Your Galapagos Island adventure begins as soon as you arrive in the archipelago. Start by transiting through a VIP lounge within Baltra Island Airport, the guides assisting with any luggage, before taking to a stand-up paddle board or canoe, crossing the crystalline Itabaca Channel; a popular waterway separating the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz. With luck, you may spot the famous Blue-footed Boobies, Reef Sharks, Pelicans and maybe even a Sea Lion colony. Upon landing, your next stop is a private reserve which surrounds the rustic Magic Galapagos Tented Camp, just outside the national park itself and home for the next two nights. Here, strap on your walking boots and hit the trails, searching for resident Giant Tortoises before nightfall, when starlit skies come blissfully into view.

Touring these seas on an iconic boat trip is one of the best ways to explore the Galapagos Islands, and the Magic Camp has access to its own private yacht. This means that–depending on which day of the week you visit–the natural wonders of North Seymour Island, Bachas Beach, South Plazas Island, Santa Fe Island, Bartolome Island and Sullivan Bay are all within easy reach and ready to be explored. If visiting North Seymour Island and Bachas Beach, expect families of Frigate Birds, Herons and Marine Iguanas, even Tiger Sharks prowling the shore. South Plazas is known for its huge populations of Land Iguanas and nesting Seabirds, giant cacti and a rocky coastline, while Santa Fe Island is where abundant Sea Lion colonies line heavenly stretches of golden beach. Lastly, the volcanic hills and lava fields of Bartolome and Sullivan Bay are an otherworldly sight indeed, before heading back to the Magic Galapagos Tented Camp.

Santa Cruz is one of the most diverse and intriguing of all the Galapagos Islands, so is well worth spending the extra time to uncover its many treasures. Begin the day with a walk or kayak along the paradise-like Tortuga Bay, an expanse of chalk-white sands, driftwood and sunbathing Iguanas. Next, a visit to the all-important Charles Darwin Research Center, where exciting exhibits and interactive displays go together with real-life conservation projects, including Giant Tortoise breeding and rehabilitation programs. Finally, for anyone keen to pick up last-minute Galapagos souvenirs or simply see some expert local craftsmanship in action, a nearby wooden workshop is the place to do it.

Before being taken to San Cristobal Island for your Galapagos cruise, the second half of this Galapagos land and sea package, there is one last natural wonder to explore on Santa Cruz: the colossal sinkhole craters of Los Gemelos. Hike through a Scalesia forest to reach these caverns, measuring up to 1,300ft across and 2,300ft deep and filled with lush foliage, before gradually retracing the trail towards your awaiting transfer. The Coral I and Coral II luxury yachts will be moored up on San Cristobal, a short boat ride away. From the pier it’s time for boarding, introductions with the crew and an early visit to the informative Interpretation Center nearby. Then, a hike up Cerro Tijeretas, or ‘Frigate Bird Hill’; a popular nesting site for both the Great and Magnificent species of Frigate.

This morning, navigate to the north of San Cristobal Island for a wet landing near Cerro Brujo or ‘Witches Hill’. These imposing black rock cliffs, made predominantly of petrified lava flows, are home to a wide range of species including Black-necked Stilts, Ruddy Turnstones, Whimbrels, Great Blue Herons and Sea Lions. Cerro Brujo is best explored from all angles, discovering the coast on a panga boat ride, snorkeling, then walking along the bay in search of a scenic viewpoint. Next, sail east to one of the most unforgettable Galapagos Island experiences, taking the rare opportunity to spot Red-footed, Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies all occupying the same natural habitat. This all takes place while hiking the rugged, red and green hued terrain of Punta Pitt, still on San Cristobal Island.

Your voyage on the Coral continues in fine fashion, courtesy of the many nature and wildlife highlights that await on Espanola Island, beginning at Punta Suarez. Look out for Sea Lions frolicking in the water, Marine Iguanas gripping the rocks, and intriguing bird species such as Masked and Nazca Boobies, Lava Herons, Waved Albatrosses and Swallow-tailed Gulls. The vast array of birdlife here gives Espanola a reputation for extraordinary biodiversity. This afternoon, the Espanola experience continues at Gardner Bay, a pristine stretch of ivory-white beach. Armed with a snorkel or kayak, swim or paddle through the bay’s blue waters to see tropical fish like Yellow-tailed Surgeon and King Angelfish; larger marine life such as White-tipped Reef Sharks, Turtles and Sea Lions are also known to inhabit the bay. This is one of the most enchanting days of Galapagos wildlife encounters during your Galapagos cruise and land tour.

From the postcard bays of Espanola Island to Cormorant Point on Floreana Island, south of Santa Cruz. There are two contrasting beaches here: Papakolea, which appears green in color due to its composition of volcanic olivine crystals, and Flour Beach, so-called for its powdery white sands. Keep an eye out for the Flamingos, Pintails, Stilts and other wading birds here, before snorkeling at the foot of Devil’s Crown and Champion Islet, swimming with reef fish, Giant Mantas and Dolphins. After lunch comes Post Office Bay, once a pirate’s hangout and home to an 18th century whalers post office, where you can still pop a postcard in the rum barrel box and it will find its way home to this day! Finally, the Floreana Highlands and Asilo de la Paz or ‘Peace Haven’, a scenic spot surrounded by Scalesia Trees and Giant Galapagos Tortoises, Frigate Birds and an endemic snail population.

Despite its small size, Floreana has a fascinating cultural history. It has served as a penal colony, pirates hangout, and was the first Galapagos island to be colonized in 1832. It’s also home to an 18th century whalers post office, which you’ll discover this morning at Post Office Bay. Here, you can still pop a postcard in the rum barrel box, and it will find its way home! From Post Office Bay to Cormorant Point, your guide takes you to two contrasting beaches on Floreana Island: the green volcanic olivine crystals of Papakolea, and Flour Beach, so-called for its powdery white sands. Keep an eye out for Flamingos, Pintails, Stilts and other wading birds that frequent a lagoon sandwiched between these two bays, before visiting Champion Islet for a spot of snorkeling.