Finch Bay & Scalesia Lodge Tours

On arrival at Baltra Airport you’ll be escorted to your onward scenic flight to Isabela Island. After checking in at Scalesia Lodge, settling in and a delicious lunch, your first Galapagos visitor sites await!

This afternoon we visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, wetland lagoons and the spectacular white sand beach at Puerto Villamil. At these sites, wildlife highlights include Galapagos penguin, blue footed booby, marine turtles, manta rays, giant tortoises, white cheeked pintail, gallinules, common stilt and whimbrels.

There are three possible exciting adventures that await on these two days, depending on availability:

Sierra Negra Volcano – this thrilling outing includes a walk around this volcano to view the interesting volcanic formations, and see how the wildlife has adapted to the evolving landscape. After the adventure of climbing the volcano you may enjoy some rest time or a delightful walk along the panoramic white sand beach at Puerto Villamil. Wildlife you may see includes Darwin’s finches, Galapagos hawk, flycatchers and mockingbirds.

Tintoreras Islets – at this stunning array of islets there is a short walk and snorkeling among the tropical fish. Later we head to the wetlands, for more wildlife spotting. Wildlife to look for includes marine iguana, boobies, herons, white-tipped reef shark and Galapagos penguin.

Wall of Tears – a lovely walk along a trail with varied vegetation takes us past brackish lagoons and mangroves to Palo Santo forest and the Wall of tears. Wildlife you may see includes flamingos, herons, giant tortoises, ducks, stilts, doves and Darwin’s finches.

In the morning you’ll transfer via another spectacular flight to Baltra and onward to Santa Cruz Island. You’ll see the fascinating volcanic formation of Los Gemelos as well as visiting a giant tortoise reserve and exploring mysterious lava tunnels. Wildlife you might spot includes giant tortoise, sea lion, Darwin’s finches, pelican, Sally Lightfoot crab. After your visit, we’ll transport you to Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, at Punta Estrada where you can relax with a cold drink enjoying the sunset.

Depending on the day/availability you might enjoy any two of the following:

North Seymour Island / Bachas Beach – this excursion is a delight for birdwatchers in particular with chances to see the blue footed booby, Nazca booby, frigates, plovers, stilts and flamingos. On North Seymour Island there is some hiking, and we may also see land and marine iguanas, sea lions and fur seals. At Bachas Beach we can swim and snorkel.

Santa Fe Island – This trip takes us to a stunning white sand beach with its fascinating cacti vegetation. You may see a range of Galapagos wildlife including land iguana, sea lion, boobies, pelicans, Galapagos hawk, and maybe whales. There is relaxing on the beach and snorkeling in pristine waters.

Bartolome Island / Sullivan Bay – we sail to spectacular Bartolome Island known for its panoramic and iconic views from the summit. The trail to reach the summit rewards visitors with a fabulous view of Pinnacle Rock and beyond. After, we sail to Sullivan Bay. Wildlife may include Sally Lightfoot crab, sea lion, Galapagos penguin.

South Plaza – this site boasts tremendous wildlife, a delightful trail and some fabulous snorkeling. There is a chance to see sea lion, marine iguana, land iguana, Darwin’s finches.

In addition, on one of the days we’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the giant tortoise breeding program and conservation. We will also visit Tortuga Bay, Playa Brava and Playa Mansa for snorkeling, swimming or kayaking. Look out for green sea turtles, giant tortoise, land iguana, sea lion, pelicans.

Today your Galapagos land-based adventure draws to a close. We will transport you back from Finch Bay at Santa Cruz Island and on to Baltra Island and the airport. From here you can take your flight back to the Ecuadorian mainland and onwards for the rest of your trip.