Quito and 7 Day Santa Cruz II Cruise – Eastern Galapagos Islands

Then continue to the Equatorial Monument, 16 miles north of Quito, which marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. Visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the monument, which shows the different Native American groups living in Ecuador. Beside the monument there is a colonial-style town, complete with main square, church, post office, bullring, cafeterias, restaurants and many gift shops with postcards and souvenirs. You will get a certificate for having crossed the Equator. Overnight in Quito. (B)

Mosquera.  After lunch and your introductory briefing on board, Santa Cruz II will relocate only four nautical miles from Baltra, next to Mosquera Islet, a small volcanic uplift between Baltra and North Seymour.  The island is a long and narrow sand bank surrounded by lava reefs.  Our groups will approach the island from its western shore, a long shallow reef, the perfect rookery for young sea lions.  After a wet landing, our guides will lead you past the sea lion colonies, where you will learn more about the fragile marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Galapagos.  The walk is easy as it is restricted to a few hundred meters of flat sandy dunes.  This will also be a great opportunity for an introduction to snorkeling.  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,L,D)

Punta Pitt.  In the afternoon, you disembark (wet landing) on the eastern tip of the island at Punta Pitt, an eroded tuff cone, whose trail provides spectacular views of the shoreline.  This is the only site in the Galapagos where the three species of boobies can be found together.  You can walk or enjoy a panga ride along the coast.  Opportunity for snorkeling, swimming and kayaking.  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,L,D)

South Plaza Island.  Following lunch and a rest, you disembark (dry landing) in this channel, whose turquoise waters contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline.  Beyond, a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus.  Yellow-grey land iguanas sit beneath these, waiting patiently for pears to drop.  Along the coastline, one finds sea lion colonies, while frigates, swallow-tailed gulls and shearwaters glide, playing with the thermals.  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,L,D)

Santa Cruz Island.  There are several options available for the afternoon, which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition Leader.  Options include beach walks, kayaks, walks along the tortoise reserve, etc.  At the end of the afternoon’s activities, you return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the Santa Cruz II.  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,L,D)

Gardner Bay-Osborn Islet (wet landing).  In the afternoon, the picture-postcard white coral beach of Gardner Bay and the nearby islet of Osborn provides a beautiful setting for observing sea lions, mockingbirds, and finches as you relax.  You can expect great snorkeling in this area.  Opportunity for swimming and kayaking as well.  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,L,D)

North Seymour was lifted from the ocean floor by a volcanic event, and its origins as a seabed give the island its low, flat profile.  A tiny forest of silver-grey Palo Santo trees stands just above the landing (dry landing), usually without leaves, waiting for the rains to burst into bloom.  This is a great introductory site to the islands and their wildlife, full of bird colonies of blue-footed boobies, two species of frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls, as well as sea lions and marine iguanas.  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,L,D)