Solaris Itinerary

Itinerary C - 4N

Day 1: Upon arrival at San Cristobal Airport, a check-up is carried out first, to ensure that no foreign plant or animal species are introduced on the islands. Furthermore, your TCC (Transit Control Card) is stamped; this must be kept safe during your trip, as it has to be presented again on your return flight. In addition, entrance to the Galapagos National Park is due for entry, if this has not yet been paid. Your guide will meet you at the airport, assist you with the luggage and accompany you on the short bus ride. Here you will climb aboard the yacht Solaris. After greeting the crew and the captain, your cabins will be assigned to you and then you will enjoy your first lunch on board. 

In the afternoon, we will visit the Cerro Colorado Tortoises Protection and Growing Centre on San Cristobal Island. It includes a large corral, a visitor centre, a breeding centre and an interpretive trail. Along this trail, it is possible to see different species of native and endemic plants as well as birds including the San Cristobal mockingbird, yellow warblers, many species of finches and the Galapagos flycatcher. 

Day 2: On the north-eastern coast of the island of Española, Gardner Bay offers a wonderful place to refresh in the turquoise sea and to admire the large number of colourful reef fish. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel side by side with green sea turtles, or to enjoy the proximity of the playful Galapagos sea lion. The white sand beach is also an important breeding ground for the green sea turtles. In the crystal-clear ocean, sometimes whales can be sighted under certain circumstances. 

The afternoon excursion takes us to Suarez Point - home to the most impressive and diverse seabirds of the archipelago. The endangered Galapagos albatross returns to Española (March - December) annually. This allows visitors to admire the balances of pipes and bows (especially in October). Blue-footed and Nazca boobies, black-tailed gulls and red-billed tropic birds are native to this island.

Day 3: The peninsula of Cormorant Point forms the extreme north cape of Floreana. At the landing beach, you will be welcomed by a small Galapagos sea lion colony. The green sand on this beach contains a high percentage of glassy olivine crystals that have been blown out by the surrounding tuff cones. The ‘flour sand’ beach on the southern side of the peninsula is made up of even finer white coral sand that feels very smooth on your feet. Parrotfish have pulverised it, grinding the calcareous skeletons of living coral. You can spot schools of stingrays who love burying themselves in the sandy bottom. During the first months of the year, Pacific green turtles come ashore to bury their eggs. Climb the miniature basaltic cone of Baroness Lookout and take in the paradisiacal coastal views before heading to Post Office Bay, where you can post your holiday greetings cards in the historical barrel.

Day 4: In the morning, gaze over the moon-like landscape of Sullivan Bay, Santiago, before heading to Bartholomew Islands in the afternoon. The island of Bartholomew rises 114m above Sullivan Bay. Climb the steps of the Bartolomé Peak Trail and you will be rewarded with panoramic views over volcanic peaks, lunar craters and lava fields. Afterwards you can refresh yourself at the foot of the famous "Pinnacle Rock'' and explore the underwater world in the shallow water while snorkelling. 

Day 5: Our last excursion will be to Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz. This small bay is located on the north side of the island of Santa Cruz and offers a unique backdrop for adventures. The landscape makes you feel as if you're in the Amazon rainforest rather than near the sea. Explore the quiet emerald lagoon and surrounding shallow bays with the inflatable dinghy. The crystal clear water allows you to spot groups of whitetip reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, gold rays and spotted eagle rays. You will then be transferred to Baltra Airport.

Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics and local regulations.