Hermes Galapagos 8 Day B + C Itinerary Cruise

AM    Baltra Airport

Upon your arrival at the Baltra airport, a Hermes’ guide will welcome you to the Galapagos Islands and will escort you to the Seymour dock. There, you will board the superyacht and will enjoy a delicious lunch.

PM    Santa Cruz Highlands

Your adventure will begin this afternoon by ascending into the lush, green Santa Cruz Highlands. This dramatic ecological shift will transport you from the arid coast into the humid, misty environment of the highlands. You will visit a tortoise sanctuary, where you will have an incredibly intimate encounter with the majestic Galapagos Giant Tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. You will witness these gentle giants grazing, resting, and bathing in the mud—a truly humbling sight.

Furthermore, you will explore the volcanic origins of the island by walking inside an impressive lava tunnel—subterranean passages formed by ancient molten rock. This visit will provide a perfect blend of unique geology and the iconic wildlife of the islands. 

AM    Rabida Island  

Your morning will begin with a spectacular wet landing on Rabida Island, instantly capturing your attention with its stunning deep red sand—a color created by the high iron oxide content in the lava. After landing, you’ll follow a short trail inland that will lead you to a tranquil, brackish lagoon. Here, you’ll focus your eyes on spotting graceful Greater Flamingos, often found wading and feeding in the shallow water, alongside other birds like White-cheeked Pintails.

The main hike will take you along a trail that ascends to the higher part of the islet. You will climb toward the lookout point, where the path will pass through a picturesque Palo Santo forest, known for its distinct aroma. From this elevated position, you will enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the red bay, the surrounding mangroves, and the nearby islets, offering a postcard-perfect view.

Next, you will take an exhilarating snorkeling trip just off the coast. The waters here are excellent for marine life. You will swim alongside playful sea lions, colorful reef fish, and may even see juvenile sharks and stingrays. This vibrant morning will provide a perfect blend of unique, Mars-like landscapes and rich underwater biodiversity.

PM     Bartolome Island  

In the afternoon you will explore straight to Bartolome Island, home to the famous Pinnacle Rock and the archipelago's most photographed landscape. After a dry landing, you will ascend a wooden boardwalk trail to the island's summit. The hike will reward you with a breathtaking panoramic view, showcasing the island’s stark volcanic origins, the unique formation of Pinnacle Rock, and the crescent-shaped beaches below. This is arguably the most recognizable landscape you will see in the Galapagos!

Following the hike, you will embark on an exhilarating snorkeling session around Pinnacle Rock. The waters here are cool and clear, offering pristine views. You will search for the endemic Galapagos Penguins, often seen zipping through the water or resting on the rocks. You will also swim alongside playful sea lions and may encounter large sea turtles, making this a perfect finale to your day of exploration.

AM    South Plaza Island 

You will spend the morning exploring South Plaza Island, a small but incredibly vibrant islet formed by uplifted lava. As you arrive, you'll be greeted by huge colonies of sea lions, whose playful antics will accompany your entire visit.

You will follow a striking trail that winds through a brilliant landscape dominated by resilient Sesuvium plants, which change from green to vibrant orange and red depending on the season, offering a stunning color contrast against the turquoise ocean. Crucially, this island is home to one of the largest populations of Galapagos Land Iguanas; you will observe these remarkable reptiles sharing their territory with the sea lions and the endemic Prickly Pear Cactus forest. Along the dramatic cliffs, you'll spot Swallow-tailed Gulls and          Red-billed Tropicbirds soaring, providing a magnificent final wildlife spectacle before you conclude your morning.

PM     Sante Fe Island

In the afternoon, you will explore Santa Fe Island, a beautiful and geologically ancient island known for its high level of endemism. After a wet landing in the picturesque Barrington Bay, you will embark on a fascinating hike through the island's unique landscape. You will walk through a giant Opuntia cactus forest (the largest species in the archipelago), where you must watch for the main attraction: the Santa Fe Land Iguana, a distinct subspecies found nowhere else on Earth!

Following your terrestrial exploration, the turquoise waters of the bay will invite you for an incredible snorkeling experience. You will jump into the water and immediately find yourself swimming among large, playful colonies of sea lions, who are the main draw here. You will also search for rays, schools of tropical fish, and possibly sea turtles or white-tipped reef sharks in the clear, sheltered waters, offering a perfect conclusion to your day.

AM    San Cristobal Island: Pitt Point 

Your exploration will continue at Pitt Point, located on the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island. This dramatic site, comprised of volcanic tuff substrate, is one of the places in the entire Galapagos Archipelago where you can observe three different species of Boobies nesting simultaneously: the Blue-footed, the Red-footed, and the Nazca Booby!

After a wet landing, you will embark on a demanding but rewarding trail that winds up the cliff face, offering spectacular geological views and allowing you to witness these incredible birds in action. You will also spot both Magnificent and Great Frigatebirds soaring overhead. 

Following your hike, you will cool off with a fantastic snorkeling session off the coast, where you'll find yourself swimming among playful sea lions, schools of reef fish, and possibly graceful sea turtles.

PM    San Cristobal Island: Witch Hill

Your afternoon will deliver pure Galapagos bliss at Witch Hill. Following a short wet landing, you’ll find yourself walking along a breathtaking stretch of white coral sand beach. The hill itself is the eroded peak of a tuff cone, providing dramatic coastal views. You will take a relaxing walk to a nearby lagoon, a habitat rich with birdlife, including Brown Pelicans and the occasional Blue-footed Booby.

The clear waters here are perfect for immersion! You can choose to simply relax and soak up the unique scenery, or you can grab your snorkel gear and jump into the turquoise ocean. You will swim alongside playful sea lions, schools of colorful reef fish, and possibly the endemic marine iguanas swimming and feeding underwater, making this a relaxing yet exhilarating conclusion to your day.

AM     San Cristobal Island: Lobos Island and Airport

In the morning you will go to Lobos Island (Sea Lion Island), a small, sheltered islet that guarantees extraordinary close-up wildlife encounters—a perfect farewell to the archipelago. After a short dry landing, you will embark on a gentle, final walk along a    well-defined trail. You will observe a small colony of Blue-footed Boobies nesting, along with several Frigatebirds soaring above. The main attraction, however, is the high concentration of sea lions; you will witness pups nursing and large males competing for territory, all resting right beside the path. 

PM    San Cristobal Island: Interpretation Center

In the afternoon you will dive into the rich history of the Archipelago with a visit to the San Cristobal Interpretation Center. Here, you'll walk through the volcanic and natural history exhibits, gaining crucial insight into the islands' delicate ecosystem before you explore them firsthand. 
This is where you will truly understand the origins and conservation efforts of Galapagos!

PM    San Cristobal Island: Tijeretas Hill

Later, you’ll hike up to Tijeretas Hill, a site offering spectacular panoramic views of the coast, the famous Kicker Rock, and the ship anchorage below. This spot will immerse you in wildlife, too: you’ll witness the iconic frigatebirds soaring and nesting—a truly mesmerizing sight. Below the hill, you’ll find a quiet cove where you can take a refreshing swim alongside playful sea lions and colorful fish, rounding out a perfect day of exploration.

AM    Española Island: Gardner Bay  

Your morning will begin with a spectacular dry landing on Gardner Bay, located on Española Island. This location will greet you with a breathtaking, long stretch of pristine white beach, composed entirely of pulverized coral. Here, you'll have an extended opportunity to walk and relax, sharing the shore with massive, playful colonies of sea lions. You will witness their social dynamics firsthand, with pups approaching you out of curiosity—an unforgettable welcome!

Following your beach exploration, the calm, crystalline waters will invite you for a refreshing dip. You can take a delightful swim or snorkel right off the beach. As you explore the shallow bay, you will discover the colorful marine life and may even see groups of sharks resting on the sandy bottom. This ideal morning setting perfectly balances relaxation with unique wildlife interaction.

PM     Española Island: Suarez Point 

In the afternoon you will enjoy a fascinating visit to Suarez Point, the wildlife epicenter of Española Island. After a smooth dry landing, you will embark on an extensive two-mile  (3.2 km) circular trail that weaves along spectacular lava cliffs. Along this incredible route, you will observe the worldwide known "Christmas Iguanas”, the largest marine iguanas in the world—uniquely marked with striking red and green colors—before reaching the main nesting area. 

Here, you will be thrilled to see hundreds of Nazca Boobies and the bright feet of the  Blue-footed Boobies performing their signature dance. If you visit the Galapagos Islands, you will witness the impressive Waved Albatrosses, performing their curious courtship rituals just meters away from you. 

The journey ends at the blowhole, where high tides will send water spraying dramatically into the air—a truly fitting finale!

AM    Floreana Island: Cormorant Point

Your morning adventure will start with an exciting wet landing at Cormorant Point on Floreana Island. Prepare to be amazed by the geological contrast: you will first encounter a striking green-sand beach, its color derived from microscopic olivine crystals. After a short walk, you will transition to the famous "Flour Sand Beach," a pristine white stretch composed of finely ground coral, which serves as a vital nesting ground for Pacific Green Sea Turtles.

You will follow a well-defined trail inland that leads to a large, brackish lagoon. There, you will focus your attention on finding the majestic Greater Flamingos, which often congregate in large numbers, feeding in the shallow waters alongside other wading birds like        White-cheeked Pintails and Black-necked Stilts. 

Finally, after absorbing the unique terrestrial views, you will gear up for a refreshing snorkeling experience just off the shore, where you will witness the playful sea lions and may even glide beside a calm sea turtle in its natural element.

PM     Floreana Island: Post Office Bay

Your afternoon will take you back in time as you visit the legendary Post Office Bay on Floreana Island. Following a simple wet landing, you’ll find the famous wooden barrel that has served as an unofficial postal service since the 18th century, used initially by whalers and pirates. You will participate in this unique maritime tradition: you’ll search through the postcards left by previous visitors for any mail addressed near your home. If you find one, you will become the postal carrier, delivering it by hand!

Next, you will take a delightful panga (dinghy) ride along the coast, exploring the historical anchoring spot and observing the coastal wildlife, including the playful sea lions and marine birds. This site offers a perfect blend of unique human history and natural beauty, ensuring a memorable and interactive afternoon.

AM    Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Station

Your final morning will be dedicated to conservation and science with a visit to Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. This stop will offer you a crucial, inspiring perspective on the efforts to save the archipelago's unique ecosystems before you depart.

You will walk through the breeding and rearing facilities and you will witness the dedicated work being done to rescue and reintroduce endangered species, most notably the Galapagos Giant Tortoises. You will see tortoises of various sizes and ages in the captive breeding program, from small hatchlings to majestic adults. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the conservation challenges and the success stories that ensure the future of the islands' unique inhabitants. This final, thoughtful encounter will serve as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance of life in Galapagos.

Itineraries are subject to change.