore. Fernandina: One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in Galapagos-and home to the strange flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguins, and the largest marine iguanas. Hikes ashore lead across impressive recent lava flows. Espanola: See swallow-tailed gulls, Espanola mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and, seasonally, the world's only population of waved albatross at this bird paradise, also home to vividly colored marine iguanas. Watch sea lions on the white-sand beach, and snorkel offshore at Gardner Bay. Floreana: Follow a trail past a pink-tinted lagoon sometimes frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish, or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the historic mail barrel at Post Office Bay. Santa Cruz: Visit Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of both the Galapagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. See the monument to Lonesome George and tour the giant tortoise breeding corrals. Witness giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush, green highlands. Santiago: Explore tide pools and look for fur seals sheltered in quiet grottos of black basalt. Swim, snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard along Santiago's spectacular coast, and explore an enchanting coastal forest where Charles Darwin once walked. Genovesa: Sail across the Equator to the remote northern realm of the Galapagos into this flooded caldera, home to over one million seabirds. Visit Prince Philip's Steps at the top of the island. Highlights along the trail are many, from Nazca, red-, and blue-footed boobies and frigates, to gulls, owls, fur seals, hammerhead sharks, turtles, and manta rays. San Cristobal: Walk along the powdery white sand at a gorgeous beach fronted by iconic Kicker Rock. Explore Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions thrive in the middle of town. ...
Read More
