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Our Western Galapagos Cruise Itinerary starts with a tour of Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island, home to Galapagos land iguanas. The next day is spent at Isabela Island and Fernandina Island, the volcanic jewels of the National Park, where one can also spot flightless cormorants and Galapagos penguins.
Afterward, we head to the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station and its giant-tortoise breeding center on Santa Cruz Island. Finally, Floreana Island’s Post Office Bay and Cormorant Point round off the trip with fascinating insights into the human history of the archipelago.
This Galapagos itinerary has been designed to guarantee the best wildlife-viewing opportunities at several of the most gorgeous landscapes in the archipelago.
You’ll arrive at Baltra Island and then transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz II Galapagos Cruise. After an introductory briefing onboard and an emergency drill, you are invited to lunch.
Dragon Hill [Santa Cruz Island]
The first part of the walk here passes by a brackish-water lagoon that ducks and American flamingos frequent. Further inland, the trail offers view of the bay and the western islands.
Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)
After breakfast, we will explore the coast by dinghy. This site is also a nesting place for numerous iconic Galapagos species, such as flightless cormorants and Galapagos penguins.
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring Fernandina Island. You will see Galapagos iconic species including sea lions, Sally lightfoot crabs, and flightless cormorants.
Puerto Ayora & the Charles Darwin Research Station
The Station consists of a giant tortoise breeding center and a giant cactus forest. Following this visit, we travel to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island where we will enjoy lunch.
Highlands
You have several options to choose from in the afternoon. At the end of the afternoon’s activities, guests return to Puerto Ayora and hop back aboard the Santa Cruz II Galapagos cruise.
Baroness Tower + Post Office Bay
After breakfast, we experience Baroness Cove, and land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that served as a post office. Afterward, we head back aboard for lunch.
Champion Islet + Cormorant Point
An extinct shield volcano that’s regarded as one of the best snorkeling spots in the Galapagos Islands. From here, it’s onwards to Cormorant Point, where we can spot American flamingos, pintail ducks, and other birds.
You will disembark at Baltra Island in order to transfer to the airport to take your flight back to the mainland.
Fit for every type of traveler, our comfortable and impeccably clean cabins all come with large picture-windows that illuminate their interior, allowing guests to take in the views while providing an elegant and private relaxation space after a day of active exploring.
A total of 50 cabins for 90 guests, 36 of which can be interconnected, offer flexibility for larger groups of guests and families.
Visited on days one and three.
Home of the Charles Darwin Research Station and one of the largest giant tortoise populations in the archipelago. This island provides an exquisite sense of the ongoing conservation efforts underway, and the care native islanders take in protecting the wildlife and the environment. Giant tortoises are also seen in their natural habitat in the lush and verdant highlands.
Visited on day two.
Admire the epic and beautiful coastline of one of the largest islands in the Galapagos. In addition to the dramatic geology found here, you’ll also enjoy the chance to hop aboard our glass-bottom boat or go snorkeling in the presence of green sea turtles, playful sea lions, ocean sunfish, and even penguins, possibly!
Visited on day two.
Fascinate yourself with the mesmerizing canvas of recent lava flows that have amassed across the terrain here. Home to one of the largest colonies of marine iguanas, you’ll definitely want to watch your step, too! Snorkeling is offered here, with the possibility of seeing and even swimming alongside flightless cormorants and penguins.
Visited on day four.
Immerse yourself in the human history of the Galapagos by partaking in the rather unique act of sending mail the way sailors did two centuries ago — through a post office barrel! You’ll also enjoy gorgeous beaches that are frequented by flamingos, herons, and numerous other birds. Snorkeling, glass-bottom boat, kayaking, and paddleboarding are offered here.
Questions? Need help deciding?
Have a chat with our Destination Experts that have enjoyed our itineraries!
