The Glorious Galapagos Adventure

Upon arrival at San Cristóbal Airport, you will be welcomed by Horizon staff and transferred to the yacht. After checking-in, you will be shown to your luxurious cabins, where you can settle in and refresh before enjoying lunch and a welcome briefing from the team.

In the afternoon, we will visit the David Rodriguez Breeding Center (“La Galapaguera”), a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of the giant tortoise. We will have a guided tour that will provide insight into these ancient creatures’ life cycle, and along the surrounding trails, guests may spot finches, warblers, and mockingbirds. 

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The morning begins with a visit to Pitt Point, located on the northeastern tip of San Cristóbal. This remarkable site is home to a variety of seabirds, including frigate birds, storm petrels, and all three species of boobies—Nazca, blue-footed, and red-footed. Guests will embark on a scenic hike up a steep cliff, leading to breathtaking viewpoints and an up-close experience with the island’s abundant birdlife.

In the afternoon, the yacht will sail toward Witch Hill, a stunning location known for its pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Here, you can take a leisurely walk along the shore, where sea lions, shorebirds, and finches are often seen. The crystal-clear waters offer a perfect opportunity for snorkeling, where you may encounter tropical fish, anemones, sponges, and coral formations.

Later in the day, the journey continues with a scenic circumnavigation of Kicker Rock, one of the most iconic natural landmarks of the Galápagos. Rising dramatically from the ocean, these towering rock formations serve as a resting place for blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and frigate birds, while the waters below are teeming with sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and even hammerhead sharks. This experience offers a mesmerizing opportunity to witness the dynamic marine ecosystem of the archipelago.

The day begins with a visit to Suarez Point, one of the most impressive wildlife sites in the Galápagos. This island is the breeding ground for nearly all of the world’s 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses, which can be seen gliding over the cliffs or using the dramatic rock formations as a launching pad. Along the trail, you will also encounter blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, Galápagos hawks, and the famous blowhole that sprays seawater high into the air, creating a spectacular natural show.

In the afternoon, the yacht will arrive at Gardner Bay, where a pristine white-sand beach awaits. Here, you can relax alongside a playful sea lion colony, watch curious Española mockingbirds, or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. Snorkeling near Gardner Islet and Osborn Islet offers the chance to swim with colorful reef fish and young sea lion pups, creating an unforgettable underwater adventure.

After breakfast, we will head to Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island, a serene spot known for its soft sands and shallow, inviting waters. Remnants of a World War II floating pier can still be seen here, while the beach serves as a nesting ground for sea turtles. Guests may also spot flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, and black-necked stilts while exploring the shoreline.

In the afternoon, the journey continues to Bartholomew Island, home to the famous Pinnacle Rock, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Galápagos. We will hike up the volcanic summit, passing through a surreal landscape of red, orange, black, and green lava formations. From the top, the panoramic view of the surrounding islands is one of the most breathtaking sights in the archipelago. Below, the clear waters offer an incredible snorkeling experience, where guests may swim alongside Galápagos penguins, reef sharks, rays, and vibrant schools of fish.

The day begins at Egas Port (James Bay) on Santiago Island, where guests will walk along rugged coastal trails, discovering lava formations, tidal pools, and hidden grottos. Along the way, Galápagos hawks, lava lizards, fur seals, and marine iguanas can be seen basking in the sun. Snorkeling here reveals an incredible underwater world filled with reef sharks, sea turtles, rays, and unique rock formations.

In the afternoon, you can explore the stunning red-sand beaches of Rabida Island, one of the most colorful and volcanically rich islands in the Galápagos. A short hike leads to a breathtaking lookout point with panoramic views of the surrounding islands, while the island’s brackish water lagoon is often home to pink flamingos. Snorkeling in Rabida’s waters offers a chance to swim among white-cheeked pintail ducks, playful sea lions, and schools of dazzling fish.

The morning we will begin at Darwin Bay, a white-sand coral beach surrounded by mangroves filled with land birds. The island is home to Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls, offering extraordinary opportunities for birdwatching and photography. We will follow a scenic trail leading to a dramatic cliffside, where they can spot tidal pools filled with sea lions and enjoy panoramic ocean views.

In the afternoon, you can explore El Barranco (Prince Philip’s Steps), a steep rocky path leading up a high cliff face. The Palo Santo forest at the top is home to red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, storm petrels, and Galápagos doves. The experience provides an awe-inspiring view of the island and its abundant wildlife.

The morning is spent at Mosquera Islet, a small reef of coral and rocks located between Baltra and North Seymour. This area is known for having one of the largest populations of sea lions, and occasional sightings of orcas hunting along the shore make this a thrilling destination. You can enjoy a leisurely walk along the sandy beach or go snorkeling in the nearby waters.

In the afternoon, we will venture into the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where the vibrant green landscapes contrast beautifully with the dry coastal areas. Here, they will explore lava tunnels, tortoise nesting sites, and Scalesia forests. A visit to the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center follows, where guests will observe giant tortoises of various ages, including hatchlings and full-grown adults, and learn about ongoing conservation efforts.

On this final morning, we will visit North Seymour Island, an incredible wildlife haven where blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigate birds, and Galápagos sea lions can be found in abundance. A final guided walk provides an opportunity to observe the island’s arid vegetation and unique geological formations before returning to the yacht for a farewell breakfast.

Following the excursion, you will be transferred to Baltra Airport [GPS] for your departing flight home, concluding an extraordinary week of exploration, luxury, and unforgettable encounters with the wildlife of the Galápagos.

If you’re not ready to leave your adventurous side behind just yet, extend your journey with our Peru Extension and explore the breathtaking wonders of Machu Picchu.