A világkörüli út is egyetlen lépéssel kezdődik...
Vissza az előző oldalra: Galapagos
2013 JANUÁR
2013 január első napján érkezünk meg Galapagos Baltra szigetére Ekvádorból repülővel, majd kezdetét veszi a négy napos hajóút...
Tue. | AM | Arrival in Baltra and transfer to boat |
PM | Santa Cruz Island: Highlands | |
Wed. | AM | Floreana Island: Devil's Crown / Cormorant Point |
PM | Floreana Island: Baroness Viewing Point / Post Office Bay | |
Thu. | AM | Española Island: Suarez Point / Gardner Bay |
PM | Española Island: Gardner Bay / Osborn Islet | |
Fri. | AM | San Cristobal Island: Interpretation Center |
Transfer to the San Cristobal airport |
Reached by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green, contrasting beautifully with much of the dry, lower islands. The dominant vegetation in the highlands is the Scalesia trees, creating the lush green color. The lava tubes, over half a mile long, are underground and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience.
Highlights: | Lava tunnels, wild tortoises, tortoise breeding center. |
Activities: | Hike (1.5 mi/ 2 ½ km) |
Type of Landing: | Dry landing |
Difficulty: | Moderate (Long) |
This site hosts a large flamingo lagoon where other birds such as common stilts, White-cheeked Pintails can also be seen. The beaches on this island are distinct: The “Green Beach” named so due to its green color, which comes from a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, and the “Four Sand Beach” composed of white coral.
Highlights: | Flamingoes, green-colored beach |
Activities: | Dinghy ride & hike (1.25 mi /2 km) |
Type of Landing: | Wet landing |
Difficulty: | Easy |
In the 18th century whalers passing through the islands placed a wooden barrel on Floreana Island for use as an unofficial mail box. The tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home.
Highlights: | Barrel Post Office, nice sandy beach |
Activities: | Short hike (less than 0.6 mi/1 km) & snorkeling |
Type of Landing: | Wet landing |
Difficulty: | Easy |
Gardner Bay, on the eastern side of the island, is the breeding site of nearly all of the world´s 12,000 pairs of Waved Albatrosses. It has an ample white sandy beach with a myriad of sea lions, perfect for relaxing. Its rocky shores make this site a great place for diving and snorkeling.
Highlights: | White sandy beach, sea lions, mockingbirds; snorkeling: colorful fish, sea lion nursery |
Activities: | Snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking, short hike of (0.6 mi/1 km) |
Type of Landing: | Wet landing |
Difficulty: | Easy |
Baltra -> Santa Cruz -> Floreana -> Espanola -> San Cristobal -> Baltra
One of the best snorkeling sites in the Galapagos, this volcanic crater has been eroded by the waves leaving the northern and southern sides poking out of the water. The coral reef in the middle is perfect for attracting marine life. Snorkelers enjoy the variety of marine life and exciting currents that rush through the crown, creating an exhilarating experience.
Highlights: | The best snorkeling site in Galapagos Islands with sharks, rays, rock formations, lots of tropical fish. |
Activities: | Snorkeling |
Type of Landing: | No landing |
Difficulty: | Moderate/difficult |
Baroness Viewpoint is a fantastic place to absorb the environment of the Galapagos. Once inhabited by an indulgent Baroness and her three lovers, the history of this island is intriguing. The legends about this baroness are associated with a fascinating murder mystery. There are easy trails in this area for exploring the flora and fauna of Floreana.
Highlights: | great view, sea turtles, mysterious story about the first inhabitants of the islands |
Activities: | Short hike (0.6 mi/1 km) |
Type of Landing: | Wet landing |
Difficulty: | Easy |
This area is great for spotting Blue-footed Boobies, albatrosses and Nazca Boobies. A beautiful site on the ocean front, the large Waved Albatrosses use the cliff as a launching pad. The famous attraction is the magnificent blowhole, spurting water high into the air. This site presents wonderful photograph opportunities.
Highlights: | Hood Mockingbird, Nazca Boobies, Waved Albatross, Red-billed tropicbirds, lava lizards, Galapagos Hawk, Blue-footed Boobies, blow hole, amazing landscape |
Activities: | Hike (1.9 mi/3 km) |
Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
Difficulty: | Difficult |
The Interpretation Center was opened in 1998 as a phase of the project “Interpretation and Environment Education Project.” Visitors enjoy expositions on natural history, human history, and conservation. The conservation efforts represent the movement to protect the wildlife and natural environment through means of population and tourist control. The Interpretation Center has an outdoor stadium, audio-visual equipment, and meeting rooms.
Highlights: | Giant tortoises in captivity, land birds |
Activities: | Short walk |
Type of Landing: | Dry landing |
Difficulty: | Easy |