5 days
from $3,990
Isabella II – Western
Highlights
Visit Santa Cruz's Charles Darwin's research center
Bartolome's Pinnacle Rock and snorkel with penguins
Walk Santiago's moonscape-like volcanic formations
Swim alongside turtles and seahorses at Isabela Island
Access Fernandina pristine ecosystem at Punta Espinoza
Tour Facts
Price
Duration
ship
Activity Level
Starts / Ends
Departs
Location
click map to expand (not to scale)
Tour Facts
Price
Duration
ship
Activity Level
Starts / Ends
Departs
Location
Summary
Day
overnight & activities
1
BaltraIsland|Airport (GPS)|Santa CruzIsland|Fausto Llerena Breeding Ctr
2
BartolomeIsland|Pinnacle Rock|SantiagoIsland|Sullivan Bay
3
Santa CruzIsland|Dragon Hill|SantiagoIsland|Salt Mines
4
IsabelaIsland|Punta Vicente Roca|FernandinaIsland|Espinosa Point
5
BaltraIsland|Airport (GPS)
Full Itinerary
Day 1
(Thursday)
BaltraIsland|Airport (GPS)|Santa CruzIsland|Fausto Llerena Breeding Ctr
Welcome upon arrival to the Galapagos Island's Baltra Airport and transfer to the ship.
Santa Cruz Island, the central hub of the Galapagos, offers a diverse blend of ecosystems. It's home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, where conservation efforts for the iconic giant tortoises take place. High-land areas feature lush vegetation, while its coastline showcases a variety of marine life, including sea turtles and sharks.
The Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, established in 2004, is a vital conservation facility on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos. Dedicated to the preservation of native species, it plays a crucial role in breeding and rearing Galápagos giant tortoises before releasing them into the wild. Visitors can observe various tortoise species at different life stages, gain insights into ongoing conservation efforts, and learn about the center's role in ensuring the survival of these iconic creatures and maintaining the delicate ecological balance of the Galápagos Islands.
activities
:
Walk
meals
:
Dinner
Day 2
(Friday)
BartolomeIsland|Pinnacle Rock|SantiagoIsland|Sullivan Bay
Bartolome Island, is a volcanic islet with unique and breathtaking landscape. The iconic Pinnacle Rock, an ancient volcanic formation, stands as a prominent landmark against the surrounding azure waters. The island offers panoramic vistas from its summit, accessible by a wooden staircase. The distinct terrain showcases volcanic formations, including spatter cones and tuff formations. The beaches welcome sea lions and snorkelers to encounter marine life, including Galapagos penguins and white-tipped reef sharks.
Santiago Island, a significant part of the Galapagos archipelago, captivates with its stark volcanic landscapes and diverse ecosystems. The island embodies the Galapagos' geological wonders and showcases the coexistence of terrestrial and marine life in an environment of striking contrasts and unparalleled natural beauty.
Sullivan Bay is a great example of the dynamic geological forces of our planet. Dominated by striking pahoehoe lava flows formed during the late 19th century, the bay offers visitors a stark and dramatic landscape that stands in contrast to the typical lushness associated with the Galápagos. Its unique topography is punctuated by tectonic cracks, gas bubbles, and volcanic cones. Visitors will have a firsthand experience of nature's raw power; a glimpse into the island's volcanic history and the intricate process of ecological succession that follows such events.
activities
:
Snorkel, Swim, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
(Saturday)
Santa CruzIsland|Dragon Hill|SantiagoIsland|Salt Mines
Dragon Hill is a captivating destination featuring a brackish lagoon where migratory birds and flamingos gather. Venture along a trail through a forest of Opuntia cacti and enjoy stunning vistas of the coastline. Encounter the iconic Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat and learn about conservation efforts. An excellent location for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts.
Santiago Island, a significant part of the Galapagos archipelago, captivates with its stark volcanic landscapes and diverse ecosystems. The island embodies the Galapagos' geological wonders and showcases the coexistence of terrestrial and marine life in an environment of striking contrasts and unparalleled natural beauty.
The salt mines on Santiago Island highlight the region's diverse geological and ecological stories. These saline formations arise from natural processes, with evaporation ponds crystallizing salt from the surrounding sea. Over millennia, Santiago Island's unique climatic conditions have contributed to this phenomenon. Today, these salt mines hold importance from a geological perspective and also support the island's ecosystem by offering habitats for specific endemic species. Exploring these mines provides a deeper understanding of the intricate connections between natural history and geological marvels found within the Galápagos.
activities
:
Snorkel, Swim, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
(Sunday)
IsabelaIsland|Punta Vicente Roca|FernandinaIsland|Espinosa Point
Isabela Island, the largest in the archipelago, boasts captivating landscapes. Its Sierra Negra volcano offers the world's second-largest caldera, while the marine life-rich waters off Punta Vicente Roca are ideal for snorkeling. Unique flora and fauna, such as flightless cormorants and Galapagos penguins, define its ecological significance.
Punta Vicente Roca is a captivating destination within the Galapagos archipelago. Known for its dramatic landscapes and rich marine life, this site offers a unique blend of experiences. Towering cliffs adorned with seabird colonies create a stunning backdrop for exploring the underwater world. Snorkelers and divers can encounter a diverse array of marine species, including sea turtles, penguins, and various fish species. The striking geological formations and the opportunity to witness the famed Galapagos flightless cormorants in their natural habitat make Punta Vicente Roca a must-visit location for those seeking both terrestrial and aquatic wonders.
Fernandina Island, the youngest and most pristine, showcases volcanic terrain and minimal human impact. It teems with marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, and flightless cormorants, while lava formations tell the island's geological story. This island provides a glimpse into the natural evolution of the Galapagos ecosystem.
Espinosa Point boasts remarkable volcanic landscapes and a breeding ground for marine iguanas. Visitors can witness unique wildlife interactions and geological wonders, while observing flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, and lava herons along lava fields and mangrove forests.
activities
:
Snorkel, Swim, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
(Monday)
BaltraIsland|Airport (GPS)
After a heartfelt farewell from the ship's captain and crew, we will make our way to Baltra's airport, the final stop before our flight to the mainland. If time permits, you can extend your adventure to Ecuador's unique destinations or even Peru's Machu Picchu. Our team will be glad to recommend extension alternatives before or after your Galapagos experience.
end of the itinerary
Important: Daily activities description subject to change
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Pricing Details
Rates shown are per person based on standard double room or cabin occupancy.
Prices in US$ and valid through December 31, 2024
Single occupancy subject to single supplement .
Credit card payments subject to 3% processing fee.
What is Included
Hotels as shown or similar
All meals as shown
Airport transfers as shown
Professional bilingual guides
Excursions as part of a group
Gratuities except to guides
Additional Budget Considerations
International flights
Quito or Guayaquil to Galapagos roundtrip flights (est. $500)
Galapagos park fee and Tourist Card ($120)