GALAPAGOS GUANTANAMERA CRUISE
8 DAYS – ITINERARY II
Day 1 - Sunday
AM: Baltra Island
Our guide will be waiting for you in Baltra Airport and once the group of passengers is completed
He/She will accompany you to the Archipell Catamaran which is anchored in Puerto Ayora harbor.
After arrival on board, we will check in and give you general information. You will have lunch.
Afterwards you will start with your first excursion to North Seymour.
PM: North Seymour
North Seymour is located north of Baltra (or South Seymour). The total distance of the trail is 2 miles.
Seymour North, Plaza Sur and Plaza Norte, Baltra, northeastern Santa Cruz, Santa Fe and part of
Espanola, were formed by uprisings of underwater volcanic lavas. They were part of a volcanic lava
table deposited in sheet form along cracks located on the ocean floor. The uprisings occurred
sporadically and lasted more than a million years to reach its current level. All marine fossils found in
the archipelago are found in these islands and the best example is the North Channel side of Baltra.
The fossils date from the Pleistocene, and specifically in the case of Baltra, one can say that these
volcanic tables were close to the surface about a million years ago. The vegetation is bush and hosts
the largest nesting colony of Great Frigate birds in Galapagos. Importantly, the Galapagos is the
westernmost distribution for this species. The common frigate is also present.
Day 2 - Monday
AM: Kicker Rock – Cerro Brujo
Cerro Brujo is located on the north coast of San Cristobel Island; the trail at this visitors’ site can be
done in about three hours, including the panga ride. Its main attraction is the powder-like sandy
beach, other than species of flora and fauna.
It is an eroding tuff cone that at several locations is composed of lava type a – a. It is formed by lowviscosity lava that contains little gas and breaks while it solidifies and is pushed by lava continuing to
flow from behind. In the lagoon located at Cerro Brujo, the people of Port Baquerizo Moreno mine salt
for preserving cod, beef and tortoise. Today it is a place for watching lake and coastal birds. Cerro
Brujo offers an excellent landscape, where you can see Kicker Rock (geologic formation), the southern
part of Upper San Cristobal and the coast adjacent to Cerro Brujo. There are two halophytes
(Salicornia fructirosa and Scaevola plumieri); these species grow in soils with high salt content.
PM: Lobos Island
Isla Lobos is about an hour by boat from Port Baquerizo Moreno. The length of the trail is 850 meters
and the estimated travel time is one hour. There is a small population of blue-footed boobies
and common frigate birds nesting on this site. You can observe the two species of sea lions present in
the archipelago. During the tour you go through a dry vegetation zone, substrate of volcanic rocks and
a sandy area. During the panga tour brown pelicans and several species of shorebirds can be
observed; although, snorkeling, it’s common to see juvenile sea lions, manta rays and sea turtles.
Day 3 - Tuesday
AM: Gardner Bay, Española Island
Gardner Bay is located on the north Coast of Espanola Island. The visiting area is defined by two
beaches the width a total length of 1300 meters. The main attraction is the colony of sea lions
(Zalophus wollebaeki), which inhabit the beach in great quantity during the breeding season. The
tortoise population of this island was reduced by human depredation. In 1965 only 12 females and 2
males were found and were transferred to the pens of the Galapaguera on Santa
Cruz Island. By the year 1976, in collaboration with the San Diego Zoo a third male was brought. After
monitoring several adults were found and by 1991 first tortoises born in the wild were placed.
Tortoises are concentrated near Manzanillo Bay on the upper part of the island. Here are three species
of Darwin's finches: A subspecies (Geospiza fuliginosa) of the Large Cactus Finch, which is similar to
the large ground finch, the Small Ground Finch (Geospiza fuliginosa) and the Wabler Finch (Certhidea
Olivacea) which is another endemic subspecies. Both resident and migratory birds are observed. This
is an important nesting area for sea turtles (Chelonia mydas).
PM: Suarez Point
Punta Suarez is located west of the Espanola Island. The trail is about 1670 meters. The approximate
travel time is 2 hours. Espanola is known as one of the older islands, with an estimated age of 3.3
million years. Basaltic lava rocks cover much of the island. The albatross (Diomedea irrorata) is
endemic to Española Island, but has also been reported in the Isla de la Plata (Machalilla National
Park). Albatrosses are present in Espanola from April to November or December. Española has a high
percentage of endemism because it is isolated from other islands; this is because the species in this
island have no gene flow with species from other islands. Marine iguanas have a turquoise color with
red in the breeding season. A variety of mockingbird, lava lizards, Darwin’s finches are considered
endemic to this island. The mockingbird of Espanola is the largest species in the islands and developed
carnivorous behavior. They feed on eggs of seabirds, sea lion placenta and newborn tortoises. The
lava lizards are the largest of the 7 species endemic to the Galapagos. In 1970 a program for the
eradication of goats began, they were entirely eliminated in 1978. A major attraction is El Soplador (a
blowhole) located on a cliff, the water rises 20 to 25 feet, depending on the intensity of the waves.
Day 4 - Wednesday
AM: South Plaza
The visitors’ site of Plaza Sur Island is located east of Santa Cruz Island, and forms part of two
islands known as Islas Plazas. The landing is on the north coast of the island in a channel that
separates it from Plaza Norte Island. Plaza Sur has an area of 13 hectares and a height of 25m. The
succulent plant, Sesuvium edmonstonei and Portulaca oleracea, are common in Plaza Sur, the second
is the favorite food of the land iguanas. There are about 1,000 sea lions Zalophus wollebaeki that
inhabit this island. On the cliffs located in the south - east of the island, there is a group of lone sea
lions, mixed juvenile and adult old and retired Land iguanas on Plaza Sur, are smaller than those at
other sites. They nest during the hot season. Throughout the island are several hybrid iguanas, a
result of crossing a male marine iguana and a female land iguana. These iguanas are unique,
recognizable at first glance by their black or gray color, with a land iguana's crest, but face and tail of
the marine iguana. During consecutive dry years, the iguana population may decrease due to lack of
food and water.
PM: Santa Fe
The visitor site Santa Fe, is located on the northeast en of the island bearing the same name Of the
two species of land iguanas present in Galapagos, th Conolophus subcristatus inhabits Plaza Sur,
Santa Cruz, North Seymour/Baltra, Isabella and Fernandina; however th species Conolophus pallidus
only lives in Santa Fe. It is distinguished mainly by the larger and paler color (hence its scientific
name). Of the six endemic species of rats that lived in the Galapagos two survive at present, in
Fernandina (Nesorysomis narboroughi) and in Santa Fé (Oryzomis bauri). In 1971 the population of
goats was eradicated on this island. In 1985 and 1988 the presence of red ants or fire ants (Wasmania
auropunctata) was reported, for which immediate control and eradication was performed. The species
of giant tortoise at this location was one of the first extinct. Studies according to Geist D.J suggest
that Santa Fe could be the oldest Galapagos volcano, there are sub-aerial rocks dating back 3.9
million years. It also mentions that the island of Santa Fe has a mix of underwater lava pushed to the
surface by uprising and lava that were deposited subsequently to the uprising. Another added
attraction is the presence of giant tunas that have a trunk wider than in any other island.
Day 5 – Thursday
Turtles Breeding Center - Highland
The tour starts at the information booth of the GNP, a place where you can obtain information
necessary to resolve any concerns. It is the where you'll find travel reports. The trail continues to the
Van Straelen interpretation Center, then to the breeding center and from there begins an elevated
circular path made of wood, where you could see Lonesome George (passed away on June 24th/
2012) and other tortoises of Española Island, ending in the tortoise exhibit corral. Tortoises of this
corral are accustomed to humans; it is an excellent spot for visitors to be photographed with them.
Always remind your visitors not to touch them and not to step on the platform where they're food is
placed. The path continues to the CDRS facilities and then to the town of Puerto Ayora.
The Galapagos breeding program is conducted by GNP staff with the collaboration of scientists from
the CDRS. The eggs are brought from the Galapagos Islands of Pinzón, Santiago and Santa Cruz to
the station. The eggs are incubated artificially; the galapaguitos are born and reared until the age of 5
years, when they can survive the effects of introduced predators (rats, pigs and dogs). Then they are
returned to their native areas. Since 1970, more than 2000 galapaguitos have returned to the native
areas. Over 400 are in breeding and will promptly be returned to their place of origin. For this to
succeed, it needs the corresponding control programs and eradication of non-native animals to
continue. A good example of success that this program can have is Espanola Island. The entire
population of Galapagos tortoises of this island, two males and twelve females, were brought to the
station for the captive breeding program, since their number was so low that they could not find each
other on the field. In 1976, a third male from Española was sent from San Diego Zoo, USA, to be
added to the program. Over 1000 galapaguitos of this race have been returned to Española, an island
that can now be considered free of nonnative animals, due to the eradication of goats in 1978. It
should be noted that the galapaguitos from Española are repatriated at one and a half years old now
that there is no danger. Great effort and many financial resources are needed to achieve results like
those of Española on other sites. Following the devastating depredation that wild dogs have caused
the populations of land iguanas, Conolophus subcristatus, in Santa Cruz and Isabella, in 1976 the
Station and the GNPS began a breeding program for these reptiles.
The main function of the CDRS is to promote scientific research in the islands and the associated
logistics. This research forms the basis of any conservation program. It also has a commitment to
assist in the training of scientists from Ecuador. The station is directly dependent on the Darwin
Foundation, an international body that collects economic funds from different parts of the world for
conservation programs and advice to the GNP.
Day 6 - Friday
AM: Cormorant point – Devil’s Crown
The visitor site Punta Cormorant is located on the north Coast of Floreana Island. The trail has an
approximate distance of 720 meters; the same goes for a lagoon, vistas and a fine sand beach. In the
lagoon one can find a large population of flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) and on the beach a nesting
area for sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). Also you can see other species of flora and fauna.
At Punta Cormorant there are two plant species endemic to the place: Scalesia vellosa and Lecocarpus
pinaffitidus. The beach landing contains a large amount of olivine crystals, giving it greenish color.
These crystals have been expelled from the wind of nearby tuff cones. The glass was formed when the
magma was still underground. Its content is of magnesium, iron and silica. There is a beach composed
of polished Hermatypic coral sand, the reason for its smooth texture. These types of areas are ideal
for stingrays, which prefer places with surf that has fine sand, which allows them to escape natural
predators.
PM: Post office Bay – Baroness Lookout
Post Office or Post Office Bay is a historic site that recalls the days of the whalers, when they came
for supplies of Galapagos tortoises and water. Presumably a whaling boat captain placed a barrel in
the eighteenth century for those who pass through the bay to leave mail and deliver those with the
same destination. In history the first appearance is on a map of the whaler James Colnett in 1793.
Today, this tradition is alive with tourists visiting the Galapagos. Remind passengers before
disembarking to take any letter or postcard for family members or friends. They do not need stamps.
All they have to do is pick up a letter that is directed to where they live.
At Post Office Bay remains are also found of a Norwegian settlement effort made in the early twentieth
century, who installed a fish cannery. Another point of interest is a lava tunnel, which is formed when
lava cools on the sides and base, but the core material continues to flow downward. Eventually, the
lava, still liquid, leaks and spills outward leaving a hollow cavity.
Baroness' lookout: This "vista" is located north of Floreana Island, in La Olla Bay. It is a basaltic tuff
formation between Cormorant Point and Post Office Bay. The ascent of the trail is fairly easy, except
for the last 33 m where the slope is elevated; however, steps have been implemented in this sector.
During the panga ride you can observe several marine species such as golden eagle rays, sea turtles,
sea lions, mullets and eventually Galapagos penguins.
Good place for understanding the mangroves. The red mangrove is characterized by a hanging
elongated fruit, which in reality is a new daughter plant that grows from the parent plant, a rarity in
the plant kingdom. The red mangrove is a pioneer in the coasts and has a very hard and resistant
wood. Among other plants, we find: Cordia leucophlyctis, Lantana peduncularis, Plumbago scandens,
and so on. This site is especially attractive because aside from its impressive scenic beauty, it has a
history. It is known by letters that Baroness Eloisa von Wagner (referring to "The Galapagos Affair" by
John Treherne) loved this place, where she spent several hours where she could acquire knowledge of
vessels approaching the island. Within walking distance (30 m) are the ruins of what is known as the
House of the Baroness. From the vista, the landscape covers the coastline from the Enderby islet to
Post Office Bay, as well as Cerro Pajas, the pool of flamingos (Punta Cormorant), upper areas and an
extensive forest of palo santo.
Day 7 - Saturday
AM: Chinese Hat
Chinese hat: A small islet located near the south-east coast of Santiago. It's shaped like a Chinese
hat when seen from afar. It is an island consisting of a cone type "Splatter" (lava ejected as drops and
falls close to where it came from, which forms a cone inclined) that forms the summit and many lava
tubes that go down to the coast. On the west you can see pillow-type lava formations, which are an
indicator that the flows were formed under the sea and have been raised upward, which is why coral
heads are found on the lava. This visit provides an excellent opportunity for the interpretation of
geological features such as lava tubes and lava flows. The trail is 700 m (round trip) and the minimum
time it takes this trek is half an hour.
PM: Dragon Hill
The visitors’ site at Dragon Hill is located in northwestern Santa Cruz Island, and consists of a trail
that runs through three different environments at just 1,600 m long. It gets its name because in
1975, was one of the only places in the Santa Cruz Island where there were land iguanas (Conolophus
subcristatus) in healthy state. That same year, the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin
Foundation initiated a program to conserve land iguanas. The iguanas on North Seymour (originally
from Baltra), iguanas from Cartago Bay (Isabella Island) and iguanas of Santa Cruz Island were
studied and then transported to pens especially designed for these animals to breed in captivity. By
1979 first iguana were born.
The entire iguana population of Cerro Dragon was transported to the Venice Islet to keep the away
from the wild dogs which in those days abounded in the place. Soil from the base of Cerro Dragon was
also transported to Islet to create an appropriate environment for nesting iguanas. It was necessary to
separate the Venice Islet from Santa Cruz Island with a barbed wire fence to prevent predator dogs
from crossing to the Islet, which is separated from the island by a very narrow channel. Several
iguanas that were reproduced in Venice were returned to Cerro Dragon in 1990. Currently there are
no dogs in Cerro Dragon, and the Galapagos National Park Service performs constant monitoring of
cats and donkeys. In the lagoons at this site, there is shrimp (Artemia salina), the same as is the food
of flamingos; at certain times of year they are more abundant and therefore the population of these
birds is larger. During rainier times the water of the lagoons become too sweet and therefore shellfish
populations decline, and shorebirds also become scarce.
Day 8 – Sunday
AM: Black turtle cove
It is very important for the marine turtles, mantas, sharks, fishes and other animal reproduction.
These animals can be seen if you go rowing on a boat. Several types of mangrove trees, which Shelter
Sea and terrestrial birds, surround the place. Swimming, making noise and diving is forbidden. This is
a restricted place.
PM: Baltra Airport
Return to the boat & sail to Baltra Island to catch your plane back to the mainland.