Galapagos Cruise EcoGalaxy | Western Route 6 days

Baltra airport. Reception at the airport and Transfer In. Welcome on board EcoGalaxy Catamaran; welcome drink and lunch.

CHARLES DARWIN STATION is located in the main port on Santa Cruz Island; we will take a private bus to the entrance of the breeding center where we will see tortoises and land iguanas in captivity. This center is the main breeding site on the islands. Animals that were in danger of extinction on various islands are maintained here in captivity. Thanks to the dedicated work of several institutions, some species are being saved. This is where Lonesome George lived, the famous last survivor of the species of giant tortoise found on Pinta Island.

TINTORERAS: Located in the bay of Puerto Villamil, this small island, surrounded by calm, turquoise waters, has an easy trail with great landscapes and very interesting fauna. Along the trail, we will see large numbers of Marine Iguanas basking in the sun, lava lizards, herons, gulls and sea lions. In the coves, it is easy to find sea turtles, rays and even penguins. Among the many inlets and channels along the coast, we sometimes see white-tipped reef sharks (in Spanish “Tintoreras”). Following the excursion, we will return to the boat for breakfast and sail to our next destination.

MORENO POINT. After lunch, we will disembark at Moreno Point, which is located near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. The plethora of birds seen during a dinghy ride along the striking rocky shores or a hike along a path through lava rocks leading to tide pools and mangroves, create a birdwatcher’s delight. In the tide pools, green sea turtles and white-tip sharks can be spotted.

ELIZABETH BAY: This is one of the island’s breeding sites for penguins. Located along the west coast of Isabela, Elizabeth Point is a marine visitor site. Visit Red Mangrove Cove: Brown pelicans, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays and sea lions are often seen. Lunch

URBINA BAY: this place is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano, between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove. Wet landing. Trail length is around 3.20 Km; during this walk, we will observe land iguanas, hawks and tortoises. It is also possible to see red and blue lobsters. Dinner.

FERNANDINA ISLAND – ESPINOZA POINT: Fernandina is the third largest island in the Galapagos and has only one visiting site: Espinoza Point, famous for the large colonies of marine iguanas and the home of the flightless cormorant, the Galapagos penguin, snakes, and more. From Espinoza Point, we can admire the beauty of Fernandina Island and its volcano, which last erupted in May of 2005. Fernandina is the only island that doesn’t have mammals, and the open areas are extremely fragile. January to June is the nesting period of the marine iguana, and as such we take great care while walking here. Return to EcoGalaxy. Lunch

ISABELA ISLAND: VICENTE ROCA POINT: made up by two separate coves, this site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange, yet fascinating, Mola-mola (sunfish). Dinner.

EGAS PORT: Here we find a beautiful black sand beach; to the south of the beach is Pan de Azucar Volcano, whose volcanic deposits have contributed to the formation of the black sand beach. The crater of this volcano contains a saltwater lake that dries up during hot weather. Between 1928 and 1930, explorations to develop a salt mine were carried out, but it was decided that a mine was not feasible. The workers’ use of endemic woods also damaged the environment and the development was scrapped. Descent down into the salt mine is not allowed. Lunch.

RABIDA ISLAND: The visitor site, located on the east coast of Rabida Island, consists of a red sand beach, a coastal lagoon behind the beach, and a loop trail approximately 1.1 km in length. The red colour of the rocks and sand on the beach is due to the interaction of the very porous volcanic material with environmental factors. Rain, salt water and the sea breeze, act as oxidizing agents, creating the red colour. The scenery, arid zone vegetation and the presence of native and endemic species add to the beauty of this island. Dinner.

BLACK TURTLE COVE: After lunch, our first visit is to Black Turtle Cove, which is situated in the northern region of Santa Cruz. This bay is surrounded by mangroves and is accessible only by dinghy. The shallow cove is a safe refuge for marine life. Black-tip reef sharks, marine turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here. Transfer to the airport.

** This itinerary is subject to change without notice; due to seasonal changes, weather conditions or Galapagos National Park regulations. **