Galapagos Legend

Introduction
Galapagos Ecuador
Galapagos Legend - 100 passengers

This magnificent vessel, with a capacity for 100 guests, has the charm of The Enchanted Islands; it is still small enough for a more intimate experience with friends and family. With her three different decks, the Galapagos Legend offers a great variety of comfortable and spacious social areas without losing its sense of intimacy. Its fantastic open decks allow you to admire the islands’ flora and fauna, enjoy a BBQ at night, or take some sun at the pool and bar areas.
Take advantage of its spacious inside auditorium for important conferences. Our philosophy is based on an environment without any formalisms or strict etiquette.

The facilities focus on both mind and body and provide you with those special places you need to exercise, rest or relax in a peaceful , harmonious setting.
The exceptional cuisine is comparable to that of the best restaurants in the world and merit special mention, ranging from the impressive breakfast buffet with freshly baked bread to the extraordinary menus drawn up by professional chefs for lunch and dinner. Visitors will enjoy local gastronomy, a wide variety of exotic fruits and the world’s best flavors, special menus for children, delicious vegetarian dishes or meals for those who have special diets. Once a week, there will be a barbecue at sea so you can sail, dine and enjoy islands landscapes.

Enjoy a charming casual marine décor, with accommodations in cabins with a view of the sea, delicious meals, 2 daily excursions to a habitat unlike any other, full of wildlife that have no fear of man. See prehistoric iguanas, giant tortoises, exotic birds and plants and beautiful landscape of volcanoes, lava cones and magma flows. Snorkel or dive along untouched beaches with a unique underwater world. Tours and lectures provided by licensed nature guides in various languages.

Relax
To relax in the sun or even bathe in the Jacuzzi, head to the Earth Deck, where the natural wonders of the Galapagos can be enjoyed from a whole different perspective, whether by the handrail of their decks, the comfort of a sun-lounger or from the balcony at the bow. There’s a space for everyone on these deceptively large yachts. Take a peak into our boutique for your shopping needs. On our new Sky Deck, view the dolphins playing in the water, swim in our pool, watch the wave from our panorama lounge inside with a drink from the Fisherman bar.

Enjoy
Enjoy the various activities on board. Enjoy our high-class gym. On board our ship, nights are magical, full of bright stars and countless constellations.

Learn
All of our highly-qualified multi-lingual naturalist guides are certified by the Galapagos National Park. On visits to the islands, they will accompany you every step of the way, taking time to explain the highlights as you wonder through this new and magical land. Every evening, these same guides will give you a lecture illustrated with multimedia presentation, imparting and sharing with you their knowledge of geology, history, evolution, flora and fauna of the islands. Also enjoy our library and for the little ones kid's corner where they can learn all about the Galapagos!

Feel Safe
Our customers’ safety and the conservation and respect for the environment are our main priorities. Our vessels comply with local and international standards enforced by ISM (International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention). Our crews are all highly trained in safety procedures and have years of experience at sea.

Accomodation


Accommodations
All nights of this trip are spent on the Legend. This impressive vessel, with capacity for 100 guests (56 cabins total), was refurbished in 2019. As well as being the fastest cruise ship operating in the Islands, it remains the only vessel with an onboard pool.
Beyond what you might expect, the Legend is equipped with a glass-bottom boat, transparent kayaks, a kid’s corner, a naturalist center, cinema, a boutique, snorkeling equipment room and a full auditorium facility.
There is also a wellness center (extra fee) that provides massages à la carte, yoga sessions and a gym.

There are 7 different cabin categories:
- Standard Cabin (3 cabins)
- Standard Plus Cabin (7 cabins)
- Junior Suite (24 cabins)
- Junior Suite Plus (4 cabins)
- Balcony Suite (10 cabins)
- Balcony Suite Plus (7 cabins)
- Legend Balcony Suite (1 cabin)

Each cabin includes a private bathroom (with hair dryer & toiletries), phone (local calls only), safe deposit box, air conditioning and a TV.
Voltage is set for 110 volts/60 Hz. There is Wi-Fi access in the lounge area.


LEGEND BALCONY SUITE - measuring  33 m2 (355 ft2)
Double and triple occupancy possible.
This is our most comfortable cabin, including panoramic windows and a large balcony.


BALCONY SUITE PLUS - measuring an average of 22 m2 (237 ft2)
Double & triple occupancy possible.
They include panoramic windows and a balcony.


BALCONY SUITE - measuring an average of 22 m2 (237 ft2)
Double & triple occupancy possible.
They include panoramic windows and a balcony.


JUNIOR SUITE PLUS - measuring an average of 20 m2 (215 ft2)
Double, triple & quadruple occupancy possible. Interconnected cabins available.
There are 2 panoramic windows per cabin.


JUNIOR SUITE - measuring an average of 15 m2 (161 ft2)
Double & triple occupancy possible. Interconnected cabins available.
There are 2 panoramic windows per cabin.
 

STANDARD PLUS - measuring an average of 11 m2 (118 ft2)
Double & single occupancy possible.
There are 2 portholes per cabin.
 

STANDARD INTERIOR - measuring an average of 13 m2 (140 ft2)
Double & single occupancy possible.
These cabins are located in the interior, so there are no ocean view.

Additional onboard services and facilities include:
• Drying machines available for complimentary use
• Variety of onboard activities
• Briefings on the following day’s activities
• Informative lectures about the Galapagos
• Medical attention 24 hours a day



Meals
All meals are included during the cruise.

Lonesome George Restaurant
This acclaimed restaurant will surprise you with its wide range of mouth-watering, culinary delights. Using fresh ingredients, we serve a high level of international and local cuisine from our professional chefs. With an à la carte dinner, we offer a vegetarian and children’s menu. We also provide a kosher-friendly option with tableware and a private restaurant available upon request.

Al Fresco Restaurant
BBQ dinner amid the islands in a buffet-style meal with a great selection of cuts, sea food, vegetables, and salad options. Two lifeboats with tables can accommodate up to 14 people each for a unique dining experience. Reliant on the weather, this meal in the open space might be subject to change either for breakfast or lunch. 
 
Make the most of your cruise experience with our beverage packages (not included in tour price - to be paid extra) that offer a range of soft drinks, local beer, a selection of sparkling wines and classic cocktails to be served at our bars and restaurants.

Riding

Staff
Every crew member is trained to provide a first-class service with exceptional professionalism. Genuinely friendly individuals, fully dedicated to providing the best hospitality services, with attention to detail
and personalized assistance, our crew’s passion and commitment create a one-of-a-kind experience for our guests.

Physical requirement for the cruise
We recommend that passengers be in reasonably good physical condition as some trails are difficult therefore elderly or disabled people may find them too hard. The passengers with difficulties must notify us about their physical condition in order to make the necessary arrangements.
We reserve the right to refuse a passenger if someone failed to inform of any physical disability, or who in the opinion of the company, constitutes a danger to themselves, other guest, members of the crew, or the smooth operation of the vessel.

Dry Landings and Wet Landings
On a dry landing, passengers step directly from a dinghy to rocks or onto a dock. We recommend: walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, water, insect repellent and a light jacket.
Wet Landing means that the dinghy edges up onto a beach, where you step into knee-deep water assisted by crew members and guides. We recommend: swimming suit or shorts, walking shoes or slippers, towel that will be provided by the crew while disembarking, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, plastic bag, well insulated cameras and a windbreaker.

Smoking policy on board the ship
It is forbidden to smoke inside the yachts or the vessel.
Smoking is allowed ONLY on the sun decks.

How can I pay my expenses on board?
Upon arrival, a bill will be opened for you. If you wish to pay with your credit card, we ask you to come to reception to sign a voucher and to make copies of your passport and credit card. Authorizations take about 48 hours, so please do this on your first cruise day. We accept all main credit cards: Diners, Visa, Mastercard , American Express. Travellers Checks, Euros and US Dollars are also accepted.

What would happen if I get seasick?
We hardly get a seasick passenger on board. However, we have seasick medication on board all our ships, but if you are particularly sensitive you can bring your own medication.

Is the water safe to drink?
The tap water is generally not safe to drink in Ecuador. Bottled water is readily available at tourist sites, hotels, and restaurants. On board our yachts you will find bottled water in your room. Ice used onboard the yachts is generally made with purified water as well.

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary: Central + West option - subject to changes

Day 1 (Monday): Arrival & Santa Cruz Island Visit
Departure from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra (2 ½ hours flight). Passengers are picked up at the airport by our naturalist guides and taken on a ten minute bus drive to the pier to board the Galapagos Legend.

After lunch, dry landing on Santa Cruz Island. On the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, four species of mangrove crowd and form an internal lagoon, turtles visit the calm waters, peaking their heads above the surface while fish, rays circle below. White-tipped reef sharks can be seen beneath the boat, plus sea birds, including pelicans, herons and egrets. This cove has been declared as a “turtle sanctuary”.
Activity Difficulty: easy
Activity Duration: 1-hour dinghy ride

Day 2 (Tuesday): Genovesa Island
When visiting Prince Philip’s Steps (also known as 'El Barranco'), be marveled at the variety of sea life that uses the crevices of the lava cliffs for shelter. Red-billed Tropicbirds fly overhead, switching between their nests and the bay, and a small colony of fur seals may be found near the landing site. You will be dropped off at a steep stairway that begins on rocks at the foot of a path that leads through a seabird colony full of Nazca and Red-footed Boobies. At the plateau, the trail continues inland allowing you to see more nesting booby colonies in the thin Palo Santo forest. Near the end of the trail, over a rocky lava plain, Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrels can be observed flying in all directions. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a Short-eared Owl.
Activity Difficulty: Moderate (rocky terrain – lava)
Activity Duration: 45-minute walk

In the afternoon, disembark onto a small sand and coral beach: Darwin Bay. A short trail heads west along a tidal lagoon and then up a rocky hill that leads to a point overlooking the cliffs and Darwin Bay. Along the trail near the tidal lagoon, visitors will see pairs of Swallow-tailed Gulls, Lava Gulls, Yellow-crowned and Lava Herons. The trail continues through Palo Santo trees, Opuntia cacti, and Saltbushes inhabited by Great Frigate birds and Red-footed Boobies. This is one of the few places in the islands where visitors are guaranteed to see Red-footed Boobies. It is estimated that more than 200,000 Red-footed Boobies live in the trees and bushes of Genovesa.
Activity Difficulty: Moderate (Sand & Lava)
Activity Duration: approx. 2 ½-hour walk

Day 3 (Wednesday): South Plaza Island & Santa Fe Island
After breakfast, we explore South Plaza island. Sea lions, swallow-tailled guls and land iguanas are all present at the landing site. The small island is covered with a carpet of a red succulent studded with Opuntia cacti. At the cliff edge, we spend time watching birds fly past at the eye level. these include frigatebirds, flocks of Galapagos shearwaters and of particular note, flights of displaying red-billed tropicbirds. back at sea level, we once again encounter land iguanas, some of which have hybridized with their marine cousins.
Activity Difficulty: intermediate (rocky terrain)
Activity Duration: 2-hour walk

Later that day, wet landing on Santa Fe island. this island shows white sand beaches surrounded by sea lion colonies; through the island path, an endemic cactus forest is passed, home the Santa Fe land iguanas (the largest in the islands). This island is the habitat for a number of species, including the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snakes, rice rats (one of the few endemic Galapagos rodents), a variety of finches and one of the four mockingbird species of the archipelago.
Activity Difficulty: intermediate (rocky terrain)
Activity Duration: 1 ½-hour walk / 1-hour deep-water snorkeling

Day 4 (Thursday): Bachas Beach & Mosquera Islet
This morning, we do a wet landing on Bachas Beach, on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. Behind the beach lies two small flamingo ponds were iguanas sunbathe, see coastal birds, Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and gulls, as well as interesting native vegetation like red and black mangrove, salt bushes. This beach is one of the main sea turtles nesting sites in the Galapagos. A turtle can lay eggs 3 or 4 times per season with an average of 70 eggs each time. At this paradisiacal site, we will also find the remains of barges that sank a long time ago, when the United States Navy operated a base during World War II on Baltra Island. Local people modified the word barges to “Bachas”.
Activity Difficulty: easy (sandy terrain)
Activity Duration: 1-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling/ beach time

In the afternoon, wet landing on Mosquera Islet, located between North Seymour and Baltra Island. This flat, sandy island has a large colony of sea lions. It is also an excellent site to observe shorebirds such as herons and lava gulls. There is no trail on the islet, the visitor can enjoy the open area. Most of the islet is covered with sand and barren lava rock. Very little sesuvium portulacastrum plants grow on the sand.
Activity Difficulty: easy (sandy terrain)
Activity Duration: 1 ½-hour walk & snorkeling

Day 5 (Friday): Santiago & Rabida Islands
We start the day with a wet landing at Egas Port (Santiago Island), a black volcanic sand beach, visited by Darwin in 1835. The first section of the trail is formed of volcanic ash (eroded tuff) and the other half is an uneven terrain of volcanic basaltic rock. The unique, truly striking layered terrain of Santiago shore is home to a variety of animals including the bizarre yellow-crowned night heron and marine wildlife including lobster, starfish and marine iguanas grazing on algae beds alongside Sally light-foot crabs. It is easy to see colonies of endemic fur seals swimming in cool water volcanic rock pools.
Activity Difficulty: intermediate (flat & semi-rocky terrain)
Activity Duration: 1 1/2-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

After lunch, wet landing on Rabida Island. Dark-red sand covers these unique beaches with incredible landscape. Rabida is considered the epicenter of the Galapagos Islands due to the diversity of its volcanic geology. Nesting Brown Pelicans are found from July through September and nine species of the famous Darwin’s finches can be seen. We will also take a dinghy ride along cliffs to observe nesting seabirds, and snorkel off the coast, where marine life is particularly active.
Activity Difficulty: easy (sandy terrain)
Activity Duration: 1h30 walk / 1 hour snorkeling / 1 hour dinghy ride

Day 6 (Saturday): Isabela Island
In the morning, wet landing (might be difficult due to the tide) at Urbina Bay. Volcanic black beach, depending on the season, it is possible to find giant tortoises, land iguanas, and the unusual flightless cormorant. After a short walk inland it´s snorkeling time, a chance to swim with sea turtles, sea lions, and countless tropical fish. Urbina Bay features a wide variety of plants with the different range of colors in flowers, attracting different insects, birds, and reptiles. One of the highlights of the island is the uplifted coral reef that resulted from the 1954 seismic activity; here the views of Alcedo Volcano are remarkable. When navigating from Urbina to Tagus Cove whale watching is usual in May – December.
Activity Difficulty: intermediate (flat terrain)
Activity Duration: 1h30 walk / 1 hour snorkeling

This afternoon, dry landing on Galapagos’ largest island (Isabela) where we will learn about the eruption of the 5 volcanoes that form it. The trail leads from Tagus Cove to Darwin’s salt-water crater Lake and excellent views of lava fields and volcanic formations. We will return by the same path for a dinghy ride along a shoreline full of marine wildlife, where we will admire a variety of seabirds*, such as Blue-footed Booby, Brown Noddy, terns, Flightless Cormorant and depending on the season, a large number of Galapagos Penguins* which are only 35 cm. tall; the only penguin species in the world to extend its range into the northern hemisphere along the equator. They are monogamous and lay their eggs in small cracks of lava, on the lower parts of the island near the shoreline not reached by the ocean waves. The population of penguins on the islands is about 2,000 individuals, most of which live on this western portion of Isabela; others are scattered further south on the island. We will have an opportunity to snorkel in deep water. Graffiti believed to have been left by19th-century pirates is a curious reminder of an intriguing past.
Activity Difficulty: intermediate / difficult (steep)
Activity Duration: 2 hour walk / 40 minutes dinghy ride / deep water snorkeling 1 hour

Day 7 (Sunday): Vicente Roca Point & Fernandina Island
After breakfast, dry landing at Espinosa Point (Fernandina Island). From there, it is possible to admire a wide view of the Island across the Bolivar Channel, an area that boasts some of the highest diversity of endemic sea fauna in the Galapagos. Here the largest, most primitive-looking marine iguanas are found mingling with sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Fernandina displays a wonderful opportunity to encounter flightless cormorants at their nesting sites, Galapagos penguins and the “King” of predators on the islands, the Galapagos hawk.  Pa-hoe-hoe and AA lava formations cover the majority of Fernandina terrain. Vegetation is scarce inland, with few brachycereus cacti. In the shore mangrove can be found.
Activity Difficulty: intermediate (semi-rocky terrain)
Activity Duration: 1h30 walk / 1hour snorkeling

Later that day, we visit Vicente Roca Pint (Isabela Island). Great deep-water snorkeling at one of the richest marine havens on Earth, the Bolivar Channel. Accessible by water, we take a dinghy ride along the coast to observe a great diversity of sea and coastal birds; Nazca and blue-footed boobies, noddies, brown pelicans, penguins, flightless cormorants. The upwelling of cold water currents in this part of the Galapagos gives rise to an abundance of marine life, a perfect place for deep snorkeling.
Activity Difficulty: moderate / high
Activity Duration: 1-hour snorkeling / 1-hour dinghy ride

Day 8 (Monday): Departure
For our last morning expedition, dry landing on Santa Cruz Island. In the mountains of Galapagos, it is possible to admire different kind of birds, such as: tree and ground finches, vermillion flycatchers, paint-billed crakes, yellow warblers, and cattle egrets (usually standing on the tortoises’ shell). The journey to the reserve offers great opportunities to see the contrasts that the island offers in reference to the variety of ecosystems. The road goes from the coast through the agricultural zone and straight up to the dense humid forests. Often, Galapagos Giant Tortoises are also seen on the way, wandering through pastures in the paddocks. This spot is a birdwatchers’ haven, since almost every land bird present on the island lives or migrates here.
Activity Difficulty: easy (flat & muddy terrain depending on season)
Activity Duration: 45-minutes drive / 1 ½-hour walk

After the visit, passengers will be transferred to the airport for their return flight to Guayaquil or Quito.



Sample Itinerary: West + East option - subject to changes

Day 1 (Thursday): Arrival & Mosquera Islet Visit
Departure from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra (2 ½ hours flight). Passengers are picked up at the airport by our naturalist guides and taken on a ten minute bus drive to the pier to board the Galapagos Legend.

After lunch, wet landing on Mosquera Islet, located between North Seymour and Baltra Island. This flat, sandy island has a large colony of sea lions. It is also an excellent site to observe shorebirds such as herons and lava gulls. There is no trail on the islet, the visitor can enjoy the open area. Most of the islet is covered with sand and barren lava rock. Very little sesuvium portulacastrum plants grow on the sand.
Activity Difficulty: easy (sandy terrain)
Activity Duration: 1 ½-hour walk & snorkeling

Day 2 (Friday): Santiago & Rabida Islands
We start the day with a wet landing at Egas Port (Santiago Island), a black volcanic sand beach, visited by Darwin in 1835. The first section of the trail is formed of volcanic ash (eroded tuff) and the other half is an uneven terrain of volcanic basaltic rock. The unique, truly striking layered terrain of Santiago shore is home to a variety of animals including the bizarre yellow-crowned night heron and marine wildlife including lobster, starfish and marine iguanas grazing on algae beds alongside Sally light-foot crabs. It is easy to see colonies of endemic fur seals swimming in cool water volcanic rock pools.
Activity Difficulty: intermediate (flat & semi-rocky terrain)
Activity Duration: 1 1/2-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

This afternoon, wet landing on Rabida Island. Dark-red sand covers these unique beaches with incredible landscape; Rabida is considered the epicenter of the Galapagos Islands due to the diversity of its volcanic geology. Nesting Brown Pelicans are found from July through September and nine species of the famous Darwin’s finches can be seen. We will also take a dinghy ride along cliffs to observe nesting seabirds, and snorkel off the coast, where marine life is particularly active.
Activity Difficulty: easy (sandy terrain)
Activity Duration: 1 1/2-hour walk / 1 hour snorkeling / 1 hour dinghy ride

Day 3 (Saturday): Isabela Island
After breakfast, wet landing (might be difficult due to the tide) at Urbina Bay. Volcanic black beach, depending on the season, it is possible to find giant tortoises, land iguanas, and the unusual flightless cormorant. After a short walk inland it´s snorkeling time, a chance to swim with sea turtles, sea lions, and countless tropical fish. Urbina Bay features a wide variety of plants with the different range of colors in flowers, attracting different insects, birds, and reptiles. One of the highlights of the island is the uplifted coral reef that resulted from the 1954 seismic activity; here the views of Alcedo Volcano are remarkable. When navigating from Urbina to Tagus Cove whale watching is usual in May – December.
Activity Difficulty: intermediate (flat terrain)
Activity Duration: 1h30 walk / 1 hour snorkeling

Later that day, dry landing at Tagus Cove, on Galapagos’ largest island (Isabela) where we will learn about the eruption of the five volcanoes that form it. The trail leads to Darwin’s salt-water crater Lake and excellent views of lava fields and volcanic formations. We will return by the same path for a dinghy ride along a shoreline full of marine wildlife, where we will admire a variety of seabirds*, such as Blue-footed Booby, Brown Noddy, terns, Flightless Cormorant and depending on the season, a large number of Galapagos Penguins* which are only 35 cm. tall; the only penguin species in the world to extend its range into the northern hemisphere along the equator. They are monogamous and lay their eggs in small cracks of lava, on the lower parts of the island near the shoreline not reached by the ocean waves. The population of penguins on the islands is about 2,000 individuals, most of which live on this western portion of Isabela; others are scattered further south on the island. We will have an opportunity to snorkel in deep water. Graffiti believed to have been left by19th-century pirates is a curious reminder of an intriguing past.
Activity Difficulty: intermediate/ difficult (steep)
Activity Duration: 2 hour walk / 40 minutes dinghy ride / deep water snorkeling 1 hour

Day 4 (Sunday): Espinosa Point & Vicente Roca Point
After breakfast, dry landing at Espinosa Point (Fernandina Island). From there, it is possible to admire a wide view of the Island across the Bolivar Channel, an area that boasts some of the highest diversity of endemic sea fauna in the Galapagos. Here the largest, most primitive-looking marine iguanas are found mingling with sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Fernandina displays a wonderful opportunity to encounter flightless cormorants at their nesting sites, Galapagos penguins and the “King” of predators on the islands, the Galapagos hawk.  Pa-hoe-hoe and AA lava formations cover the majority of Fernandina terrain. Vegetation is scarce inland, with few brachycereus cacti. In the shore mangrove can be found.
Activity Difficulty: intermediate (semi-rocky terrain)
Activity Duration: 1h30 walk / 1hour snorkeling

Later that day, we visit Vicente Roca Pint (Isabela Island). Great deep-water snorkeling at one of the richest marine havens on Earth, the Bolivar Channel. Accessible by water, we take a dinghy ride along the coast to observe a great diversity of sea and coastal birds; Nazca and blue-footed boobies, noddies, brown pelicans, penguins, flightless cormorants. The upwelling of cold water currents in this part of the Galapagos gives rise to an abundance of marine life, a perfect place for deep snorkeling.
Activity Difficulty: moderate / high
Activity Duration: 1-hour snorkeling / 1-hour dinghy ride

Day 5 (Monday): Santa Cruz & North Seymour Island
This morning, dry landing on Santa Cruz Island. In the mountains of Galapagos, it is possible to admire different kind of birds, such as: tree and ground finches, vermillion flycatchers, paint-billed crakes, yellow warblers, and cattle egrets (usually standing on the tortoises’ shell). The journey to the reserve offers great opportunities to see the contrasts that the island offers in reference to the variety of ecosystems. The road goes from the coast through the agricultural zone and straight up to the dense humid forests. Often, Galapagos Giant Tortoises are also seen on the way, wandering through pastures in the paddocks. This spot is a birdwatchers’ haven, since almost every land bird present on the island lives or migrates here.
Activity Difficulty: easy (flat & muddy terrain depending on season)
Activity Duration: 45-minutes drive / 1 ½-hour walk

In the afternoon, we visit North Seymour island. This flat, uplifted, island is an important spot to see both magnificent and great frigatebird males courting the females by clicking, bill-clapping, shuddering and flapping their wings, all while showing off their grossly inflated, bright red, gular pouch.
We will also likely see courting blue-footed boobies displaying their unique feet while ëdancingí to a prospective mate. Sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, crashing surf and distant views of the Daphne Islands top off a great visit.
Activity Difficulty: intermediate (rocky terrain)
Activity Duration: 2-hour walk / 30 minutes snorkeling

Day 6 (Tuesday): Bartolome Island & Santiago Island
After breakfast, we explore Bartolome island. Considered the most iconic landscape of the entire archipelago the view from the top of Bartolome Island, overlooking the famous Pinnacle Rock and the austere Santiago Island beyond, is well worth the climb up the wooden boardwalk. This volcanic scene has often been likened to a lunar landscape. Our subsequent snorkel here might put us face to face with Galapagos penguins, white-tipped reef sharks and playful sea lions.
Activity Difficulty: intermediate (trail made of 372 steps)
Activity Duration: 1 ½-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

Later that day, wet landing in Sullivan Bay. This site is located at the southeastern portion of Santiago island and is of important geologic interest. It features extensive relative Young pa-hoe-hoe lava flows formed during the last quarter of the 19th century. In the middle of the lava flow, older reddish-yellow-colored tuffe cones appear. Mollugo plants with their yellow-to-orange whorled leaves usually grow out of the fissures. Walking on the solidified lava gives the impression of being on another planet. tree modls are found, indicating that in that position, large size palnts gre in small crevices, until the lava flow of past éruptions burnt down the flora of the island.
Activity Difficulty: difficult (flat volcanic lava terrain)
Activity Duration: 1.5 hour walk / 1 hour snorkeling

Day 7 (Wednesday): San Cristobal Island
Our exploration of San Cristobal island starts with a wet landing at Pitt Point, followed by a high intensity hike. The trail includes an olivine beach of 90 meters long and a path that climbs to the top of a volcanic tuff, through several magnificent viewpoints. This is probably the only site where the three booby species of the Galapagos can be seen together, as well as two species of frigatebirds and a sea lion colony; it is also excellent for dinghy rides and snorkeling, where a good range of sea birds can be observed.
Activity Difficulty: difficult (rocky terrain)
Activity Duration: 2h30 walk/ 40-minutes snorkeling or kayaking

In the afternoon, wet landing at Cerro Brujo, an eroding tuff cone that at several locations is composed of AA lava formations, and a beautiful white sand beach, great for snorkeling and sunbathing. We 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.
Activity Difficulty: easy (sandy terrain)
Activity Duration: 1-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

Day 8 (Thursday): Departure
For our last morning expedition, we visit the moist Highlands of San Cristobal island. We will visit the giant tortoise breeding center La Galapaguera, to witness the most iconic creature of the archipelago in its various life stages. The tortoises wander in a semi-natural habitat which lends itself to good photographic opportunities. the aim of the reserve is to help restore populations of the threatened San Cristobal tortoises back into the wild. In town, there are shops to purchase local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Activity Difficulty: intermediate (sandy terrain)
Activity Duration: 40-minute bus drive to the Reserve / 1-hour visit

After the visit you will go straight to the airport for return flight to Guayaquil or Quito.



Sample Itinerary: East + South option - subject to changes

Day 1 (Monday): Arrival & North Seymour Island 
Departure from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra (2 ½ hours flight). Passengers are picked up at the airport by our naturalist guides and taken on a ten minute bus drive to the pier to board the Galapagos Legend.

Our first expedition is a dry landing on North Seymour Island, off of Baltra Island and not far from Santa Cruz Island. This landmass was formed by a series of underwater volcanic eruptions, which deposited layers of lava on the ocean floor. An approximately two-hour 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 and sea lions. You will also encounter land iguanas, and on a lucky day, you might even come across the endemic Galapagos Snake.
Activity Difficulty: intermediate (rocky terrain)
Activity Duration: 2-hour walk, 30 minutes snorkeling

Day 2 (Tuesday): Bartolome Island & Santiago Island
After breakfast, dry or wet landing on Bartolome Island. We discover a fascinating landscape formed by different volcanic parasitic cones —lava bombs, spatter, cinder cones — that resembles the moon.  Going up to the summit there will be an impressive views of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone Pinnacle Rock. We also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and blue-footed boobies.
Beach time is a great opportunity to do snorkeling and see the famous Galapagos Penguins, sea turtles and White-tipped Reef Sharks among a great variety of colorful fish. For many visitors, this may turn out to be the best snorkeling experience. Crystal clear water is the perfect spot to appreciate the incredible marine life it has to offer.
Due to its geographical location, the lack of vegetation is immediately noticeable however, there are pioneer plants including the endemic Tiquilia nesiotica and Chamaesyce (known as sand mat or spurge in English), lava cactus, and Scalesia bushes.
Activity Difficulty: intermediate (trail made of 372 steps)
Activity Duration: 1 ½-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

This afternoon, wet landing in Sullivan Bay. This site is located at the southeastern portion of Santiago island and is of important geologic interest. It features extensive relative Young pa-hoe-hoe lava flows formed during the last quarter of the 19th century. In the middle of the lava flow, older reddish-yellow-colored tuffe cones appear. Mollugo plants with their yellow-to-orange whorled leaves usually grow out of the fissures. Walking on the solidified lava gives the impression of being on another planet. tree modls are found, indicating that in that position, large size palnts gre in small crevices, until the lava flow of past éruptions burnt down the flora of the island.
Activity Difficulty: difficult (flat volcanic lava terrain)
Activity Duration: 1.5 hour walk / 1 hour snorkeling

Day 3 (Wednesday): San Cristobal Island
Our exploration of San Cristobal island starts with a wet landing at Pitt Point, followed by a high intensity hike. The trail includes an olivine beach of 90 meters long and a path that climbs to the top of a volcanic tuff, through several magnificent viewpoints. This is probably the only site where the three booby species of the Galapagos can be seen together, as well as two species of frigatebirds and a sea lion colony; it is also excellent for dinghy rides and snorkeling, where a good range of sea birds can be observed.
Activity Difficulty: difficult (rocky terrain)
Activity Duration: 2h30 walk/ 40-minutes snorkeling or kayaking

In the afternoon, wet landing at Cerro Brujo, an eroding tuff cone that at several locations is composed of AA lava formations, and a beautiful white sand beach, great for snorkeling and sunbathing. We 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.
Activity Difficulty: easy (sandy terrain)
Activity Duration: 1-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

Day 4 (Thursday): San Cristobal Island
This morning, dry landing in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos Islands. Passengers visit the San Cristóbal Giant Tortoise Breeding Center to learn about the National Park’s conservation programs. Enjoy a beautiful landscape on the way to the Reserve. Passengers will also have the opportunity to visit the port village, have a drink or shop for arts and crafts and other souvenirs.
Activity Difficulty: intermediate (sandy terrain)
Activity Duration: 40-minute bus drive to the Reserve / 1-hour visit

After lunch, dry landing in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno again. Passengers visit the Interpretation Center, an excellent place to learn about islands’ history in The Museum of Natural History which displays information about the volcanic origins of the islands, their remoteness from the continent, ocean currents, climate, the arrival of the different species and their colonization, among other points of interest. The human history is also showcased, chronologically narrating the most significant events related to the discovery and the island’s colonization.
Activity Difficulty: easy /intermediate (flat/stairs)
Activity Duration: 1-hour visit / 1-hour walk

Day 5 (Friday): Española Island
We start our day with a wet landing on a beautiful white coral sandy beach guarded by a colony of sea lions: Gardner Bay. There are no trails, so we stay along the shore where we can spot Galapagos hawks, American Oystercatchers, Galapagos Ground Doves, Hood mockingbirds, Yellow Warblers, lava lizards, marine iguanas, and three species of Darwin’s finches: a subspecies of the Large Cactus Finch, which is similar to the large ground finch, the Small Ground Finch (Geospiza fuliginosa) and the Warbler Finch (Certhidea Olivacea), another endemic subspecies. Swimming and snorkeling offer a great variety of the Galapagos’ marine wildlife: king angelfish, Creole fish, damsel fish, parrotfish, manta rays, and white-tipped reef sharks.
Activity Difficulty: easy (sandy terrain)
Activity Duration: 1-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

In the afternoon, dry landing at Suarez Point. Here, we can see that Espanola is an island of geological interest. We explore volcanic formations and a riveting wildlife: large sea lion colonies and seabirds including the Española mockingbird, Nazca Boobies, and the spectacular Red-billed Tropicbird. You will also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the colorful Sally Lightfoot Crabs.
A somewhat lengthy hike will bring you among Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies, right up to nesting grounds that sometimes overlap the trail. Other birding favorites include Galapagos Dove, Galapagos Hawk, Swallow-tailed Gulls and the world’s largest colony of Waved Albatross, an unequivocal highlight during mating season (May-December).
Admire the island’s dramatic backdrop, featuring the famous “Soplador”, a seaward blowhole that shoots up water up to 23 m (75 ft) in the air.
Activity Difficulty: difficult (rocky terrain)
Activity Duration: 2½-hour walk

Day 6 (Saturday): Floreana Island
After breakfast, wet landing at Post Office. Located on the north side of Floreana, the bay was named like this because in 1793 Captain James Colnett installed a wooden barrel which served as an informal post office for sailors passing through, who would take letters with them back to their destinations. Today, visitors continue the tradition by placing unstamped postcards inside the barrel, hoping that some other traveler, going to the letter destination, will take it back for free. The chances are that the letter posted can take a long time to arrive at its destination. However, there have been cases where it has arrived before the sender.
We may also encounter Darwin’s finches, Yellow Warbler and Lava Lizards. Great snorkeling opportunities with Green Pacific Sea Turtles. As well, the island is best known for its endemic vegetation: Scalesia villosa, Lecocarpus Pinnatifidus, and the Galapagos Milkwort. Snorkelers can practice on the main beach among playful sea lions.
Activity Difficulty: easy (sandy terrain)
Activity Duration: 30-minutes walk / 1-hour snorkeling

Later that day, wet landing, on an olivine green, sanded beach: Cormorant Point. We hike from the black mangrove beds to a brackish lagoon, which usually holds one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galapagos. This island features some endemic plants such as Scalesia villosa, white and black mangrove, and holy stick. The trail continues to a beautiful white sandy beach, one of the most important nesting sites of Green Pacific Sea Turtles. It is important to avoid walking in the water due to the Sting Rays that may be hiding in the sand, which can be dangerous if accidentally stepped on. From the beach, one can spot sea turtles, blue-footed boobies plunging into the water, and small reef sharks floating along the shoreline in the search for food.
This coral-sand beach marks the end of our trail, and we head back to the olivine beach we landed on, to swim or snorkel amongst sea turtles, reef fish, sea lions and, on a good day, white-tipped reef sharks. A small colony of penguins resides on Floreana and can sometimes be observed as well.
Activity Difficulty: easy (sandy & flat terrain)
Activity Duration: 1-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

Day 7 (Sunday): Santa Cruz Island
Arriving to a small lava dock, our first encounters are with marine iguanas that blend in perfectly to the dark rock. As we walk past large prickly pear cacti, we arrive to one end of a long, sickle-shaped Beach, with Dragon Hill standing in the distance. Our walk takes us on a circular path, past a shallow lake where flamingos frequently come to feed. Waders such as stitlts, turnstones and sandpipers work the muddy edges frenetically looking for food as we continue inland to a dry forested habitat where land iguanas nest and burrow.
Activity Difficulty: intermediate (rockyterrain)
Activity Duration: 2-hour walk

This afternoon, we feel the indescribable feeling of being where no one else has. relax on a powdery Beach, snorkel around turquoise water islets and hike beside salt pools and dried white corals. Be one of the first humans to visit Punta Bowditch!
Activity Difficulty: easy (sandy terrain)
Activity Duration: 30-min walk / 1-hour snorkeling

Day 8 (Monday): Departure
For our last morning expedition, dry landing on Santa Cruz island. Here, it is possible to observe different kind of birds such as: tree and ground finches, vermillion flycatchers, paint-billed crakes, yellow warblers and cattle egrets (usually standing on tortoises' shell). the journey to the Highland Tortoise Reserve offers great opportunities to see the contrasts that the island offers in reference to the variety of ecosystems. the road goes from the coast through the agricultural zone and straight up to the dense humid forests. Often, Galapagos giant tortoises are also seen on the way, wandering through pastures in the paddocks. This spot is a birdwatchers' haven, since almost every land bird present on the island lives or migrate here.
Activity Difficulty: easy (could be muddy depending on the season)
Activity Duration:  45-min drive / 1.5-hour walk

After the visit, passengers will be transferred to the airport for their return flight to Guayaquil or Quito.



Sample Itinerary: South + Central option - subject to changes
 
Day 1 (Thursday): Arrival & San Cristobal island Visit
Departure from Quito or Guayaquil to San Cristobal in a 2-hour flight. Upon arrival, passengers are picked up at the airport by our naturalist guides and taken on a ten-minute bus drive to the pier to board the Galapagos Legend.

After lunch, dry landing in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos Islands. Passengers visit the Interpretation Center, an excellent place to learn about islands’ history in The Museum of Natural History which displays information about the volcanic origins of the islands, their remoteness from the continent, ocean currents, climate, the arrival of the different species and their colonization, among other points of interest. The human history is also showcased, chronologically narrating the most significant events related to the discovery and the island’s colonization.
Activity Difficulty: easy /intermediate (flat/stairs)
Activity Duration: 1-hour visit / 1-hour walk

Day 2 (Friday): Española Island
We start our day with a wet landing on a beautiful white coral sandy beach guarded by a colony of sea lions: Gardner Bay. There are no trails, so we stay along the shore where we can spot Galapagos hawks, American Oystercatchers, Galapagos Ground Doves, Hood mockingbirds, Yellow Warblers, lava lizards, marine iguanas, and three species of Darwin’s finches: a subspecies of the Large Cactus Finch, which is similar to the large ground finch, the Small Ground Finch (Geospiza fuliginosa) and the Warbler Finch (Certhidea Olivacea), another endemic subspecies. Swimming and snorkeling offer a great variety of the Galapagos’ marine wildlife: king angelfish, Creole fish, damsel fish, parrotfish, manta rays, and white-tipped reef sharks.
Activity Difficulty: easy (sandy terrain)
Activity Duration: 1-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

In the afternoon, dry landing at Suarez Point. Here, we can see that Espanola is an island of geological interest. We explore volcanic formations and a riveting wildlife: large sea lion colonies and seabirds including the Española mockingbird, Nazca Boobies, and the spectacular Red-billed Tropicbird. You will also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the colorful Sally Lightfoot Crabs.
A somewhat lengthy hike will bring you among Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies, right up to nesting grounds that sometimes overlap the trail. Other birding favorites include Galapagos Dove, Galapagos Hawk, Swallow-tailed Gulls and the world’s largest colony of Waved Albatross, an unequivocal highlight during mating season (May-December).
Admire the island’s dramatic backdrop, featuring the famous “Soplador”, a seaward blowhole that shoots up water up to 23 m (75 ft) in the air.
Activity Difficulty: difficult (rocky terrain)
Activity Duration: 2½-hour walk

Day 3 (Saturday): Floreana Island
After breakfast, wet landing at Post Office. Located on the north side of Floreana, the bay was named like this because in 1793 Captain James Colnett installed a wooden barrel which served as an informal post office for sailors passing through, who would take letters with them back to their destinations. Today, visitors continue the tradition by placing unstamped postcards inside the barrel, hoping that some other traveler, going to the letter destination, will take it back for free. The chances are that the letter posted can take a long time to arrive at its destination. However, there have been cases where it has arrived before the sender.
We may also encounter Darwin’s finches, Yellow Warbler and Lava Lizards. Great snorkeling opportunities with Green Pacific Sea Turtles. As well, the island is best known for its endemic vegetation: Scalesia villosa, Lecocarpus Pinnatifidus, and the Galapagos Milkwort. Snorkelers can practice on the main beach among playful sea lions.
Activity Difficulty: easy (sandy terrain)
Activity Duration: 30-minutes walk / 1-hour snorkeling

Later that day, wet landing, on an olivine green, sanded beach: Cormorant Point. We hike from the black mangrove beds to a brackish lagoon, which usually holds one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galapagos. This island features some endemic plants such as Scalesia villosa, white and black mangrove, and holy stick. The trail continues to a beautiful white sandy beach, one of the most important nesting sites of Green Pacific Sea Turtles. It is important to avoid walking in the water due to the Sting Rays that may be hiding in the sand, which can be dangerous if accidentally stepped on. From the beach, one can spot sea turtles, blue-footed boobies plunging into the water, and small reef sharks floating along the shoreline in the search for food.
This coral-sand beach marks the end of our trail, and we head back to the olivine beach we landed on, to swim or snorkel amongst sea turtles, reef fish, sea lions and, on a good day, white-tipped reef sharks. A small colony of penguins resides on Floreana and can sometimes be observed as well.
Activity Difficulty: easy (sandy & flat terrain)
Activity Duration: 1-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

Day 4 (Sunday): Santa Cruz Island
We start the day with a dry landing on Santa Cruz Island. We visit the Station where the Galapagos giant tortoise breeding program takes place as part of our efforts to preserve the fragile Galapagos environment and where the famous Lonesome George (the last surviving specimen of his species) lived for decades. Admire a prickly-pear cactus forest and variety Darwin’s finches and other land birds. The Darwin Station also works providing environmental education to the communities, schools, and tourists visiting the Galapagos Islands. You will also have some free time to visit the town and shop for souvenirs.
Activity Difficulty: intermediate (flat terrain)
Activity Duration: 1½-hour visit

Later that morning, great opportunity to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Lava tunnel formations are the result of the many eruptions that have occurred throughout history. In the Scalesia forest, Vermilion Flycatcher, Short-eared Owls, and several finch species can be spotted.
Activity Difficulty: easy (flat & muddy terrain depending on season)
Activity Duration: 45-minute drive / 1 ½-hour walk

This afternoon, we explore the north shore of Santa Cruz island, accessible only by sea. Here, four species of mangrove crowd and form an internal lagoon. Turtls visit the calm waters, peaking their heads above the surface while fish and rays circle below. White-tiped reef sharks can be seen beneath the boat. This cove has been declared as a turtle sanctuary.
Activity Difficulty: easy
Activity Duration: 1-hour dinghy ride

Day 5 (Monday): Santa Cruz Island
We continue exploring Santa Cruz with a visit to Carrion Point. This is a rocky cliff offers the great opportunity to explore more the various marine biodiversity of the islands.  Do snorkeling among a variety of colorful fish, stingrays, and if lucky, there could be the chance to see the magnificent White tipped shark.
Activity Difficulty: easy
Activity Duration:  2-hour snorkeling 

After lunch, we go on a dinghy ride in Black Turtle Cove. On the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, accessible only by sea, four species of mangrove crowd and form an internal lagoon, turtles visit the calm waters, peaking their heads above the surface while fish, rays circle below. White-tipped reef sharks can be seen beneath the boat, plus sea birds, including pelicans, herons and egrets. This cove has been declared as a “turtle sanctuary”.
Difficulty level: easy
Activity Difficulty: easy
Activity Duration: 1-hour dinghy ride

Day 6 (Tuesday): Genovesa Island
Start the day with a visit of Prince Philip's Steps (also known as 'El Barranco'). Be marveled at the variety of sea life that uses the crevices of the lava cliffs for shelter. Red-billed Tropicbirds fly overhead, switching between their nests and the bay, and a small colony of fur seals may be found near the landing site. You will be dropped off at a steep stairway that begins on rocks at the foot of a path that leads through a seabird colony full of Nazca and Red-footed Boobies. At the plateau, the trail continues inland allowing you to see more nesting booby colonies in the thin Palo Santo forest. Near the end of the trail, over a rocky lava plain, Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrels can be observed flying in all directions. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a Short-eared Owl.
Activity Difficulty: Moderate (rocky terrain – lava)
Activity Duration: 45-minute walk

Later in the day, disembark onto a small sand and coral beach: Darwin Bay. A short trail heads west along a tidal lagoon and then up a rocky hill that leads to a point overlooking the cliffs and Darwin Bay. Along the trail near the tidal lagoon, visitors will see pairs of Swallow-tailed Gulls, Lava Gulls, Yellow-crowned and Lava Herons. The trail continues through Palo Santo trees, Opuntia cacti, and Saltbushes inhabited by Great Frigate birds and Red-footed Boobies. This is one of the few places in the islands where visitors are guaranteed to see Red-footed Boobies. It is estimated that more than 200,000 Red-footed Boobies live in the trees and bushes of Genovesa.
Activity Difficulty: Moderate (sand & lava)
Activity Duration: 2 ½-hour walk aprox.

Day 7 (Wednesday): Dragon Hill & Santa Fe Island
This morning, dry landing at Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island). Walk by a brackish lagoon to see flamingos. The trail leads across typical dry zone vegetation. Keeping up until Dragon Hill, see an important nesting ground for endemic land iguanas, offering lovely views of the anchored boats and neighboring islands. The forest is home to mockingbirds, Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, and Galapagos doves.
Activity Difficulty: intermediate (rocky terrain)
Activity Duration: 2-hour walk

After lunch, wet landing on Santa Fe island. This island features white sand beaches surrounded by sea lion colonies; through the island path, an endemic cactus forest is passed, home the Santa Fe land iguanas (the largest in the islands). This island is the habitat for a number of species, including the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snakes, rice rats (one of the few endemic Galapagos rodents), a variety of finches and one of the four mockingbird species of the archipelago.
Activity Difficulty: intermediate (rocky terrain)
Activity Duration: 1 ½-hour walk / 1-hour deep-water snorkeling

Day 8 (Thursday): Departure
For our last expedition, wet landing at Bachas Beach. On the north side of Santa Cruz; behind the beach lies two small flamingo ponds were iguanas sunbathe, see coastal birds, Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and gulls, as well as interesting native vegetation like red and black mangrove, salt bushes. This beach is one of the main sea turtles nesting sites in the Galapagos. A turtle can lay eggs 3 or 4 times per season with an average of 70 eggs each time. At this paradisiacal site, we will also find the remains of barges that sank a long time ago, when the United States Navy operated a base during World War II on Baltra Island. Local people modified the word barges to “Bachas”.
Activity Difficulty: easy (sandy terrain)
Activity Duration: 1-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling/ beach time

After the visit, passengers will be transferred to the airport for their return flight to Guayaquil or Quito.

Rates and Dates for Galapagos Legend

Dates Note: Weekly departures Mo-Mo or Th-Th

Other Info
Meeting: Baltra
Airport: Baltra
Transfer: Baltra

Climate:
                                        Galapagos area