Galapagos: Galaxy I Western Route 6 days

From Baltra Island to Baltra Island
  • Ecuador
  • Galapagos Islands
  • Small Ship Cruising
  • Wildlife and Nature
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Tour Description

Set sail on a remarkable journey through the Galapagos Islands aboard the Galaxy Yacht.

The expert naturalist guide will introduce you to the unique ecosystems and fascinating wildlife of the Galapagos. Journey into the lush highlands to encounter Giant tortoises and endemic bird species, then dive into the crystal-clear waters of Tintoreras to snorkel with sharks and penguins. Explore the diverse landscapes of Isabela Island's wetlands, Moreno Point's lava fields, and Fernandina Island's mangrove forests. Marvel at the iconic wildlife of Espinoza Point and Tagus Cove, from marine iguanas to Galapagos hawks. Finish off your journey with encounters with sea lions and penguins at Egas Port and Chinese Hat.

Throughout your voyage, the Galaxy Yacht will be your luxurious home away from home. Indulge in gourmet cuisine, relax in spacious cabins with panoramic views, and enjoy the attentive service of our dedicated crew. Whether you're snorkeling in pristine waters, hiking through volcanic landscapes, or simply soaking up the sun on deck, every moment aboard the Galaxy Yacht is an unforgettable experience.

Viva's Best Bits...

Luxurious accommodation and gourmet cuisine aboard the Galaxy Yacht

Captivating landscapes and diverse ecosystems, showcasing the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands

Unforgettable wildlife encounters with iconic species such as Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins & many more

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Baltra Island Santa Cruz Island

YACHT Galaxy 6 day western itinerary

*Galapagos excursions are subject to change without prior notice. Changes in plans may arise due to weather conditions, National Park regulations, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Galapagos Islands, starting with your arrival at Baltra airport. Our expert naturalist guide from the National Park will eagerly await your arrival to introduce you to the wonders ahead.

Highlands
Whether you're commencing your exploration from Baltra or Puerto Ayora, a comfortable bus ride will usher you into the verdant embrace of the highlands. En route, we'll pause at a reserve, where you'll step into lush highland forests to seek out Galapagos Giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Witness these gentle titans - some weighing more than 300 kg / 600 pounds - as they graze and recline in tranquil freshwater ponds. These highlands are also a sanctuary for many bird species seldom found in the lowlands, such as finches (tree, woodpecker, and vegetarian), flycatchers, and numerous waterbirds. Depending on your itinerary, you'll also visit a lava tunnel. Here, you'll delve into the fascinating geological history of the Galapagos, understanding how ancient volcanic eruptions crafted these extraordinary formations.

Day 2
Isabela Island

Tintoreras
Start your morning on Isabela Island, embarking on a unique adventure at Tintoreras, a cluster of small isles teeming with wildlife. Sail through crystal-clear waters and discover a vibrant underwater world inhabited by white-tipped sharks, colorful tropical fish, and starfish.

Isabela Island wetlands & Interpretation center
In the afternoon, explore the wetlands of Isabela Island, a vital ecosystem for the biodiversity of the Galapagos. These trails take you through mangroves, saline lagoons, and beaches, where you can spot flamingos, blue-billed ducks, and other aquatic birds. Conclude the day at the Interpretation Center, discovering the natural and human history of the islands, their conservation, and the ongoing efforts to protect this World Heritage Site.

Day 3
Isabela Island Fernandina Island

Moreno Point
Begin your day at the seemingly barren yet enchanting landscape of Moreno Point, a vast tableau of lava fields that unfolds into a tapestry of life. As you venture inland, discover brackish lagoons acting as life's oasis, teeming with flamingos, gallinules, ducks, and herons. Along the coastline, keep an eye out for the playful penguins, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, oystercatchers, and a chorus of other shorebirds.

Mangle Point
Begin your day at Mangle Point on the pristine Fernandina Island, one of the Galapagos's most untouched and ecologically pure islands. This location offers a spectacular mangrove ecosystem, a haven for wildlife. As your boat gently navigates through the clear waters, observe the intricate mangrove roots where marine turtles and rays often hide. The calm and shallow waters make this an ideal spot for snorkeling, offering a chance to swim alongside sea turtles, various species of rays, and abundant tropical fish.
Mangle Point presents a unique opportunity to witness the symbiosis between the mangrove forests and the marine environment, offering a serene and intimate experience with nature.

Day 4
Fernandina Island Isabela Island

Espinoza Point
Begin your day at Espinoza Point, located at the base of an imposing volcano - the most active in the Galapagos islands. This site, one of the crown jewels of the Galapagos National Park, presents a unique spectacle right from the moment you step ashore. Hundreds of marine iguanas, forming the largest colony of the species, greet you upon arrival. Sea lions lounge on the beaches, their pups playfully exploring the tide pools. Along the shore, catch sight of flightless cormorants, a species confined to the western areas of the archipelago. Blessed with cold, plankton-rich waters, Punta Espinosa is a sanctuary for diverse species, including herons, pelicans, oystercatchers, sea turtles, shorebirds, and more. Also, keep an eye on the mangroves where Galapagos hawks often perch, scanning for prey.

Tagus Cove
In the afternoon, we visit the historical Tagus Cove, a site Charles Darwin once explored during his travels around the Galapagos islands. Traverse the arid Palo Santo forests, where Darwin finches and mockingbirds make their home, and take in the panoramic views of Darwin’s Lake and the towering volcanoes of northern Isabela.
A boat tour along the shore offers chances to observe penguins, cormorants, marine iguanas, and the rare Galapagos martin - an endemic, petite bird considered one of the most endangered species on the island.

Day 5
Santiago Island

Egas Port
Despite its misleading name, there isn't a traditional "port" at Puerto Egas, yet some remnants of past attempts to colonize the island during the 1960s can still be seen. The trail here follows the coastline, an area rich in wildlife. You will see marine iguanas basking in the sun everywhere you turn, along with Galapagos sea lions, herons, oystercatchers, and many shorebirds. Towards the trail’s end, you'll encounter "the grottos,” home to a small colony of the elusive endemic Galapagos fur seal, much more challenging to spot than its cousin. As recently as 2019, land iguanas were reintroduced to the area, so keep an eye out for these impressive reptiles, which had been extinct from Santiago for over a century.

Chinese Hat
Welcome to the perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone of Chinese Hat! Separated from Santiago by a slender channel, this idyllic islet is framed by turquoise waters, coral sand beaches, and dark lava rocks – an unexpected haven for penguins. A shore trail brings you up close to a small colony of sea lions.

Day 6
Santa Cruz Island

Black Turtle Cove
We dive into our Galapagos adventure at Black Turtle Cove, aptly named for the thriving "Tortugas negras" population or green sea turtles. We navigate this natural sanctuary on dinghies, cruising amidst serene mangrove forests and tranquil water channels. Expect sightings of reef sharks, diverse ray species, and a plethora of bird species, including herons, pelicans, and boobies. Remember, this magical cove is a significant breeding ground for turtles and a nursery for various shark species!
As the day winds down, prepare for your return to the Ecuador mainland. Reflect on the extraordinary experiences and memories created as you journey back. The return trip is a time to relax and ponder the unique ecosystems and incredible wildlife you've encountered, leaving the enchanted islands behind but taking a piece of their magic.
This concludes your remarkable journey through the Galapagos, filled with awe-inspiring encounters with nature's wonders, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of our planet's ecosystems.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 Cabin on board with ensuite
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals onboard
  • Included Copy 20 Unlimited purified water, coffee and tea
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Island sightseeing
  • Included Copy 20 Bilingual National Park Guide
  • Included Copy 20 Snorkeling gear and wetsuits
  • Included Copy 20 Use of kayaks, paddle boards, dinghy rides, beach towels
  • Included Copy 20 Snorkel Gear (mask, tube and fins)
  • Included Copy 20 Transfers airport/yacht/airport in Galapagos
  • Included Copy 7 Galapagos Islands National Park Entrance Fee & TCT USD$220 (Subject to change)
  • Included Copy 7 Return flights to the Galapagos Islands
Transportation

Galaxy

16 Passengers

Activities

  • Included Birdwatching excursions to spot flamingos, herons, and blue-footed boobies
  • Included Snorkeling and swimming with sharks, sea turtles, and colorful fish
  • Included Dinghy rides along scenic coastlines
  • Included Guided hikes through lush highlands and volcanic landscapes
  • Included Relaxation and leisure time on deck, enjoying panoramic views of the Galapagos Islands
  • Included Go kayaking or paddle boarding
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

6 days

Price from

$3,610 USD

Per person, sharing

Based on a standard cabin

Departs Select Wednesdays