M/C Ocean Spray

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, the guide will meet you to transfer to the Ocean Spray. Settle in to your cabin before an afternoon visit to Sombrero Chino, Chinese Hat, so-called for its distinctive shape. The islet is home to a colony of sea lions on the white coral sand beach. Here you can see American oystercatchers, Galapagos penguins swimming along the shores, and Sally- lightfoot crabs in bright contrast to the dark volcanic rock.

Comprised of two separate coves, Punta Vicente Roca is a large bay with incredible sea life including seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating mola-mola (or pacific sunfish). The next visit is a privileged one to the heavily restricted island of Fernandina. It is one of the world’s most pristine island ecosystems with no foreign species having ever invaded. La Cumbre volcano dominates the landscape with lava fields reaching the ocean. Land at Punta Espinosa for a walkway past a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions for the highlight of a flightless cormorant nesting site.

Upon embarking upon a 2km hike at Tagus Cove, observe the intriguing graffiti from pirate’s dating back to 1836. Hike through lava formations and take in stunning views of the surrounding slopes and volcanoes on the way to Darwin Lake. In the afternoon, land at Urbina Bay, formed by uplift from the sea where terrestrial coral reef is visible. Expect to see stingrays and sea turtles swimming near the surface of the water, along with the flightless cormorant, pelicans, and marine iguanas. You will gain excellent views of Volcán Alcedo, with the possibility to see land iguanas and giant tortoises in the wild.

Take a traditional ‘panga’ ride or dinghy, passing red mangroves up to Elizabeth Bay, a secluded area without landing sites. Expect to see sea turtles and rays, as well as brown pelicans, penguins and blue-footed boobies. You may even spot humpback whales! In the afternoon visit Punta Moreno, located south west of Elizabeth Bay. Here, a dry landing onto what was once flowing lava is possible. The lava has left craters which have formed crystal tide pools where you may see pink flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, and common gallinules.

Visit the Charles Darwin Station Breeding Center, home to tortoises from four inches to four feet long. The successful conservation efforts see the tortoises reared until large enough to survive in the wild. In the afternoon, visit the Santa Cruz Highlands. Take a walkway, observing the rich flora and fauna with an impressive hilly backdrop. In the highlands you can observe the giant tortoise in the wild, as well as mockingbirds, bahama ducklings, white-cheeked pintail ducks and Darwin’s finches. Explore the underground lava tubes that are more than 1km long.

In the morning, head to Isla Plaza Sur, a small island with steep cliffs covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colourful yellow and red land iguanas. The afternoon visit is to Isla Santa Fé, also known as Barrington. Arrive at the picturesque bay to take a trail to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff. The other trail takes you from a small beach to a tall prickly cactus forest. –

Venture to the southernmost island of the Galapagos archipelago, Española. Beginning at Punta Suarez, make way on a trail, sighting blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and Nazca boobies. Arrive at a beautiful ocean-front cliff that the albatross uses as a launch pad. Visit the blowhole that spurts water over 20m into the air. In the afternoon, make your way to Gardner Bay and Osborn Islet. Land on a beautiful white sand beach amongst a colony of sea lions, where you can snorkel with the pups in the water. Continue to the albatross nesting site, where almost the entire population of 12,000 waved albatross can be found.

Make your way to the Interpretation Center focused on the interaction of humans with nature. The Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado is an area of land reserved for the repopulation of the giant tortoise, and cut off from potential predators. You may also see finches, warblers and mockingbirds. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight to mainland Ecuador.