Galapagos Islands Photo Tour
April 9-18, 2022
$6695 USD
$6695 USD
The isolated and stunning Galapagos Islands offer a unique experience unlike anyplace else. The wildlife displays must be seen to be believed - the animals have no innate fear of humans and simply go about their routines while ignoring people. The volcanic islands are remote and beautiful, the sunrises and sunsets are spectacular. The crystal clear water is perfect for snorkeling amongst fish, turtles and sea lions. On this tour we'll experience it all while living aboard a small (16 passenger) yacht (photos here) as we cruise to the various islands and photograph everything along the way. 10 days/9 nights are included.
Call Don with any tour questions
303-906-5102
303-906-5102
Tour has 1 space open for a single traveler (as of May 30th, 2021) - Get in touch and we can sign you up!
(Password Protected)
Includes
- 9 nights accommodations* as follows - 2 nights in Guayaquil, Ecuador (1 before and 1 after the nights on the yacht) 7 nights aboard the tourist superior-class yacht "Angelito".
- Airport transfers.
- Round-trip airfare from Guayaquil, Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands.
- All meals, snacks, water, tea, coffee while on board the yacht.
- Semi-private (2 persons/cabin) berth with full en-suite bathroom with hot water shower aboard the yacht, 1 or 2 beds depending on cabin configuration. No bunk beds. All cabins have air conditioning and ample storage for gear.
- Services of yacht crew of 8 professionals including licensed naturalist/guide.
- Use of a wetsuit and snorkeling gear while on board the yacht.
- Photography expertise and leadership from Don Mammoser and assistant Anya Mammoser.
- All guided activities such as island walks, natural history lessons, and snorkeling while on board the yacht.
Single Supplement: Not available for the 7 nights aboard the yacht. For those who prefer a private room during our 2 nights in Guayaquil, the single supplement charge of $250 will apply. Please advise me if you want this via email.
Fitness Level: High
Must be able to walk/hike up to 1.5 miles over moderate to rough terrain. Must be able to negotiate uneven ground and walking on rocks and loose sand. Must be able to get in and out of zodiac-type boats. Tropical heat can be tiresome as well.
Must be able to walk/hike up to 1.5 miles over moderate to rough terrain. Must be able to negotiate uneven ground and walking on rocks and loose sand. Must be able to get in and out of zodiac-type boats. Tropical heat can be tiresome as well.
Not Included:
- Air fare to Guayaquil, Ecuador (Airport code GYE)
- Meals or optional activities while in Guayaquil
- Passport or visa fees (visas are not required for US or Canadian citizens)
- Galapagos National Park entry fees of $100 USD payable upon arrival in cash only
- Travel insurance
- Gifts and items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.
- Gratuities to yacht crew and guide
Itinerary
The itinerary you choose in the Galapagos is by far the most important aspect of any trip there. You can certainly find a boat and subsequent itinerary which caters to those wishing for a week of crowded sunbathing beaches, or parties and nightlife.
For photographers, however, I know well that we all want an itinerary which gives us the best possible chance to interact with and photograph the highest number of interesting and unique species and island scenes. And we don’t want to be crowded out by other people and/or boats while trying to get our photos.
Yes, you can get a spot on an everyday Galapagos boat for less than the cost of my trip, or you can get on board a budget priced ‘cattle-call’ boat with hundreds of other passengers, but as a photographer, you don’t want that. I have worked hard with my contacts in Ecuador, a boat crew, and a naturalist/guide to come up with the best possible 8 day cruise for maximizing our time among photographic animals, good snorkeling sites, and scenic island locations. This is an itinerary made by a photographer for photographers.
We will be aboard a "tourist superior" class yacht for this Galapagos adventure. The yacht holds just 14 participants in 7 comfortable cabins. You’ll find the accommodations onboard are not overly opulent, but they are very clean, modern and comfortable. Each 2-person cabin has its own bathroom with shower and hot and cold water. The food will be ample, fresh, varied, local and delicious. Our guide will take us to locations a bit earlier or we’ll stay a bit later than most tours because she knows that we are interested primarily in getting great photos. And we visit places that not every boat goes to and that certainly the larger ships can’t even get close to.
Following is the tentative itinerary I have worked out for my group. This trip visits the best of the best of what makes the Galapagos so unique. It is by far, the best 8 day itinerary I could ever have dreamed of. I can’t wait to share these places with my clients! Email me today to reserve your spot on board.
April 9, 2022 : Arrival day into Ecuador:
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Arrive today on your flight from the USA to Guayaquil's Jose Joaquin De Olmedo Airport. (Airport code GYE) This airport is very close to the downtown area of Guayaquil. Because many flights from the USA to Guayaquil arrive in the evening, and since our flight to the Galapagos Islands departs early tomorrow morning, we’ll simplify things by staying very close to the airport tonight. Our hotel is just a 5-10 minute drive from the international airport. Our hotel has a 24 hour free airport shuttle. Meet and greet, dinner and relax tonight.
April 10, 2022 : Day 1 – Arrival in Galapagos and transfer to boat:
Early morning transfer from the hotel to the airport for our flight to the Galapagos. Airplane will be a ‘typical’ 3 rows per side/aisle in the middle, aircraft. (Airbus A320 or similar). Pass Galapagos customs (US $100 cash only payment required), park entrance formalities, etc., then transfer to our yacht.
North Seymour Island
Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds are abundant on North Seymour Island. The island was formed by a series of submarine lavas containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone.
Highlights: Land & marine iguanas, frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, sea lions; snorkeling: rays, reef sharks, fish, garden eels.
Activities: Snorkeling, dinghy ride & hiking (1.5 mi/2.5 km)
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Moderate/difficult
April 11, 2022 : Day 2 – First Location:
Sombrero Chino
One of the most recognizable Galapagos Islands, its name means “Chinese Hat.” It’s easy to see why: this islet off of Santiago is shaped like an old-fashioned Chinaman’s hat, a gently sloping cone rising out of the clear Galapagos water. In spite of its good location, Sombrero Chino receives fewer visitors than other Galapagos sites. This is because it’s semi-protected by the Park service.
Highlights: Marine iguanas, Sally lightfoot crabs, Sea lions, Lava cactus, Wading birds, views; snorkeling: reef sharks, fish, Galapagos penguins
Activities: Snorkeling, hiking (1 mi/1.6 km)
Type of Landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Moderate
April 11, 2022 : Day 2 – Second Location:
Bartholomew Island
Home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. A trail of stairs leads to the summit of the volcano, boasting one of the best views of the islands. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos penguin.
Highlights: Pinnacle Rock, panoramic view, moonlike landscape, penguins, pioneer plants, lava cactus; snorkeling, reef sharks, rays, and great colorful fish.
Activities: Dinghy ride, snorkeling & hiking (1.25 mi/ 2km)
Type of Landing: Dry and wet landings
Difficulty: Moderate/difficult. Walk to the top of volcano 114 meters, 375 wooden steps
April 12, 2022 : Day 3 – First Location:
Genovesa Island - Darwin Bay
This white sand coral beach has a half mile trail (0.75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls can be spotted here. Further down the path are tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view from a cliff.
Highlights: Nazca boobies, red- footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, mangroves, coral pebbles beach, snorkeling: rays, colorful reef fish and hammerhead sharks
Activities: Hiking (0.9 mi/1.5 km), snorkeling, & dinghy ride
Type of Landing: Wet landing.
Difficulty: Easy/moderate
April 12, 2022 : Day 3 – Second Location:
Genovesa Island - El Barranco
Also known as Prince Phillip's Steps, El Barranco’s steep, rocky path leads up to a high cliff-face. A marvelous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to palo santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, Galapagos swallows, and Galapagos doves.
Highlights: Red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, storm-petrels, Galapagos doves
Activities: Hiking (0.9 mi/2 km)
Type of Landing: Dry, difficult landing
Difficulty: Moderate
April 13, 2022 : Day 4 – First Location:
Santiago Island - Egas Port
Also known as James Bay, Egas Port is home to the curious Galapagos hawks and quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. The trail leads to a coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos fur sea lions bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site.
Highlights: Fur sea lions, Galapagos sea lions, tidal pools and “grottos”, Galapagos hawks, oyster catchers, marine iguanas, finches; snorkeling: reef sharks, turtles, rays, nice underwater formations.
Activities: Snorkeling, hiking (1.25 mi/2 km)
Type of Landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easy /moderate
April 13, 2022 : Day 4 – Second Location:
Rábida Island
Rábida Island (Jervis) is one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago and a great snorkeling site. Its famous maroon sandy beach and stunning lookouts provide wonderful landscapes. The island is a birdwatcher’s delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance, such as nine varieties of finches, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans.
Highlights: Finches, Galapagos hawks, white-cheeked pintail ducks, penguins; Snorkeling: colorful fish, sea lions, brackish water lagoon
Activities: Snorkeling, dinghy ride & short hike (0.6 mi /1 km)
Type of Landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easy/ moderate
April 14, 2022 : Day 5 – First Location:
Santa Cruz Island - Charles Darwin Station
The Charles Darwin Research Station is home to tortoises ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long. Sub-species of tortoises interact with one another and many of the older tortoises are accustomed to humans, stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four years old and strong enough to survive on their own.
“Turtles” live in water and “tortoises” live on land. You cannot touch the tortoises (or any other animals) in the Galápagos.
Highlights: Giant tortoises in captivity
Activities: Walking
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Easy
April 14, 2022 : Day 5 – Second Location:
Santa Cruz Island - Santa Cruz Highlands
Reached by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green, contrasting beautifully with much of the dry, lower islands. The dominant vegetation in the highlands is the Scalesia trees, creating the lush green color. The lava tubes, over half a mile long, are underground and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience.
Highlights: Lava tunnels, wild tortoises, tortoise breeding center.
Activities: Hike (1.5 mi/ 2 ½ km)
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Moderate (long)
April 15, 2022 : Day 6 – First Location:
Española Island - Gardner Bay
Gardner Bay, on the eastern side of the island, is the breeding site of nearly all of the world´s 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. It has an ample white sandy beach with a myriad of sea lions, perfect for relaxing. Its rocky shores make this site a great place for diving and snorkeling.
Highlights: White sandy beach, breeding albatrosses, sea lions, mockingbirds; snorkeling: colorful fish, sea lion nursery
Activities: Snorkeling, dinghy ride, short hike of (0.6 mi/1 km)
Type of Landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easy
April 15, 2022 : Day 6 – Second Location:
Española Island - Suárez Point
This area is great for spotting blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and Nazca boobies. A beautiful site on the oceanfront, the large waved albatrosses use the cliff as a launching pad. The famous attraction is the magnificent blowhole, spurting water high into the air. This site presents wonderful photograph opportunities.
Highlights: Hood mockingbird, Nazca boobies, waved albatross, red-billed tropicbirds, lava lizards, Galapagos hawk, blue-footed boobies, blow hole, amazing landscape
Activities: Hike (1.9 mi/3 km)
Type of Landing: Dry Landing
Difficulty: Difficult
April 16, 2022 : Day 7 – First Location:
Santa Fe Island
Santa Fe (Barrington) is home to the small picturesque bay and anchorage on the island’s northeast coast. The bay has two visitor trails, one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other spanning from a small beach to a tall prickly pear cactus forest.
Highlights: Land Iguanas, giant Opuntia cacti
Activities: Hiking
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Moderate
April 16, 2022 : Day 7 – Second Location:
South Plaza Island
This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colorful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is the Sesuvium. During the rainy season its color is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end of June through January) a bright red.
Highlights: Land iguanas, sea lion colony, Audubon´s shearwaters, swallow-tailed gulls, Nazca boobies, amazing landscape with cliffs
Activities: Hike (2 ½ km /1.55 mi)
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Moderate
April 17, 2022 : Day 8 – First Location: (and then transfer to airport for flight to Guayaquil)
Santa Cruz Island - Black Turtle Cove
Black Turtle Cove is situated in the northern part of Santa Cruz. This inlet is surrounded by mangroves and is only accessible by dinghy. The shallow cove is a safe haven for young marine life. Black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here.
Highlights: Hammerhead shark babies, rays, sea turtles, sea birds
Activities: Dinghy ride
Type of Landing: No landing
Difficulty: Easy
April 17, 2022 : After Galapagos
Flight from Galapagos to mainland Ecuador, then transfer to our familiar Guayaquil hotel again. Optional final group dinner or get-together. You may also choose to fly home this day after 8pm.
April 18, 2022 : Final Goodbyes
Morning breakfast and goodbyes to those leaving on flights elsewhere today.
For photographers, however, I know well that we all want an itinerary which gives us the best possible chance to interact with and photograph the highest number of interesting and unique species and island scenes. And we don’t want to be crowded out by other people and/or boats while trying to get our photos.
Yes, you can get a spot on an everyday Galapagos boat for less than the cost of my trip, or you can get on board a budget priced ‘cattle-call’ boat with hundreds of other passengers, but as a photographer, you don’t want that. I have worked hard with my contacts in Ecuador, a boat crew, and a naturalist/guide to come up with the best possible 8 day cruise for maximizing our time among photographic animals, good snorkeling sites, and scenic island locations. This is an itinerary made by a photographer for photographers.
We will be aboard a "tourist superior" class yacht for this Galapagos adventure. The yacht holds just 14 participants in 7 comfortable cabins. You’ll find the accommodations onboard are not overly opulent, but they are very clean, modern and comfortable. Each 2-person cabin has its own bathroom with shower and hot and cold water. The food will be ample, fresh, varied, local and delicious. Our guide will take us to locations a bit earlier or we’ll stay a bit later than most tours because she knows that we are interested primarily in getting great photos. And we visit places that not every boat goes to and that certainly the larger ships can’t even get close to.
Following is the tentative itinerary I have worked out for my group. This trip visits the best of the best of what makes the Galapagos so unique. It is by far, the best 8 day itinerary I could ever have dreamed of. I can’t wait to share these places with my clients! Email me today to reserve your spot on board.
April 9, 2022 : Arrival day into Ecuador:
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Arrive today on your flight from the USA to Guayaquil's Jose Joaquin De Olmedo Airport. (Airport code GYE) This airport is very close to the downtown area of Guayaquil. Because many flights from the USA to Guayaquil arrive in the evening, and since our flight to the Galapagos Islands departs early tomorrow morning, we’ll simplify things by staying very close to the airport tonight. Our hotel is just a 5-10 minute drive from the international airport. Our hotel has a 24 hour free airport shuttle. Meet and greet, dinner and relax tonight.
April 10, 2022 : Day 1 – Arrival in Galapagos and transfer to boat:
Early morning transfer from the hotel to the airport for our flight to the Galapagos. Airplane will be a ‘typical’ 3 rows per side/aisle in the middle, aircraft. (Airbus A320 or similar). Pass Galapagos customs (US $100 cash only payment required), park entrance formalities, etc., then transfer to our yacht.
North Seymour Island
Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds are abundant on North Seymour Island. The island was formed by a series of submarine lavas containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone.
Highlights: Land & marine iguanas, frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, sea lions; snorkeling: rays, reef sharks, fish, garden eels.
Activities: Snorkeling, dinghy ride & hiking (1.5 mi/2.5 km)
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Moderate/difficult
April 11, 2022 : Day 2 – First Location:
Sombrero Chino
One of the most recognizable Galapagos Islands, its name means “Chinese Hat.” It’s easy to see why: this islet off of Santiago is shaped like an old-fashioned Chinaman’s hat, a gently sloping cone rising out of the clear Galapagos water. In spite of its good location, Sombrero Chino receives fewer visitors than other Galapagos sites. This is because it’s semi-protected by the Park service.
Highlights: Marine iguanas, Sally lightfoot crabs, Sea lions, Lava cactus, Wading birds, views; snorkeling: reef sharks, fish, Galapagos penguins
Activities: Snorkeling, hiking (1 mi/1.6 km)
Type of Landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Moderate
April 11, 2022 : Day 2 – Second Location:
Bartholomew Island
Home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. A trail of stairs leads to the summit of the volcano, boasting one of the best views of the islands. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos penguin.
Highlights: Pinnacle Rock, panoramic view, moonlike landscape, penguins, pioneer plants, lava cactus; snorkeling, reef sharks, rays, and great colorful fish.
Activities: Dinghy ride, snorkeling & hiking (1.25 mi/ 2km)
Type of Landing: Dry and wet landings
Difficulty: Moderate/difficult. Walk to the top of volcano 114 meters, 375 wooden steps
April 12, 2022 : Day 3 – First Location:
Genovesa Island - Darwin Bay
This white sand coral beach has a half mile trail (0.75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls can be spotted here. Further down the path are tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view from a cliff.
Highlights: Nazca boobies, red- footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, mangroves, coral pebbles beach, snorkeling: rays, colorful reef fish and hammerhead sharks
Activities: Hiking (0.9 mi/1.5 km), snorkeling, & dinghy ride
Type of Landing: Wet landing.
Difficulty: Easy/moderate
April 12, 2022 : Day 3 – Second Location:
Genovesa Island - El Barranco
Also known as Prince Phillip's Steps, El Barranco’s steep, rocky path leads up to a high cliff-face. A marvelous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to palo santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, Galapagos swallows, and Galapagos doves.
Highlights: Red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, storm-petrels, Galapagos doves
Activities: Hiking (0.9 mi/2 km)
Type of Landing: Dry, difficult landing
Difficulty: Moderate
April 13, 2022 : Day 4 – First Location:
Santiago Island - Egas Port
Also known as James Bay, Egas Port is home to the curious Galapagos hawks and quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. The trail leads to a coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos fur sea lions bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site.
Highlights: Fur sea lions, Galapagos sea lions, tidal pools and “grottos”, Galapagos hawks, oyster catchers, marine iguanas, finches; snorkeling: reef sharks, turtles, rays, nice underwater formations.
Activities: Snorkeling, hiking (1.25 mi/2 km)
Type of Landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easy /moderate
April 13, 2022 : Day 4 – Second Location:
Rábida Island
Rábida Island (Jervis) is one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago and a great snorkeling site. Its famous maroon sandy beach and stunning lookouts provide wonderful landscapes. The island is a birdwatcher’s delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance, such as nine varieties of finches, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans.
Highlights: Finches, Galapagos hawks, white-cheeked pintail ducks, penguins; Snorkeling: colorful fish, sea lions, brackish water lagoon
Activities: Snorkeling, dinghy ride & short hike (0.6 mi /1 km)
Type of Landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easy/ moderate
April 14, 2022 : Day 5 – First Location:
Santa Cruz Island - Charles Darwin Station
The Charles Darwin Research Station is home to tortoises ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long. Sub-species of tortoises interact with one another and many of the older tortoises are accustomed to humans, stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four years old and strong enough to survive on their own.
“Turtles” live in water and “tortoises” live on land. You cannot touch the tortoises (or any other animals) in the Galápagos.
Highlights: Giant tortoises in captivity
Activities: Walking
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Easy
April 14, 2022 : Day 5 – Second Location:
Santa Cruz Island - Santa Cruz Highlands
Reached by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green, contrasting beautifully with much of the dry, lower islands. The dominant vegetation in the highlands is the Scalesia trees, creating the lush green color. The lava tubes, over half a mile long, are underground and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience.
Highlights: Lava tunnels, wild tortoises, tortoise breeding center.
Activities: Hike (1.5 mi/ 2 ½ km)
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Moderate (long)
April 15, 2022 : Day 6 – First Location:
Española Island - Gardner Bay
Gardner Bay, on the eastern side of the island, is the breeding site of nearly all of the world´s 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. It has an ample white sandy beach with a myriad of sea lions, perfect for relaxing. Its rocky shores make this site a great place for diving and snorkeling.
Highlights: White sandy beach, breeding albatrosses, sea lions, mockingbirds; snorkeling: colorful fish, sea lion nursery
Activities: Snorkeling, dinghy ride, short hike of (0.6 mi/1 km)
Type of Landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easy
April 15, 2022 : Day 6 – Second Location:
Española Island - Suárez Point
This area is great for spotting blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and Nazca boobies. A beautiful site on the oceanfront, the large waved albatrosses use the cliff as a launching pad. The famous attraction is the magnificent blowhole, spurting water high into the air. This site presents wonderful photograph opportunities.
Highlights: Hood mockingbird, Nazca boobies, waved albatross, red-billed tropicbirds, lava lizards, Galapagos hawk, blue-footed boobies, blow hole, amazing landscape
Activities: Hike (1.9 mi/3 km)
Type of Landing: Dry Landing
Difficulty: Difficult
April 16, 2022 : Day 7 – First Location:
Santa Fe Island
Santa Fe (Barrington) is home to the small picturesque bay and anchorage on the island’s northeast coast. The bay has two visitor trails, one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other spanning from a small beach to a tall prickly pear cactus forest.
Highlights: Land Iguanas, giant Opuntia cacti
Activities: Hiking
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Moderate
April 16, 2022 : Day 7 – Second Location:
South Plaza Island
This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colorful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is the Sesuvium. During the rainy season its color is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end of June through January) a bright red.
Highlights: Land iguanas, sea lion colony, Audubon´s shearwaters, swallow-tailed gulls, Nazca boobies, amazing landscape with cliffs
Activities: Hike (2 ½ km /1.55 mi)
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Moderate
April 17, 2022 : Day 8 – First Location: (and then transfer to airport for flight to Guayaquil)
Santa Cruz Island - Black Turtle Cove
Black Turtle Cove is situated in the northern part of Santa Cruz. This inlet is surrounded by mangroves and is only accessible by dinghy. The shallow cove is a safe haven for young marine life. Black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here.
Highlights: Hammerhead shark babies, rays, sea turtles, sea birds
Activities: Dinghy ride
Type of Landing: No landing
Difficulty: Easy
April 17, 2022 : After Galapagos
Flight from Galapagos to mainland Ecuador, then transfer to our familiar Guayaquil hotel again. Optional final group dinner or get-together. You may also choose to fly home this day after 8pm.
April 18, 2022 : Final Goodbyes
Morning breakfast and goodbyes to those leaving on flights elsewhere today.
