Sea lions, seals, penguins, giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies; Turquoise waters and white sand beaches; Lava tubes, volcanic craters, desert cactus and vistas for miles...Did anyone say Galapagos ?

Experience Darwin's Triangle: Floreana Island, Isabela Island, Beach and Bay Tour, Tortoise Quest, Galapagos Treehouse Camping and other programs exclusively for Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges guests.

Departure: 10:00 AM (10:00)
Return: 3:00 PM (15:00)

Description: Our shaded speedboat will comfortably whisk you in roughly 10 minutes to "La Loberia" Island, named after its large colony of sea lions. You will have the chance to snorkel with these frolicking creatures, a great opportunity to see how they live up close and personal.

Next we will travel over to Tortuga Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches on Santa Cruz Island with powdery white sand and calm turquoise water.

On the way through the bay, you may see sea turtles, Galapagos sharks, reef rays, pelicans, blue footed boobies and herons in the mangrove forest lining the bay's side as well as other Galapagos marine birds.

The 'long' walk (10 minutes) back to Tortuga Bay is through a cactus forest above a carpet of crimson Sesuvium ground covering. It is a stunning array of colors against the beautiful blue skies, the black volcanic rock, the white sand and the emerald green or deep blue sea.

Next we will go to Punta Estrada where we sail through the Canal de Amor (Tunnel of Love). Many endemic birds nest or rest in the cavernous walls providing wonderful up close photo opportunities with blue footed boobies, pelicans, lava herons, frigates and more.

Minimum 2 passengers

You will need: Sunglasses Sunscreen Sport sandals or water shoes Swimsuit Camera (with underwater housing if you have it)

Includes: Snorkeling gear and wet suits if desired Fresh Towels Beach chairs and umbrellas Box Lunch, snacks and beverages

Notes:

• The resting white tip reef sharks are completely harmless to snorkel with.
• Box Lunch includes a sandwich, chips, fruit and beverages. If you have special dietary needs, please notify Reception 24 hours in advance
• Recommended gratuities: $20 for groups of 4 or less; $5 per person for groups of 4 or more.
• Please be aware that tours may, understandably, vary slightly due to weather, sea conditions, and/or sightings that merit extra time.
• Please do not feed or disturb the wildlife nor remove at all anything from the Island. If you are traveling with children, please monitor their behavior so we may preserve the natural beauty of the Galapagos for generations to come.

Departure: 10:00 AM (10:00)
Return: 2:00 PM (14:00)
Note: Hours may vary if taking this tour coming in from the Airport

Description: This tour begins with a trip to "Los Gemelos" (The Twins) - two enormous collapsed lava chambers, an awe-inspiring visual reminder of the power of nature. The short, easy hike to each of the twins is teeming with endemic flora and fauna, including the remaining Scalesia Forest draped in Liverwort, large and small tree finches, the adorable Vermillion flycatcher and more.

Afterwards, we will visit a 600 acre private reserve where the famous, giant Galapagos tortoises freely roam, graze and sleep.

After visiting the tortoises, we'll take a 5 minute ride to the entrance of a 450 meter (1350 feet) illuminated lava tunnel. With a ceiling nearly 20 feet high in most places, this is an incredible opportunity to ramble through the remnants of one of the most powerful forces in nature...lava flows. Stalagmites, stalactites, sulphur and mineral colored walls and more await you here.

You will need: Sunglasses Sunscreen Sneakers or Sports Sandals Camera Windbreaker or light rain jacket may come in handy Shorts or light, long trousers

Includes: Hot Lunch. If you have special dietary needs,      please notify Reception at least 24 hours in advance. Field boots Transportation to and from the hotel

Notes:

• If you are do this tour when leaving the airport, please set out appropriate shoes in the event you need to change. Heels or nice shoes you may wear on the plane are not appropriate for the short walk to Los Gemelos.
• Washroom facilities available on location
• Large selection of field boots, including large sizes for men, however nothing smaller than a size 4 for children
• If more comfortable with insect repellent, please use unscented.
• Recommended gratuities: For groups of 4 or less, $20. For larger groups, $5 per person. When you tip the Guide, he shares with any additional drivers as well as the lunch staff.
• If time and itinerary permit, this tour is excellent in combination with our overnight Red Mangrove Galapagos Camping.
• Please be aware that tours may, understandably, vary slightly due to weather, sea conditions, and/or sightings that merit extra time.
• Please do not feed or disturb the wildlife nor remove at all anything from the Highlands. If you are traveling with children, please monitor their behavior so we may preserve the natural beauty of the Galapagos for generations to come.

Arrival: Approx. 3:00 PM (15:00)
Return: In the AM the following morning, depending on tours you have booked or if you are departing for the Airport

Description: Enjoy culinary camping in the majestic green highlands perched above the blue sea.

Have a glass of wine in a whimsical cave, once part of a lava tube. Your own personal chef will prepare a delectable four-course meal from the freshest ingredients available while you are served drinks and appetizers in front of a cozy fire.

If you are here during the garua season, the mist begins rolling in as the sun sets.

Since there is no light pollution whatsoever, apart from the garua season, the heavens will be a starlit ceiling above and the lovely low path lights on the ground will seem like an earthbound constellation below as you climb up into your scrumptious tree house.

Given the proximity, this tour is perfect in combination with our "Tortoise Quest" tour.

Arrive at our Camping Lodge around 15:00 (3:00 PM). Observe and photograph the tortoises, visit the caves, soak in the stunning scenery, relax in your tree house or one of the hammocks, then take a hot shower before your gourmet dinner.

Our camping lodge offers 4 tree houses and 4 platform tents, each accommodating 2 people. Each tree house or tent is stocked with fresh cotton towels and pure drinking water. There are immaculate shared men's and women's washrooms with hot showers, soap, shampoo and conditioner.

You will need: Sunglasses Sunscreen Sneakers are best here Camera Shorts or light, long trousers Sweater, Fleece or Sweatshirt Windbreaker or light rain jacket may come in handy

Includes: Transportation to and from      the Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge in Puerto Ayora Dinner and breakfast. If you have special dietary needs,      please notify Reception at least 24 hours in advance.

Notes:

• Camping Lodge provides umbrellas if needed
• Cocktails and wine on location are extra. Wine selection is limited, so you may wish to bring your own bottle for this type of meal from Duty Free in Guayaquil or Quito. Main entrees are usually fresh fish.
• If more comfortable with insect repellent, please use unscented.
• Recommended gratuities: For groups of 4 or less, $20. For larger groups, $5 per person. When you tip the Chef, he shares with the assistant Chef and the attendant who takes care of everything else.
• If time and itinerary permit, this tour is excellent in combination with our Tortoise Quest / Mountain Tour. Because the location is between the airport and Puerto Ayora, it is also perfect for your first or last night in the Galapagos. If you do opt for this on the way in, please make sure you have appropriate clothing and shoes since. For example, heels or nice shoes, dresses, etc that may be appropriate for a plane would not be appropriate for camping.
• Please do not feed or disturb the wildlife nor remove at all anything from the setting. If you are traveling with children, please monitor their behavior so we may preserve the natural beauty of the Galapagos for generations to come.

We also coordinate guided visits to the Charles Darwin Station

Description: Bartolome is famous for Pinnacle Rock, the landmark of the Galapagos, is a towering, spearheaded obelisk that rises from the ocean's edge.

Galapagos penguins (the only species of penguin found north of the equator) walk precariously along narrow volcanic ledges at its base. Sea lions snooze on rocky platforms, ready to slide into the water and play with passing snorkelers. Just below the surface, shoals of tropical fish dodge in and out the rocks past sea urchins, sea stars and anemones.

A perfectly crescent, pink-and-white sandy beach is a nesting site for sea turtles.

Nearby, the submerged walls of a tiny volcanic crater give the impression of a fountain pool, untouched after its last eruption, where cones stand in various stages of erosion and lava tubes form bobsled-like runs from the summit.

You can also hike up the nearby hills to catch stunning views of Santiago Island and James Bay to the west, and far below, Pinnacle Rock and Bartolome, where your transportation back will be waiting in the crystal blue waters of the bay.

Description: North Seymour Island was lifted from ocean floor by a seismic event, and its origins as a seabed give the island its low, flat profile.

Swallow-tailed gulls sit perched on ledges of cliffs only a few meters off the shoreline.

A tiny forest of silver-grey Palo Santo trees stand just above the landing, usually without leaves, waiting for the rain to bring them into bloom. This island is teaming with life! You might have to give way to passing sea lions or marine iguanas.

Further along, the rocky shore gives way to white sand where large flocks of pelicans amass for a dive-bomb feeding frenzy. The trail turns inland to reveal the largest nesting site in the Galapagos of the "magnificent frigate bird".

These huge, dark acrobats have a 2 meter (6 foot) wingspan. The males, with puffed up scarlet throat sacks, sit precariously perched in low bushes to watch over their equally large chicks.

Description: Las Bachas is a sandy white-coral beach that is a major egg-laying site for sea turtles and their departing hatchlings.

On the shore, there are marine iguanas and in the lagoon, flamingos are commonly seen. A newer site open to visitors, Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragon), is a brackish water lagoon that attracts flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks and other species of birds. A short walk up a small hill rewards hikers with nesting iguanas and a great view!

Description: South Plaza is 2 small crescent-shaped islands that lie just a few hundred meters off the east coast of Santa Cruz. The northern island is used for scientific purposes only. South Plaza is one of the smaller, yet liveliest islands in the archipelago.

Only 130 meters wide (426 feet), it was formed from uplifted seabed giving it a tiled tabletop look. Our landing is in the channel between North and South Plaza, where the island tilts toward the water.

This approach makes for a lavishly colorful sight! The turquoise waters of the channel contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline.

The rocks have grown thick with green prickly-pear cactus. Bask in the warm sun with the yellow-gray land iguanas who wait patiently for pears to drop.

Red-billed tropic birds, masked and blue-footed boobies ride the windy currents near the shoreline where a colony of sea lion bachelors make home.

Description: Santa Fe offers one of the more beautiful and sheltered coves in the islands. Its turquoise lagoon is protected by a peninsula of tiny islets. The island lies to the southeast of Santa Cruz within sight of Puerto Ayora. Like North Seymour, Santa Fe has been uplifted seismically, gifting the isle with underwater lava formations.

A wet landing on a sandy white beach brings us into contact with one of the many sea lion harems. Bulls vie for the right of Beach Master while smaller males masquerade as females make stealthy mating moves.

Galapagos Hawks, perched atop salt bushes, are often easily approached. An ascending trail leads toward the cliffs where a dense thicket covers the inland side.

Santa Fe also happens to be the best place to spot one of the large species of land iguana native to Santa Fe. Beige to chocolate brown in color with dragon-like spinal columns, these huge iguanas truly resemble dinosaurs.

After the hike, there is nothing more inviting than a swim in the calm waters of the bay followed by watching the sun set behind the island cliffs as dusk settles over the Galapagos.