Compare Passion Galapagos Luxury Cruise by Andando vs Ideal Galapagos by Gray Line Ecuador

Day 1:

After arriving at Baltra airport we will be greeted by an Angermeyer Cruises representative and start our first visit.

We will enjoy lunch at the ranch to then head back to Puerto Ayora for our second visit of the day, the

Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center.

Here, we will see tortoises from different islands. The animals are found in large semi‐natural pens for their protection, but also to ensure an easy view for the visitors. The pens are divided according to four different stages: eggs, neonates, juveniles (held here until they are mature enough to be ""repatriated""), and adults.

Day 2:

Dry landing on one of the oldest docks of the archipelago, colorful Plaza Sur is home to vibrant green

prickly pears, deep red Sesuvium and coppery‐orange land iguanas. Impressive seaward cliffs are excellent for a variety of coastal birds. This is also a great place to observe the adult and pup sea lions swimming along the shores.

After a wet landing on Santa Fe onto a white beach where sea lions are usually resting, we will be looking for the endemic species of land iguana, larger and yellower than land iguanas on other islands. The largest prickly pear cacti in the Galapagos are also found here.

Day 3:

We will spend the day in fantastic Española, starting with Gardner Bay (wet landing), an outstanding

beach with sea lions, marine iguanas, and the intrepid Española mockingbird.

Close to Española there is a good spot for snorkeling called Gardner Islet. While snorkeling, there is a good chance playful sea lions will join you. Get ready for more snorkeling at Osborn islet, a great place to observe great quantities of marine life.

We will head to Punta Suarez The trail is about 4 km (2 miles) long and the walk takes about 2 hours. A geyser near the trail sprays water some 25 m (75 feet) into the air. This is one of the most popular landing sites in Galapagos.

The highlights include: sea lions near the landing place, sometimes to be seen body‐surfing in the large breakers; large marine iguanas, with red‐coloured males in the breeding season; oystercatchers; blue‐ footed and Nazca boobies; Galapagos hawk; Galapagos dove; swallow‐tailed gull; red billed tropicbirds in flight; and three species endemic to Española – waved albatross (present only from April to December), Española mockingbird, and Española lava lizard.

Day 4:

This is our last day in the islands. After breakfast we will disembark in Puerto Ayora to take our transport to the Baltra airport, making a short stop to visit the Twin Craters. The Gemelos (twins) are two deep craters located to the side of the road that leads to Puerto Ayora from the other side of the island. These huge holes were probably created in a volcanic explosion or by magma chambers underneath the island´s surface.

This is also a good place to see the Galapagos hawk and barn owl of this island and the surrounding forests are filled of birds such as the vermilion flycatcher or the yellow warbler. Something worth mentioning is the contrast of the vegetation of the highlands with the arid coastal zones.

After this visit we will make our way to the Baltra airport for the flight to mainland Ecuador.

In addition to the land visits we offer a good balance of other activities such as snorkeling, panga rides and kayaking.

Day 1:

Welcome at the Baltra airport and transfer by public buses to the tip of the Itabaca canal, where you will proceed by a public ferry service in the Island of Santa Cruz. Transport will be waiting in order to transfer you to Puerto Ayora, area where the hotels are located on the Island. On the way, you will have the opportunity to visit the lava tunnels and a Turtle reserve. Visit to the Scientific Charles Darwin Station, where you can learn more about the Galápagos Islands; the species that live in this enchanted place, its origin, the theory of Evolution, the conservation programs, and observe some Giant Turtles in captivity. (Transfer operates daily at 13h00). Accommodation.

**It will be possible to operate transfers without visits and without guide at the following times: 10h00 and 15h00**(previous request).

Day 2:

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning excursion to Tortuga Bay Beach, after 40 minute walk (approx.) we will arrive to this magic place, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos!, with white sand and green mangroves.  “Playa

Mansa” is where we can swim and enjoy of the beach.

Free time for lunch (not included).  In the afternoon, tour around the bay on board a yacht, starting with a visit to “La Lobería”, named because of the presence of sea lions.  Here you will be able to swim or snorkel.  Then we proceed with our tour to the “Canal del Amor”, a marvelous site where nature gives us an unforgettable view; at the end of this channel, just a few meters forward, a viewpoint where we can observe reef sharks; from here we continue with a short walk to see the marine iguanas that inhabit in “Playa de los Perros”.  Punta Estrada will also be visited. Return to Puerto Ayora.

*Note: shipping used in this excursion is a boat engine with capacity for 16 people.This tour only takes place Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Day 3:

Meals: Breakfast

Excursion in yacht to one of the following Islands: Plazas, Seymour, Bartolomé, Santa Fé or similar ones.  Lunch included and return to Puerto Ayora to accommodation.

Tour Operations in Galápagos, may change due to climate conditions, operations, and logistics and are also subject to availability and itinerary changes, days of excursions, etc.  However, GRAY LINE Guarantees the number of excursions and visits to be met, but does not guarantee the itinerary or specific place to visit.

Day 4:

Meals: Breakfast

Excursion in yacht to one of the following Islands: Plazas, Seymour, Bartolomé, Santa Fe o similar ones. Lunch included and return to Puerto Ayora to accommodation.

Tour Operations in Galápagos, may change due to climate conditions, operations, and logistics and are also subject to availability and itinerary changes, days of excursions, etc. However, GRAY LINE Guarantees the number of excursions and visits to be met, but does not guarantee the itinerary or specific place to visit.

Day 5:

Meals: Breakfast

We will pick you up at your hotel to go to the canal of Itabaca, where a ferry will take you to Baltra Island. At the port you will board a public bus that takes you to the airport. On the route from the hotel to the canal, you will have the opportunity to make a brief stop at the craters ""Los Gemelos"", crater holes formed by the collapse of materials, surrounded by scalesia's forests. (Transfer operates daily at 07h00, 09h00 and 12h00). Includes only transport.