After breakfast, you and the group will depart for Floreana Island. Leaving in the early hours, you board a speedboat and begin a two-hour crossing. Upon arrival to the peaceful island of Floreana, home to the Galapagos' smallest human population (only 150 people call Floreana home), you'll find the least developed and most natural of the four inhabited islands. It was the first inhabited islands in the Galapagos, and descendants of the original population still live here. Once a pirate's lair, the island's history is full of mystery and legends about its first inhabitants. During your stay, there will be hiking, learning about the fascinating local history and also plenty of chances to observe some of the Galapagos' special wildlife. With luck, you may see giant tortoises, frigate birds, sea lions, Darwin's finches, petrels and marine iguanas, among other species. On the mainland of Floreana, you will board an open-air 'chiva bus' to Floreana Lava Lodge, which overlooks one of the Galapagos' most beautiful and secluded bays. The lodge is operated by Claudio Cruz, a descendant of one of the Island's original inhabitants. Under the care of Claudio and his deep knowledge of the island and its history, you will meet several of his family members during the stay, giving you special insight into life on Floreana. Once settled in, the group can walk or kayak to nearby Black Beach for some snorkelling. After time in the water to whet your appetite, walk to a restaurant in the nearby village for lunch. The restaurant is part of a community tourism initiative that local partners have helped to develop since 2012. In the afternoon, you'll set out once again to walk to La Loberia, a sea lion breeding ground. Once there, enjoy another snorkelling and swimming dip in the calm, bright water with sea turtles, sea lions, stunning rays and an abundance of tropical fish. Later, return to the lodge (a 30-minute walk) for a warm shower. In the early evening, watch the spectacular sunset and then head to the village for dinner with fellow travellers to celebrate another incredible day in the Galapagos.
Meal
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Santa Cruz to Floreana
Your Accommodation
Floreana Lava Lodge
Located in Puerto Velasco Ibarra on Floreana Island, Lava Lodge is built entirely in pine wood from the mainland's man-made forests. The lodge is located by the ocean on a black lava surface, and is comprised of 10 cabins, each of which enjoys excellent views. The hotel is just a five-minute walk from town, and a three-minute walk leads to the loberia where it is easy to observe sea lions in their natural environment.
