Unique Endemic Species
Take a paddleboard or kayak to explore the waters surrounding Tower Island, a tip of a volcano that sits right above sea level. Steep underwater terrain and rugged cliff faces make it an interesting habitat for marine and bird life. Alternatively, head towards Darwin Bay on Isla Genovesa, observing sea lions, sea turtles, and perhaps a manta ray along the way. Reach the shore and find the steep stairway that marks the entrance to Prince Philip’s Steps. Hike along this trail and encounter the world’s largest colony of red-footed boobies. Spot wedge-rumped storm petrels and, if fortunate, see the short-eared owl stalking its prey along the island’s cliffs.
Enjoy a sunrise hike through the famous lava formations of Bartolome Island. Later dive or snorkel with the Galapagos penguins and try your hand at underwater photography guided by your Pelorus host. Here, you will also find the endemic black eel coral, colourful clams, sharks, sea horses, and floating bullseye pufferfish.
Anchor off Punta Vicente Roca in Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago. Spend the morning slowly cruising around the island by tender, occasionally stopping to admire cormorants, pelicans, and sally lightfoot crabs on land. While in the crystal-clear waters, watch the rays, tropical fish, and marine iguanas swimming around you. Take this opportunity to explore Punta Espinosa with a local guide, where you will get the chance to feed hundreds of marine iguanas that inhabit the bay and to walk through the world’s only tropical colony of albatross.