Itinerary F Endemic Cruise

Transfer from Baltra airport to M/C Endemic.

You will spend the afternoon at Sullivan Bay on the East Coast of Santiago Island. Our walk begins on the white coral-sand beaches of Santiago Island, where lava flows from less than 100 year ago. It is the best place to experience the volcanic origins of Galapagos. In this area, you can also see the flora which grows on lava fields.

 

 

Isabela Island has a total surface area of 4,588 square kilometers. More than half the land of Galapagos is covered by Isabela Island.

You will then be taken to the Wetlands, which is a 6 km long complex of trails located on Isabela Island. The wetlands are home to a variety of plants and birds, such as gallinules (a type of finch), stilts, ducks and more.

You can also visit the Sierra Negra Volcano. It is one of the largest craters on this archipelago, with a five-kilometer diameter. The lava, vegetation, and fumaroles create a stunning contrast of colors.

You will see giant turtles and marine iguanas on the climb up Orchilla Hill. The view from the top offers a spectacular panorama of the Bay, Puerto Villamil and the surrounding islets, rocks, volcanic peaks, and volcanoes. Isabela's wetlands are home to endemic species and some introduced ones.

Visit the Arnaldo Tupiza breeding center of Isabela after lunch to see the infants and juveniles giant tortoises until they're ready for release and survival in the wild.

You can also visit the Wall of Tears. The wall is an artificial monument that was built by prison inmates during the 1940s. Isabela Island was a penal colony for Ecuador and the building of this wall was part punishment.

Be on the lookout for flamingos, and other birds of the water.