Eclipse

ARRIVAL AND TRANSFER TO SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

Arrive at the airport in Baltra & escorted transfer to Santa Cruz Island. Check-in to your cabin and attend an introductory briefing & safety drill. After lunch visit the highlands, where you will visit a tortoise reserve to search for giant tortoises in their
natural surroundings, and afterwards there will be time for shopping in Puerto Ayora. Return on board for a briefing on tomorrow's program before dinner.

Overnight: Eclipse

GENOVESA ISLAND

Start the day with a dry landing at El Barranco on Genovesa Island. El Barranco is a steep path with stairs carved into the rock which leads to a plateau full of bird life amongst a Palo Santo forest. In teh afternoon visit Darwin Bay Beach. Darwin Bay's soft, coralline white sand is only the beginning of a spectacular excursion. A trail from the beach takes you into lush mangroves where red footed boobies nest. Snorkeling is a must here as sharks, colorful reef fish, rays and tortoises are common. Enjoy some beach time, snorkel or panga ride.

Overnight: Eclipse

BARTOLOME ISLAND

Disembark at Bartolome Island, a small island that has two visitor sites. At the first site, you can snorkel around Pinnacle Rock, where penguins are usually seen. Then, it's back on board for a quick change of clothes followed by a short dinghy ride for a climb to the highest point of the island or a panga ride if you prefer. On the way up, you will encounter different volcanic formations, including spatter and tuff cones, lava flow and lava tubes. After lunch visit Santa Cruz Island, know for its healthy population of land iguanas, common stilts, pintail ducks and occassionally flamingos. Farewell cocktails on board before dinner.

Overnight: Eclipse

DEPARTURE

In the early morning before breakfast take an excursion at Bachas Beach.  Bachas Beach is located in the north of Santa Cruz Island. Its soft, white sand is derived from decomposed coral, making it a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind the beach there is a small brackish lagoon, where it is possible to observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels.  Return to the boat for a Galapagos documentary followed by snacks in the al fresco dining area. At 10am disembark for airport transfers.