Transfer from Manta to Guayaquil Airport by road -- a four-hour drive. Upon arrival in the islands, you'll meet your naturalist guide on Baltra and transfer by public bus to the shores of the Itabaca Channel.
A short ferry ride brings you to Santa Cruz Island. On Santa Cruz, board a private vehicle to transfer to Puerto Ayora on the far side of the island. As you pass through rural areas, you will learn a bit about the archipelago's agriculture and the diversity of its flora and fauna. Surrounded by wild landscapes and different species, keep a lookout for the finches famous for being the basis of Darwin's theory of evolution. Lunch is served at a restaurant in the Highlands.
Listen to the tortoises as they eat leaves from the trees and crash through the undergrowth -- they are beautiful but perhaps not graceful. Tortoises of all ages and sizes gather here. The small, young ones have bright, shining carapaces; the older ones move more slowly and sport some serious cracks in their shells -- evidence of a long life. Your guide will share the story of the origin of the well-known lava tunnels in this area.
An early start brings you to Itabaca Channel, where you step aboard a yacht for a day in paradise -- beautiful white beaches, clear water, and a wealth of wildlife to observe. On the two-hour boat trip, there may be an opportunity to observe dolphins and other marine residents very close to the boat in the early hours. Landing in Bartolome, where you'll discover a fascinating moonscape formed by different volcanic parasitic cones -- lava bombs, spatter and cinder cones.
Change clothes and head to the beach for a short ride to Sullivan Bay for snorkeling. Enjoy the diversity of native residents, such as marine iguanas, sea lions, pelicans, and many more. Lunch is served back on the boat. Get acquainted with North Seymour Island and Bachas beach. Head to Itabaca Channel, where you step aboard a yacht for the one-hour cruise to Seymour Island.
