Hermes 8-Day Itinerary B+C

AM: Rabida Island
Your morning begins with a spectacular wet landing on Rabida Island, where the deep red sand instantly draws your attention. This unique color is created by the high iron oxide content in the lava. After landing, you will follow a short trail inland to a tranquil brackish lagoon, where you can spot graceful Greater Flamingos wading and feeding in the shallow water, alongside other birds such as White-cheeked Pintails.

The main hike continues along a trail that ascends to the higher part of the islet, leading to a lookout point through a picturesque Palo Santo forest known for its distinct aroma. From this elevated position, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the red bay, the surrounding mangroves, and nearby islets, creating a postcard perfect scene.

Next, you will embark on an exhilarating snorkeling trip just off the coast. The waters here are excellent for marine life, and you may swim alongside playful sea lions, colorful reef fish, and even juvenile sharks and stingrays. This vibrant morning offers a perfect blend of otherworldly landscapes and rich underwater biodiversity.

PM: Bartolome Island
Home to the famous Pinnacle Rock and the archipelago’s most photographed landscape, Bartolome Island begins with a dry landing. You will then ascend a wooden boardwalk trail to the island’s summit, where the hike rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic view showcasing the island’s stark volcanic origins, the unique formation of Pinnacle Rock, and the crescent shaped beaches below. This is arguably the most recognizable landscape you will see in the Galapagos.

Following the hike, you will embark on an exhilarating snorkeling session around Pinnacle Rock. The waters here are cool and clear, offering pristine visibility. You will search for the endemic Galapagos Penguins, often seen zipping through the water or resting on the rocks. You may also swim alongside playful sea lions and encounter large sea turtles, making this the perfect finale to your day of exploration.

AM: South Plaza Island
A small but incredibly vibrant islet formed by uplifted lava, it welcomes you with huge colonies of sea lions whose playful antics will accompany your entire visit.

You will follow a striking trail that winds through a brilliant landscape dominated by resilient Sesuvium plants, which shift from green to vibrant orange and red depending on the season, creating a stunning color contrast against the turquoise ocean. Notably, this island is home to one of the largest populations of Galapagos Land Iguanas, and you will observe these remarkable reptiles sharing their territory with sea lions and the endemic Prickly Pear Cactus forest. Along the dramatic cliffs, you will spot Swallow-tailed Gulls and Red-billed Tropicbirds soaring, providing a magnificent final wildlife spectacle before you conclude your morning.

PM: Sante Fe Island
Santa Fe is a beautiful and geologically ancient island known for its high level of endemism. After a wet landing in the picturesque Barrington Bay, you will embark on a fascinating hike through the island’s unique landscape. You will walk through a giant Opuntia cactus forest, the largest species in the archipelago, where you will look for the main attraction: the Santa Fe Land Iguana, a distinct subspecies found nowhere else on Earth.

Following your terrestrial exploration, the turquoise waters of the bay will invite you to an unforgettable snorkeling experience. You will jump into the water and immediately find yourself swimming among large playful colonies of sea lions, the islands main attraction here. You will also search for rays, schools of tropical fish, and possibly sea turtles or white tipped reef sharks in the clear sheltered waters, offering a perfect conclusion to your day.

AM: Pitt Point: San Cristobal Island
Your exploration continues at Pitt Point, located on the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island. This dramatic site, composed of volcanic tuff, is one of the few places in the Galapagos Archipelago where three species of boobies nest simultaneously: Blue-footed, Red-footed, and Nazca Boobies.

After a wet landing, you will follow a challenging yet rewarding trail that winds up the cliff face, offering spectacular geological views and allowing you to observe these incredible birds in action. You will also spot Magnificent and Great Frigatebirds soaring overhead.

Following your hike, you will cool off with a fantastic snorkeling session off the coast, swimming among playful sea lions, schools of reef fish, and possibly graceful sea turtles.

PM: Witch Hill: San Cristobal Island
Your afternoon at Witch Hill promises pure Galapagos bliss. Following a short wet landing, you will walk along a breathtaking stretch of white coral sand beach. The hill itself is the eroded peak of a tuff cone, offering dramatic coastal views. You will then take a relaxing walk to a nearby lagoon, a habitat rich with birdlife including Brown Pelicans and the occasional Blue-footed Booby.

The clear waters here are perfect for snorkeling or simply relaxing. You can choose to soak up the unique scenery or grab your snorkel gear and jump into the turquoise ocean. You will swim alongside playful sea lions, schools of colorful reef fish, and possibly endemic marine iguanas feeding underwater, making this a calm yet exhilarating conclusion to your day.

AM: Lobos Island and Airport: San Cristobal Island
In the morning you will visit Lobos Island, also known as Sea Lion Island, a small sheltered islet that offers extraordinary close-up wildlife encounters—a perfect farewell to the archipelago. After a short dry landing, you will embark on a gentle final walk along a well-defined trail. You will observe a small colony of Blue-footed Boobies nesting, with Frigatebirds soaring above. The main attraction, however, is the abundance of sea lions; you will witness pups nursing and large males competing for territory, all resting right beside the path.

PM: Interpretation Center: San Cristobal Island
In the afternoon you will delve into the rich history of the archipelago with a visit to the San Cristobal Interpretation Center. Here you will walk through the volcanic and natural history exhibits, gaining deeper insight into the islands delicate ecosystem before exploring them firsthand. This is where you will understand the origins of the Galapagos and the ongoing conservation efforts that protect it.

PM: Tijeretas Hill: San Cristobal Island
Afterward you will hike up to Tijeretas Hill, a site offering spectacular panoramic views of the coast, the famous Kicker Rock, and the anchorage below. This spot immerses you in wildlife as well: you will witness iconic frigatebirds soaring and nesting, a truly mesmerizing sight. Below the hill you will find a quiet cove where you can take a refreshing swim alongside playful sea lions and colorful fish, rounding out a perfect day of exploration.

AM: Gardner Bay: Espanola Island
You will be greeted by a breathtaking stretch of pristine white beach composed entirely of pulverized coral. Here you will have ample time to walk and relax, sharing the shore with massive playful colonies of sea lions. You will witness their social dynamics firsthand, with curious pups approaching you—a truly unforgettable welcome.

Following your beach exploration, the calm crystalline waters will invite you for a refreshing dip. You can take a delightful swim or snorkel right off the beach. As you explore the shallow bay, you will discover colorful marine life and may even see groups of sharks resting on the sandy bottom. This ideal morning setting perfectly balances relaxation with unique wildlife interaction.

PM: Suarez Point: Espanola Island
After a smooth dry landing, you will embark on an extensive two mile (3.2 km) circular trail that weaves along spectacular lava cliffs. Along this incredible route, you will observe the world renowned Christmas Iguanas, the largest marine iguanas in the world, uniquely marked with striking red and green colors, before reaching the main nesting area.

Here you will be delighted to see hundreds of Nazca Boobies and the bright blue feet of the Blue-footed Boobies performing their signature dance. You may also witness the impressive Waved Albatrosses performing their curious courtship rituals just meters away.

The journey ends at the blowhole, where high tides send water spraying dramatically into the air—a truly fitting finale.

AM: Cormorant Point: Floreana Island
Prepare to discover a dramatic geological contrast: you will first encounter a striking green sand beach, its color derived from microscopic olivine crystals. After a short walk, you will transition to the famous Flour Sand Beach, a pristine white stretch composed of finely ground coral, which serves as a vital nesting ground for Pacific Green Sea Turtles.

You will follow a well defined trail inland that leads to a large brackish lagoon. There you will search for the majestic Greater Flamingos, which often congregate in large numbers, feeding in the shallow waters alongside other wading birds like White cheeked Pintails and Black necked Stilts.

Finally, after taking in the unique terrestrial views, you will prepare for a refreshing snorkeling experience just off the shore, where you will witness playful sea lions and may even glide beside a calm sea turtle in its natural element.

PM: Post Office Bay: Floreana Island
You will find the famous wooden barrel that has served as an informal postal tradition since the 18th century, originally used by whalers and pirates. You will participate in this maritime custom by searching through postcards left by previous visitors for any mail addressed near your home. If you find one, you will become the postal carrier, delivering it by hand.

Next, you will take a delightful panga ride along the coast, exploring the historical anchoring spot and observing coastal wildlife, including playful sea lions and marine birds. This site offers a perfect blend of human history and natural beauty, ensuring a memorable and interactive afternoon.

AM: Charles Darwin Station: Santa Cruz Island
Your final morning will be focused on conservation and science with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. This stop will offer an inspiring perspective on the ongoing efforts to protect the archipelago’s unique ecosystems before you depart.

You will walk through the breeding and rearing facilities and witness the dedicated work being done to rescue and reintroduce endangered species, most notably the Galapagos Giant Tortoises. You will see tortoises of various sizes and ages in the captive breeding program, from small hatchlings to majestic adults. You will gain a deeper understanding of the conservation challenges and the success stories that ensure the future of the islands unique inhabitants. This final thoughtful encounter will serve as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance of life in the Galapagos.