Land Excursions 15-Day Liveaboard

When people think of the Galapagos, they often envision its awe-inspiring underwater realm, teeming with exotic marine life. While the diving experiences are undoubtedly spectacular, the Galapagos Islands hold an equal, if not greater, allure above the water's surface. If you're embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to this natural paradise, you'll want to explore the myriad of land excursions that showcase the archipelago's extraordinary biodiversity.

What sets our 15-day trip apart is its holistic approach to experiencing the Galapagos—blending both aquatic and terrestrial wonders for a comprehensive impression of the islands. Imagine setting foot on Feredina, a jewel among the Galapagos islands and one of the most pristine environments on Earth, completely free of man's introduced species. Or hiking up Tagus Cove to a viewpoint where the dramatic volcanic landscape of Isabela Island unfurls below, crowned by the awe-inspiring Darwin Crater Lake.

North Seymour takes your land adventure to another level, with its open nesting grounds of Blue-footed Boobies and the largest colonies of Great and Magnificent Frigatebirds in the archipelago. Witness the spectacular courtship dance of the Blue-footed Boobies in open areas, observe Swallow-tailed Gulls perched on cliff edges, and keep an eye out for Great Blue Herons, Lava Herons, two species of frigatebirds, and even endemic snakes.

From Blue and Red-footed Boobies performing their quirky mating dances to majestic Flamingos grazing in shallow waters; from the enigmatic flightless Cormorants to playful sea lions—your land adventure in the Galapagos promises a wildlife spectacle like no other.

Read on to learn more about the unforgettable experiences that await you on your land excursions in the Galapagos.

Rabida, often referred to as "The Red Island", is a unique geographical marvel. Its striking red landscapes, including small craters, cliffs, and red sand beaches, are the result of oxidation processes during its formation. The island is notable for hosting a large colony of sea lions and a nesting ground for pelicans. It's one of the rare locations where flamingos can be seen and is the exclusive habitat in the Galapagos for all nine species of Darwin's finches. Additionally, Rabida boasts a small saltwater lagoon, forests of Palo Santo, and indigenous cacti species.

Following our morning dives, we'll set sail for Fernandina Island, traversing the Bolivar channel. This journey provides a fantastic chance to observe whales and dolphins. Fernandina Island, featured in numerous documentaries including BBC’s "Blue Planet I & II", is renowned for hosting the world's largest colony of marine iguanas. It stands as one of the most unspoiled islands globally, free from any species introduced by humans. The island's landscape is characterized by the flat, jet-black lava of Punta Espinosa, creating a distinct and desolate scenery. The island's unique features include lava cacti, various types of mangroves including black, white, and red, Sally light-foot crabs, Galapagos hawks, and sea turtles. Notably, it is also the habitat of the famous flightless cormorant. This land visit is an experience you definitely shouldn't miss!

At dawn, we'll embark on a scenic hike in Tagus Cove, situated on the northwestern coast of Isabela Island. This historic cove, once visited by Charles Darwin in 1835, is a gateway to the island's dramatic volcanic terrain. Our hike will lead us to a viewpoint overlooking the stunning landscape of Isabela, including the Darwin Crater Lake. Tagus Cove is also known for its presence of seven distinct species of Darwin's finches.

After the hike, we'll return along the same trail to begin a dinghy ride along a coastline teeming with marine life. This excursion offers a chance to observe various seabirds, including the blue-footed booby, brown noddy, terns, flightless cormorant, and the unique Galapagos penguins. These penguins, measuring just 1.4 feet (35 cm) in height, are notable for being the only penguin species residing in the northern hemisphere, specifically along the Equator.

Following our morning dive, we'll embark on a land excursion to the renowned Bartolome Island, a symbol of the Galapagos' natural beauty.

This visit is like stepping back in time to witness the formation of geological wonders like lava tubes, spatter cones, and remnants of two types of solidified lava: AA and pahoehoe. The landscape is spectacular, offering awe-inspiring views as you ascend the Summit Trail. Along the way, you'll encounter Tiquilia plants and various cacti species, enhancing the uniqueness of the journey. A highlight is the towering Pinnacle Rock, an iconic feature of the archipelago. This striking formation, a result of erosion on a tuff cone, is a sight to behold. At its base, a quaint colony of penguins coexists with sea lions and marine birds, adding to the island's charm and biodiversity.

Following our dive at Cousin's Rock and the land tour of Bartolome, our journey continues to Santa Cruz Island. In the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, we'll have the opportunity to observe Giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. Our excursion also includes a visit to a fascinating lava tunnel. Additionally, we'll explore Los Gemelos, or "The Twins" in English. Contrary to common belief, these impressive formations are not volcanic craters but rather sinkholes, offering a unique glimpse into the island's geological history.

This destination is a magnet for travelers and ornithologists eager to witness the Galapagos' spectacular and diverse birdlife.

North Seymour, in particular, offers an enthralling experience with its accessible nesting sites of blue-footed boobies and the archipelago's largest populations of Great and Magnificent Frigatebirds. In the more open areas, blue-footed boobies engage in their distinctive courtship dances. Visitors can also see Swallow-tailed Gulls perching on cliff edges, Great Blue Herons, Lava Herons, two species of frigate birds, and even endemic snakes.

The island is also home to impressive land iguanas, which can grow up to 3.9 feet (1.20 meters) in length. Despite the fierce surf on the outer shores, sea lions manage to haul themselves onto the beaches, often seen alongside marine iguanas. The vegetation here is typical of arid zones, sparse yet resilient.

Due to overwhelming positive feedback and demand, Galapagos Shark Diving is thrilled to announce that it will be offering not just one, but two 15-day Galapagos Conservation Dive Trips in 2024. These extended adventures are designed to offer a comprehensive experience of the Galapagos Islands, both above and below the water.

Dates in 2024:

• 30th July - 13th August 2024
• 13th August - 27th August 2024

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You can reach us at info@galapagossharkdiving.com. We are happy to assist you in any question you might have.