Compare 7 days / 6 nights – Northern Galápagos by Metropolitan Touring

Day 1

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno/Galapaguera Cerro Colorado (San Cristóbal Island)

We land at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno's airport and transfer to the dock and the Isabela II, where we check in, receive an introductory briefing and have lunch on board.

Galapaguera Cerro Colorado (San Cristóbal Island)

After lunch, we land back at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and drive 40 minutes to the island's southern shore. At Cerro Colorado, we visit the breeding centre of the highly-endangered giant tortoises in the midst of a fantastic deciduous forest, home to dozens of bird species and the endemic San Cristóbal lava lizard.

Day 2

Prince Philip's Steps /Darwin Bay (Tower/Genovesa Island)

Overnight, we navigate northbound to the incredible bird island, Genovesa, crossing the equator on the way. The morning starts with an inflatable dinghy ride along the cliffs of this dramatic island, followed by landing with a steep climb (90 feet) up some stairs to reach a flat plateau. Along our walk, we can observe large colonies of Nazca boobies, red footed boobies, great frigate birds and storm petrels. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer inflatable dinghy ride along the cliffs (depending on weather conditions).

We can also enjoy snorkelling and kayaking.

Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island)

In the afternoon, we land at the beach for an easy stroll observing hundreds of birds, mainly frigate birds, red footed and Nazca boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. There's an optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or else we can return to the beach to enjoy snorkelling at this beautiful natural harbour.

Day 3:

Buccaneer Cove/Puerto Egas (James/Santiago Island)

After breakfast, we enjoy a coastal exploration along the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer's Cove, learning about the area's distant and recent history. The cove is home to a large number of marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms. Enjoy fantastic natural formations such as the "Elephant Rock", "The Bishop" and an impressive natural cave. This is a great site for snorkelling too! Or ride in our glass-bottom boat.

Puerto Egas (Santiago Island)

This is a great opportunity to see land and marine birds amid a landscape of tuff-stone layers and lava flows. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds and we can also observe a colony of fur seals. Back at the beach where we land, there's very good snorkelling and swimming here.

Day 4:

Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)/Tagus Cove (Isabela Island)

In the morning, we visit the youngest island of the archipelago, Fernandina. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness and abundant wildlife. Highlights include hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant. Opportunity to snorkel.

Tagus Cove (Isabela Island)

Across the narrow Bolívar Channel, we anchor at this cove on the northwest of Isabela. It provided a favourite anchorage for pirates and whalers over the centuries. An uphill hike takes guests to the rim of Darwin Crater, filled with salt water and to a dramatic viewpoint. After our walk, we take an inflatable dinghy ride to spot local wildlife, with the possibility of swimming, kayaking or snorkelling.

Day 5:

Urbina Bay/Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)

After breakfast we disembark at Urbina Bay, the result of an uplifting of the ocean in 1954. Here you can find corals, shells and many other calcareous organisms exposed above water. This area is also home to large and very colourful Galápagos land iguanas, and occasionally to giant tortoises. Along the shoreline, after the hike, guests may encounter flightless cormorants and see penguins while snorkelling.

Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)

Since there is no landing site at this location, the coastal exploration is by dinghy, while the naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of the area, with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. There is abundant wildlife and, depending on the conditions of the ocean, we'll be able to snorkel along the cliffs, hopefully in the company of green sea turtles. Expedition plan for Sunday and dinner.

Day 6:

Rábida Island (Jervis Island)/ Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island)

In the morning, we disembark at Rábida Island's red-coloured beach. A stroll allows us to observe a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin's finches. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach. We can also enjoy an inflatable dinghy ride, kayaking or ride in our glass-bottom boat.

Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) (Santa Cruz Island)

The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). Our walk includes circling a brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, while further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago.

Day 7:

Baltra Island

Our journey ends at Baltra Island where we transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.