8 days Galapagos Itinerary on board the MV Origin expedition yacht

Fly to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island, and transfer by bus then Zodiac to the Origin anchored in the bay  After the welcome briefing and safety drill, a delicious buffet lunch is served on board.  In the afternoon, travel by bus to Cerro Tijeretas(Frigatebird Hill), one of two sites where you can see nesting colonies of both species of frigatebirds (Great and Magnificent), as well lava lizards, the medium ground finch and the San Cristobal mockingbird.  Walk along the trail to Punta Carola for scenic views, then return to the Origin in the evening for a briefing followed by our Captain’s welcome party and dinner.

Go ashore this morning at Punta Pitt, a tuff formation that serves as a nesting site for many sea birds including all three types of boobies – blue-footed, red-footed and Nazca, both frigatebird species, swallow-tailed gulls, storm petrels, shearwaters and brown pelicans.  Punta Pitt is considered one of the best sites for birds in the archipelago, and is also home to a colony of sea lions. At Pitt Rock, we snorkel or swim with sea lions and colorful fish such as King Angel and Surgeon fish. Return to the ORIGIN for lunch.  Spend the afternoon at Cerro Brujo, a breathtaking white coral beach, with expansive views and good birdwatching.  Take a peaceful walk along the beach, swim with sea lions or use the kayaks or stand-up paddle boards. Enjoy a zodiac ride through a cave called The Cathedral before returning to the ORIGIN for a briefing followed by dinner.