The Galapagos Islands have become known worldwide for their unique wildlife and incredibly beautiful landscape. Nicknamed “The Enchanted Isles” by pirates who used to frequent their rocky shores in the 18th century, the Galapagos is situated in the Pacific Ocean some 1,600 miles from the South American continent, and consisting of 19 islands and surrounding marine reserves.

Located at the confluence of three ocean currents, the Galapagos are a “melting pot” of marine species. Information on ongoing seismic and volcanic activity has suggested the processes that formed the islands. These processes, together with the extreme isolation of the islands, led to the development of unusual animal life – such as the land iguana, the giant tortoise and the many types of finch – that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution following his visit in 1835.

The Galapagos islands are also home to several species of fascinating fauna and flora, many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Here you can spot a diversity of interesting and unique animals.  Having lived for thousands of years without the danger of predators, many of the animals in the Galapagos are unafraid of people and will often let visitors come an arms-length away from them. The bird life is a bird watches paradise; no matter which month you come, you are certain to see courting behavior or young chicks. Hundreds of dragon-like marine iguanas can be seen basking on rocks, and visitors frequently spot giant tortoises, the namesake of the islands.

The backdrop of the Galapagos Islands are the volcanic landscapes.  Walks and tours are available to visitors as well as short hikes around flows and fascinating lava formations.  The beautiful beaches and bays around the islands are filled with coastal birds, and diverse wildlife, whilst the water are home to a vast array of fish and seals which give visitors the opportunity to swim or dive while enjoying the magnificent, pristine land.

7 Days in the Galapagos

Day 1:  Gardner Bay

Being quite a distance away from Academy Bay, Santa Cruz, it is best to leave around midnight and cruise the 55 miles slowly so that breakfast can be enjoyed at the popular Punta Suarez Bay in the early morning.  Those keen for a good hike will get to see the famous blowhole on the cliffs at the end of the hike.  Bird watches can enjoy the Masked and Blue-foot Boobies that nest practically on the path.

The beach is a good alternative to the hike.  Whilst relaxing, watch the sea lions surf the breaking waves, or watch the Waved Albatross that nest further up the cliff and are the only existing birds of this species on the planet.  After lunch a short cruise to Gardner Bay will end your day in a great overnight anchorage where you can enjoy the water sports of the yacht.

Day 2:  Floreana / Punta Cormorant

An early start will get you the 50 miles to Floreana Island where you can mail home a card or letter from the British Whalers Post Office “Barrel” set up in 1793 to send letters home to England.  This tradition continues today and is enjoyed by visitors from around the world.

In the afternoon, head to Punta Comorant, a short trip to the east, where there are two contrasting beaches.  The landing beach is of volcanic origin and is composed of olivine crystals, giving it a greenish tinge.  At the end of a short trail is a carbonate beach of fine white sand, which is a nesting site for green sea turtles.  Close by is Devil’s Crown, an eroded volcanic cone that is an excellent snorkeling spot.  Punta Cormorant is a good place to stay overnight.

Day 3:  Puerto Villamil

Yet another early start will see you the 40 miles to Puerto Villamil, located on the southeastern tip of Isla Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago.  Isabela was formed with 6 shield volcanoes merged.  All but one, Sierra Negra remains active.  The last eruption in 1998 makes Isabela one of the most volcanically active islands on earth.

Lava formations and puffing fumaroles on Chico Volcano make an exciting adventure, or visit the giant tortoise corrals on Puerto Villamil.  At night the opportunity to sample the local seafood cuisine has most guests going ashore, or enjoy a private dinner on board prepared by your own chef under the stars whilst on anchor.

Day 4:  Tagus Cove / Punta Vincente Roca

A longer cruise than the previous days, the 78 miles through Bolivar Channel to Tagus Cove will take you northwest.  Whales and Dolphin can be sighted in these parts.  After dropping anchor in Tagus Cove, historically used as an anchorage for pirates and whalers, the guests can take advantage of the nature trail on shore.  The scenery is worth the hike, what with the panoramic view and different vegetation.  You can also see the Galapagos Penguins, flightless cormorants and pelicans.

An afternoon underway allows for a little rest and relaxation.  Cruising the 35 miles north to Punta Vicente Roca you will find the remnants of an ancient volcano form two turquoise coves with a bay that’s well protected from the ocean swells.  Scuba diving, snorkeling, exploring the caves at the waters edge or panga rides along the volcanic cliffs are the order of the afternoon.  Spend the night and relax.

Day 5:  Tower Island – Genovesa

This will be the longest morning yet, while the 110 mile trip might deter some, the remote Tower Islands are worth a visit.  For all nature lovers, investigating the indigenous birds in the area is a treat.  Darwin Bay Beach is filled with frigate birds and on the nature trail you will find Swallow-Tailed Gulls, the only nocturnatl gulls in the world, and Red-footed Boobies with their contrasting red feet and blue bills.  A panga ride along the walls of the crater reveals the variety of animals that find shelter in the lava ledges and crevices.

After a sumptuous lunch, relax in the waters off the beach or snorkel your surrounds.  The water in the bay is rich in nutrients, so you never know what you may encounter.  Perfect overnight anchorage.

Day 6:  South James Bay / Bartolome

On the northwestern side of Tower Island is South James Bay, a shorter distance of only 65 miles.  The black-beach landing is impressive.  After following the trail across the dry interior, along the coast and ultimately reaching the Fur Seal Grottos, one of the only places in the islands where Fur Seals can be seen.

On the opposite side of the island is Sullivan Bay.  Across a narrow channel from Bartolome, this site offers the chance to see a pahoehoe (ropy) lava flow, formed about 100 years ago.  Swimming and snorkeling with sea lions off two small coralline beaches is a great way to spend the afternoon.

Across the channel to Bartolome is the famous Pinnacle Rock.  Here, the Galapagos Penguins, the smallest species of penguin and the only ones found north of the Equator, can be found.  Sea turtles nest on the beach on the southern side, across the isthmus of the island.  Overnight in Bartolome Bay.

Day 7:  South Plaza

A short trip of 38 miles will take you south to South Plaza, one of the smallest islands and just over a half-mile long.  The island is home to a large colony of sea lions including bulls, cows and pups.  Stop for lunch or just a quick visit before the last cruise of the vacation takes you south again back to Santa Cruz.