San Cristóbal Island

Punta Pitt & Islet Pitt

This trip starts with a two-hour, clockwise, boat ride along the costal fringe of San Cristóbal as you navigate your way to the northeast side of the island. Along the way, you will observe Kicker Rock in the early morning light and stop by Cerro Brujo. Upon arrival your remote location, places you at the easternmost point of San Cristóbal and the whole of the Galápagos archipelago.

Following transit, your morning will be spent Snorkeling/ Scuba Diving, as you discover the underwater world at Islet Pitt, where a mix of sandy and rocky seabed habitats offer the perfect environment for Sting Rays, White-tipped Sharks, Eagle Rays, Sea Turtles, Morays, Garden Eels and many kinds of reef fishes, such as Yellow-tailed Surgeon fishes, Sergeant Majors, Damsels, and Parrotfishes. Currents in this area are mild and the maximum depth between15 and 18 m/ (50-60ft). Once back on board, you will find a tasty lunch prepared by the crew.

After lunch, you will make a wet beach landing adjacent to a colony of sea lions (up to 30 individuals), as you start a two-hour Land Excursion. During this you will hike up uniquely shaped sandy rocks to enjoy an interesting panorama of volcanic tuff formations. Expect to see Blue-footed Boobies (Sula nebouxii) nesting on the ground (as evidenced by their guano rings), as well as Red-footed Boobies and Nazca Boobies nesting in robust Salt Bushes. Punta Pitt is the only place where all three booby species live and nest in the same location and one of only two places where the red-footed variety can be found.

Your hike will lead you to the cliff edge, where you can enjoy the marine view and learn about the behavior of the Boobies, their competition with the Frigate birds, and much more.

Highlights

  • Red-footed boobies
  • Nazca boobies
  • Blue-footed boobies
  • Stingrays
  • White-tip reef sharks
  • Eagle rays
  • Sea turtles
  • Sea lions
  • Variety of reef fish

Activity

This tour starts at approx. 7:00 am from San Cristóbal’s main dock and ends back there at approx. 5:00 pm.

The tour includes a bilingual dive guide (PADI instructor) and bilingual naturalist guide, both authorized by the Galapagos National Park. Snacks, beverages, a hot lunch, towels and full

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