7 nætter fra Baltra, Galapagos med Celebrity Xploration

Baltra ligger på Galapagosøerne. Under 2. verdenskrig var øens lufthavn en amerikansk militær base der beskyttede Panamakanalen for fjendtlige angreb.

Located in the center of the Galapagos archipelago, Santa Cruz Island, or Isla Santa Cruz as known by the locals, is the second largest island in the chain, after Isabela. The capital of the island is Puerto Ayora, which is the most populated urban center in the Galapagos Islands as well as the largest port town. The island itself is the most populated in the Galapagos, with 12,000 residents scattered throughout small villages. The island is a large, dormant volcano which it is estimated hasn’t been active in over a million years. As a testament to the volcano’s previous activity, there is a giant lava tunnel over 6,500 feet long that tourists can walk through.The highlands of Puerto Ayora offer are filled with a variety of trees and plants such as scalesia trees, cat’s claws, and Galapagos miconia. The highlands are also home to land tortoises that roam free in search of food and shallow ponds. There are also two large holes on the island named Los Gemelos or “The Twins,” which were caused as the result of the collapse of a magma chamber. Tortuga Bay can be found on the island, a pristine spot to observe marine iguanas, birds, Galapagos crabs, and a natural mangrove in which white-tipped reef sharks and the Galapagos tortoise can be found. Speaking of the giant tortoise, the Charles Darwin Research Station is located here, where they have implemented a breeding program for these endangered giants. This research station is the operational hub for the international non-profit Charles Darwin Foundation, and crucial research as well as environmental education are performed here. Santa Cruz is the main tourism hub for all of the Galapagos Islands and contains the longest paved road in the Galapagos, which runs across the island north-south. Indulge in the pristine white sand beaches of Las Bachas on the northern coast. Explore Black Turtle Cove by zodiac, and wonder at the impressive iguana population on Dragon Hill. It is on Isla Santa Cruz that tourists can really experience the interior and higher elevations of a Galapagos Island, as the elevation rises to a breathtaking height of 2,835 feet.

De varierende vulkanformationer man finder på denne smalle golde ø, gør at øen ligner et månelandskab. En hike over øens lava toppe og vulkan kegler leder op til den spektakulære udsigt fra Pinnacle Rock, hvor søløver og pingviner ofte ses lave krumspring i vandet.

Urvina Bay ligger på den største af Galapagos øerne. Området er et godt eksempel på den geologiske aktivitet på øerne. Det er et godt sted at se skildpadder i bugten.

Punta Espinoza huser leguaner (for mange til at tælle), som kan ses mens de soler sig på de sorte lava formationer – et dramatisk syn, der ligner syn hvor dinosaurer kommer til live. Skarver har reder i nærheden og Galapagos pingviner, skildpadder og søløver kan ses boltrede sig i den nærliggende lagune.

With its black sand beach, coastal tide pools, andblue-water grottoes, this stop offers a wonderful tasteof the Galapagos and the opportunity to see shore birds,Galapagos Hawks, sea lions, marine iguanas, andGalapagos fur seals. Sea lions, colorful tropical fish,and sea turtles are often seen while snorkeling.

Puerto Ayora er den største by på Galapagos øerne, men er dog ikke større end at man kan gå fra den ene ende til den anden på 15 min. langs Charles Darwin Avenue. Puerto Ayora er en hyggelig kystby, som tilbyder både mad fra køkkenet i Ecuador såvel som fra det internationale.

If you love eclectic cuisine, Darwin, which sits at the top of the Northern Territories and is therefore at the crossroads of so many cultures, will not disappoint. Sample everything from crocodile and barramundi to mud crabs and buffalo. Once you‘ve had your fill of culinary adventures, saunter into the street and watch musicians and performers show off traditional Aboriginal culture.

North Seymour ligger på den nordlige del af Baltra. Den største koloni af havfugle på Galapagos mødes her, du ser fugle der bygger rede og søløver der leger i havet.

Baltra ligger på Galapagosøerne. Under 2. verdenskrig var øens lufthavn en amerikansk militær base der beskyttede Panamakanalen for fjendtlige angreb.