Galápagos Islands Wildlife & Nature Tour

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport (GPS), your naturalist guide will welcome you at the arrivals area holding a sign with your name, marking the beginning of your Galápagos adventure. From the airport, you will travel by bus to the Itabaca Channel, where a short ferry crossing of about five minutes takes you to Santa Cruz Island. During the crossing and along the channel, keep an eye out for coastal birdlife such as Brown Pelicans, Blue-footed Boobies, Lava Gulls, and Great Blue Herons, which are often seen resting on the rocks or gliding above the water.

Once on Santa Cruz, a scenic one-hour drive across the island leads to the town of Puerto Ayora, passing through contrasting landscapes that may offer additional birding opportunities, including sightings of Galápagos Flycatchers, Small Ground Finches, and Yellow Warblers along the roadside vegetation.

Later, you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, an important center for scientific research and conservation in the Galápagos Islands. While the station is best known for its conservation programs, it also offers interesting opportunities to observe several species of birds commonly found around the dry coastal vegetation and gardens. Among the species often seen in the area are Galápagos Mockingbirds, Small Ground Finches, Cactus Finches, and the endemic Lava Gull, one of the rarest gull species in the world.

One of the highlights of the visit is the Tortoise Route, where visitors can observe several species of Galápagos Giant Tortoises in protected enclosures and breeding facilities. These conservation programs have played a key role in restoring tortoise populations across the archipelago. As you explore the station grounds, the mix of native vegetation and open spaces frequently attracts finches and other small land birds, providing additional opportunities for observation and photography.

Exploring the Charles Darwin Research Station offers valuable insight into the conservation efforts that protect the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands, while also providing a gentle introduction to some of the archipelago’s endemic birdlife and remarkable natural history.

Accommodation at Santa Fe Hotel or similar. (L, D)

A day tour will be confirmed according to availability to one of the following islands: North Seymour, Bartolome or South Plaza.

North Seymour Island

The Day Tour to North Seymour Island begins at the Itabaca Channel, followed by a pleasant one-hour navigation north of Santa Cruz Island. During the crossing, seabirds are often seen gliding over the water, including Brown Pelicans, Blue-footed Boobies, and occasional tropicbirds, providing the first birding opportunities of the day.

Upon arrival, North Seymour Island quickly reveals why it is considered one of the most rewarding wildlife and birdwatching sites in the Galápagos. The island’s flat terrain, covered with Palo Santo forests and reddish volcanic soil, supports large colonies of seabirds that nest remarkably close to the visitor trails. One of the highlights is the Blue-footed Booby, often seen nesting or performing their famous courtship dance, depending on the season. The island is also an important breeding ground for Magnificent and Great Frigatebirds, where males can frequently be observed displaying their inflated red gular pouches during the breeding season. Along the rocky shoreline and cliffs, visitors may also spot Swallow-tailed Gulls, the world’s only nocturnal gull, resting on ledges.

Other wildlife encountered along the trail includes land iguanas, marine iguanas, and sea lions, which often rest near the landing sites, creating excellent photography opportunities.

Following the island exploration, the excursion continues to Las Bachas, a beautiful visitor site on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island known for its white-sand beaches and calm turquoise waters. The nearby coastal lagoon can be particularly rewarding for birdwatchers, as it frequently attracts Greater Flamingos, along with Black-necked Stilts, White-cheeked Pintails, and other coastal birds that forage in the shallow waters.

The clear and shallow waters of Las Bachas provide excellent snorkeling conditions, where visitors may encounter colorful reef fish, rays, and occasionally white-tipped reef sharks. The beach itself is also an important nesting area for Pacific green sea turtles, while marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and resting sea lions are often seen along the shoreline.

With its combination of seabird colonies, coastal birdlife, and rich marine biodiversity, this excursion offers a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike, showcasing the remarkable diversity of wildlife found in the Galápagos Islands.

Bartolome Island

The Day Tour to Bartolomé Island begins at the Itabaca Channel, followed by a scenic two-hour navigation northwest of Santa Cruz Island. During the crossing, birdwatchers should keep their binoculars ready, as the surrounding waters often attract Brown Pelicans, Blue-footed Boobies, Galápagos Shearwaters, and occasionally Red-billed Tropicbirds gliding gracefully above the ocean swells.

Upon arrival at Bartolomé Island, visitors are welcomed by one of the most iconic volcanic landscapes in the Galápagos. The island is famous for Pinnacle Rock, a dramatic volcanic spire rising from the sea. A wooden boardwalk leads gradually to the summit of this extinct volcano, offering a comfortable climb through a stark yet fascinating volcanic terrain. Along the way, birdlife adapted to these arid environments may be observed, including Lava Gulls, Galápagos Hawks, and sometimes Darwin’s finches moving among the sparse vegetation.

From the summit, visitors enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the archipelago, overlooking Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island, and the surrounding volcanic islets. This elevated vantage point also offers excellent opportunities to observe seabirds soaring along the cliffs and coastal waters.

The excursion continues with a visit to Sullivan Bay, located on nearby Santiago Island, an area renowned for its striking lava fields formed by relatively recent volcanic eruptions. A guided walk across the dark pahoehoe lava reveals intricate textures and geological formations, illustrating the powerful volcanic processes that continue to shape the islands.

Despite its seemingly barren appearance, the site supports life specially adapted to these harsh conditions. Birdwatchers may encounter American Oystercatchers along the shoreline, and seabirds flying along the coast. The area is also home to lava lizards, one of the most common reptiles of the islands.

The surrounding waters offer excellent snorkeling opportunities, where visitors may encounter Galápagos Penguins, sea turtles, rays, colorful reef fish, and occasionally white-tipped reef sharks. Penguins are sometimes seen perched on the rocks near Pinnacle Rock or darting through the water while feeding.

With its combination of spectacular volcanic landscapes, seabird activity, and unique marine life, this excursion provides a memorable experience for both nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers seeking to appreciate the remarkable biodiversity and geological beauty of the Galápagos Islands.

South Plaza Island

The excursion begins with a short navigation to Punta Carrión, located just a few minutes from the Itabaca Channel. This scenic coastal site, situated at the entrance of the channel, offers excellent opportunities for observing both marine life and seabirds. The nutrient-rich waters created by strong currents attract a variety of species, making the area particularly active for wildlife.

While preparing for snorkeling or exploring the surroundings, birdwatchers can often observe Brown Pelicans, Blue-footed Boobies, and Magnificent Frigatebirds soaring overhead or resting along the rocky shoreline. Occasionally, Lava Gulls and herons may also be seen foraging in the shallows. The waters themselves are rich in marine life, and snorkeling may reveal white-tipped reef sharks, Galápagos sharks, sea turtles, rays, and numerous reef fish, while playful sea lions frequently swim nearby.

The journey then continues with a scenic navigation of approximately one hour and forty-five minutes to South Plaza Island, located east of Santa Cruz Island. Together with North Plaza Island, it forms a narrow channel of striking turquoise waters. The island’s landscape is particularly distinctive, with a vivid carpet of red sesuvium vegetation contrasting with groves of Opuntia prickly pear cacti, creating a striking setting for wildlife observation.

Upon landing, visitors are often greeted by Galápagos sea lions resting along the shoreline. The trail gradually leads across the island’s open terrain, offering excellent opportunities to observe Galápagos Land Iguanas, Marine Iguanas, and Lava Lizards, as well as several species of Darwin’s finches moving among the vegetation.

For birdwatchers, the island’s cliffs provide particularly rewarding sightings. The rocky ledges and surrounding waters attract a variety of seabirds, including Swallow-tailed Gulls, the world’s only nocturnal gull, along with Nazca Boobies, Brown Pelicans, and tropicbirds occasionally gliding along the cliffs. These dramatic coastal viewpoints often provide excellent opportunities for both bird observation and photography.

With its combination of seabird colonies, endemic reptiles, and striking coastal scenery, South Plaza Island offers a fascinating glimpse into the ecological richness and diversity of the Galápagos Islands.

Accommodation for days 2 & 3 at Santa Fe Hotel or similar. (B, L, D)

The Special Santa Cruz Highlands Trip combines the classic exploration of the island’s highlands with an authentic Galápagos coffee experience, offering an excellent opportunity for wildlife observation while discovering the cultural landscapes of Santa Cruz Island.

Your journey begins in the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, an area characterized by cooler temperatures, dense Scalesia forests, and some of the best birdwatching opportunities on the island. The first stop is Los Gemelos, or the “Twin Craters,” two impressive volcanic sinkholes formed millions of years ago during the geological processes that shaped the archipelago. The surrounding Scalesia forest is an important habitat for several endemic species. Here birdwatchers may encounter Woodpecker Finch, Small Tree Finch, Warbler Finch, and the lively Galápagos Flycatcher, moving actively through the canopy. With some luck, visitors may even spot the elusive Galápagos Short-eared Owl, which occasionally nests within the crater walls.

The tour continues to a private ranch in the highlands, one of the best locations to observe Galápagos Giant Tortoises roaming freely in their natural environment. While exploring the pastures and forest patches, guests may also observe Darwin’s finches, Galápagos Mockingbirds, and Smooth-billed Anis. Wetlands and small ponds often attract Cattle Egrets and other opportunistic species. The surrounding vegetation is also home to Lava Lizards, which are commonly seen basking along the trails.

A delicious and healthy lunch will be served at the ranch, prepared with fresh local ingredients and enjoyed in a peaceful rural setting surrounded by nature.

Next, you will visit a remarkable lava tunnel, formed thousands of years ago by flowing lava during past volcanic eruptions. Walking through this underground formation offers a fascinating perspective on the volcanic origins of the Galápagos Islands. Around the tunnel entrance and nearby vegetation, birdlife may include finches, and Yellow Warblers, while Lava Lizards are often seen along the rocky surfaces.

To complete the experience, the tour continues to a local coffee farm nestled in the highlands. The combination of coffee plants, fruit trees, and small cultivated areas creates an attractive micro-habitat for birds. Species such as Small Ground Finch, Galápagos Flycatcher, and Yellow Warbler are commonly seen around the farm. During this visit, the farm owner will introduce you to the process of cultivating coffee in the Galápagos and the challenges of sustainable agriculture in this fragile ecosystem. You will learn about harvesting and processing the beans before enjoying a guided tasting using the V60 brewing method. As part of the Darwin’s Coffee Quest experience, you will sample two carefully selected Galápagos coffee blends while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the highlands.

This diverse and enriching full-day experience combines birdwatching, wildlife encounters, geology, and local culture, offering a comprehensive exploration of Santa Cruz Island beyond the town limits.

Accommodation at Santa Fe Hotel or similar. (B, L, D)

Enjoy your last look at the “enchanted islands,” a unique and wonderful paradise! You will then be escorted to the Baltra airport for your flight back to Quito. (B)

*Accommodation options are subject to change based on availability.

*Galapagos itineraries are subject to change due to weather conditions, logistical reasons, guests’ safety, and/or Galapagos National Park Regulations.

*All tour destinations are subject to availability and to the authorized itineraries established by the Galapagos National Park Regulations. Therefore, the order or sequence of visits described in this itinerary may be modified according to the space availability at the time a quotation request or reservation is received, particularly for day tours to nearby islands.

*Daily Tour yachts for navigation could vary from one day to another, according to availability.

*Not wheelchair accessible. Not recommended for people with serious medical conditions. Not recommended for pregnant women. Not recommended for newborns.