What to do in Isla Santa Cruz

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Snorkel or swim in the clear waters of Bachas Beach. Or feel the sand between your toes and take a stroll on the white sand beaches.

Keep an eye out for Great frigate birds who exchange nesting materials as their courtship ritual. The island is also famous for its footed boobies and rare flamingoes. And while the birdlife is exotic, you may also spy marine iguanas in the sand and young sea lions playing in the surf.

Take a boat to Isla Santiago where you will find the Galápagos Marine Reserve, home to giant tortoises, iguanas, marine life, and exotic bird species.

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion at Moreno Point, located on the north coast of Isabela Island between Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul Volcanoes. The main attractions at Punta Moreno are coastal lagoons amid black lava flows where there are several species of birds. It has a panoramic view of the three most active volcanoes in the Galapagos: The Sierra Negra, Isabela Island, and Fernandina Island. PM: Elizabeth Bay is one of the island’s best breeding sites for penguins. Located on the west coast of Isabela, Elizabeth Point is a marine visitor site. Brown pelicans, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, and sea lions are often seen at Red Mangrove Cove. Dinner will be served on board afterward.

Embark on a journey to Dragon Hill, nestled in the north-western region of Santa Cruz Island. As you tread the pathways of this pristine island, you'll encounter the land iguana — a magnificent reptile that was once on the verge of extinction. Dragon Hill is not just about iguanas; its lagoon is home to flamingos, while pintail ducks, flycatchers, and warblers adorn its skies. A brief hike promises a breathtaking panorama from atop the hill. Before heading back to the yacht, immerse yourself in an offshore snorkeling adventure.

Gardner Bay is a pristine white sandy beach (one of the longest in the Galapagos), that is home to colonies of sea lions and inquisitive mockingbirds. It is also one of the world’s most important breeding sites for the waved albatross. A short dinghy ride will take you to the Osborn and Gardner Islets, which are superb locations for snorkeling with young sea lions and a greater variety of tropical fish and corals. Suarez Point is an area with an outstanding variety of wildlife. The walking trail will take you past nesting sites of Nazca and blue-footed boobies, whilst Galapagos doves, mockingbirds and finches can be seen foraging nearby. You will also pass a geyser which can spray water up to 25m into the air; a spectacular feat of nature. Finally, when you reach the top of the breaktaking cliffs, you can enjoy watching waved albatrosses launching themselves out across the ocean.

One of two small islets, South Plaza island houses a rich diversity of wildlife and vegetation. After passing a large colony of sea lions and ascending the slopes, you may catch a glimpse of swallow-tailed gulls, Nazca boobies, red-billed tropic birds, frigates or the rare lava gull. The ground is carpeted in Sesuvium, which transforms from bright red in the dry season to a vibrant green in the wet season, and land iguanas crowd around towering prickly pear cacti, waiting patiently for their juicy fruits to fall.

Baroness Viewing Point Baroness Viewpoint is a fantastic place to absorb the environment of the Galapagos. Once inhabited by an indulgent baroness and her three lovers, the history of this island is intriguing. The legends about this baroness are associated with a fascinating murder mystery. There are easy trails in this area for exploring the flora and fauna of Floreana. Highlights: Great view, sea turtles, mysterious story about the first inhabitants of the islands Activities: Short hike (0.6 miles/1 km) Type of Landing: Wet landing Difficulty: Easy} Post Office Bay In the 18th century whalers passing through the islands placed a wooden barrel on Floreana Island for use as an unofficial mail box. The tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home. Highlights: Post office barrel, nice sandy beach Activities: Short hike (less than 0.6 miles/1 km) & snorkeling Type of Landing: Wet landing Difficulty: Easy

Champion Islet The Champion Island, named after the whaler Andrew Champion, is a small island located just offshore Floreana Island in the southern part of the Archipelago, considered as one of the most beautiful places on Galapagos for all snorkelling and diving fans and an excellent opportunity for dolphin watching. Highlights: See lions, reef fish and Nasca boobies Activities: Snorkelling and dinghy ride Type of Landing: Wet landing Difficulty: Moderate / Difficult Cormorant Point This site hosts a large flamingo lagoon where other birds such as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails can also be seen. The beaches on this island are distinct: The “Green Beach” named so due to its green colour, which comes from a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, and the “Four Sand Beach” composed of white coral. Highlights: Flamingos, green-coloured beach Activities: Dinghy ride & hike (1.2 miles /2 km) Type of Landing: Wet landing Difficulty: Easy