Galapagos Cruise Pro

Galapagos Islands - when to visit?

Located on the equator, the Galapagos islands are subject to oceanic currents that influence temperatures on the archipelago. However, the weather is pleasant, at any time of the year.

There are two seasons in the Galapagos. The dry, or garua, season, which runs from July to December. “Garua” refers to the fog and mist that common hangs on the higher elevations during this season. The hot or wet season lasts from January through June, with March and April generally being the wettest months.

Galapagos wildlife calendar
When planning a visit to the Galapagos Islands, decide what you would rather do and see, as not all animals are present at all times of year. This depends greatly on the season and climate.

To assist you we have prepared an Island wildlife activity calendar to tell you what goes on in the Galapagos Islands every month of the year.

January

Beginning of the rainy season
Land birds start nesting, generally after the first rain
On Hood (Española) Island adult marine iguanas become brightly colored (green & red + black)
The green sea turtles arrive to beaches in the Galapagos for egg laying period
Land iguanas begin reproductive cycles on Isabela Island
Both, water and air temperatures rise and stay warm until June
Ideal time for snorkeling

February

On Floreana Island greater flamingos start nesting
Bahama pintail ducks (Black-tailed pintail) start their breeding season
Nazca (masked) boobies on Hood are at the end of their nesting season
Marine iguanas nest on Santa Cruz Island
The highest water temperature reaches 25C (77F). This temperature remains constant until April
Very few penguins are sighted at Bartolome Island (most have followed the cool waters back to the west or near upwelling areas)
Nesting season of the Galapagos dove reaches its peak

March

The rainy season reaches the highest precipitation (this does not mean it rains everyday)
Sporadic tropical rains, intense sun and hot climate. Air temperature can reach up to 30C (86F). Humidity is high.
Marine iguanas nest on Fernandina
March 21st, the beginning of the summer equinox signals the arrival of the waved albatross to Española.
Even the western islands have warm waters where snorkeling is excellent. Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela) can be an amazing site. Penguins still active in the water, next to tropical fish! (How bizarre!)
Some shores, specially those facing the north side, can receive deep surge (ola de fondo) coming from the northern currents. Wet landings at places like Puerto Egas, Gardner Bay, Bartolome can sometimes be a challenge.
Snorkelers will remain long periods of time in the water by choice, marine life is very active.

April

Massive arrival of waved albatrosses to Española. Amazing courtship starts.
End of hatching season of the giant tortoises
Eggs of green sea turtles begin to hatch
Eggs of land iguanas hatch on Isabela
While the rains have ended, the islands quite continue green
Good visibility in the water for snorkelers
Perhaps, together with May, the best months in Galapagos (weather, animals, water temperature)

May

North Seymour’s blue-footed boobies begin their courtship
Sea turtles are still hatching on Gardner Bay, Punta Cormorant, and Puerto Egas
Most of marine iguanas’ eggs hatch from nests on Santa Cruz
Palo santo trees begin to shed their foliage
Waved albatross on Española start laying their eggs
Ban-rumped storm petrels begin their first nesting period

June

Beginning of the garúa season
Giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island migrate from the highlands to the lowlands in search of suitable nesting places
Beginning of the nesting season of giant tortoises
South east trade winds return. Currents become a bit stronger. Seas pick up in surge and wave action.
Many red pouches by males of Magnificent Frigatebirds on North Seymour.
Southern migrants have started their journey towards the north. Galapagos is a rest stop for such birds. Some species of cetaceans also follow this pattern of migration.
Some groups of Humpback whales that migrate up to equatorial latitudes along the coast of Ecuador, can reach the Galapagos too.

July

Sea bird communities are very active (breeding), specially the Blue footed boobies on Española.
Flightless cormorants perform beautiful courtship rituals and nesting activities on Fernandina.
If you walk along the shores of Puerto Egas (Santiago Island) you could find American oystercatchers nesting.
Lava lizards initiate mating rituals until November
Cetaceans (whales & dolphins) are more likely to be observed, specially off the western coast of Isabela
Great month to see the four stages of nesting in Blue footed boobies: eggs, chicks, juveniles and subadults.
Water temperature does not reach more than 21C (68F)

August

Galapagos hawks court on Española and Santiago
Nazca (masked) boobies and Swallow-tailed gulls nest on Genovesa Island
The temperature of the ocean drops to 18C (64F), which obviously varies according to the geographic zones among the islands.
Migrant shore birds start to arrive, and stay on the islands until March
Giant tortoises return to the highlands of Santa Cruz
Oceans are quite choppy, currents at the strongest levels, surge can be expected along the shores that face west or south
Pupping season (births) of sea lions has started. Western and central islands are common places for such sightings.

September

Peak of the cold (garúa) season
The air temperature reaches its lowest levels (19C-66F)
Galapagos Penguins show remarkable activity on Bartolome.
Since May swimmers and snorkelers can be delighted at Bartolome with penguins active at the surface or torpedo-like while underwater.
Sea lions are very active. Females have reached estrus stage, and so harem-gathering males are constantly barking and fighting. Shore fighting is heavy. Western and central islands are the most active ones in terms of sea lions’ activities.
Most species of sea birds remain quite active at their nesting sites.

October

Lava herons start nesting until March
The Galapagos Fur Seals (subspecies of Sea lions) begin their mating period
Blue footed boobies raise chicks all over Española and Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela)
Giant tortoises are still laying eggs
Days are not always sunny. Garúa can be expected in most locations, except the western islands where most days have a misty start but after few hours of daylight it burns off.
Sunrises in the west can be quite beautiful after the garúa covers only certain locations of the western volcanoes.
Summits are clear, but low-lying fog covers the shoreline.

November

Pupping of sea lions continue.
Sea lions are sexually active on the eastern part of the archipelago.
Breeding season for the brown noddies
Some species of jellyfish can be seen around the islands.
The genus Physalia is commonly seen floating around Gardner and Tortuga Islets. Some can also be seen stranded at the shores of the Flour Beach at Floreana.
Band-rumped storm petrels begin their second nesting period
Seas are calm. South east trade winds have decreased strength. Water temperatures are slowly rising.
Generally great weather due to transition between one season and the next one
Good visibility for snorkelers
Sea lion pups (specially at Champion Islet) play aqua-aerobics next to snorkelers. Most pups here are curious enough to nibble at fins of snorkelers. The average age of most pups is 3-4 months.

December

Hatching of giant tortoise’s eggs begins and lasts until April
Green sea turtles display their mating behavior
The rainy season begins, all of the plants of the dry zone produce leaves. Galapagos becomes “green”
The first young waved albatrosses fledge
Great weather

-Taken from http://www.galapagos-travel-advisor.com/when-to-visit-islands

Getting around the Islands

Getting around the Galapagos Islands is not dificult at all it actually is the best part of your trip it is fun! — horses, bicycles, sea kayaks, cruise yachts & small ships, ferries, cargo boats, airplanes, buses, taxis, and other public transportation is available. If you are staying in one island, before you go anywhere, make sure you don’t need a Naturalist Guide with you.

Most places in all the islands are prohibited for tourists and travelers who are not accompanied by a Certified Naturalist Guide. There are some transportation systems in place. Santa Cruz has a bus that takes travelers to the airport and up to the sink holes in the center of the island. There are regular ships that transport travelers to islands (check at the docks for arrival/departure times as they vary). The most important thing to keep in mind while you’re getting around on during your Galapagos travels is that they are all protected. Keep on set paths and respect the islands.

There are several ways of getting around the Islands and reaching the visitor sites. We have prepared this section to help you choose the one that is best for you. We include a small briefing on each and some interesting tips to help you plan a better trip.

By boat

Seeing the sites and wildlife of the Galapagos, by far is best done by cruise boat, cruising on a liveaboard yacht or small cruise ship. Most people book their place well in advance (as the boats are usually full during the high season). Booking a boat tour with a company in your home country will usually be the most convenient, but is often considerably more expensive.

Boat tours can also be arranged from Guayaquil, Quito, and even from Puerto Ayora. While it is possible to get a last-minute deal, Ecuador tour & cruise operators are not discount houses, and be aware that many budget tours may spend extra time in Puerto Ayora, might not always be on the best boats, and may only visit the inner islands.

In either case, when looking for a tour consider the following:

Number of passengers. Many of the sites in the islands are limited in how many people may visit at any given time, so it is generally best to travel on a boat with fewer passengers (between ten and twenty passengers is ideal).
Itinerary. Fernandina, Isabela, and Genovesa islands are three of the most interesting islands in the archipelago, but many tours skip these islands and visit only the inner islands.
Level of Activity. Landings are only permitted during the twelve hours of daylight, so try to find a trip that takes advantage of daylight hours. In addition, the aquatic life is the highlight of the trip for many visitors, so be sure to find a tour that includes at least one daily snorkel.
Additional costs. Many tours do not include the $100 park entry fee or the cost of a flight from the mainland to the islands (apx. $400 from Quito).
Our Cruise review section has a description of all boats that navigate the Islands, plus there are ratings by real travellers with unbiased reviews

Other Boat options are called day trips / cruises, these are usually combined with a hotel stay program where all meals are included. You cruise by day and sleep on an Island by night (usually Santa Cruz or San Cristobal). If you feel uncomfortable sleeping on a yacht this is your best choice. You can also stay at a Galapagos hotel see options in our hotel review section and book day trips as you go.

There is a third option which is great for adventure travellers. You can decide to hop around the inhabited Islands and visit all the land sites on each. To get around the Islands you can take the local ferry or use local speed boat transfers, details below:

Cargo Ships:

There are some cargo ships running from Santa Cruz Island to San Cristobal or Isabela Island that charge a minimal fee ($7.00/passenger) to transport people from island to island. They are erratic however and set schedules are not followed, and we don’t guarantee that you’ll get one in the first week on the islands. The trip will generally take 7-8 hours, and so bring a little bit of food and a sleeping pad for the night ahead.

Ask at the Capitania de Puerto (port authority), the office right off of the boat docks, past the park on the Avenida Charles Darwin. They can tell you when boats are leaving for Isabela or San Cristobal. The captains of the boats don’t have to register until 24 hours beforehand, and so you might not know until the very day. Just be ready!

Private Boats:

To move from Santa Cruz to Floreana, Isabela or San Cristobal, you can also pay a private speed boat to take you to the other islands. They usually charge around $30.00 - $40.00. Try to negotiate, especially if there are several of you. Ask at the boat docks and the restaurant Salvavidas in front of the docks. That’s usually where the captains hang out, and they would know who is leaving for another island.

There is a boat service at the Capitanía del Puerto that travels between different islands. Other boat services are offered by Estrella del Mar from Puerto Villamil (Isabela) to Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz). Check days and times as well as prices. The trip takes about 61/2 hours. The other is Galamar from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal) to Puerto Ayora on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, returning on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (5 1/2 hours), US$40 one way; this boat can also be booked for visits to Floreana and Isabela.

Water taxi:

will transport you from your own yacht to the wharf when required.

Just remember that cargo boats and speedboats cannot take you to any of the visitor sites.

By air

EMETEBE, a local airline, flies a small cesna aircraft between the islands. It flies 3 times/week between Baltra and Isabela (Puerto Villamil) as well as between Baltra and San Cristobal. The price is a little steep, a little over $100.00 one way. If you have the money, and not the time, this is a great way to get from island to island.

You will be restricted to luggage of 30 lbs or less (non-negotiable). Emetebe Avionetas. You can also charter hourly planes between US$450 and US$ 600.

EMETEBE has offices in Puerto Ayora (+593 5 2526177), San Cristobol ((+593 5  2520036) and Puerto Vilamil ((+593 5 2529155). Contact them for details.

By Land

In Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora), San Cristobal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno), Floreana (Puerto Velasco Ibarra) and Isabela (Puerto Villamil) you can find anything from taxis and buses to pickup trucks to bicycles and horses for rent. Because these islands have small communities, the traveler has a little more freedom. In Santa Cruz and Isabela, Kayaks can be rented. In all of the aforementioned islands, there are some hiking trails open to visitors without guides.

-Taken from http://www.galapagos-travel-advisor.com/islands-transportation

Arrival information

The Galapagos Islands are located in the country of Ecuador in South America. Getting to the islands is quite easy once you have arrived in Ecuador.

In this section we will explain how to get to the Islands from Quito or Guayaquil and just recently from Cuenca. We are assuming you are in Ecuador already. For information on arriving into Ecuador we have created a knowledge base listed at the bottom of this page.

From Quito to the Galapagos Islands:

Most travellers going to the Galapagos Islands use Quito as their departure point. It is the capital city of Ecuador and a very attractive one first in the world to be declared a UNESCO heritage site.

You must arrive in Quito at least one day before your flight to the Islands - there are no direct connections with international flights.

There are 4 daily flights from Quito to the Galapagos Islands, they all leave in the morning.

Flight schedules Quito - Galapagos

Flights arriving at Baltra airport (just across Itabaca channel from Santa Cruz Island, 1 hour away from Puerto Ayora)

Departure 7h30 am - Arrival 9h30 am TAME AIRLINES flight 191 (daily)
Departure 9h30 am - Arrival 11h30 am TAME AIRLINES flight 193 (daily)
Departure 8h20 am - Arrival 10h30 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 032 (Monday -Friday) 
Departure 8h45 am - Arrival 10h45 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 032 (Sundays)
Departure 9h30 am - Arrival 11h30 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 034 (Saturdays)

Flights arriving at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno airport on San Cristobal Island.

Departure 9h15 am - Arrival 11h30 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 030 (Monday & Thursday)
Departure 10h00 am - Arrival 12h00 am TAME AIRLINES flight 195 (Wednesday)
Departure 7h30 am - Arrival 10h45 am  TAME AIRLINES flight 191 (Friday) - additional stop in Baltra before arrival in Puerto Baquerizo
Departure 8h20 am - Arrival 10h15 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 030 (Saturday)
Departure 8h20 am - Arrival 10h15 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 022/030 (Sunday)

Return flights 

Flights departing Baltra airport

Departure 12h15 pm - Arrival 16h15 pm TAME AIRLINES flight 192 (daily)
Departure 10h15 am - Arrival 14h15 pm TAME AIRLINES flight 190 (daily except Friday)
Departure 10h15 am - Arrival 15h30 pm TAME AIRLINES flight 190 (Friday)
Departure 12h00 pm - Arrival 16h15 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 033 (Monday through Friday)
Departure 12h30 pm - Arrival 16h15 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 035/033 (Saturday)
Departure 11h40 am - Arrival 16h15 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 033/029 (Sunday)

Flights departing Puerto Baquerizo Moreno airport

Departure 12h30 pm - Arrival 16h45 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 031(Monday & Thursday)
Departure 12h45 pm - Arrival 16h45 pm TAME AIRLINES flight 194 (Wednesday)
Departure 11h30 pm - Arrival 15h30 pm TAME AIRLINES flight 190 (Friday)
Departure 10h45 pm - Arrival 14h45 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 031/029 (Saturday)
Departure 10h45 pm - Arrival 14h45 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 031/027 (Sunday)
 
Flight prices & other details

The roundtrip airfare for a flight from Quito to the Galapagos Islands has several prices, depending if you are a resident of the Islands, an Ecuadorian citizen, a citizen of the Andean pact or a foreigner.

Residents of the Galapagos Islands $112
Citizens of Ecuador $220
Citizens from the Andean pact $280
Foreign citizens low season (May 1st - June 14th, September 15th - October 31st) $335
Foreign citizens high season (June 15 - September 14th, November 01 - April 30th) $391
It is also important to take note that all Galapagos flights departing & arriving from/in Quito make a stop in Guayaquil. If you are on a budget or just want to visit Galapagos and are not interested in Quito, it is cheaper to fly in and out of Guayaquil.

From Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands:

Budget travellers going to the Galapagos Islands use Guayaquil as their departure point. It is the main port of Ecuador and the gateway to the beaches. It is also cheaper to fly to Galapagos from Guayaquil and a 1/2 hour shorter.

You must arrive in Guayaquil at least one day before your flight to the Islands - there are no direct connections with international flights.

There are 4 daily flights from Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands, they all leave in the morning.

There is also an option to go by boat from Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands, yet it is not cheaper nor recommended, we list the details below.

Flight schedules Guayaquil - Galapagos

Flights arriving at Baltra airport (just across Itabaca channel from Santa Cruz Island, 1 hour away from Puerto Ayora)

Departure 9h00 am - Arrival 9h30 am TAME AIRLINES flight 191 (daily)
Departure 11h00 am - Arrival 11h30 am TAME AIRLINES flight 193 (daily)
Departure 10h00 am - Arrival 10h30 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 032 (Monday -Friday) 
Departure 10h15 am - Arrival 10h45 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 032 (Sundays)
Departure 11h00 am - Arrival 11h30 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 034 (Saturdays)

Flights arriving at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno airport on San Cristobal Island.

Departure 11h00 am - Arrival 11h30 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 030 (Monday & Thursday)
Departure 11h30 am - Arrival 12h00 am TAME AIRLINES flight 195 (Wednesday)
Departure 9h00 am - Arrival 10h45 am  TAME AIRLINES flight 191 (Friday) - additional stop in Baltra before arrival in Puerto Baquerizo
Departure 9h45 am - Arrival 10h15 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 030 (Saturday & Sunday)

Return flights 

Flights departing Baltra airport

Departure 12h15 pm - Arrival 14h45 pm TAME AIRLINES flight 192 (daily)
Departure 10h15 am - Arrival 14h00 pm TAME AIRLINES flight 190 (Friday)
Departure 12h00 pm - Arrival 14h30 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 033 (Monday through Friday)
Departure 12h30 pm - Arrival 15h00 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 035(Saturday)
Departure 11h40 am - Arrival 14h10 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 033(Sunday)

Flights departing Puerto Baquerizo Moreno airport

Departure 12h30 pm - Arrival 15h00 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 031(Monday & Thursday)
Departure 12h45 pm - Arrival 15h15 pm TAME AIRLINES flight 194 (Wednesday)
Departure 11h30 pm - Arrival 14h00 pm TAME AIRLINES flight 190 (Friday)
Departure 10h45 pm - Arrival 13h15 pm AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 031(Saturday & Sunday)

Flight prices & other details

The roundtrip airfare for a flight from Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands has several prices, depending if you are a resident of the Islands, an Ecuadorian citizen, a citizen of the Andean pact or a foreigner.

Residents of the Galapagos Islands $94
Citizens of Ecuador $180
Citizens from the Andean pact $280
Foreign citizens low season (May 1st - June 14th, September 15th - October 31st) $301
Foreign citizens high season (June 15 - September 14th, November 01 - April 30th) $346

It is important to take not that Galapagos are 1 hour behind continental time in Ecuador, therefore when flying to the Islands you arrive an hour early and when returning you arrive an hour late. The flight time from Quito is 2 hours and from Guayaquil 1 & 1/2 hours.

Boat and Cargo ships from Guayaquil to Galapagos

This is not a cheaper option and you must be prepared to be 3 and a 1/2 days at open sea. If you are lucky you will get a bunk in a cabin, otherwise you must take your own sleeping bag or hammock.

The main purpose for these ships is cargo, therefore the conditions are basic yet bearable. Cargo Ships leave Guayaquil from Muelle Naval Sur (South Navy Pier) every few weeks (you should inquire on the schedules at the Pier), the price for the oneway trip is $150 aprox.

These ships leave cargo at the populated Islands, you can stay onboard for a week paying $50 a day. These boats do not visit any wildlife sites and there are no guides on board.

Ask to see the boat before you make any payments. Contact info:

Marina 91 - Phone +593 4 2397370
Virgen de Monserrat - Phone + 593 4 2296785

From Cuenca to the Galapagos Islands:

Cuenca is a beautiful city and a UNESCO heritage site well worth paying a visit. It is possible to make a connection flight from Cuenca to the Galapagos Islands.

You must arrive in Cuenca at least one day before your flight to the Islands - there are no direct connections and no international flights, plus the only way to get to Cuenca is though Quito or Guayaquil. The best way is a scenic tour from Quito across the Andes.

Flight schedules Cuenca - Galapagos

All flights departing from Cuenca to the Galapagos Islands make a stop in Guayaquil and change plains.

Flights arriving at Baltra airport (just across Itabaca channel from Santa Cruz Island, 1 hour away from Puerto Ayora)

Departure From Cuenca 8h00 am arrival in Guayaquil 8h30 am TAME AIRLINES flight 170. Connexion with flight 193 TAME AIRLINES leaving Guayaquil at 11h00 am arriving in Galapagos 11h30 am. (Daily except on Sunday)

Flights arriving at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno airport

Departure From Cuenca 8h00 am arrival in Guayaquil 8h30 am TAME AIRLINES flight 170. Connexion with flight 195 TAME AIRLINES leaving Guayaquil at 11h30 am arriving in Galapagos 12h00 pm. (Wednesday)
Departure From Cuenca 8h30 am arrival in Guayaquil 9h00 am AEROGAL AIRLINES flight 081. Connexion with flight 030 AEROGAL AIRLINES leaving Guayaquil at 11h150 am arriving in Galapagos 11h45 am. (Monday & Thursday)

Flight prices & other details

The roundtrip airfare for a flight from Cuenca to the Galapagos Islands (returning to Guayaquil) has several prices, depending if you are a resident of the Islands, an Ecuadorian citizen, a citizen of the Andean pact or a foreigner.

Residents of the Galapagos Islands $136
Citizens of Ecuador $222
Citizens from the Andean pact $322
Foreign citizens low season (May 1st - June 14th, September 15th - October 31st) $343
Foreign citizens high season (June 15 - September 14th, November 01 - April 30th) $388

-Taken from http://www.galapagos-travel-advisor.com/getting-to-the-islands

Galapagos Islands conservation & regulation entities
The conservation of the Galapagos Islands is safeguarded by both local authorities and international non-profit organizations located worldwide.

The main purpose of these institutions is to preserve the natural paradise found in the Galapagos archipelago including both the Islands wildlife reserve and marine reserve.

Galapagos National Park rules for visitors
The Galapagos Islands are a very special place. No one who visits them  returns home quite the same; not the scientist who works in the middle of Darwin’s laboratory, nor the casual traveler who discovers a little Eden where animals don’t run away in fear. The islands are unique, and very delicate, and deserve our best efforts to preserve them in their natural state.

To this end, the National Park has published the following rules. It is essential that you respect and follow these directives, that you stay on the marked paths, and that you do not wander off or lag behind your group. You can expect your Galapagos guide to be quite strict in enforcing these rules, as the guides all love these islands and will do anything they can to protect them.

1. No plant, animal, or remains of such (including shells, bones, and pieces of wood), or other natural objects should be removed or disturbed.
2. Be careful not to transport any live material to the islands, or from island to island.
3. Do not take any food to the uninhabited islands, for the same reason.
4. Do not touch or handle the animals.
5. Do not feed the animals. It can be dangerous to you, and in the long run would destroy the animals’ social structure and breeding habits.
6. Do not startle or chase any animal from its resting or nesting spot.
7. Stay within the areas designated as visitor sites.
8. Do not leave any litter on the islands, or throw any off your boat.
9. Do not deface the rocks.
10. Do not buy souvenirs or objects made of plants or animals from the islands.
11. Do not visit the islands unless accompanied by a licensed National Park Guide.
12. Restrict your visits to officially approved areas.
13. Show your conservationist attitude.

The above rules seem quite extensive, yet there is so much more that you can do, so read on and find out about conservation institutions and their work.

-Taken from http://www.galapagos-travel-advisor.com/islands-conservation

The Galapagos Islands are considered one of the main hot spots in the world for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling. Marine life is diverse, abundant and amazing. During your diving tour you will most probably meet with wonderful small and big fish, sea lions, rays, morays, turtles and garden eels. Harmless whitetip and hammerhead sharks are frequently found in Galapagos and in the right season, perhaps you can also dive with a whale shark.

Baltra Island: Here we find the main airport on the Galapagos islands. This is also the military base of the Ecuadorian Government.

North Seymour:  This island is located to the North of Baltra. It is a flat and low-lying island, formed as a result of the uplift of a submarine lava formation. The vegetation is mainly low and bushy, and contains the largest colony of magnificent frigate-birds in the Galápagos. There is also a large population of blue footed boobies nesting from May to November and by the coastline resides a colony of playful sea lions.

Rábida: This island has a striking dark red colour due to the high content of iron in the lava and its oxidation. Behind the beach there is a picturesque salt water lagoon, where white -cheeked pintail ducks and flamingos are usually seen. The circular inland trail provides a beautiful view from its southeastern cliffs. The “Palo Santo” trees dominate the vegetation.

Egas Port: Is located at the west of James Island. This place was seriously affected by the activities of the salt mining in the 1960’s and by the large quantities of introduced animals, especially the goats, which have caused big damage to the vegetation. Nevertheless, visitor sites are all of great beauty and scientific interest.

Sullivan Bay:  This visitor site provides a unique opportunity to observe a recent lava flow of approximately 100 years old. The east side of James Island is known to have barren volcanic landscapes, dominated by black pahoehoe (ropy) lava flows of very young age. On the surface of the lava is possible to observe some tree molds that were carried down by the flow of the fresh lava. It is also interesting to see how some mollugo plants are starting to colonize the small lava fissures.