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Cruises from Baltra (Galapagos)

Baltra (Galapagos), Galapagos Islands Cruises

Baltra (Galapagos), Galapagos Islands Cruises

A small, flat island in the middle of the Galapagos, Isla Baltra is situated in the center of the archipelago.  It is generally the first island you visit on your trip to the Galapagos Islands, Baltra. Additionally, this island has a history full of fascinating animal species. This base protected the Panama Canal and the Pacific Ocean during World War II. Discover the raw beauty of the Galapagos on a cruise to Isla Baltra.

Baltra Island Highlights

Baltra Island is considered the earliest official military base in Ecuadorian history. Having one of the two major airports on the islands makes it one of the most visited islands in Ecuador. Guayaquil and Quito receive international tourists in mainland Ecuador at the Seymour Airport on Baltra Island. The following highlights need to be taken into consideration aside from that. 

1. History

In addition to being an accidental marvel, Baltra Island holds essential pieces of history. It is nicknamed "The Gateway to the Galapagos Islands." Baltra Island is the gateway for thousands of visitors to discover the Galapagos Islands. The main terminal of the region's main airport is on this unassuming, flat, and rocky island. Baltra Island boasts the distinction of being The Gateway to the Galapagos, which is both ironic and geologically happenstance. Baltra is an uplifted island, unlike the rest, which is volcano remnants. Submerged land once covered Baltra and South Seymour. As a result of volcanic activity on neighboring Santa Cruz, the underwater geology of the region was altered.

2. Remarkable Wildlife

The wildlife on Baltra Island is remarkable, even though it is not within the Galapagos National Park. Iguanas are found only in the Galapagos. The Galapagos Land Iguana went extinct on Baltra Island in 1954. Galapagos Land Iguanas from North Seymour Island has brought a resurgence to the species in recent years. It is estimated that over 400 iguanas live on South Seymour Island. Explore the area, and you'll see many of them.

Interesting Spots in Baltra

World Heritage Site Galapagos Islands are the most bio-diverse region in the world and have been designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Baltra Island has a lot to offer once you get there. In deciding your itinerary, your Galapagos tourism guide can help you. You can create your own itinerary according to what you want to see or do. You may travel to North Seymour Island, Tip Top IV, and the Ecua-Andino Galapagos as part of your travel itinerary. Baltra Island is the most popular destination among these three places of importance. The Galapagos Islands are also well connected, so it is an excellent place to explore other islands in the archipelago. Isla Baltra, a nearby cruise port in the Galapagos, has the following nearby destinations:

1. Santa Fe Island

There are many islands in Galápagos, Ecuador, but Santa Fe Island is one of the oldest and smallest. There is a beautiful and sheltered cove on Santa Fé Island, also known as Barrington. Several tiny islets surround its turquoise lagoon, creating an ideal anchorage. The Barrington land iguana, a species endemic to the island, lives on Santa Fé Island, where there is a large sea lion nursery. Furthermore, Santa Fe is an excellent spot for snorkeling with children. In some cases, turtles and rays can be seen swimming around you, as well as colorful fish, underwater structures, and sea lions that play with you.

2. Floreana Island

In the Galápagos archipelago lies Floreana Island, a small island inhabited by humans. One of Floreana's most famous stories is a pirate, colonist, buccaneer, and whalers' tale. In Floreana Island, 2/3 of the people live in the city of "Puerto Velasco Ibarra," with the remainder living in the volcanic highlands.

Post Office Bay (founded in 1793) is among the famous attractions of Floreana Island. The Crown of the Devil is an eroded volcanic crater with a diverse marine ecosystem. The flamingo lagoons can be seen at Cormorant Point. Surfing, kayaking, and diving are also available in Floreana. As well as pelicans, seagulls, herons, visitors can observe sea lions, pelicans, and pelicans.

3. Santa Cruz Island

There are many tourist destinations in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, but Santa Cruz is the most popular. A centrally located island, along with Baltra Island. Relaxation and exuberant vegetation are two of the most popular features of Santa Cruz. This is in addition to the craters and lava tunnels on the volcano. Aside from diving and beach walking, visitors can watch sea lions and marine iguanas and observe bird life in Santa Cruz.

The Gemelos craters are a highlight of Santa Cruz Island, El Garrapatero, Los Alemanes, and Peninsula beaches. Aside from Tortuga Bay, the lava tunnels, Puerto Ayora, Garrapatero Beach, the Giant Tortoise Reserve, and the Charles Darwin Research Station, there are many other places to visit. Most activities begin in Puerto Ayora at the island's southern tip.

Frequently Asked Questions about to Baltra

A world unto itself, forged from lava and isolated from the world for thousands of years, the Galapagos Archipelago lies six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador. The islands and their fearless wildlife inspired Darwin's theory of evolution. Palm trees, prickly pear cacti, and salt bushes dominate the island's vegetation. It is one of two main airports in the Galapagos, along with San Cristobal, that attracts thousands of tourists annually. There is a 150-meter distance between Baltra and Santa Cruz's northern tip.

In Galapagos, Baltra Island is probably the most visited island, not necessarily because of its tourist offerings. Due to its location, it has one of two main airports in the Galapagos and San Cristobal airport that attract thousands of tourists each year.

Four inhabited islands in the archipelago have a total population of around 30,000 people. Mestizos make up the largest ethnic group in Ecuador. Unlike other islands, where people move slowly and live in a relaxed environment, the Galapagos Islands have a wonderful island vibe. The people are friendly and outgoing, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Many islands have snorkeling opportunities, excellent seafood restaurants, and small shops where supplies can be purchased.

The popular places of interest in Baltra Island are Santa Cruz Island, North Seymour, Tortunga Bay, Canal de Itabaca, Galapagos Voyagers, Puerto Ayora, Los Gemelos, Charles Darwin Research Station, and Punta Estrada Beach.

When you are visiting the Baltra Island, you need to keep in mind that it is isolated but is easily connected with the mainland, Galapagos checkpoint on the mainland and migration process, avoid inconveniences of self-booking, and don’t forget about the taxes and money in Galapagos.
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