Cruising the Galápagos on the Galápagos Legend (isk)

Arrive in Quito.

Your included PRIVATE CITY TOUR showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and Spaniards. See Independence Square, dominated by its formidable cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows. (B)

Fly to Baltra and transfer with your expert Naturalist to the Galápagos Legend for your 3-NIGHT CRUISE. Sail to BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND to discover a fascinating moonscape formed by volcanic parasitic cones. Hike to the summit for impressive views of the surrounding islands and Pinnacle Rock. You will also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and blue-footed boobies. Bartolomé offers some of the best snorkeling, thanks to clear waters and abundant sea life, including sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, and maybe even Galápagos penguins. (B,L,D)

Wake up at SOUTH PLAZA and take a walk through an impressive cactus forest populated with land and marine iguanas. Due to the proximity of land iguanas and marine iguanas here, this is the only place on Earth where you will find the Galápagos hybrid iguana. From the summit, watch for tropicbirds, Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. After lunch on board, visit NORTH SEYMOUR, a landmass formed by a series of underwater volcanic eruptions, which deposited layers of lava on the ocean floor. Take a walk amidst large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent and great frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls for an in-depth encounter with sea bird breeding cycles. You will also encounter sea lions, land iguanas and, on a lucky day, you might even come across the endemic Galápagos snake. (B,L,D)

Arrive at PITT ISLET on SAN CRISTOBAL and walk to the top of a volcanic tuff to be rewarded with several magnificent viewpoints. This is one of the few sites where the Galápagos’ three booby species (blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca) can be seen together. You will also find the two species of frigate birds and a sea lion colony. The island waters are excellent for dinghy rides to see a range of seabirds—and great for snorkeling, too. At CERRO BRUJO, visit a lagoon where migratory bird species can be seen: black-necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels, other sandpiper species, and white-cheeked pintails. Cerro Brujo offers beautiful views of Kicker Rock, the southern part of San Cristobal, and the adjacent coast. Your visit includes time to swim with the sea lions and other marine life. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, disembark in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and visit the GIANT TORTOISE RESERVE on SAN CRISTOBAL. Learn about the national park’s conservation and breeding programs to protect the endangered tortoise species. Also, visit the port village for a last chance at souvenirs before bidding farewell to the enchanted Galápagos Islands. Transfer to San Cristobal Airport and fly to Guayaquil, where the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)