Nature's Playground | Puerto Ayora to San Cristóbal

Embark on your adventurous charter at Santa Cruz Island. The second largest of the Galápagos Islands, Santa Cruz sits at the center of the archipelago. Gain a better understanding of the stunning archipelago at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Cruise to the two overlapping volcanoes that have created Santiago Island. Step ashore to mingle with the wildlife, including marine iguanas, sea lions, and sea turtles, to name but a few. Neighboring Bartolomé Island is home to the well-known Pinnacle Rock. Hike up some 400 steps to the highest viewpoint in the Galápagos for spectacular views.

The outlying Marchena Island lies to the north of the archipelago. Although visitors cannot step ashore, the surrounding waters provide a superb opportunity for those looking to dive with rays and whitetip reef sharks. Only limited, authorized diving is permitted in the Galápagos so plan ahead.

Head back toward Isla Santiago and discover the dark red beaches and unique wildlife on Ràbida Island – the tiny island lies just south of Santiago Island. Clamber over lava and boulders, and wade through the shallows as you discover one of the best-preserved archipelagos in the world.

Cruise to the largest island in the archipelago, Isabela Island. Humans once inhabited the island and a wall built by prisoners held captive on Isabela still exists. However, it is the beaches and wildlife that encourage most visitors to step ashore. Explore the space-like landscapes and wallow in the waves.

One of the oldest islands in the Galápagos, San Cristobel is where the capita Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is located. Hike up to the El Junco Lagoon – a freshwater crater lake that is said to be what attracted the first settlers to the Galápagos.