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

Your adventure begins at Mosquera Islet, located between North Seymour and Baltra. The island consists of a long narrow stretch of white sand, rocks, and tide pools. Created by a geological uplift, the island has a flat look to it rather than the conical shape of the volcanically formed islands. It is a great place for snorkelling, strolling on the beach, and enjoying the animal life without the tourist crowds that are common at many of the more popular islands. This islet is home to a huge population of sea lions and is also home to many shorebirds.

Vicente Roca Point is a promontory with two protected turquoise coves on either side of the remains of a tuff cone, with one of them only accessible from the sea. It offers great opportunities for snorkelling, showcasing a wide variety of marine life such as, sea horses, sea turtles and sunfish. The geological formations also provide the perfect setting for a dinghy ride along the coast to observe a great diversity of sea and coastal birds such as noddies, blue-footed boobies and Galapagos penguins.

In the afternoon you will continue to Espinosa Point on Fernandina Island where you can see the island of Isabela across the Bolívar Channel. This area boasts some of the highest diversity of endemic sea fauna in the Galapagos, including lava cacti. The largest, most primitive-looking race of marine iguanas can be found mingling with sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs - a wonderful opportunity for photos!

Today you will visit Urbina Bay, unique for its volcanic black beach. Depending on the season, you may find giant tortoises, land iguanas and the unusual flightless cormorant. After a short walk inland, snorkelling time is allotted, giving you the chance to swim with sea turtles, sea lions and countless tropical fish. Urbina Bay also features a wide variety of plant life that changes throughout the year. You can observe the beautiful colours of plants that attract different insects, birds and reptiles. You will explore the uplifted coral reef that resulted from 1954 volcanic activity, with a spectacular view of Alcedo Volcano.

Tagus Cove is your destination this afternoon, where you will learn about the eruption of the five volcanoes that formed Isabela Island. The trail leads to Darwin Lake, a salt-water lake formed within an extinct volcanic crater that offers excellent views of lava fields and volcano formations. This is a great sight to see land birds such as Galapagos hawks, large-billed flycatchers and yellow warblers.

Following breakfast, anchor at Puerto Egas on Santiago Island. The first part of the Port Egastrail to the Salt Crater is comprised of volcanic ash and the other half of the trail is a partially uneven terrain that leads to the best tidal pool areas in the Galapagos. Here, it is possible to see fur seals and Sally Lightfoot crabs. The unique terrain of Santiago’s shores is home to a variety of birds, including the bizarre yellow-crowned, night heron and the Galapagos hawk. Colonies of endemic fur seals swimming in cool water pools formed by volcanic rocks can also be seen.

After lunch back on-board, disembark at Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat), a small islet off the southern coast of Santiago, characterised by its volcanic cone that resembles a Chinese hat. Take a short hike here to discover the lava tunnels, lava cacti and Galapagos sesuvium. There will also be time to swim and snorkel.

This morning land at Santa Cruz Island and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where the Galapagos giant tortoise breeding program is run. The Centre also educates communities and schools within the islands for future preservation. There will be many photo opportunities so keep your camera handy. A fascinating way to finish your memorable visit to the Galapagos Islands!