Athala II

SATURDAY ARRIVAL IN GALAPAGOS

Arrive at the airport in Baltra & be transferred to the dock. Check-in to your cabin before attending an introductory briefing & saftey drill. Lunch is on board before a panga ride to Sombrero Chino Island. Sombrero Chino's name translated means 'Chinese Hat', which makes perfect sense as soon as you take a look at its unusual shape. There are various marine species to observe such as very colourful sally lightfoot crabs and sea lions. Darwin's finches can also be spotted on Sombrero Chino. Return on board for a welcome cocktail and dinner.

Overnight: Athala II

SUNDAY - SANTA CRUZ & RABIDA ISLANDS

Breakfast will be on board before disembarking at Cerro Dragon, Santa Cruz Island where a hike takes you to a salt water lagoon behind the beach. A short walk up the hill leads you to a land iguana nesting site, with breathtaking views of the bay. You will have the chance to go swimming after the walk. After lunch visit Rabida Island  for beach activities, deep water snorkelling, kayaking and an excursion before dinner. Rábida is a beautiful island where there is a colony of sea lions and a pelican nesting site.

Overnight: Athala II

MONDAY - ISABELA ISLAND

After breakfast visit Port Villamil, Isabela Island for Various activity choices including excursion to the wetlands, snorkelling, kayaking, visit to the tortoise rearing centre and "Wall of Tears" and relaxing at the beach. Lunch is served between activities, midday, on board the ship. The Wetlands of Isabela Island consist of large lagoons, swamps, and mangroves and are home to a variety of unique bird species. The Wall of Tears was built by prisoners who were then told to tear it down again and start over. It remains as a vivid reminder of the past. At the end of the afternooon return on board for dinner.

Overnight: Athala II

TUESDAY - FLOREANA ISLAND

After breakfast disembark for an excursion on Floreana island to visit the Baroness's outlook point and Post Office followed by snorkeling or kayak before lunch on board. The unoffical mailbox tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home. For the more adventurous guests, there is an option for a visit inside a lava tunnel. In the afternoon go Snorkeling at Champion Islet followed by an excursion to Punta Cormorant before dinner. Cormorant Point has a large lagoon where everything from Flamingos to Stilts and Pintail Ducks tend to roam.

Overnight: Athala II

WEDNESDAY - SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND

After breakfast disembark at Cerro Brujo for beach activities and snorkelling and a panga ride before lunch. Cerro Brujo's gorgeous beach is also home to many sea lions and it's also the first coast where Charles Darwin first stepped foot on in the Archipelago! After lunch visit Isla Lobos for an excursion, on the way sail by Kicker Rock Islet before dinner on board. On Isla Lobos usually visitors have close encounters with sea lion pups, especially while snorkelling. Also try to get a glimpse at the second type of sea lion species found in Galapagos, the Fur Sea Lion.

Overnight: Athala II

THURSDAY - CHARLES DARWIN STATION & DEPARTURE

After breakfast disembark. Then transfer to Charles Darwin Research Station accompanied by a guide. After a quick yet informative visit to the CDRS, you will be transfered to Baltra airport for departure back to the mainland.