5 days aboard Golondrina

AM Depart from Guayaquil to the Galápagos Islands (approximately 1½ hours of flight time). BALTRA ISLAND – Once a strategic military base during World War II, Baltra is now the main gateway for visitors arriving in the Galápagos. Upon landing at Baltra Airport, you will be greeted by our English-speaking naturalist guide and transferred to the yacht. Welcome aboard and introductory briefing.

PM MOSQUERA ISLET – After lunch, enjoy a wet landing on Mosquera, a small, flat islet located between North Seymour and Baltra. Formed by geological uplift, Mosquera is known for its white sandy beach, tide pools, and excellent snorkeling. It hosts a large colony of sea lions and a variety of shorebirds. Enjoy a peaceful walk or relax by the beach away from the usual tourist crowds. Briefing and dinner on board.

Saturday: ISABELA ISLAND – FERNANDINA ISLAND AM PUNTA VICENTE ROCA (ISABELA ISLAND) – Start the day with a panga ride around Punta Vicente Roca, a large bay formed by two coves and teeming with marine life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, rays, pufferfish, and the remarkable sunfish (Mola mola). You may also spot penguins, Nazca boobies, and blue-footed boobies. Return to the yacht for lunch.

PM PUNTA ESPINOZA (FERNANDINA ISLAND) – Afternoon dry landing at this spectacular site. Walk along a flat, sandy, and rocky 600m trail (about 1½ hours) to see impressive lava fields, large colonies of marine iguanas (nesting season: January–June), penguins, pelicans, flightless cormorants, and lava cactus. End the visit with a snorkeling session. Briefing and dinner on board.

Sunday: ISABELA ISLAND AM URBINA BAY – After breakfast, wet landing at Urbina Bay, located at the foot of Alcedo Volcano. A 2-hour walk (1 km round trip) along sandy and rocky terrain reveals calcareous deposits from ancient marine life uplifted by tectonic forces. Look for land iguanas, Darwin’s finches, and—between June and September—giant tortoises. Conclude with snorkeling along the shoreline, where penguins and flightless cormorants are often spotted.

PM TAGUS COVE – After lunch, dry landing and a 2 km round-trip walk (about 2 hours). Climb the wooden staircase to Darwin Lake, a saltwater crater lake surrounded by dry vegetation and Palo Santo trees. Enjoy panoramic views of Darwin and Wolf volcanoes. Then take a panga ride along the cliffs to see historic whalers’ graffiti, penguins, flightless cormorants, pelicans, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Optional snorkeling. Briefing and dinner on board.

Monday: SANTIAGO ISLAND AM EGAS PORT – After breakfast, wet landing on the black-sand beach of James Bay. A 1½-hour hike (1.7 km round trip) passes the salt crater and follows a rocky trail with opportunities to observe marine iguanas, fur seals, Galápagos hawks, Darwin finches, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. End the morning with time for swimming and snorkeling.

PM SOMBRERO CHINO ISLET – After lunch, wet landing and a short 30-minute walk (200 m round trip) to explore volcanic formations, lava tunnels, lava cactus, and Galápagos sesuvium. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in this beautiful, calm setting. Dinner and briefing on board.

Tuesday: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND – BALTRA AM CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION (SANTA CRUZ ISLAND) – After breakfast, a 20-minute walk brings you to the world-renowned research station, home to the Galápagos giant tortoise breeding program. Learn about the conservation efforts led by the Charles Darwin Foundation, which has supported scientific research and the protection of the Galápagos Islands since 1959. After the visit, transfer by bus to Baltra Airport for your return flight to Guayaquil.