In Darwin’s Footsteps (Eastern Route)

Spot wildlife against idyllic backdrops 

We start the day with a scenic nature walk on the blissful beaches of Santa Fe, home to the endemic Barrington land iguana and a colony of sea lions.  

You can swim or snorkel from our small panga boats, take a kayak for a paddle around the island, or join a trip in our glass-bottomed boat to observe the marine life below. After a delicious lunch, prepared by our onboard chefs, we head to South Plaza Island. 

Keep an eye out for frigatebirds, Swallow-tailed Gulls and Galapagos Shearwaters gliding on the breeze. Here, among a dazzling array of flora, land iguanas laze by the shore while marine iguanas slip in and out of the water. 

Learn about local conservation on Santa Cruz Island

Today we pay a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora.

A giant tortoise breeding center, here you can see recently hatched tortoises and Darwin’s famous finches – the birds he used as a basis for his theory of evolution by natural selection. There’s also an impressive forest of prickly pear cacti that’s home to many land birds.  

Enjoy a cooler climate over lunch in the lush highlands, where giant tortoises shuffle about munching on grass and wallowing in pools. 

You’ll have time for another activity, such as mountain biking or visiting sugar plantation. 

Lava lizards and incredible birdlife

Your Galápagos Islands cruise reaches Española, the archipelago’s most southerly island. Birdlife here is truly extraordinary – look out for Nazca Boobies, Blue-footed Boobies and Swallow-tailed Gulls, and the mighty Waved Albatross on cruises April through December. 

It’s also a chance to spot red Española lava lizards and marine iguanas, as well as see the famous blowhole, El Soplador, blasting water 75 feet into the air.  

After lunch on board the ship, we’ll head to the picturesque coral beach of Gardner Bay and nearby Osborn Islet, to seek out sea lions, mockingbirds and finches. If you’re feeling active, you can go snorkeling or kayaking. 

Green turtles, sharks and rare bird colonies

The wealth of wildlife watching opportunities continues at Eden Islet, where we hope to see Galapagos green turtles, rays and friendly reef sharks. On the shore, look out for distinctive frigatebirds with their rubbery, red throats.  

You can swim or snorkel to explore the reefs. Alternatively, see the reefs from our glass-bottomed boat or by kayak. After lunch, we’ll sail to North Seymour.  

The island is a great site for spotting colonies of Blue-footed Boobies and Swallow-tailed Gulls. Sea lions and marine iguanas also congregate here, attracted by the bountiful sea life in its waters. 

From the Galápagos Islands to Guayaquil

Your expedition cruise draws to a close as you disembark at Baltra Island. A transfer will take you to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito to connect to your international flight, or if you prefer, continue to Guayaquil for another adventure.  

To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of our optional Post-Programmes. 

As you leave this fascinating region, you’ll take with you incredible memories of amazing wildlife and wonderful experiences few have the privilege of seeing.