Horizon Trimaran

San Cristobal and Espanola

Saturday - Day 1

AM: Arrival to San Cristobal Airport with transfer to M/T Camila

Welcome to the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/T Camila.  The guide and crew will greet you and show you to your accommodations upon your arrival.  Afterwards, the guide and cruise manager will hold a short briefing on all safety and emergency protocols, different areas of the vessel and the normal routine of the itinerary.

PM: San Cristobal - Lobos Island/Kicker Rock

Lobos Island is aptly named after the many sea lions that reside here resting and playing along the rocky shores. It is also home to many different birds like pelicans, frigate birds and their nests, yellow warblers and more.  Within the small channel the waters are very clear, making it easy to find sea turtles, sea lions, stingrays and perhaps even white-tipped sharks.

Sunday - Day 2

AM: San Cristobal - Pitt Point

When arriving to Pitt Point, it will feel almost like you’ve landed on an extraterrestrial planet.  You can see the many different developments over time of how volcanic activity formed this island.  A hike up to the top beholds amazing views of the surrounding waters.  Watch out for blue-footed boobie nests on the ground and keep an eye out for the red-footed boobies nesting in the trees once you reach the top of the island.

PM: San Cristobal - Witch Hill

Passing by on a panga your guide and crew will show you amazing rock formations formed by the passing of time and erosion of the sea.  You’ll finally arrive to a beautiful white sandy beach to spend the time swimming or basking in the sun.  Frolic with sea lions who may swim by playfully or take a walk down the entire beach and back.

Monday - Day 3

AM: Española - Suarez Point

This is the only nesting site in Galapagos where the Waved Albatross nests.  They come back only once a year to meet the same mate, year after year.  They spend the rest of the year at sea.  Apart from these amazing birds are the Galapagos Hawks that can be seen and the amazing formations and blow hole on the other side of the island, reached by a hike.

PM: Española - Gardner Bay /  Osborn Islet

Gardner Bay is an excellent place to see sea lions lounging on the beach while mockingbirds get up close to see if they can steal water or crumbs.  Over time, the mockingbird must have been offered water or food from tourists and now they have no fear of walking on your things or landing very close to you.  It is so important not to feed or touch the animals.  It can disrupt their normal behaviors and threaten their future.

Tuesday - Day 4

AM: Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach

Bachas beach has beautiful green and blue waters that contrast along the surf of the black lava shores.  In the air various shore birds fly searching for food.  On the shore you can explore the sand dunes and find a salt water lagoon with greater pink flamingos.

Transfer to Airport

After this final visit you will be transferred to the airport and your cruise will come to an end and you will be transferred to Baltra Airport.

 

Central and Northern islands

Tuesday - Day 1

AM: Arrival to Baltra Airport with transfer to M/T Camila

Welcome to the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/T Camila.  The guide and crew will greet you and show you to your accommodations upon your arrival.  Afterwards, the guide and cruise manager will hold a short briefing on all safety and emergency protocols, different areas of the vessel and the normal routine of the itinerary.

PM: Bartolome Island

This island is well known for its incredible remnants of volcano cones and distinct terrain such as Pinnacle Rock.  A hike will lead you up to the top of a lookout point to see all of Sullivan Bay.  You might be able to see lava lizards and various sea birds flying above.

Wednesday - Day 2

AM: Rabida Island

This visitor site is quite different from others as it has a very distinct and red fine gravel beach due to the iron content.  Snorkeling can be done here with spectacular sights of tropical fish. Visitors like to walk along the beach taking in the sights and also visiting the black lagoon with pink flamingos.

PM: Santiago Island - Egas Port

This visitor site is also known as James Bay, it is home to Galapagos hawks, lava lizards and the trails lead to a coastline with gorgeous tide pools full of fauna.  Fur seals, different from the common sea lions can also be seen here.  

Thursday - Day 3

AM: Genovesa - Darwin Bay

A white sand coral beach leads the way to a hiking trail through mangroves filled with many different species of land birds and other famous species like blue-footed and red-footed boobies and swallow tailed gulls.  Towards the end of the hike are tidal pools where you can find sea lions swimming playfully and finally a spectacular view off a cliff.

PM: Genovesa - El Barranco

El Barranco is also known as Prince Philip’s Steps.  It is an extraordinary site on the flatter area of the island in Darwin’s Bay.  Be prepared to make your way up a rocky crevasse, then enjoy the easy trail to spectacular views.  This is one of the few visitor sites where all three boobie species can be seen, as well as the short-eared owl.

Friday - Day 4

AM: Mosquera Islet

Located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour lays a reef made of coral.  This was the result of volcanic uprising making the islet only 160 meters across at its narrowest width.  It has one of the largest populations of sea lions and is home to many shorebirds.  On occasion, orcas can be seen hunting off the shoreline.

PM: Santa Cruz: Highlands

The highlands are located in the northern part of Santa Cruz and can reach elevations up to 1500 meters.  This area is rich with hills, ferns, volcanoes and wildlife.  A great contrast to the molten lava harden beaches and rocky areas of other islands already seen.  It is home to giant tortoises, mockingbirds, finches and many other species.

Saturday - Day 5

AM: North Seymour 

Explore the rocky coast of North Seymour passing colonies of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds.  The island was formed by a series of submarine lava expelled from the ocean floor, carrying with it layers of sediment uplifted by the tectonic activity.  The island is mostly characterized by the arid vegetation.

Transfer to Airport

After this final visit you will be transferred to the airport and your cruise will come to an end and you will be transferred to Baltra Airport.

 

A week in the Galapagos

Saturday - Day 1

AM: Arrival to Baltra Airport with transfer to M/T Camila

Welcome to the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/T Camila.  The guide and crew will greet you and show you to your accommodations upon your arrival.  Afterwards, the guide and cruise manager will hold a short briefing on all safety and emergency protocols, different areas of the vessel and the normal routine of the itinerary.

PM: Santiago Island - Sullivan Bay

Southeast of Santiago Island, Sullivan Bay shows off an interesting lava field with a geologically young flow from 1897.  Because the rocks are black and formed of lava, it can get quite hot.  Appropriate footwear is required for this visit in order to protect your feet. 

Sunday - Day 2

AM: Isabela Island - Vicente Roca Point

Isabela Island is the largest of all the Galapagos islands.  It is most famously known as the island shaped as a seahorse. While in the panga, keep an eye out for the magnificent mola-mola sunfish!

PM: Fernandina Island - Espinosa Point

Between the Bolivar Channel dividing Isabela and Fernandina Islands lies Espinosa Point.  The highlight of this visit is the nesting colony of the Flightless Cormorant, which over time lost its ability to fly due to evolutions distinct changes, helping it swim better and faster. Also seen at this site is the incredible remnants of solid magma, but watch your step for the many marine iguanas known to crowd the area.

Monday - Day 3

AM: Isabela - Tagus Cove

If you like historic remnants, then you will enjoy finding what was left behind from pirates and sailors in the 1800s.  This site was one of their preferred pit stops while traveling the seas. The hike here will provide incredible views of the cove and on the other side the mangrove forest where the last 35 pairs of Mangrove finches thrive.

PM: Isabela Island - Urbina Bay  

Millions of years ago, Urbina Bay was once laying on the ocean floor.  Volcanic uplifts caused it to rise and now it is occupied by sea lions, land iguanas and flightless cormorants.  It is a great place to enjoy some free time on the beach or the guide may suggest a hike.

Tuesday - Day 4

AM: Isabela Island - Elizabeth Bay

On the eastern coast of Isabela Island is Elizabeth Bay with many islets.  These parts are visited by panga and on the rocky shores Galapagos penguins can be seen.  There is a large abundance of marine life that can be seen in the clear waters.  

PM: Isabela Island - Moreno Point

The beautiful rocky shores of Moreno Point offers a plethora of birds to be seen.  It is truly a birders delight.  The main attraction are the coast lagoons where white tipped sharks can be seen and the panoramic views of Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes cannot be missed.

Wednesday - Day 5

AM: Santa Cruz Island - Charles Darwin Station

The Charles Darwin Research Station is one of the Galapagos Island’s most important sites for visitors.  It is a research facility that has an extensive collection of Galapagos plant life specimens carefully preserved and also acts as a biological research station and active breeding center operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation.

PM: Santa Cruz Island - Highlands

The highlands are located in the northern part of Santa Cruz and can reach elevations up to 1500 meters.  This area is rich with hills, ferns, volcanoes and wildlife.  A great contrast to the molten lava hardened beaches and rocky areas of other islands already seen.  It is home to giant tortoises, mockingbirds, finches and many other species.

Thursday - Day 6

AM: Santa Fe Island

Santa Fe is home to the endemic Santa Fe iguana.  The island was created by a volcanic uplift that now hosts a forest of Opuntia and Palo Santo trees.  It is a picturesque island with two different trails, one leading to a scenic viewpoint and the other leading to a small beach.

PM: South Plazas Island

This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava.  It is home to one of the largest sea lion colonies, as well as colorful land iguanas.  The most characteristic plant on the island is the Sesuvium that turns bright red during the dry season, creating a contrast on the island.  The amazing colors of the turquoise waters against the black lava create a setting for amazing photography opportunities.

Friday - Day 7

AM: Floreana - Post Office Bay

Ask the Cruise Manager for one of our complimentary postcards to write a message and address it home.  Leave it in the barrel used before by pirates and sailors. While your there, see if there are any other postcards you can take home with you to send for fellow travelers who have already left their messages!  

PM: Floreana - Devil’s Crown / Cormorant Point

Just off of Floreana Island is a fantastic snorkeling site known as Devil’s Crown.  Various tropical fish species can be seen, even galapagos sharks or white-tipped sharks.  Sea lions can be seen hunting for fish or playing through schools of hundreds of fish in circles, it is really quite the site to see. Cormorant point on Floreana Island is a great place to see one of the places where flamingos live in salt water lagoons.  Walking along the trail after the lagoon leads to a hidden beach great for walking in the soft sand.  Watch your feet if wading in the water, stingrays love to hang out here as well.

Saturday - Day 8

AM: San Cristobal Island - Interpretation Center / Galapaguera

At the interpretation center you’ll find many different exhibits on information about the natural and geological history of the Galapagos Islands. It first opened in 1998 to help enforce the efforts of wildlife protection and the natural environment through means of population and tourist control.

Transfer to Airport

The only visit you will have on this day is to the Interpretation Center.  Afterwards, you will have time to gather your belongings and then the guide and cruise manager will thank you for your time with Haugan Cruises.  Then, you will be transferred to the airport and your cruise will come to an end.

A week in the Galapagos B

Saturday - Day 1

AM: Arrival to San Cristobal Airport with transfer to M/T Camila

Welcome to the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/T Camila.  The guide and crew will greet you and show you to your accommodations upon your arrival.  Afterwards, the guide and cruise manager will hold a short briefing on all safety and emergency protocols, different areas of the vessel and the normal routine of the itinerary.

PM: San Cristobal - Lobos Island/Kicker Rock

Lobos Island is aptly named after the many sea lions that reside here resting and playing along the rocky shores. It is also home to many different birds like pelicans, frigate birds and their nests, yellow warblers and more.  Within the small channel the waters are very clear, making it easy to find sea turtles, sea lions, stingrays and perhaps even white-tipped sharks.

Kicker rock is one of the most extraordinary sites in the Galapagos Islands, made of two eroded volcanic cones that tower over the sea at about 104 meters in the middle of the open water. It is one of the best sites in Galapagos to see incredible underwater life.

Sunday - Day 2

AM: San Cristobal - Pitt Point

When arriving to Pitt Point, it will feel almost like you’ve landed on an extraterrestrial planet.  You can see the many different developments over time of how volcanic activity formed this island.  A hike up to the top beholds amazing views of the surrounding waters.  Watch out for blue-footed boobie nests on the ground and keep an eye out for the red-footed boobies nesting in the trees once you reach the top of the island.

PM: San Cristobal - Witch Hill

Passing by on a panga your guide and crew will show you amazing rock formations formed by the passing of time and erosion of the sea.  You’ll finally arrive to a beautiful white sandy beach to spend the time swimming or basking in the sun.  Frolic with sea lions who may swim by playfully or take a walk down the entire beach and back.  

Monday - Day 3

AM: Española - Suarez Point

This is the only nesting site in Galapagos where the Waved Albatross nests.  They come back only once a year to meet the same mate, year after year.  They spend the rest of the year at sea.  Apart from these amazing birds are the Galapagos Hawks that can be seen and the amazing formations and blow hole on the other side of the island, reached by a hike.

PM: Española - Gardner Bay /  Osborn Islet

Gardner Bay is an excellent place to see sea lions lounging on the beach while mockingbirds get up close to see if they can steal water or crumbs.  Over time, the mockingbird must have been offered water or food from tourists and now they have no fear of walking on your things or landing very close to you.  It is so important not to feed or touch the animals.  It can disrupt their normal behaviors and threaten their future.

Tuesday - Day 4

AM: Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach

Bachas beach has beautiful green and blue waters that contrast along the surf of the black lava shores.  In the air various shore birds fly searching for food.  On the shore you can explore the sand dunes and find a salt water lagoon with greater pink flamingos.

PM: Bartolome Island

This island is well known for its incredible remnants of volcano cones and distinct terrain such as Pinnacle Rock.  A hike will lead you up to the top of a lookout point to see all of Sullivan Bay.  You might be able to see lava lizards and various sea birds flying above.

Wednesday - Day 5

AM: Rabida Island

This visitor site is quite different from others as it has a very distinct and red fine gravel beach due to the iron content.  Snorkeling can be done here with spectacular sights of tropical fish. Visitors like to walk along the beach taking in the sights and also visiting the black lagoon with pink flamingos.

PM: Santiago Island - Egas Port

This visitor site is also known as James Bay, it is home to Galapagos hawks, lava lizards and the trails lead to a coastline with gorgeous tide pools full of fauna.  Fur seals, different from the common sea lions can also be seen here.  

Thursday - Day 6

AM: Genovesa - Darwin Bay

A white sand coral beach leads the way to a hiking trail through mangroves filled with many different species of land birds and other famous species like blue-footed and red-footed boobies and swallow tailed gulls.  Towards the end of the hike are tidal pools where you can find sea lions swimming playfully and finally a spectacular view off a cliff.

PM: Genovesa - El Barranco

El Barranco is also known as Prince Philip’s Steps.  It is an extraordinary site on the flatter area of the island in Darwin’s Bay.  Be prepared to make your way up a rocky crevasse, then enjoy the easy trail to spectacular views.  This is one of the few visitor sites where all three boobie species can be seen, as well as the short-eared owl.

Friday - Day 7

AM: Mosquera Islet

Located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour lays a reef made of coral.  This was the result of volcanic uprising making the islet only 160 meters across at its narrowest width.  It has one of the largest populations of sea lions and is home to many shorebirds.  On occasion, orcas can be seen hunting off the shoreline.

PM: Santa Cruz: Highlands

The highlands are located in the northern part of Santa Cruz and can reach elevations up to 1500 meters.  This area is rich with hills, ferns, volcanoes and wildlife.  A great contrast to the molten lava harden beaches and rocky areas of other islands already seen.  It is home to giant tortoises, mockingbirds, finches and many other species.

Saturday - Day 8

AM: North Seymour 

Explore the rocky coast of North Seymour passing colonies of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds.  The island was formed by a series of submarine lava expelled from the ocean floor, carrying with it layers of sediment uplifted by the tectonic activity.  The island is mostly characterized by the arid vegetation.

Transfer to Airport

After this final visit you will be transferred to the airport and your cruise will come to an end and you will be transferred to Baltra Airport.