Day 6: Sea Excursion to Bartolomé Island
Early in the morning, you’ll depart from your hotel by bus to the Itabaca Channel, where a yacht awaits to take you on an unforgettable adventure. Spend the day in a stunning corner of the world known for its sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique endemic flora and fauna. As you journey for about two hours, keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine creatures that may accompany the yacht. Your destination is Bartolomé Island, where you’ll begin a 30-minute hike uphill through a surreal, almost lunar landscape to reach the island’s highest point. From the panoramic viewpoint, enjoy breathtaking vistas of Santiago, North Seymour, Baltra, Santa Cruz, Rábida, and the tiny “Chinese Hat” islet—as well as the iconic Pinnacle Rock, a dramatic volcanic formation. This incredible landscape is a symbol of the Galápagos and a favorite among photographers. After taking in the views, it’s time to change into beachwear and relax. During a short boat ride, you may spot adorable Galápagos penguins standing at the base of cliffs or swimming gracefully in the ocean. Enjoy some free time on the beach or choose to go snorkeling in the shallow waters, where you might swim alongside Galápagos penguins, reef sharks, sea stars, rays, sea turtles, and a vibrant variety of colorful tropical fish. Keep an eye out for marine iguanas, sea lions, and pelicans, all endemic to the islands. A delicious lunch will be served on board, capping off this incredible day. In the evening, return to your hotel in Puerto Ayora, where you’ll have free time to explore the charming town on your own. Accommodation: Hotel Fiesta 4★ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Day 7: Sea Excursion to North Seymour or Plaza Island (Final destination confirmed after booking; both islands are equally fascinating.) North Seymour Island Today, you’ll embark on an unforgettable journey to North Seymour Island and the beautiful Bachas Beaches. After a bus ride to the Itabaca Channel, enjoy a one-hour yacht ride to North Seymour. Disembark on a rocky shoreline surrounded by a small forest of gray and silver palo santo trees, which remain mostly leafless throughout the year. North Seymour is famous for its vibrant bird colonies. Be mesmerized by male frigatebirds inflating their bright red throat pouches to attract females during the breeding season, and by the iconic blue-footed boobies. Watch as the males perform their elaborate mating dances, lifting one wing and proudly showing off their vivid blue feet. The adventure continues along the beach, where seagulls, sea lions, marine iguanas, and pelicans nest on nearby rocks—offering plenty of close-up wildlife encounters. A freshly prepared lunch will be served aboard the yacht. In the afternoon, head to the Bachas Beaches on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. First, explore the lagoon behind the beach, often visited by flamingos. Then, enjoy a refreshing swim and snorkeling session at this pristine, uninhabited white-sand beach with turquoise waters. Look out for sea lions, rays, sea turtles, and brightly colored tropical fish during your underwater adventure! Return to Puerto Ayora is expected around 4:00 PM, giving you free time to stroll along the dock, shop for souvenirs, or simply enjoy a beautiful sunset. Plaza Island Begin your day by departing the hotel and heading north toward the Itabaca Channel. Board a yacht and sail to South Plaza Island, one of the smallest islands in the archipelago. After approximately 1.5 hours, you’ll be greeted by a vibrant red-and-green carpet of Sesuvium, an endemic plant that blankets the island, accompanied by the playful barking of sea lions that call this place home. The turquoise waters blend beautifully with the white sandy beaches and volcanic formations. Your walk on the island will be easy and relaxed, taking you past playful sea lions and land iguanas. Reach the island’s highest cliff for breathtaking views where you might see swallow-tailed gulls soaring overhead and solitary male sea lions retreating after battling for harems. Tropical birds such as frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, and tropicbirds can also be seen gliding through the air—bring binoculars to fully appreciate this extraordinary wildlife! After your island walk, head to Carrion Point, where a delicious lunch will be served onboard. This area is perfect for snorkeling and swimming, offering encounters with rays, reef sharks, and a variety of colorful tropical fish. After a fantastic day, return to your hotel and enjoy a free evening to relax. Accommodation: Hotel Fiesta 4★ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Day 8: Guayaquil Transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight to Guayaquil. Upon arrival, a 2.5-hour transfer will take you to the Decameron Punta Centinela Hotel, located on the Pacific Coast. Enjoy a 3-night stay at the Decameron Punta Centinela resort. Meals: All-Inclusive Day 9: Beach Day – Punta Centinela Enjoy a full day of leisure at the beach. Relax by the water, swim, and take advantage of the resort’s all-inclusive amenities. Meals: All-Inclusive Day 10: Punta Centinela Whale Watching Show Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour Return to the hotel afterward This is one of the most breathtaking spectacles nature has to offer. Between June and September, Ecuador's Pacific coast becomes a prime destination for whale watching. Humpback whales travel approximately 7,000 miles each year from Antarctica, near the South Pole, to the warm waters off the coast of Ecuador to mate and give birth. These waters offer a safer environment for their newborns and a vital opportunity for survival in warmer seas. The whales can be observed just 30 minutes offshore aboard motorboats authorized by the Ministry of Tourism, accompanied by professional guides, who will ensure this becomes an unforgettable experience. RECOMMENDATIONS: Comfortable clothing, athletic shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen. During the tour, all safety protocols provided by the instructors must be followed. Whale sightings depend on weather and ocean conditions. IMPORTANT: This tour is not recommended for: o Pregnant women o Individuals with spinal/back issues o People who have undergone recent surgery The guide reserves the right to refuse participation to anyone who doesn't meet these health requirements or who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, without the right to a refund. Day 11: Departure from Guayaquil Transfer to the airport for your international departure. We hope you had a memorable journey through Ecuador and the Galápagos!