Anahi Catamaran 7-Night Itinerary A

AM: This morning will take us to the largest landmass in the Galapagos archipelago: Isabela Island. With a surface of 1,770 sq. miles (4,588 sq. km.), the island constitutes more than the half of the land area of the entire Galapagos archipelago – which is why it has the most visitor points in the islands. Five volcanoes are found on Isabela, including the archipelago’s highest: Wolf Volcano, reaching 1,707 m (5,600 ft.). In addition, Isabela is the only island in the Galapagos that is actually crossed by the Equator. We will begin the day with a short boat trip across the harbor of Isabela Island. After passing sea lions and pelicans that bathe in the sun on the fishing boats there, we will reach the small island of Tintoreras, where we will take an easy walk through the bizarre lava landscape with its huge colonies of marine iguanas. A colony of sea lions is also located here and it’s common to see Whitetip reef sharks resting in the water near the shore. These sharks are called “tintoreras” in Spanish, giving the island its name.

Alternatively, we will drive to the highlands of Isabela Island and start hiking up to the edge of the Sierra Negra Volcano’s crater. The volcano — reaching a height of around 1,500 meters and having an outer diameter of approximately nine kilometers (over 5 miles) — is the second largest caldera in the world. We will hike along the cone to a resting place in the northeast.  From the Sierra Negra Volcano, you will be able to see the Chico Volcano, which is about 90 minutes away on foot and known for its moon-like volcanic lava landscape. 

PM: This afternoon we will hike through the wetlands of the island to a breeding station for giant tortoises, the Centro de Crianza. On the way, we will pass brackish water lakes where you can sometimes see flamingos. At the breeding station, you can get up close and personal to some of the giant tortoise species from Isabela Island.

AM: After breakfast on board the Anahi, we will make a wet landing from Urbina Bay.  Coral reefs are visible here as a result of an especially violent eruption of the Alcedo Volcano in 1954, when large sections of Isabela Island’s coast were suddenly raised about four meters. These reefs are covered with poison apple and muyuyo trees. You can also observe land iguanas and the rare mangrove finch up close. From January to June, land turtles occasionally visit the bay from their higher mountain living environments. After a short walk inland, snorkeling time is allotted, giving you yet another chance to swim with sea turtles, sea lions, and countless tropical fish.

PM: Following lunch on board the catamaran, we will make a dry landing in the notorious Tagus Cove, which was historically used as an anchoring place for pirates, buccaneers, and whalers.  Still exiting here is some graffiti that is believed to have been left by19th-century pirates is a curious reminder of an intriguing past. Around the deep blue bay you can observe a large number of Blue-footed boobies perched on the ledges of the cliffs, as well as marine iguanas, brown pelicans, brown noddy terns, swallow-tailed gulls and tiny Galapagos penguins (members of the only penguin species in the world to extend its range into the northern hemisphere along the equator). A steep trail passes through an area of dry vegetation and volcanic landscapes with scalesia woods and cactuses.

AM: We will land on the fourth largest island in the Galapagos: Santiago Island, also known as “James Island” or “San Salvador Island.” The old rusted machines and run-down buildings of former salt mine workers are still apparent on the island, though the last attempts to populate Santiago Island were given up on forty years ago. We will make a wet landing onto Puerto Egas’ beach of black volcanic sand, visited by Darwin in 1835 and maintaining an abundance of marine iguanas. After a short walk of about 2 km along the coast, we will reach the rugged lava coastline of James Bay. The unique, truly striking layered terrain of Santiago’s shores is home to a variety of resident and migrant birds, including the bizarre Yellow-crowned night heron and an astounding array of marine wildlife including lobster, starfish and marine iguanas grazing on algae beds alongside Sally Lightfoot Crabs. Colonies of endemic fur seals swimming in cool water pools formed by volcanic rocks are also a highlight. 

PM: Next, after lunch, we will visit the red-colored beach on the eastern coast of Rabida Island.  Dark-red sand covers this unique beach, creating an incredible landscape. This red color is due to the very porous volcanic materials, which – with the help of environmental factors like rain, salt water, and sea breeze – have acted as oxidizing agents. Other attractions vegetation in this arid zone and the presence of native and endemic species of wildlife. The beach area is open, but don’t get too close when the pelicans are nesting or disturb the sea lions. It is best to keep quiet and avoid any sudden or rapid movements since the flamingoes can be frightened off easily.  

AM: After a dry landing on North Seymour Island, we will take a short walk along the coast. You will encounter Swallow-tailed gulls, sea lions, and Cliff crabs. This part of Seymour Island is also known for being a major nesting site for Blue-footed boobies and one of the largest colonies of Magnificent frigatebirds, a species different from the Great frigatebird. We can also spot both of the endemic species of iguanas: marine iguanas and land iguanas. You will enjoy this relaxing hike around the nesting sites.

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 the last look back at the “enchanted islands,” a unique paradise with inspiring natural wonders.