Liveaboard Extensions

Bartolome is as iconic as the giant land tortoises. It is probably the most photographed site in Galapagos because of the sweeping 360° land-before-time views from the summit of lava fields and geological formations. On a clear day, you can see up to 10 islands. The island’s best known feature is the remains of a volcanic tuff cone called Pinnacle Rock. The waters around Pinnacle Rock provide snorkeling opportunities with penguins, sea lions and sea turtles. 

Bartolome is one of the newest islands in Galapagos, the remains of a volcano. It is a dry and rocky landscapes with little fauna on land. But never mind because Bartolome is about the views and snorkeling. As a British travel writer I once read noted how immediately you appreciate the fearlessness of the animals around humans, but months after you return, it’s the incredible vistas that you remember most vividly.

South Plaza Island is a small crescent shaped island just off the northern coast of Santa Cruz. It has an abundance of wildlife and good snorkeling in crystal clear water. South Plazas is carpeted with dense coral colored Sesuvium from June to January. Combined with either the black or white rock and turquoise sea, it’s is a pallet worthy of any piece in a museum. Prickly pear cactus rises from the ground at time blooming with beautiful yellow flowers.

South Plaza Island has land iguanas. The cliffs shelter and many nesting seabirds such a gulls, Blue Footed boobies, Nazca boobies and the ethereal red-billed Tropicbird. The water around Santa Cruz is home to an estimated 1000 sea lions with an unusually high number of males, so sparring is not uncommon. South Plaza is the only site in Galapagos where land iguanas and marine iguanas share a territory which has produced a hybrid iguana. 

Tortuga Bay is a rather spectacular place. It is 2 bays divided by a peninsula. The large white sandy beach is not appropriate for swimming. The smaller cove surrounded by mangroves is as calm as a lake. . The peninsula itself is a lovely walk with large colonies of marine iguana sunning and sneezing the salt after returning from sea on the short walk between the sea and an Opuntia Cactus forest. Crimson Sesuvium covers the ground much of the year. It is a stunning array of colors – blue skies, black volcanic rock, white sand, emerald green or deep blue sea, crimson or yellow sesuvium and green and brown shades of opuntia or mangrove. Keep an eye on the path so you don’t step on a marine iguana as they are very abundant in this area. 
There are usually kayaks available to rent at Tortuga Bay. I would choose that over snorkeling as the calm side is so silty, visibility is next to nothing.

Arrival is by foot or by boat. We recommend walking there and returning by boat.  You can do this on your own or we can send you with a private guide. 

Santa Fe has a stunning, crystal clear turquoise bay that truly resembles the Caribbean until you look up at the land and see all the prickly pear cactus plants. It’s a beautiful place to snorkel with sea lions, sharks, rays and tropical fish. 

It is thought to be the oldest island in Galapagos, so supports more endemic wildlife than any other island. Unlike most islands in Galapagos, it was born by tectonic uplift, not a volcano. So the topography is relatively flat. In addition to the tallest prickly pear cacti in Galapagos, there are Palo Santo trees. There are 2 species of land iguanas living on Santa Fe, one found nowhere else. Seagoing vessels long ago wiped out the Santa Fe species of tortoises, however, the National Park has been repopulating the island with a species of tortoise from Espanola. 

Los Tuneles is the stuff of BBC /National Geographic documentaries.  It’s a labyrinth of lava arches inside the breakers with crystal clear water full of huge sea turtles (sometimes man-sized), eagle rays, sea lions, fish, white tipped reef sharks and more.  Turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through Los Tuneles. You can stand on an arch (with 2 active volcanoes in the background) and watch them pass each other on the way from the mangroves to the open sea as if on a highway with lanes clearly designated. The land before time vistas are spectacular!  Pose with penguins for photos if you wish.  

At certain times of the year, Los Tuneles is also a blue footed booby nesting ground. We usually spot mantas enroute to Los Tuneles, sometimes mating and sometimes we also see eagle rays and turtles mating, too.

Just north of Los Tuneles is an area where turtles are so commonplace you almost begin to take them for granted. Back in the mangroves, you’ll see why mangroves are nurseries for many sea creatures, including eagle rays. You can often see seahorses wrapped around the mangrove roots . 

Sierra Negra is a live volcano in one of the most volcanically active places on earth! It also happens to have the second largest caldera in the world on any active volcano. You will be transported up to the base,“El Cura”. On foot, you walk a very narrow trail on the rim of the caldera. After a gorgeous hike, you arrive to the northeastern edge of the caldera. The views are breathtaking! You will relax a bit and have a snack on the edge of the caldera. You may continue the trek over to Volcan Chico, another 1-2 hour hike in each direction. The walk is difficult and there is no shade at all, but you will never, ever forget the experience!

Volcan Chico is a part of Sierra Negra rather than a separate volcano. It is a parasitic cone from which lava flows. Most say the incredible landscapes look like the moon! Fumarolic activity is abundant. See steam escaping fumaroles and feel the heat beneath your feet where lava flows below. Oxidized metal content is responsible for the palette of crimson, gold, pink, and silver, which sparkles in the equatorial sun. You will see both AA and pahoehoe lava fields. The views to the sea and the Perry Isthmus are spectacular. For most, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We always recommend having your transportation drop you at the entrance to the Tortoise Breeding Center on Isabela. You can walk back to town through paths and wooden platforms above wetlands spotting a lot of wildlife along the way.

Concha de Perla is a small area surrounded by lava rocks forming a lovely little atoll-like area where you often see sea lions and even penguins. It is located just before the passenger dock and accessible via a wooden walk way through the mangroves. You can do this on your own. 

Las Tintoreras is a small AA lava outcrop just off port which has a lava tunnel where you can usually see quite a few white tipped reef sharks ‘resting’ in the bottom and loads of young marine iguanas on the rocks. After a short walk to see the sharks, you will snorkel in the waters off the islet. Las Tintoreras is the local name for white tipped reef sharks. This is an organized tour. We can organize it in advance if you would like to add it to your itinerary. 

Wetlands and shore road: You can rent a bike in town and head down the shoreline. It full of deserted beaches and wetlands you can explore via wooden walkways. There is one great place to snorkel chocked full of turtles. We’ll give you a map to find it.