Intrepid explorers: 7 days roaming in the Galápagos Islands

Captain Daniel Mora Serrano, of 37.8-metre Stella Maris, available for charter with Burgess, details a route through the east of Ecuador’s archipelago

Day 1

Arrive in the small airport at San Cristóbal and transfer to Stella Maris. Depart straight away for nearby Lobos Island, which is inhabited by large colonies of sea lions. The calm waters between the two islands are perfect for snorkelling and there is the chance to observe numerous birds, including blue-footed boobies.

Cruise around the eastern side of San Cristóbal to take in Punta Pitt, a nesting point for many seabirds surrounded by volcanic cones. After lunch, go to Witch Hill on the north coast for a snorkel. It has a powder-white sand beach and clear waters full of turtles, sea lions and rays.

Stella Maris will relocate 24nm to Gardner Bay on Española Island. Stroll along the beach and encounter mockingbirds, marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Walk along the island’s Suarez Point to see waved albatrosses and a blowhole where water shoots 20 metres into the air.

Wake up at Floreana Island and head to Flamingo Lagoon to watch the birds search for shrimp in the mud. Then visit Post Office Bay, so named because whalers placed a barrel full of addressed letters here in 1973 in the hope that passing seamen would be sailing in the right direction.

Cruise 50nm north to Bartolomé Island, one of the archipelago’s most photographed locations. Enjoy an Ecuador-inspired lunch then tender in to Pinnacle Rock beach. Climb the wooden staircase to see Galápagos penguins – there is a small breeding colony in the cave behind the rock.

Cruise to Genovesa Island, the only island in the northern archipelago open to visitors. Climb the El Barranco, a gully formed of lava rock that leads to a field of dried lava. The scenic walk takes you past breeding grounds for frigatebirds and red-footed boobies.

Head ashore at South Plaza Island, which is covered in Sesuvium plants and Opuntia cacti, to spot land iguanas. Stella Maris will then move to Santa Fe Island for one last snorkel. After a final night on board, visit the giant tortoises on Santa Cruz before flying out of the Baltra Island airport.