GALAXY YACHT DAILY TOUR

SANTA FE ISLAND

• Meeting point: Puerto Ayora’s dock.
• Meeting point Address: Adjacent to the playground, at the small square.
• Departure time: 08:00 am.
• Arrival location: Puerto Ayora’s dock.
• Estimated return time: Approximately 4:00 pm

We will convene at the Puerto Ayora’s dock in the early morning, commencing our exciting journey towards Santa Fe Island aboard the Galaxy Daily. Throughout a leisurely couple of hours of sailing, we will relish the scenic vistas and gentle sea breeze of the Galapagos.

During this adventurous day, we will have the opportunity to behold the grand opuntia cactus species and encounter the Galapagos hawk, the island’s apex predator. Additionally, we will marvel at the distinctive blue-footed booby, the charismatic Galapagos sea lion, the majestic frigate birds, and the renowned marine iguana, colloquially known as the Galapagos dragon due to its striking appearance.

Our landing on Santa Fe Island will be a refreshing one, as we will step onto the pristine white sandy beach, promptly welcomed by a gathering of lively sea lions. Embarking on a captivating walk, we will seek out the island’s unique resident species.

After our exploration, a delightful swimming opportunity awaits us in the Encañada. Engaging in snorkeling, we will be captivated by the enchanting sight of sea turtles, rays, playful sea lions, and an array of vibrant fish, as we immerse ourselves in the warm crystalline waters of the island.

As part of our itinerary, we will savor a delectable lunch on board the Galaxy Daily, followed by a brief respite before commencing our return navigation to Santa Cruz Island.

NORTH SEYMOUR & BACHAS BEACH

• Meeting point Address: Calle Piqueros y San Cristóbal. Barrio Matazarnos, Santa Cruz Island.
• Departure time: 08:00 am
• Arrival location: Puerto Ayora’s dock
• Estimated return time: Approximately 4:00 pm

AM – North Seymour

We will commence our excursion by bus to the Itabaca Channel, where we will embark on the Galaxy Daily. Upon reaching North Seymour, a dry landing awaits us, marking the beginning of a captivating 2.5 km (1.55 miles) hike. As we venture along the coast, we may choose to follow a clockwise route or explore the inland areas first to encounter a fascinating colony of boobies. Prepare to witness the presence of land iguanas, marine iguanas, sea lions, lava lizards, frigates, and pelicans!

PM – Bachas Beach

Next, we will proceed to Bachas Beach, situated north of Santa Cruz Island. This beach offers the perfect opportunity for snorkeling or a leisurely stroll along its sandy shores. We will make a wet landing, gracefully transitioning from the panga to the beach. We recommend disembarking barefoot and donning lightweight walking shoes for the remainder of our journey. The saltwater lagoon nestled behind the beach often hosts magnificent blue herons and various small bird species. Both beaches serve as nesting grounds for the revered green sea turtles.

BARTOLOME ISLAND & SULLIVAN BAY

• Meeting point Address: Calle Piqueros y San Cristóbal. Barrio Matazarnos, Santa Cruz Island.
• Departure time: 07:00 am
• Arrival location: Puerto Ayora’s dock
• Estimated return time: Approximately 5:00 pm

AM – Bartolome Island

Located northwest of Santa Cruz, Bartolome Island features the iconic pinnacle that has become a symbol of the Galapagos. Upon reaching Bartolome, we will have a dry landing and embark on a captivating hike. Ascending the 395 steps, we will reach the island’s summit, offering a breathtaking panoramic view. This is the perfect moment to capture stunning photographs that will forever capture the essence of our journey. Along the trail, we will encounter small lava tunnels formed during the island’s last eruption, adorned with endemic vegetation such as lava cacti and tiquilla plants. Keep an eye out for Darwin’s finches, as they often inhabit this unique environment.

PM – Sullivan Bay

Following an unforgettable experience on Bartolome Island, we will indulge in a delectable lunch aboard the Galaxy Daily. Our next destination is Sullivan Bay, where we will immerse ourselves in the enchanting marine fauna of the Galapagos through snorkeling. Sullivan Bay is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, making it one of the most picturesque snorkeling spots in the archipelago.

SOUTH PLAZAS &  CARRION POINT

• Meeting point Address: Calle Piqueros y San Cristóbal. Barrio Matazarnos, Santa Cruz Island.
• Departure time: 08:00 am
• Arrival location: Puerto Ayora’s pier
• Estimated return time: Approximately 4:00 pm

AM – South Plazas

Often referred to as Plazas, this island boasts a stunning and diverse landscape. Upon our arrival, we will have a dry landing, warmly welcomed by playful sea lions on the shore. Our journey begins with a walk along a trail that winds through a captivating Opuntia Cactus forest. As we continue, we will reach the awe-inspiring and windswept cliff, where magnificent red-billed tropical birds, swallow-tailed gulls, brown pelicans, and impressive frigate birds gracefully soar above. The trail follows the ridge’s edge for several hundred meters, offering breathtaking views.

PM –  Punta Carrion

After savoring a delicious lunch aboard the Galaxy Daily, we will embark on a captivating snorkeling experience to explore the mesmerizing Galapagos marine fauna. With some luck, we may encounter white-tip sharks, a vibrant array of fish, graceful sea turtles, and majestic rays. As our journey draws to a close, we will return to the Itabaca Channel, where a waiting bus will transport us to Puerto Ayora’s pier, marking the end of this unforgettable day’s adventure.

MOSQUERA ISLET & NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND

• Meeting point Address: Calle Piqueros y San Cristóbal. Barrio Matazarnos, Santa Cruz Island.
• Departure time: 08:00 am
• Arrival location: Puerto Ayora’s pier
• Estimated return time: Approximately 4:00 pm

AM – Mosquera Islet

In the morning, we will embark on a bus journey to the Itabaca Channel, setting the stage for our visit to the captivating Mosquera Islet. Here, a stunning coral beach awaits, adorned with colonies of lively Galapagos sea lions, graceful swallow-tailed gulls, and the fascinating sight of marine iguanas swimming or feeding underwater. As we snorkel, we will immerse ourselves in this vibrant marine world, marking a perfect start to our day’s adventure.

PM – North Seymour

After our bus ride to the Itabaca Channel, we will step aboard the Galaxy Daily to commence our exploration of North Seymour Island. Following a dry landing, we will embark on a 2.5 km (1.55 miles) hike along a captivating trail, providing us with the option to stroll along the coast in a clockwise direction or venture inland first to visit the booby colony. Be prepared to encounter both land iguanas and marine iguanas, along with a lively sea lion colony, captivating lava lizards, elegant frigate birds, and majestic pelicans. This extraordinary island offers a rich tapestry of wildlife encounters and natural wonders.

SULLIVAN BAY & BARTOLOME ISLAND

• Meeting point Address: Calle Piqueros y San Cristóbal. Barrio Matazarnos, Santa Cruz Island.
• Departure time: 07:00 am
• Arrival location: Puerto Ayora’s pier
• Estimated return time: Approximately 5:00 pm

AM – Sullivan Bay

After a mesmerizing experience at Bartolome Island, we will indulge in a delectable lunch aboard the Galaxy Daily. Our next destination is Sullivan Bay, where we will immerse ourselves in the captivating marine fauna of the Galapagos while engaging in snorkeling activities. Prepare to be enchanted by the crystal-clear waters of Sullivan Bay, offering an extraordinary snorkeling experience.

PM – Bartolome Island

Located northwest of Santa Cruz, Bartolome Island showcases its distinctive pinnacle. Upon our arrival, we will make a dry landing, initiating a scenic walk along a path that leads us to the island’s summit. Climbing 395 steps, we will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the island and its pinnacle, providing the perfect moment to capture stunning photographs of our unforgettable journey. Along the walk, we will encounter small lava tunnels, remnants of past eruptions, adorned with endemic vegetation such as lava cacti and tiquilla plants, often accompanied by the delightful presence of Darwin’s finches.

CARRION POINT & SOUTH PLAZAS

• Meeting point Address: Calle Piqueros y San Cristóbal. Barrio Matazarnos, Santa Cruz Island.
• Departure time: 08:00 am
• Arrival location: Puerto Ayora’s pier
• Estimated return time: Approximately 4:00 pm

AM – Carrion Point

Our Sunday adventure commences as we board the Galaxy Daily at the Itabaca Channel, following our bus transfer from the meeting point. Carrion Point awaits, where we will embark on an exploration of the captivating Galapagos marine fauna through snorkeling. Keep your eyes peeled for white-tip sharks, an array of colorful fish, graceful sea turtles, and magnificent rays. After our underwater exploration, we will indulge in a delightful onboard lunch.

PM – South Plazas Island

Welcome to South Plazas Island, renowned for its remarkable landscape. As we make a dry landing, we will be greeted by the playful sea lions along the shoreline. Our journey unfolds along a scenic path through an Opuntia Cactus forest, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the island’s unique ambiance. Continuing our expedition, we will reach a breathtaking, windswept cliff where an array of captivating avian species such as red-billed tropical birds, swallow-tailed gulls, brown pelicans, and impressive frigate birds gracefully soar through the air. The trail meanders along the ridge’s edge, providing awe-inspiring views for several hundred meters.