Day 1 Arrive San Cristobal & Tijeretas Tour (L)

On arrival at the airport in Galapagos we are on San Cristobal Island. In the airport we will need to pass through migration where we register our entry to the Galapagos and pay the Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee. Adults US$100 per person, and children US$50 per person (subject to change). Coming out of the airport our guide will be waiting for us and will take us to our hotel for check in.

Lunch included in a local restaurant.

This afternoon we visit Cerro Tijeretas. The paved trail begins at the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre where we can learn more about the conservation of the Galapagos and its unique wildlife. The pathway takes about 30 minutos to bring us to the top of Frigate Bird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas), a beautiful lookout with panoramic views across Shipwreck Bay and out to sea towards Kicker Rock.

This visitor site is home to two species of frigate birds. Walking down to Tijeretas Bay we can snorkel in the calm waters with colourful fish, turtles, sea lions and sharks. On our return to town, we will stop off at Carola Beach to enjoy its large sea lion colony. What to bring: close-toe shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, hat, rain jacket, insect repellent.

Dinner on own

Overnight in a local hotel with breakfast included.

Day 2 Shared Boat Tour - Kicker Rock or Isla Lobos (B,L)

Today we have the option of choosing a shared boat tour to Kicker Rock or Isla Lobos. Clients must choose one option. 

Shared Boat Tour to Kicker Rock (snorkel & beach): Kicker Rock, as well as being a beautiful rock formation, is one of the best spots to snorkel in the Galapagos. This snorkel site lies off the coast of San Cristobal Island. 

On today's shared boat tour we reach Kicker Rock (or Leon Dormido as it is known in Spanish) after travelling by boat from Puerto Baquerizo for around one and a half hours. 

We can snorkel along the cliffs of Kicker Rock, which rise vertically from the ocean to over 150m high. The submerged sea walls are covered in colourful marine life and there is a great chance of encountering sea turtles, sharks, rays & tropical fish. The very lucky have even been able to snorkel with hammerhead sharks here. On the rock itself we are looking out for blue footed boobies, masked boobies & frigate birds.

Lunch can be enjoyed on board, then later we visit a nearby pristine, white-sand beach. Depending on the day of the week this beach visit will be to Puerto Grande, Cerro Brujo or Manglecito. Return to port in the afternoon. Shared tour, with maximum 12 people on board.

Shared Boat Tour to Lobos Island (hike, snorkel & beach): We depart Puerto Baquerizo around 08h00 this morning for our shared boat tour to Lobos Island. After around a 30-minute boat ride we arrive at our destination. As its name implies Lobos Island is home to a large colony of sea lions. It is typical for them to be playing around the boat as we disembark. 

On Lobos Island we enjoy a hike through a volcanic environment typical of the Galapagos, it can be rocky and unstable underfoot so good shoes are recommended. The hike is just 700m long but takes around 1 hour as we observe the different flora and fauna on display. We are looking out for blue footed boobies who nest on the ground on the island. Their fascinating mating rituals include unique dances & calling behaviour. The great and magnificent Frigate birds also nest on the island in the scrub bushes, watch the males inflate their bright red neck pouches as females fly overhead.

We will then have the opportunity to snorkel with the playful and inquisitive sea lions in the sheltered waters around the rim of the island. These waters offer a beautiful underwater world filled with marine life. As well as the sealions we are on the look-out for marine iguanas feeding, as well as turtles, rays and a host of colourful tropical fish.

Lunch is served on board. Before returning to town, we stop off at a local beach, Playa Ochoa, where we can enjoy more snorkelling or have some relaxing time to reflect on the morning's adventures. We will be back in port early afternoon (around 2-3 pm). Shared tour, with maximum 16 people on board.

Dinner on own

Overnight in a local hotel with breakfast included.

Day 3 La Loberia & Kayak in Bay (B,L)

This morning we visit La Loberia. After a 10-minute car ride and 15-minute walk we reach Loberia Beach. La Loberia is a beautiful crescent shape sandy bay with pristine turquoise waters. The beach is home to a sea-lion colony, often filled with mothers and pups. It is a great place to snorkel and swim. Look out for turtles and if you're lucky, marine iguanas swimming and feeding underwater.

Lunch included in a local restaurant.

This afternoon we kayak from the local beach around the bay of Puerto Baquerizo. Following the rocky coastline, we are on the look out for sea lions, blue footed boobies, frigate birds and sea turtles. The views back into town and out towards Kicker Rock are beautiful.

Dinner on own

Overnight in a local hotel with breakfast included.

Day 4 Galapaguera, Junco Lake & Puerto Chino (B,L)

San Cristobal's Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, La Galapaguera, is a great place to learn more about these amazing creatures. Here the tortoises roam freely in their semi-natural habitat. This morning we can observe these giant creatures and learn more about their evolution and the threats that they are facing in the current environment.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

This afternoon we visit El Junco, a freshwater lake, the only one to be found in all of the Galapagos Islands which provides the water supply for the islanders of San Cristobal. Located in the highlands here we can observe frigate birds and pelicans and sometimes we get to see blue-footed boobies. The climate in this zone can be wet and humid, on clear days the views are spectacular. This to bring: Walking shoes, hat, sunblock, ligh waterproof (in rainy months), water, insect repellent.

Later we continue onto Puerto Chino. This stunning white-sand beach is located on the far side of San Cristobal island and is reached after a 15-minute walk along an easy pathway. The trail brings you down into the small and pretty bay with its calm and clear waters. Here you have the opportunity to swim and snorkel with sea lions and turtles.

Dinner on own

Overnight in a local hotel with breakfast included.

Day 5 Transfer out (B)

This morning we will be picked up for our private transfer to San Cristobal Airport for our return flight to the mainland.