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The landsites visited by the
Galapagos Cruises
| Just six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador, lie the Galapagos Islands, a Living Laboratory of Evolution and home to some of the world’s rarest species. The Flightless Cormorant, Blue-footed boobies, marine and land iguanas and giant tortoises all coexist freely as they did thousands of years ago within this group of thirteen major islands and dozens of small islets.
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 Click on map for larger view |
Now in the twentieth century you can discover these fascinating islands with their rich variety of landscapes, interesting lava formations, vast sand beaches, remarkable fearless animals and natural beauty, still untouched by man.
BALTRA
Arrival and departure island for several yachts and cruise ships, the air terminal is only five minutes away from pier where you board ship.
 BARTOLOME
A thirty minute climb to the summit of this once active volcanic island, offers a fantastic panoramic view of the islands and the renowned landmark Pinnacle Rock, the beach is a perfect place for swimming and snorkeling.
HOOD (Española)
Impressive colonies of sea birds, marine iguanas and sea lions, site of the famous Blow Hole. Good snorkeling and swimming beach.
FERNANDINA (Narborough)
Home to large colonies of marine iguanas and flightless cormorants, also penguins, sea lions and Sally lightfoot crabs.
FLOREANA (Charles)
Lagoon where pink flamingos, pelicans and tropic birds are seen, nearby is the Devil’s Crown, great snorkeling spot with beautiful coral formations, Post Office Bay is where in the eighteenth century whalers set up a barrel as a mail drop, still in use today.
 TOWER (Genovesa)
Famous for the abundance of bird life, frigate birds, Red-footed boobies, and Swallow-tailed gulls. A climb up the Prince Philip Steps offers a perfect observation point
ISABELA (Albemarle)
Tagus cove, a favorite site of early whalers and pirates, who painted names on rocks surrounding this natural harbor. An uphill walk around Darwin’s Crater salt water lake, offers an impressive view of the lava fields.
NORTH SEYMORE (Mosquera)
Here is the largest colony of the magnificent frigate birds, also seen are Blue-footed boobies, and playful sea lions enjoying the surf.
 PLAZAS
A pair of small islands off the coast of Santa Cruz with a steep cliff shoreline abundant with sea lions, land iguanas and Swallow-tailed gulls, here the vegetation changes color with the seasons.
JERVIS (Rabida)
An extraordinary red sand beach and salt water lagoon is home to flamingos, pelicans, boobies, Galapagos hawks and nine species of finches.
SAN CRISTOBAL (Chatham)
The provincial capital of the Galapagos, and airport for some ship arrivals and departures. Kicker Rock, rising 500 feet from the ocean is a perfect spot for nesting birds and sea lions. Punta Pitt offers a variety of plants in a unique landscape and wonderful vast sand beaches for swimming.
 SANTA CRUZ (Indefatigable)
The largest inhabited community in the islands and home of the Darwin Station, a biological research and conservation project where giant tortoises and their offspring can be seen. Alternative tour to the highlands of Santa Cruz offers an opportunity to see giant tortoises in the natural habitat and visit the largest lava tunnels in the Galapagos.
SANTA FE (Barrington)
Unique Opuntia cacti and Palo Santo Forest are abundant, also land iguanas, Swallow-tailed gulls, and red-billed tropic birds, great for swimming and snorkeling.
SANTIAGO (James)
A chance to swim with the fur seals in their own grotto and observe a variety of bird life, including the Great blue heron, Oyster catchers and Darwin finches. Beautiful black sand beach for swimming.
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