The Birds of the Galapagos – A Short Ornithological Cruise Through the Enchanted Archipelago

In the morning, a dedicated assistant will accompany you on a transfer from your hotel to the national airport in Quito, where you’ll board your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival in Baltra, the archipelago’s main airport, health and environmental inspections will be conducted to protect these fragile ecosystems. Your naturalist guide will greet you and escort you to the dock where your yacht awaits.

Once aboard, you’ll be welcomed by the crew and captain, who will provide a brief orientation before you settle into your cabin. In the afternoon, we set sail for Santa Cruz Island, heading to Bachas Beach on its northern coast. This pristine coral beach is one of the most important nesting sites for green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and is home to various shorebirds, with occasional sightings of the endemic Galapagos Flamingo.

Enjoy your first dinner and overnight stay aboard the Archipel 1.

Genovesa Island, a remnant of a massive volcanic crater now mostly submerged, is renowned as Bird Island—and for good reason. On the coral sands of Darwin Bay, numerous bird species nest directly on the ground and among the bushes.

A scenic panga (dinghy) ride along the island’s towering volcanic cliffs offers spectacular views of seabirds soaring in the updrafts, with Red-billed Tropicbirds being especially abundant. A hike along the cliffside trail provides opportunities to spot pelagic and semi-pelagic birds, as well as four of the 14 species of Darwin’s finches.

In the afternoon, we will explore El Barranco, a site rich in geological history, featuring vast pāhoehoe lava flows that tell the story of the archipelago’s volcanic origins.

This morning, we’ll wake up to the breathtaking landscape of Isabela Island’s rugged coast. Our first stop, Punta Vicente Roca, is a volcanic formation where Galapagos Penguins thrive. Beneath the surface, the nutrient-rich waters support a vibrant marine ecosystem, attracting sea turtles and colourful fish.

As we navigate through Bolívar Channel, we’ll keep watch for pelagic birds fishing in these waters. If conditions allow, we will also visit Tortuga Negra Beach in search of the rare Mangrove Finch, one of the archipelago’s most elusive species.

In the afternoon, we sail to Fernandina Island, the youngest and most volcanically active island in the Galapagos. The ever-changing lava flows have shaped the landscape into an otherworldly scene. Here, at Punta Espinoza, we explore a surreal landscape of lava fields and mangrove-lined shores, home to Flightless Cormorants and Galapagos Penguins.

After a night of navigation, you will awaken along Isabela Island’s southern coast. Our morning begins with a scenic bus ride followed by a hike up Sierra Negra Volcano, which boasts one of the world’s largest active calderas. The panoramic views from the summit are truly awe-inspiring.

In the afternoon, we will return to Puerto Villamil to visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, where conservationists work to protect these iconic reptiles. The day concludes with birdwatching at brackish lagoons, where shorebirds and waterfowl gather.

Today, we’ll explore Floreana Island, the southernmost island in the archipelago and home to two strictly endemic bird species:

At Asilo de la Paz, a forested hill, we will search for the elusive Medium Tree Finch while learning about Floreana’s tortoise conservation efforts. Near Champion Islet, we will look for the rare Floreana Mockingbird, which survives in just two small populations.

In the afternoon, as we navigate northward, we will scan the open waters for pelagic birds and marine mammals.

Española, the southernmost and oldest island in the Galapagos, is a haven for endemic species, including the Waved Albatross, which breeds almost exclusively here.

In the morning, we will hike to Punta Suarez, encountering marine iguanas, endemic mockingbirds, and several species of Darwin’s finches. The afternoon is reserved for snorkelling at Gardner Bay, where playful sea lions and vibrant reef fish create an unforgettable underwater experience.

Our day begins at Punta Pitt, where we land on a striking yellow sand beach framed by dramatic cliffs. This site offers unparalleled photography opportunities, with all three species of boobies (Blue-footed, Red-footed, and Nazca) nesting in the area, as well as Darwin’s finches and other seabirds.

In the afternoon, we sail along San Cristóbal’s volcanic coastline to Cerro Brujo, a breathtaking white sand beach teeming with sea lions, frigatebirds, mockingbirds, and marine iguanas. This historic site is also where Charles Darwin first set foot in the Galapagos.

Our final morning is spent at Isla Lobos, a pristine islet where we will observe frigatebirds, mockingbirds, finches, and marine iguanas against a stunning volcanic backdrop.

With a wealth of unforgettable memories and an extensive list of bird sightings, we conclude our journey. A final boat transfer will take us to San Cristóbal’s main port, where we will head to the airport for our return flight to the mainland.