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Punta Albemarle

Punta Albemarle is on the northernmost point of Isabela Island. Go on a zodiac cruise along the mangrove forest-covered coastline and look for marine iguanas resting on rocks or swimming in the ocean with their tails moving from side to side as they search for red algae to fill their hungry appetites. Search for flightless cormorants swimming in the ocean with nesting material in their beaks. On land, view the remains of an old radar station. This area was used by the U.S. military during World War II to protect the waterways of the Panama Canal from the Japanese forces.

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Cerro Allieri

Take in the panoramic views of the island as you trek up to the highlands of Floreana. Along the way, observe endemic birds and plants in one of the richest locations on Floreana Island. The unique vegetation found in the area makes it one of the main attractions—of 48 species of identified plants, 56% are native and 33% are endemic. This site also offers a good opportunity to find Darwin’s finches, including the medium tree finch, a species considered critically endangered and found only on Floreana. Along the walk back, you can stop at the island’s main cemetery and view the graves of famous settlers.

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Asilo de la Paz

Located on the slopes of Cerro Pajas (2100 ft), in the agricultural area of ​​the island, the Asilo de la Paz is a site with great historical significance in Floreana, because it provided fresh water and shelter to the first visitors of the Galapagos. Here you can see the caves used by pirates and home to the first inhabitants of the island; first, Patrick Watkins, then Dr. Ritter and his companion Dora Strauch and finally the Wittmer family. The caves were used by the latter as a temporary den to build a house proper. Visitors will pass through a Scalesia forest and visit a corral with Galapagos tortoises (of several islands) in captivity, (the native Floreana tortoises have gone extinct).

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Puerto Ayora

Situated on the island of Santa Cruz, Puerto Ayora is by far the largest town in the Galápagos and is the center of the tourism industry for the islands. It is also the home of the Galápagos National Park headquarters and the Charles Darwin Research Station. The town has several hotels, bars, and restaurants as well as numerous other amenities. Why not take a stroll to the fish market of Puerto Ayora and delight yourself as hungry sea lions and sea birds pester the workers for a fish or two? Or perhaps head down to the pier after dinner to watch tired sea lions resting on the park benches.

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Bachas Beach

Bachas Beach sits on the northern part of Santa Cruz Island. It consists of two beaches with a mix of coral, shells and bones giving it a white sandy appearance. The name dates from the end of World War II when the United States Army abandoned their fleet of barges and two floated ashore here. This site is an excellent place to observe migratory birds. Search for flamingos, common stilts, and white-cheeked pintail ducks in the two brackish water lagoons that lie behind the beaches.

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Baltra Island

Baltra Island, also known as South Seymour, is home to one of two airports connecting the Galapagos with mainland Ecuador. During World War II, the United States occupied this area and, because of its flat topography, found it a perfect spot to build an air force base. Saltbush, prickly pear cactuses, and palo santo trees dominate the arid landscape. Though Galapagos land animals are sparse, the grasslands of Baltra do provide a habitat for several species of birds, like small ground finches, noddy terns, and large brown pelicans.

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Baltra Island (Departure)

After spending your pleasant days in Galapagos and you are returning to Guayaquil or Quito from Baltra, you must take into account certain recommendations. If your trip was aboard a yacht and on the same day that your trip ends, you return to the mainland, the company in charge of your cruise will normally provide and makes the bus service's arrangements to go to the Itabaca Channel, then cross by ferry to Baltra and finally, by bus go to the airport of Baltra Island. This whole journey takes at least a couple of hours, so you must coordinate with your naturalist guide the departure time from Puerto Ayora. In case your trip ends in Baltra, the trip to the airport is much faster (approximately 15 minutes) than from Puerto Ayora. You must disembark at Aeolian Bay and wait for a bus to the airport. The Naturalist Guide of your yacht will give you the corresponding indications. Be clear that the bus you take on Baltra Island counts USD $ 5.00 per person.

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San Cristobal Airport

San Cristobal is one of the most visited islands in the Galápagos. Most of the commercial flights to and from mainland Ecuador come through the airport located there. One of the great advantages to staying in San Cristobal is the proximity of the airport to the town—only a quick five-minute taxi ride. The capital of the Galápagos is also located on the island of San Cristobal, in the town of Baquerizo Moreno. In town you can find many modern-day amenities, including hotels, stores, banks, and restaurants.

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Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the capital of Galapagos Province, Ecuador. It is located on the southwestern coast of San Cristóbal, the easternmost island in the archipelago. One of the great advantages to staying in San Cristobal is the proximity of the airport to the town, only a quick five-minute taxi ride. In town you can find many modern-day amenities, including hotels, stores, banks, and restaurants. There are some beaches where sea lions can be seen lounging on the decks of the anchored boats and have taken over park benches.

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The Baroness Lookout

Considered one of the most historic sites on Floreana Island, The Baroness Lookout was named after one of the more colorful characters among the early twentieth-century settlers. Within walking distance, search through the ruins of what is known as the “House of the Baroness”. Eloise Bosquet de Wagner Wehrborn, the self-proclaimed baroness of the island, lived there with her two lovers. Learn about the murder mystery involving her disappearance that has yet to be solved. Afterward, take a short hike to the top of the hill and soak in the impressive landscape that makes up Floreana Island.

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El Barranco

El Barranco, or Prince Philip Steps, presents a great chance to observe an array of different bird species. The round trip for this hike takes approximately two hours. From the clifftops, you can admire the large numbers of marine birds that come to nest and breed, especially red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and Nazca boobies. But keep your eyes open for the well-camouflaged short-eared owl. These birds can occasionally be spotted near shrubs out in the open lava flow fields, where they wait for storm petrels to emerge from their burrows before attacking them for a tasty meal.

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Bartolome Island

Admire the geological formations of Bartolome. Craters, cinder cones, lava flows, spatter cones, and broken lava tunnels pepper the whole island. Hike 380 steps up the boardwalk to the summit of the island and reward yourself with 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Enjoy photographic opportunities at the famous Pinnacle Rock, a towering, spearheaded obelisk that rises from the ocean’s edge. After the hike, try snorkeling from the beach, where you can potentially swim with sharks, penguins, and colorful reef fish underneath the clear waters.

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Cerro Brujo

Situated along the northern coast of San Cristobal Island, Cerro Brujo offers a relaxing outing to its magnificent secluded white sand beach. Enjoy the plethora of sea lions resting peacefully on the beach after a busy day at sea. Go in search of the San Cristobal mockingbird, one of four species of mockingbird found in the Galapagos archipelago, as well as marine iguanas hiding among the black volcanic rocks along the beach. And for the water lovers, take the opportunity to enjoy a cool dip in the Pacific Ocean.

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Buccaneer Cove

Buccaneer Cove is a very scenic visitor site at the northwestern tip of Santiago Island. This area of the Galapagos archipelago was frequented by pirates and whalers as the name suggests. It is not possible any landing here, so you will snorkel exploring the area or during a dinghy ride. Some famous rocks emerge from the sea. They are called after what they look like, so there is the bishop rock and the elephant rock. You can observe different sea birds like blue-footed boobies and pelicans. It is also possible to go kayaking.

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Cabo Rosa

Cabo Rosa, also known as "Los Tuneles", is located one hour from Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island. The crystalline waters make it the perfect snorkeling location. Over the years this site has become a marine wildlife refuge for sea turtles, marine iguanas, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies. The cold, nutrient-rich waters also provide an ideal habitat for the Galapagos penguin that can be found in the area.

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Cacao y Mango Farm

This incredible visit takes place along the arms of rivers and wetlands that connect to the mighty Guayas River, about 25 miles from the populous city of Guayaquil. Here you can observe and learn the process of sowing and harvesting cacao, accompanied by the preparation of the 100% pure chocolate. This farm has been in the Lara family for more than 65 years. Last century, government-owned mangrove forests were divided into 12-hectare plots and granted to farmers to encourage settlement. Through the generations, the Lara family has created not only abundance of crops such as cacao, mango, toquilla straw, fruits, plantains, lemon grass, rice, but also medicinal plants.

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Punta Carrion

Located northeast of Santa Cruz Island, Punta Carrion is a rocky cliff region that offers great opportunities to explore the marine diversity of the islands. It is one of the most popular snorkeling sites in the central area of the archipelago. Snorkel among a variety of colorful fish and stingrays, and if you are lucky, there might be a chance to see whitetip reef sharks or the magnificent Galápagos shark.

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Charles Darwin Research Station

Learn about the conservation efforts happening throughout the Galapagos at the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. At the giant tortoise breeding center, observe baby tortoises from various islands in the archipelago. A special highlight showcased here is the embalmed body of Lonesome George, the last known tortoise species from the island of Pinta. It is also your one and only chance to observe the shell shapes of the different species of giant tortoise located in the various corrals on the site.

Charles Darwin Foundation is a nonprofit organization and the work we carry out depends entirely upon our donors. Additionally, the Charles Darwin Foundation has just renewed its agreement with the Government of Ecuador in July 2016 for 25 more years of science in the archipelago.

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Highlands - Darwin Station

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Volcan Chico

Volcan Chico is located northeast of the Sierra Negra Volcano at an altitude of approximately 2,800 feet above sea level. Throughout the five-mile hike to the volcano, the terrain changes quite a bit, going from areas covered by vegetation, such as ferns and guava trees, to areas covered by volcanic rock where some candelabra cactuses grow. The area that surrounds the crater almost feels like being on another planet with the volcanic stone, arid surface, and sulfur smell.

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Champion Islet

Champion Islet, named after the whaler Andrew Champion, is a small island located just off the coast of Floreana Island. This tiny island contains a number of exotic species like penguins, blue-footed boobies, pintail ducks, and frigate birds. While on your zodiac cruise keep a careful eye for the rare and endangered Floreana mockingbird, with less than one hundred left on the island. One of the highlights is the spectacular snorkeling, where you can potential find Galapagos sharks, whales, hammerheads, moray eels and many more.

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Manglares Churute

Discover the Churute Mangrove Ecological Reserve, one of Ecuador's largest protected areas, spanning over 38,000 hectares of mangroves and 12,000 hectares of tropical forest. Just 58 km (36 miles) from downtown Guayaquil, this birdwatcher's paradise boasts more than 300 bird species, including 27 endemic and 11 endangered. Join us for a boat ride through the winding saltwater canals of the Guayas Estuary, where you'll learn about diverse mangrove species and the unique flora and fauna. The adventure continues with a hike through dry tropical forests in search of rare birds and howler monkeys.

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Concha de Perla

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Punta Cormorant

Punta Cormorant lies along the northern shores of Floreana Island. The visit begins with a wet landing on a small remote beach behind which is hidden a secluded brackish water lagoon. Make sure to keep your eyes open for flamingos and other shorebirds that like to feed in the area. Along the interior, take time to admire small land birds like Darwin’s finches and Galapagos flycatchers. On the other side of the landing site sits a beach of fine coral where Pacific green sea turtles nest.

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Daphne Major Island

Although you cannot land on Daphne Major, this island can be appreciated much better by circumnavigating around it. This is a central island, situated in the north of the Santa Cruz Island and to the west of the Baltra Airport. This island has a rocky structure and features two craters in the center, which makes its formation a tuff cone. Daphne’s big claim to fame is as location for the Pulitzer Prize winning book: The beak of the Finch. The humble Darwin Finch that lives on Daphne Major has been studied for over 40 years, and played an interesting role in scientific breakthroughs.

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Darwin Bay

Situated towards the northeast of the archipelago, Genovesa, or Tower Island, presents a paradise for enthusiastic ornithologists and photographers alike. It is no wonder that locals call this area a bird paradise—over 200,000 red-footed boobies nest here because of the proximity of the island to their feeding sites. During a short stroll on the white sandy beach, you can observe these pelagic birds, along with colonies of magnificent frigatebirds, great frigatebirds and Nazca boobies. The only reptile found here is the marine iguana, which is considered the smallest species of iguana in the Galapagos. Overall, this location provides excellent photographic opportunities with the multitudes of birds scattered across the whole island.

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Corona del Diablo

Corona del Diablo (Devil's Crown) is located north of Floreana Island, is a ring of uneven rocks that stick out of the water. Its name comes from the fact that it looks like a huge crown, due to its round shape. Once a volcanic crater, most of it was eroded away and only a few rocks remain, making it one of the best snorkeling spots in Galapagos. The rocks attract a diversity of splendid reef fish, and you can occasionally spot hammerhead sharks, white-tipped reef sharks, manta rays or sea turtles and of course, colorful fish.

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Cerro Dragon

Cerro Dragon lies on the northwestern side of Santa Cruz Island. Unlike the lush green landscape of the highlands of Santa Cruz, Cerro Dragon has a desert-like terrain punctuated with Opuntia cacti and Palo Santa trees. Enjoy a leisurely walk to the summit of this low-lying hill and take in the spectacular views across the island, looking for the endemic Galapagos land iguanas roaming through the underbrush as you go. Photograph wader birds like flamingos, pintail ducks, and black neck stilts congregating at a nearby salt-water lagoon. Cerro Dragon offers abundant photographic opportunities for everyone to enjoy.

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Eden Islet

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Puerto Egas

Puerto Egas, located on Santiago Island, carries a rich human history. It was once the most visited island in the Galápagos archipelago, especially with early travelers like buccaneers and whalers. These early explorers came to the island in search of food and water. The renowned naturalist Charles Darwin also visited the island in 1835. The landing site of Puerto Egas is an incredible place to spot wildlife. On your walk along the rocky coastline admire a wide variety of both land birds and shorebirds, such as yellow warblers, herons, and Galápagos flycatchers. As you head toward the grottos, a rocky area with a number of tide pools, keep your eyes open for the elusive Galápagos fur seals. However, mind your step due to the marine iguanas that blend in perfectly with the black lava rocks along the trail.

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Elizabeth Bay

Spend your time exploring the richness of Elizabeth Bay by boat, observing the wide variety of wildlife in this location on the western side of Isabela Island. Marvel as you make your way through mangroves to a group of islets where Galapagos penguins and blue-footed boobies congregate. The cooler waters off the west coast of Isabella attract the archipelago’s largest colonies of penguins to this site. Photograph endemic species like marine iguanas, some of the largest species of iguana found in the Galapagos, due to the abundant supply of algae. And finally for any bird enthusiasts, spot herons and flightless cormorants in the surrounding area.

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Punta Espejo

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Punta Espinoza

Located on the northeastern side of Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza, or spiny point, is the only landing site on Fernandina Island. It is considered one of the most pristine spots on our planet, as no animals have been introduced, keeping its ecosystem intact. Fernandina Island has a unique setting with the highest density of marine iguanas, which are found everywhere along the trail. It is also a great chance to get up-close looks at lava lizards, Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, sea lions, hawks, and other interesting marine life.

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Espumilla Beach

Playa Espumilla is situated on the northwestern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay. Its coffee-colored beach provides an excellent opportunity to stroll along the coast and admire the bird diversity. Marvel at blue-footed boobies plunge diving for food. Observe American oyster catchers wading along the shoreline in search of small crustaceans. And perhaps, if you are lucky, a curious juvenile hawk will take refuge on the branch of a mangrove tree to get a better look at its visitors. Finally, keep a lookout for fast-moving ghost crabs scuttling along the beach to their burrows.

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Floreana Farmers Area

Immerse yourself in the agricultural world of Floreana Island. This tour aims at promoting community tourism for the residents of the islands. Visit their livestock and farms and learn how agricultural products are distributed to the many tour boats in the Galapagos. Observe how farmers plant and harvest products such as cassava, coffee, and vegetables. Watch the process of how locals transform sugar cane into moonshine, and perhaps try a shot or two if you dare!

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La Galapaguera

Search for the iconic giant tortoises as they roam through the thick vegetation of La Galapaguera. This area lies towards the southeast of San Cristobal Island, 14 miles from the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The site was built to improve the status of the island’s tortoise population, providing them a place that replicates their natural environment. Here you can admire the baby tortoises at the breeding center and learn about the conservation efforts to protect these gentle giants on San Cristobal.

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Gardner Islet

Off the coast of Española Island lies Gardner Islet. Take a Zodiac ride to this small island and wonder at the vertical cliffs that drop to sandy ledges and large boulders. Enjoy a rewarding snorkeling experience while engaging with the rich variety of underwater life like garden eels, black spotted morays, puffer fish, and an array of colorful reef fish. Watch the playful antics of the sea lions that congregate and swim in the area and be amazed by their curiosity and agility as they swim past you. What an experience it will be!

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Gardner Bay

Sink your toes into the warm sandy beach of Gardner Bay. Located on the small island of Española, this is one of the most magnificent beaches anywhere in the Galapagos. Share a photographic moment with the sea lions that bask on the white sandy beach and perhaps a tiny pup might greet your feet upon arrival. Observe the territorial Española mockingbirds that roam the area in search of food and water. Be on the lookout for marine iguanas along the rocky coastline. This beach offers a little bit for everyone: a leisurely stroll, a place to relax and enjoy the sun, or perhaps to cool off and enjoy some snorkeling.

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Los Gemelos

Marvel at the geological spectacle of Los Gemelos, a pair of large sinkholes surrounded by Scalesia forest, up in the highlands of Santa Cruz. The collapse of the volcanic roof of an empty magma chamber created these large chasms into the depths of the earth. Many plant species like bromeliads, orchids, mosses, and lichens inhabit this region. You can also find the famous vermilion flycatcher, one of the rarest bird sightings in the Galapagos archipelago, along with a number of finches ranging from vegetarian finches, tree finches, and woodpecker finches. This short walk offers much to be seen for birdwatchers and lovers of geology.

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Guayaquil City

Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city with about 3 millions inhabitants. Situated at sea level its port Puerto Maritimo is the main sea port of the country where about 80% of the country´s imports and more than 50% of its exports are handled. It is the commercial and industrial center of Ecuador and lies on the west bank of the river Guayas about 60 km from its outflow in the Gulf of Guayaquil. The climate in the dry season (May to November) is warm and pleasant (27C or 81F), in the rainy season or between January and April a hotel-room with air conditioning is recommended. Guayaquil, the gateway to the Galapagos, has been transformed over recent years with its newly restored historic district characterized by centuries-old houses and narrow lanes. Guayaquil is the main port of the country and is considered one of the most important because its location and infrastructure provides facilities for international maritime trade.

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Interpretation Center

Learn about the history and biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands on a self-guided walking tour at the Interpretation Center on San Cristobal Island. The center is located on the outskirts of Baquerizo Moreno, within walking distance of the town. Discover interesting facts like the volcanic origin of the archipelago, learn about conservation efforts, and explore the islands’ human history.

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El Junco Lagoon

El Junco Lagoon, the only freshwater lake in the Galapagos archipelago, is located in the highlands of San Cristobal. The lake is situated inside a small crater which in turn is located within the caldera of an extinct volcano. This site is a popular place for frigate birds that like to swoop down into the lake to bathe and wash their wings. During the dry season its depth can decrease to six feet, while the lake can overflow during the rainy season from January to February, forming small streams flowing down the side of the mountain.

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Wall of Tears

Along the trail to the Wall of Tears, enjoy a scenic walk with diverse and beautiful views of Isabela Island. Search for pink flamingoes, black-necked stilts, whimbrels, and white-cheeked pintail ducks in the brackish water lagoons surrounded by a mangrove forest. At the old prison site, learn about the history behind the Wall of Tears, which dates back to the end of World War II when the Ecuadorian government used this area as a penal colony.

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Leon Dormido

Located off the coast of San Cristobal Island, Leon Dormido offers an excellent spot for snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands. This famous landmark, the remnant of a vertical tuff cone formation, rises almost 500 feet from the ocean. Erosion gives the rock its characteristic shape, which some see as a sleeping African lion, or Leon Dormido in Spanish. Within the rich waters, you can search for creatures like sea turtles, sea lions, and Galapagos sharks. So don’t forget your underwater cameras in this incredible location.

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Loberia Floreana

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Loberia San Cristobal

Located near Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristóbal Island, this scenic sea lion filled beach offers ample opportunities for catching sight of the island's lively local residents. This island has by far the largest sea lion population in the Galapagos. Hike along a rocky volcanic shoreline and spot abundant creatures like marine iguanas, lava lizards, finches, shorebirds, yellow warblers and frigates. After your hike cool down in the cool ocean waters and enjoy a nice swim.

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Lobos Island

Hike along the shoreline of Lobos Islands and search for the iconic blue-footed boobies and majestic frigatebirds that nest in the area. This small island is located approximately twenty minutes by boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Enjoy snorkeling in waters rich with wildlife—a juvenile sea lion might just come and tug on your snorkel fin! And look for the elusive Galapagos fur seal, which can occasionally be seen resting on the rocky coastline. This excursion offers plenty from both land and sea.

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Luz del Dia

Located inside of a cove in the remains of an old caldera, this site attracts an exciting array of marine life, making it an excellent place to go snorkeling. The fish species found here include surgeonfish, parrotfish, the King Angelfish, wrasse, and the Moorish Idol fish. If you carefully scan the ocean floor you might even catch sight of a sea star or two. Occasionally, Galapagos penguin and sea lions will swim in the water with the snorkelers for a surprising, but memorable experience. If you abandon the cove and swim with the current heading south, you will most likely meet sea turtles, eagle rays, or even sharks.

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Punta Mangle

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Manglecito Beach

El Manglecito consists of two visiting areas: the mangrove area and the beach area. The mangrove section consists of a brackish water lagoon, providing an ideal place to observe shore birds, finches, and waders. At the beach, enjoy the perfect place for recreation and swimming in crystal clear waters. The contrast between the blue sea and the white sand beach against the backdrop of green mangroves makes for a scenic and captivating experience.

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Marine Observation

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Punta Mejia

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Punta Moreno

Take a zodiac ride along the strikingly beautiful rocky coast of Punta Moreno and get fantastic looks at flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, golden rays, and many other shorebirds. Punta Moreno is located near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. After the zodiac ride, enjoy a walk along a path leading to tide pools and mangroves. During your walk, you will observe the remnants of marine organisms that were stuck to the rocks, including a coral reef that centuries ago was alive and thriving. For bird lovers, this site attracts blue herons, pink flamingos, pelicans, and Darwin’s finches.

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Mosquera Islet

One of the smallest islands in the archipelago, Mosquera situates itself between North Seymour and Baltra Island. It consists of many coral reefs, making it a great site to snorkel and observe marine life. It is home to one of the largest colonies of sea lions in the Galapagos archipelago with occasional whale sightings around the islet. It boasts unique wildlife like marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and Sally Lightfoot crabs.

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Playa Ochoa

Slip off your flip flops and enjoy a pleasant outing at Ochoa Beach. This beautiful beach, just 30 minutes from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, offers an excellent introduction to the Galápagos Islands. Some of the wildlife present in the area include sea lions, blue-footed boobies, Sally Lightfoot crabs, along with many other shorebirds. Also keep an eye out for the endemic San Cristobal mockingbird in the lagoons behind the beach. After your stroll through the area, why not jump into the water and enjoy some snorkeling in this peaceful and protected cove?

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Osborn Islet

Osborn Islet, located near Española Island in the Galapagos archipelago, offers an enchanting snorkeling experience at Gardner Bay. This secluded paradise, named after the renowned American ornithologist William Osborn, boasts crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life. Snorkelers can expect to encounter an array of fascinating creatures, from playful sea lions to graceful sea turtles and colorful tropical fish.

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Puerto Grande

Puerto Grande is a well-protected little cove with a beautiful white sand beach suitable for swimming, birdwatching, or stretching your legs with a walk along the scenic coastline. Hermit crabs are a very common sight here, covering the area near the lagoons behind the beach. The cove is also a blue-footed booby feeding area. Occasionally you can find a sea lion or two lazily resting on the beach, making for a picture-perfect moment.

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Playa Negra

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Punta Pitt

The trail on Punta Pitt begins on a secluded olivine beach and ascends to the top of a volcanic tuff hill, passing through several natural viewpoints. The walking trail is nearly one mile, with an estimated walk time of two hours round trip. This is the only site in the Galápagos archipelago where you can find three species of boobies and two species of frigatebirds nesting in the same area. Another added attraction is the presence of Galápagos sea lions at the landing beach. After the hike, jump into the water for a quick cool down before heading back to the ship

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Post Office Bay

On Floreana Island, trek through the highlands and across the lowlands to Post Office Bay. This adventurous hike offers you a chance to observe the different ecosystems found on the island. The final part of the hike leads to Post Office Bay, which contains a rich human history. There you can find a barrel filled with postcards following in the tradition of the early whalers and buccaneers who visited the island. The tradition goes, if you see a letter addressed to someone who lives near you, you should take it and deliver it by hand.

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Rabida Island

The red island of Rabida offers its visitors a unique geological landscape. As you walk the red sandy beach, observe the large colony of sea lions that inhabit it. Take a short hike through Palo Santa forests and endemic cacti to a scenic vantage point with spectacular views of the island and the beach below. Look for flamingos and other wader birds near the brackish water lagoon just behind the beach. Partake in a wonderful snorkeling experience in search of white-tipped reef sharks, rays, sea lions, and many other species in the refreshing waters off the coast.

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Puerto Chino

Enjoy a relaxing day on a white sand beach at Puerto Chino. This beach is located in the southeast of San Cristobal Island. Here you can take a walk along the coast to photograph Galápagos sea lions resting on the rocky outcrops or search for Darwin’s finches hidden inside the bushes of a mangrove forest. But watch your step for the endemic lava lizards scurrying across the trail. If you are lucky, you might just spot the Chatham mockingbird, a unique species of mockingbird found only on San Cristobal Island.

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Roca Union

Roca Union, once connected to the island of Isabela, offers great views of Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul. Although we cannot land on this site, our zodiacs will pass through the area on our way to Los Tuneles in order to better observe the island’s residents, like the marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. According to geologists, Roca Union was directly connected to the Sierra Negra volcano, whose lava formed the large rock formation thousands of years ago.

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Sullivan Bay

Travel back in time and see what the earth might have looked like millions of years ago. Sullivan Bay, located on the southeast of Santiago Island, is a great place for any admirer of geology. Here you can see some amazing lava formations and the volcanic landscape created by long-cooled lava flows from 1897. As you walk over this black and barren landscape, admire the different textures and shapes of the hardened lava underneath your feet. Many of the islands in the Galápagos started off as barren and desolate lands just like Sullivan Bay, only to be slowly transformed into places filled with abundant flora and fauna.

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South Plaza Island

Located just off the eastern coast of Santa Cruz Island, South Plaza Island was formed by the uplifting of the sea floor. During your hike, search for the yellow dragons of the island, the Galápagos land iguanas. As you trek up the small island, admire the views from the edge of the cliffs and watch for birds like frigates, yellow-billed tropic birds, and swallow-tailed gulls. Along the trail and up the cliff tops, keep an eye out for Galápagos sea lions lazily resting on the rocky boulders. And finally, admire the prickly pear cactuses scattered throughout the entire landscape.

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Sendero de los Pulpos

Sendero de los Pulpos offers an abundance of unique and diverse natural sites, including olivine crystal and white coral beaches, a large brackish lagoon, volcanic cinders, crystal blue waters, and a plethora of wildlife. On this two-hour trek, hike on top of black hardened lava fields and observe endemic and pioneer plants and unique wildlife, like the Galápagos marine iguana. Keep your eyes open for sea turtles as they stick their heads out of the water. At the end of the walk, you will come across a brackish water lagoon where you can focus your attention on the different wading birds, like flamingos, whimbrels, and black-necked stilts.

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Quito City

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Santa Fe Island

Santa Fe Island lies in the center of the Galapagos archipelago, southeast of Santa Cruz Island. The land iguanas, which are an endemic subspecies of the Galapagos land iguana, are a unique quality of this island. Look out for the endemic rice rats that can be seen roaming through the underbrush. During your walk make time to admire the large prickly pear cactuses that line portions of the trail. And finally, share a photographic moment with the sea lions resting and congregating at the beach.

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San Cristobal Airport

San Cristobal is one of the most visited islands in the Galápagos. Most of the commercial flights to and from mainland Ecuador come through the airport located there. One of the great advantages to staying in San Cristobal is the proximity of the airport to the town—only a quick five-minute taxi ride. The capital of the Galápagos is also located on the island of San Cristobal, in the town of Baquerizo Moreno. In town you can find many modern-day amenities, including hotels, stores, banks, and restaurants.

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North Seymour Island

This small island will definitely leave a lasting impression with its abundance of wildlife. North Seymour is known for the large colonies of frigatebirds that can be found nesting there. Two species, the magnificent and great frigatebirds, inhabit the island. Watch your step for blue-footed boobies and land iguanas patrolling the area. Along the coastal trail, observe sea lions resting on the sandy beach. If you are lucky, you might see a few sea lion pups along the trail.

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Sierra Negra Volcano

Sierra Negra, one of the most active volcanoes on Isabela Island, rises to an elevation of 4,400 feet with a caldera stretching 6-miles long in diameter, making it the second-largest crater on earth. The massive caldera offers the perfect setting for hiking on this beautiful volcanic terrain. As you begin the trek up to the summit, make your way through fern-covered vegetation and listen to the beautiful songs of Darwin’s finches. At the top of the caldera, enjoy the scenic landscape that surrounds this impressive volcano.

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Chinese Hat Island

Sombrero Chino, or “Chinese Hat” is a small islet located just off the island of Santiago. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the side of this small mountain made of lava and rocks from an erupting volcano thousands of years ago. Snorkel in the channel separating Sombrero Chino and Santiago Island in search of marine life, such as sea lions, penguins, and colorful reef fish. Take a Zodiac cruise along the island and observe coastal birds like lava herons, great blue herons, and pelicans. Sombrero Chino offers plenty of opportunities to partake in a variety of different activities.

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Santa Cruz Highlands

With an area of 381 square miles, Santa Cruz is the second-largest island in the Galápagos archipelago and has a maximum altitude of 2,835 feet. Due to the altitude, the highlands of Santa Cruz provide you with a nice break from the ocean and marine life. Admire this unique habitat with Galápagos tortoises, Darwin’s finches, and many other unique animals that call this place home. If you are an avid birdwatcher, the highlands offer a great chance to identify more than eight species of finches, some warblers, and, of course, the elusive vermilion flycatcher.

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Punta Suarez

Explore the wildlife wonders of Punta Suarez. Located on the tiny island of Española, Punta Suarez packs a wildlife punch. Walk along coastal cliffs and admire the Nazca boobies all around you. Stroll down the sandy beach filled with sea lions and their pups. Come close to an endemic creature found nowhere else on the planet, the Galápagos marine iguana. And finally, for those coming during the mating season, marvel at the eloquent dance of the waved albatross. This hike will leave an impression that will stay with you forever.

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Tagus Cove

Historically, Tagus Cove was well known by pirates, buccaneers, and whalers who frequented this part of the archipelago to restock their supplies. Tagus Cove offers many activities from both land and sea. Kayak along the protected coastline and search for Galápagos penguins swimming in the water, flightless cormorants drying their wings, or even blue-footed boobies diving into the water in search of food. Perhaps you will want to slip your fins and mask on and go snorkeling. For the more adventurous, take a hike with spectacular views of a lake set against the backdrop of the sheltered bay. And finally, marvel at the vast and sweeping landscape as you make your way up to the top of the trail.

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Cerro Tijeretas

Hike to the top of Cerro Tijeretas with a naturalist guide on this one-hour walk. The summit reaches 650 feet above sea level and provides scenic views of Wreck Bay to one side and the town of Baquerizo Moreno on the other. Charles Darwin landed on this island on September 16, 1835, during his only trip to the Galapagos. Cerro Tijeretas translates to Scissor Hill, named after the scissor-shaped tails of the frigatebirds that nest in the area. Here you can observe both magnificent and great frigatebirds, along with endemic creatures like mockingbirds and lava lizards.

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Las Tintoreras

Las Tintoreras is a chain of uninhabited islets that spreads across Isabela’s southern coast. Venture out on a two-hour hike through a mangrove forest and across dark black volcanic rocks. Search for whitetip reef sharks within crystal-clear pools of water. Look for endemic creatures such as the Galapagos marine iguana, the only species of iguana that dives under the water in search for food. After your hike, cool down and enjoy some time snorkeling as you look for sea lions, penguins, and other varied marine life.

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Black Turtle Cove

Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove (Caleta Tortuga Negra) is a perfect spot to check out green sea turtles and sharks. It is accessible only by sea. It is a great place to find red and white mangroves crowd from the shore out into the estuary. We will also see turtles swimming and poking their heads above the surface of the calm waters while fish, rays and small sharks circle below. This cove has been declared as a “Turtle Sanctuary”.

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Tortuga Bay

Savor the sights and sounds of Tortuga Bay. Along the trail to the white sand beaches, listen to the melodic tunes of yellow warblers and Galápagos mockingbirds as they dart between the trees. Keep your eyes on the ground, where red-throated lava lizards and sometimes giant tortoises scurry around the dry-brush habitat. Observe the huge lava flows, palo santo forests, and prickly pear cactuses that surround you. At the beach, marine iguanas can easily be spotted catching the sun or going for a swim in the ocean. If you approach the rocks along the shore, observe the colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs and the blue-footed boobies and pelicans diving into the ocean for fish.

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Trapiche Farm

Learn about sustainable agricultural techniques in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island at El Trapiche Farm. The owner, Adriana Cabrera, started the farm in the 1960s when he settled on Santa Cruz Island. El Trapiche Farm grows a number of products, such as coffee beans, sugarcane, and bananas, among others. With the support of his children, Mr. Cabrera prepared the site to receive tourists who want to learn more about the processes of cultivation, harvesting, and milling involved in the transformation of sugarcane and coffee beans. You can also learn about different cane alcohol distilling techniques, as well as some traditional coffee roasting tricks.

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Isabela Breeding Center

Follow a boardwalk trail leading across wetlands and opuntia cactus fields to the Isabela Breeding Center. Along the way, observe different species of mangroves, native trees, and coastal lagoons. Observe flamingos, black-necked stilts, herons, and oyster catchers that inhabit the area. Once at the breeding center, you can see five different subspecies of Galapagos giant tortoise, all native to Isabela Island. Learn about the tortoise breeding program that aims to increase the populations of these remarkable animals and ensure their survival as a wild species.

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Urbina Bay

Urbina Bay is a place of great geological importance for an unusual event that took place there as recently as 1954. A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 on the Richter scale caused the coastline to uplift, exposing the ocean floor. Today, Urbina Bay has become an extension of Isabela Island and is filled with abundant plant and animal life. Search for the gentle Galápagos giant tortoises along your walk. Keep an eye out for land iguanas in the underbrush. Farther along the trail, marvel at the exposed coral reef that was once part of the ocean floor many years ago.

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Puerto Velasco Ibarra

Puerto Velasco Ibarra is a small village located on the island of Floreana. Its population is only around 150 inhabitants. Although Floreana has the smallest population out of the three other inhabited islands, it carries a rich human history. Whalers, buccaneers, and even the great Charles Darwin visited this tiny island. Coming to Puerto Velasco Ibarra is like traveling back in time. Much has remained the same since the 1960s. Even for its small size, Floreana is a launching pad for many activities from hiking and snorkeling to observing unique and incredible wildlife.

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Puerto Villamil

Puerto Villamil is a small port village located on the southeastern edge of Isabela Island. When visiting Puerto Villamil, it is easy to imagine what the other inhabited islands of San Cristobal and Santa Cruz might have looked like twenty years ago. Of the 2,500 people who live on Isabela Island, the majority live in Puerto Villamil and earn a living either through tourism, agriculture, or fishing. Just a five-minute walk from town is a secluded lagoon containing a number of flamingos. Not too far away lies a picturesque white sand beach, ideal for those who want a little bit of tranquility and contact with nature.

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Punta Vicente Roca

Explore the far corners of the Galápagos archipelago at Punta Vicente Roca. Take a zodiac ride along the coastal terrain with volcanic tuff cone formations shooting hundreds of feet high. Search for the elusive Galápagos fur seals resting along the rocky coastline. Punta Vicente Roca is a geological wonder filled with abundant marine wildlife. Afterward, jump into the refreshing water for a spectacular snorkel outing looking for Pacific green turtles, Galápagos penguins, sea lions, and flightless cormorants.

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Isabela Wetlands

Walk along the wetlands and appreciate the four species of coastal mangroves found among the brackish water lagoons. Observe the different species of waders, such as flamingos, stilts, gallinules, and whimbrels that feed in the area. The wetlands form a natural barrier protecting Puerto Villamil from waves and high tides. They are essential for the maintenance of biological diversity in the Galapagos. Several of the area’s inhabitants depend exclusively on the wetland to fulfill their life cycle, such as waders, crabs, land birds, and fish.