Galapagos from ashore

Enjoy a guided tour of the highlights of the historical center of Quito.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Here, your guide will meet you and transfer you to the Finch Bay Hotel via the highlands of Santa Cruz.

You'll head out by boat from your hotel to Santa Fé Island. On your short guided hike through woods of prickly pear cacti and palo santo trees, the aim is to spot the island's endemic species of land iguana. Its cove is one of the most sheltered in the Galapagos, so it's an ideal place for a swim. If you choose to go snorkeling, you might see striking underwater lava formations. It's also a great island for observing lively colonies of sea lions.

Today, you hike to Tortuga Bay for a morning of birdwatching. After lunch, the afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. Relax by the hotel pool, or explore the town of Puerto Ayora.

Today, you'll embark on a full-day trip to Bartolomé Island. It's distinguished by its basaltic obelisk, Pinnacle Rock, tuff cones, and other striking lava formations. The water here is often full of playful sea lions joined by Galapagos penguins and many tropical fish. The rocks are encrusted with sea urchins and anemones.

Today is yours to relax and unwind at your hotel. Alternatively, go hiking at Las Grietas or try mountain biking in the highlands of Santa Cruz.

A visit to North Seymour Island is in store for today. This low-lying island is teeming with wildlife: as well as marine iguanas, you could observe pelicans engaged in a feeding frenzy. Other birds include blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds. During mating season, you can usually witness the magnificent frigate birds puffing up their scarlet throat sacks. The afternoon sees you visiting Las Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz. Named after US military barges abandoned there during World War II, it's a haven for wading birds such as flamingos and common stilts.

Today, you'll visit the tiny crescent-shaped South Plaza Island. Its cliffs and rocks are thick with green seaweed and low-lying succulent sesuvium plants. Sally Lightfoot crabs can often be seen on the beaches. Look out for sea lions and land iguanas while walking on a guided trail around the island. A walk to an overlook sometimes offers a glimpse of some of the larger marine life found in the Galapagos: manta rays.

Transfer back to Baltra where you will fly back to the Ecuadorian mainland in time for your flight home.