Welcome to the Galapagos! A province of Ecuador, this remarkable archipelago of volcanic islands is home to some of the world’s most unique, highly evolved wildlife.

Your sightseeing begins today with a visit to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Located to the northwest of Puerto Ayora, the Highlands are a natural reserve for giant tortoises. These enormous, slow-moving reptiles are responsible for the island’s name and approaching them in their humid, forest abode is always an inspiring adventure. They weigh between 250 and 300 kilograms and can live between 150 and 200 years. You’ll enjoy a short walk with these impressive creatures, and also have the chance to spot some of the other highland species, including several species of the famed finches.

Vicente Roca Point is a spectacular visitor site, surrounded by immense cliffs of an eroded volcano. Studded with resting seabirds such as brown noddies and Nazca boobies, you will enjoy them in close proximity from your dinghies. Snorkelling here is superb, with certain species of fish only found in the west of the archipelago. You also have a very real chance of swimming with penguins and potentially a plethora of green turtles.

Arriving on Fernandina Island in the afternoon, it is the youngest island of the Galapagos and home to some of the most pristine waters in the world. Fernandina is the marine iguana capital of the world. This desolate volcanic backdrop is home to a huge concentration of these enigmatic reptiles. Incongruously, sharing the same shoreline, you can find the diminutive Galapagos penguins. Here you’ll also have the exciting opportunity to snorkel with marine iguanas feeding underwater, penguins, turtles and the bizarre, endemic, flightless cormorants.

Today you will visit Urbina Bay, unique for its volcanic black beach. At the far end of a long, level hike you’ll arrive at a strange phenomenon where large blocks of coral lie completely exposed after a dramatic geological uplift in 1954. Here, you can take in views of Alcedo Volcano while keeping an eye out for the very impressive land iguanas, as well as some of the endemic Galapagos giant tortoises, during the wet season.

A well-known hideout and deep water anchorage in the days of pirates, Tagus Cove was also one of the few sites visited by Charles Darwin and the HMS Beagle in 1835. A beautiful hike leads you past an overview of Darwin Lake and on to a stunning volcanic landscape revealing Isabela Island’s dramatic northern volcanoes. Once back at sea level the perfect activity is to snorkel along a submerged wall with turtles, lots of fish, penguins and potentially flightless cormorants. You might even be tempted by a panga ride or kayak!

Arriving at Egas Port, the black volcanic sand sets this landing apart from most. It is best known for the dramatic shoreline where you’ll meet a host of species that choose to live between land and sea. Particular among these are the endemic Galapagos fur seals which maintain a small colony at the end of your walk. Other species of note include American oystercatchers, sea lions, waders, herons, lava lizards and even Galapagos hawks. An optional visit takes you to an abandoned salt mine famous in its day for supplying salt to mainland Ecuador.

Your afternoon is spent at Sullivan Bay, on the south-eastern coast of the island. Although, when viewed from the sea, the site does not look especially interesting, visitors are always completely enthralled by the amazing beds of pahoehoe lava from the recent flow on the island. It is a landscape and macro photographer’s dream. The importance of pioneer plants such as the tiny Mollugo will be discussed as you hike over the lava. After your land visit you can enjoy a refreshing snorkel in the company of sea lions, turtles and rays.

Enjoy a lovely walk along the shore of Bachas beach, named after the barges left by the United States after World War II ended. The beach is a popular nesting ground for green turtles (keep your eye out for the tell-tale, tractor-like marks they leave in the sand during nesting season). The walk will also take you to a lagoon behind the high tide line with wading birds, marine iguanas and sometimes even flamingos. A fascinating way to finish your memorable visit to the Galapagos Islands!