Monserrat Galapagos 8 Day B + C Itinerary Cruise

Baltra 

After clearing customs and immigration you will be met by our guide and transferred to the M/Y Monserrat. In the afternoon, you will be transfer to the highlands of Santa Cruz where you will visit a tortoise ranch and see some of the amazing volcanic formations of this area. 

Santa Cruz Highlands Excursion (PM) 

During this visit you will explore the highlands of Santa Cruz and have the opportunity to observe the famous Galápagos giant tortoise in its natural environment. Also, you can explore the area and its incredible underground lava tunnels, some of them are more than 1km (6 miles) long. 

Chinese Hat Visit (AM)

Like most of the Galapagos, Sombrero Chino is a volcanic origin. Ages ago, the volcano on nearby Santiago Island erupted, spewing rocks and forming what is known as a "Spatter Cone." The islet has gorgeous landscapes and mighty white-coral sand beach followed by sea lions and marine iguanas. 

Snorkeling (Chinese Hat) (AM) 
Snorkel activity is one of the most popular in this spot. As you will be able to see the white-coral sand beach and come face to face with playful sea lions and large schools of tropical fish. 

Sullivan Bay (PM)

Walking through Sullivan Bay offers you an extraordinary journey into the volcanic origins of the Archipelago. The hike will take you across a perfectly preserved Pahoehoe lava flow, providing the opportunity to observe the delicate textures of this rare type of lava.
While may appear barren and lifeless landscapes, a closer look reveals resilient pioneer plants, scurrying lava lizards, and small birds. Along the shore, penguins, pelicans, and oystercatchers add a touch of life to the stark environment.

North Seymour (AM)

The morning starts with a visit to North Seymour Island, a spectacular showcase of the Galapagos Islands' diverse wildlife. This fairly flat island is home to a thriving population of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. 
The trail will walk you through a bushy vegetation, where you'll have the chance to witness the fascinating courtship dance of the blue-footed boobies. The island's coastline also will let you observe sea lions and marine iguanas basking in the sun. The large frigate bird colonies are a sight, especially when the males expand their bright red throat pouches to attract mates.
This is an ideal spot for birdwatching and photography.

Santa Fe (PM)
This Island is known for its picturesque bay and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. 
Santa Fe, hosts a large amount of land iguanas unique. Make sure to observe for these magnificent creatures as you walk through the giant prickly pear cactus forest. The island's calm and clear waters are ideal for spotting the marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and colorful schools of fish. Santa Fe also offers a chance to see the Galapagos hawk and various endemic finches.
This day will offer you a combination of terrestrial and marine activities as you will also do kayaking and panga rides, showcasing the diverse landscapes and wildlife the Galapagos Islands are famous for.

Pitt Point Excursion (AM) 

This amazing spot contains endless wildlife and fascinating geological formations on this captivating expedition. You will arrive at a quiet cove on the eastern tip of San Cristóbal to explore Punta Pitt, that was made up of volcanic tuff substrate. 
it's the only site in the Galápagos where it's possible to see three species of boobies and two species of frigatebirds. 

Witch Hill (PM)

Witch Hill, is a breathtaking white sand beach on San Cristobal Island's northern coast. 
This beach was one of the first sites visited by Charles Darwin. It's an attractive spot for walking and enjoying the landscape, with its powdery white sand and turquoise waters. The area is home to a large sea lion colony, and the nearby lagoon often hosts several bird species, including pelicans and blue-footed boobies. 
The clear waters also make it an ideal spot for snorkeling, where you can encounter rich marine life.

Tijeretas Hill (AM)

Tijeretas Hill is a tourist attraction on the San Cristobal Island, offering visitors a spectacular panoramic view and the opportunity to enjoy the rich marine life that surrounds the area. 
The name “Tijeretas” refers to the frigate birds that inhabit the region, also known as earwigs.
It is one of the only places where you can watch the two species of frigate birds nesting in the same colony. 

Isla Lobos Excursion (PM)

Explore this tiny island by foot and boat for some great wildlife encounters. Taking a zodiac ride to view the sea and shore birds nesting and feeding. 

You will be able to spot a small colony of blue-footed boobies as well as two species of sea lions.

Gardner Bay Excursion (AM)

The morning starts with a visit to Gardner Bay's magnificent white sandy beach, home to sea lions and sea birds. Be sure to explore the beautiful turquoise water and its incredible sea life. You can spot young sea lions and large schools of surprisingly big tropical fish, including yellow-tailed surgeonfish, king angelfish, and bump-head parrot fish.

Also, you will visit Tortuga Rock for a spectacular snorkeling experience. Spotting playful young sea lions and large schools of tropical fish, including yellow-tailed surgeonfish, king angelfish, and bump-head parrot fish. Look for white-tipped reef sharks napping on the bottom.

Punta Suárez Excursion (PM)
Visit Punta Suárez, one of most rich wildlife landing sites in the Galápagos. Be greeted by surfing young sea lions on arrival. Head to the trail to find many species of nesting sea birds, and, if lucky, see the waved albatross. Follow the path up to a cliff for great views over the ocean, and watch sea birds gliding in the wind.

On this day you will be landing at Punta Cormorant on Floreana. Our Naturalist Guided will walk you to observe the bird and wildlife as you will start this adventure by learn about the natural history of this unique place.

Punta Cormorant Excursion (AM)
Punta Cormorant is the only landing site on Floreana Island. Here, you will discover two amazingly different beaches: one with green sand, colored by olivine crystals, and another with white sand particles known as 'Flour Beach'.
You will spend the morning observing flamingos and other shore birds feeding in the lagoon.

Post Office Bay Excursion (PM)

During the visit to Post Office Bay, you will learn about its unique history. In the late 18th century, English whaling vessels placed a barrel here to be used as a post office. 
Today, the box is used mainly by tourists, who may drop off and pick up unstamped letters to be carried to far destinations. We encourage you to continue the tradition; leave a letter and take one to deliver (be sure it makes it to the correct location).

Puerto Ayora
You will be disembarking in Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galápagos tortoises as our Naturalist Guide will explain about the scientific job is performed in this area.

Charles Darwin Research Station Visit (AM)

The Fausto Llerena Breeding Center is a great place to observe many species of tortoises and land iguanas in captivity. Brought back from the brink of extinction, see the famous Galápagos tortoise up close – a corral houses adult tortoises, and a nursery cares for the young until around age three when their shells have hardened.

This area also houses the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organization initiated in 1964, which works to preserve the Galápagos' ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers, and volunteers. The research station provides a study location for international scientists and environmental education for the local community.

Itinerries are subject to change.