Eclipse

ARRIVAL IN GALAPAGOS & FIRST VISIT TO BLACK TURTLE COVE

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 taking a Panga ride to Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz Island. This is one of the most beautiful marine sites in the Galapagos. It is a complex maze of tranquil salt-water inlets, surrounded by three different species of mangrove. Its waters are a nursery site for sea turtles, rays and sharks as well as a nesting site for sea birds.  Return on board for tomorrow's briefing before a welcome cocktail and dinner.

Overnight: Eclipse

RABIDA & SANTIAGO ISLANDS

Visit Rábida Island where you can snorkel and kayak. Rábida is a small island with red volcanic rocks surrounding a beautiful red sand beach, where there is a colony of sea lions and a pelican nesting site. The trail leads to a salt water lagoon where shore birds can be seen. Rábida is considered to be one of the best snorkeling sites in the Galapagos Island. Enjoy lunch followed by a wet landing at Puerto Egas, Santiago Island where you can swim and snorkel. Puerto Egas has tidal pools which are home to organisms, including sea urchins, octopus and starfish.

Overnight: Eclipse

ISABELA & FERNANDINA ISLANDS

Take an optional excursion to Tagus Cove, Isabela Island for a power hike or kayaking. Tagus Cove was historically used as an anchoring place for pirates, buccaneers and whalers.  After breakfast kayak, snorkel or take a panga ride along the cliffsh. While exploring the channel between Fernandina and Isabela Islands, we sometimes encounter dolphins and whales. In the afternoon visit Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island. Punta Espinoza is a narrow piece of land where some of the most unique Galapagos species can be seen, including the flightless cormorant.

Overnight: Eclipse

ISABELA ISLAND

Disembark at Urbina Bay, located in western Isabela, at the foot of Alcedo volcano where you may be able to observe sea turtles nesting. You may also see wild roaming Galapagos tortoises which like to feed within the site's dense vegetation. After lunch take a panga ride along Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela Island or deep water snorkel. Punta Vicente Roca is a wonderful snorkeling site, where you can usually see turtles as well as all kinds of fish and a panga ride will give you the opportunity to study some of the Galapagos' spectacular geological rock formations.

Overnight: Eclipse

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

Transfer from the yacht to Puerto Ayora and visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station accompanied by a guide. On your visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station you will gain insight into the huge efforts being made by scientists, guides, rangers and park managers to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see the famous Galapagos tortoises that are the islands' namesake. Afterwards take a bus ride to the highlands of Santa Cruz to see wild giant tortoises. Return on board for lunch followed by an afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Eclipse

GENOVESA ISLAND

Dry landing at El Barranco on Genovesa Island for kayaking or panga ride. 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. Continue to 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 & SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS

Visit Bartolome, a small island that has two visitor sites. At the first site, you can snorkel around Pinnacle Rock, where penguins are usually seen. The second site offers you a climb to the highest point on the island with jaw-dropping scenery. On the way up, you will encounter different volcanic formations, including spatter and tuff cones, lava flow and lava tubes. After lunch visit Cerro Dragon, known for its healthy population of land iguanas. Farewell cocktails on board before dinner.

Overnight: Eclipse

DEPARTURE

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.