Galapagos Explorer II, ex San Cristobal to Baltra

4 Night Cruise sailing from San Cristobal to Baltra aboard Galapagos Explorer II.

Built in 1990, with an overall length of 89.35 m and reaching 17 knots, the M/V Galapagos Explorer II is the most elegant of the vessels cruising the Galapagos' waters. Designed to provide both comfort and scientific information to 100 passengers visiting the Galapagos National Park, this vessel travels up to the remotest islands of the Archipelago.

Detailed Itinerary:

Tuesday:
PM: Cerro Brujo, San Cristobal Island
Located north of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Cerro Brujo is part of the volcanic area with small cones inside. Its main attraction is coral sand beach and some flora and fauna as well. Although vegetation is not abundant, but two types of "lechoso" (endemic plant to the island) can be found. The beach is visited by many birds, sea lions and marine iguanas. In the lagoon located at Cerro Brujo, the people from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno mined salt for preserving cod, beef and turtle meat. It is now a place for watching coastal and aquatic birds. Cerro Brujo offers excellent view of the Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), the southern highlands of San Cristobal and the coast contiguous to Cerro Brujo.

Wednesday:
AM: options: a. Bahia Gardner, b. Islote Gardners, c. Islote Osborn, Española Island

Gardner Bay, Española Island.
Prepare to experience one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. In nowhere else you can see a beach of fine white sand combined with a sea lion colony to complement an extraordinary natural portrait. In the bay there are some islets ideal for snorkeling and a beautiful beach to relax and watch the sea lions. After a short walk accompanied by your guide, there will be time for snorkeling in the bay or next the Osborn and Gardners Islets, where you will find sharks, sea turtles, stingrays and a variety of tropical and subtropical fish for those looking for more daring adventures and discover this natural humanity heritage. We recommend keeping a safe distance from the sea lions, particularly adult males, they can be aggressive.

PM: Punta Suarez, Española Island
The Española Island is known for its natural beauty. It is considered a paradise for bird watchers, is where you are more likely to observe many seabird species including the Galapagos albatrosses. If you're lucky you can see the albatrosses mating dance. At this place animals live in complete peace and harmony so close to each other: marine iguanas, sea gulls, blue footed boobies, crabs and lava lizards. In the path is possible to see boobies in their nests with eggs or chicks, as well as marine iguanas in full activity digging their nests, fighting for their territory or in the process of thermoregulation. You can also see tropical birds in their caves, swallow-tailed gulls, nesting masked boobies and crabs of beautiful colors that cover the black lava. You will have the opportunity to walk off the cliff and see "The Blower."

Thursday:
AM: Bahia Ballena / Eden, Santa Cruz Island
The Ballena Bay is a green sand cove at the base of Cerro Ballena on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island. The beach contains a large amount of olivine crystals, the same as those originating from volcanic materials. Glass is formed when the magma was still underground. Next to the beach there are remains of pottery from ancient human settlements (1846). According to the French Captain Genie from this site there was a trail to the top of the island, which was used to collect freshwater. It is thought that in this place lived a group of people dedicated to the collection of lichen which was used to stain. Here there was a small turtle population of the Pinzon Island, likely taken by whalers or by ancient inhabitants. Galapagos hawks and finches are among the bird species to see in this place.

PM: Rabida Island
Formed by a red sand beach, a coastal lagoon and a path. The color of the rocks and sand on the beach is due to the volcanic porous material with a high content of iron. Environmental factors (rain, salt water and sea breeze) have acted as oxidizing agents. Besides its red sand, Rabida is known for its brown water resulting from the erosion of lava. The island is also known by the name of Jervis in honor of the British Admiral John Jervis, Earl of St. Vincent. Rabida is located south of Santiago Island and is commonly regarded as the geographical center of the Galapagos Islands. There is a trail overlooking the cliff and enjoy a beautiful landscape, flora and fauna. A short distance, at the top of the road, you can take fabulous photos of the clear waters and volcanic peaks. It is also a great place for snorkeling. Keep near the rocks and away from sharks and rays.

Friday:
AM: Charles Darwin Station and Puerto Ayora town, Santa Cruz Island
The "Charles Darwin Research Station" was inaugurated in 1964. It is located next to the Galapagos National Park administration. Both work together developing conservation programs for indigenous and endemic species to the archipelago. The Park Service is the state entity responsible for management and administration of both the land area of the Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Marine Reserve. The Park Service has to manage and implement programs of protection and conservation of endangered species and work to maintain the ecological integrity of the Park in general. There is a souvenir kiosk, the CDRS, the funds raised support conservation and research programs. Here you can see tortoises from different islands, including the most famous "Lonesome George", the last survivor of the Pinta Island tortoises. These species are found in large semi natural pens for protection and easy to see - divided into four stages: eggs, neonates, juveniles (at the age of being "repatriated"), and adults. It is an excellent place to see finches of several species as well as some xerophytic vegetation.

Puerto Ayora, is the most populated village of the island and with the largest port in the archipelago. It offers different activities, restaurants and other amenities. The iguanas rest on the load at the dock, while boobies and pelicans dive into the turquoise waters of Academy Bay.

PM: Plazas Sur, Plazas Island
It is a small island off the east coast of Santa Cruz Island. It was named after a president of Ecuador, General Leonidas Plaza. Formed by a lava flow from the ocean floor. Despite its small size it is home to a large number of species and is famous for its extraordinary flora. On the steep banks, you may see a large number of birds such as swallow-tailed gulls, but mainly you can enjoy the beautiful view from atop the steep banks, or stroll along the cliff base. Depending on the season, the vegetation changes color from bright green in the rainy season, orange and purple in the dry season. The flora of South Plaza includes cactus of genus Opuntia and Sesuvium, forming a red carpet on the lava formations. Iguanas (land and sea, and even some hybrids of both species) are abundant.

Saturday:
AM: Baltra Island
Baltra played an important role in the history of these islands. It was used by the U.S. Air Force during the Second World War; many U.S. Navy and crews of the submarines were stationed here to patrol the Pacific Ocean and protect the Panama Canal. Baltra is a flat and dry island surrounded by reefs and few beaches. It has some vegetation such as cacti Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus) and other small trees. You will have the opportunity to see some ground finches, pelicans, frigate birds and the sea lions "your Galapagos hosts" will be upon arrival at the dock to welcome you.

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