Days 3 - 8: Galapagos Islands
While the exact routing depends on the National Park Service, you may visit the following islands:
Bartolome: This is an enchanting landscape where lava, mangroves and golden sand converge. Great walks, views and a chance to snorkel with penguins.
Santiago: Santiago provides a chance to see the Galapagos fur seal, along with the opportunity to enjoy the best "tidepooling."
Santa Cruz: This is home for the Charles Darwin Research Center where you'll learn about vital preservation work. Head up into the highlands to roam the mossdraped lush landscape where wild giant tortoises forage.
Isabela: The largest island is made up of six volcanoes. Search for land iguanas, enjoy a black sand beach, scramble over broken lava flows or take a Zodiac cruise.
Fernandina: Investigate Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island - the youngest island in the Galapagos. It's marine iguana heaven, with Isabela's volcanoes as a dramatic backdrop.
Floreana: Champion Islet is a dazzling snorkel site and home to a large colony of sea lions. There is nothing more delightful than an hour spent in the clear waters with these creatures! We may find flamingos, pintail ducks and various shorebirds. Hike to a lovely white sand beach, a favorite nesting site for sea turtles.
Espanola: Meet blue-footed boobies, sea lions galore, marine iguanas which develop particularly vivid coloration, and waved albatross, all living treasures found only on this island. Snorkel and stroll the island's lovely beaches. (B, L, D)
Lodging: The Islander