Nortada Yacht 7-Night Itinerary

AM: This morning we will head to Isabel Island’s Carrion Point, which is close to the eastern mouth of Itabaca Channel, between Baltra Island and Santa Cruz Island. You will see some almost ever-present creatures such as sea lions, Creole fish and Blue-striped sea slugs. You will also have a good chance of seeing mobula rays cruising by – sometimes in small schools. Whitetip reef sharks are also commonly sighted here. And, if you are lucky, you might see some Galapagos sharks and hammerheads sharks.

PM: We will later take dives off Baltra Island and Cousin’s Rock. Formed by volcanic tuff, the dive sites in these areas are characterized by their eroded surfaces covered by soft corals and gorgonians. Highlights include nudibranchs, frogfish, seahorses, sea lions, eagle rays and schooling fish. 

AM/PM: Today we will spend a full day of diving off Darwin Island, which is considered as one of the world’s best places to dive. Divers are usually able to see several species of sharks, dolphins, turtles, eagle rays and colorful schools of fishes. Schooling hammerhead sharks and whale sharks are the highlights of dives at Darwin’s Arch. Meals are scheduled around diving, usually with one dive before breakfast and one dive after lunch.   

AM: This morning’s dives will be at Cape Douglas, located west of Fernandina Island, northwest of La Cumbre Volcano and Isabela Island, and north of Cape Hammond. It has an altitude of 58 meters and an average depth of 100m (328, 1 feet). It is a dive site that usually has good visibility. There you can see Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, cormorants, sea lions, seahorses, turtles, red-lipped vampire fish, pig sharks, and occasionally hammerhead sharks, as well as barracudas and clownfish.

PM: This afternoon we will dive in an area at the “mouth” of the head of the seahorse that forms the northern part of Isabela Island is Punta Vicente Roca, an interesting rock formation. Here, the remnants of an ancient volcano form two turquoise coves, with a bay that’s well-protected from the ocean swells. The upwelling of currents of cool water in this part of the Galapagos gives rise to an abundance of marine life, which is why Punta Vicente Roca is such a great area for diving.

AM: This morning we will head for one of the most visited spots in the islands. Located on Santa Cruz Island, the Charles Darwin Research Station is primarily an international scientific research station situated on the outskirts of Puerto Ayora. You will be taken to its visitor center to learn about the geology, climate, natural history and the conservation of the Galapagos Islands. However, the highlight of your visit here will undoubtedly be the research facility’s Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center, which breeds giant tortoises. These enormous and slow-moving reptiles can live up to 150 years and weigh between 250 and 300 kg. Approaching them in their humid and forested spaces is always an inspiring adventure. For decades, the Fausto Center was home to “Lonesome George,” who finally died in 2012 as the last of his particular species. The tortoises you will see here are accustomed to humans, so it’s an excellent spot for visitors to take photographs with them. Remember that looking at the animals is allowed, but touching is not; and it’s absolutely forbidden to jump over the walls or open the pen doors at any time.

Concluding this amazing experience in the Galapagos Islands, you will be transferred to the Baltra Island airport for your return flight to the Ecuadorian mainland. Enjoy your last look back at the “enchanted islands,” a unique paradise with inspiring natural wonders.