Explore the Northwestern islands on a Galapagos cruise aboard the Beagle. This voyage circles the Galapagos Islands and treats guests to great snorkeling opportunities, wildlife encounters, and the chance to interact with the giant tortoises which gave this archipelago its name.
Highlights
Snorkel at one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth
Hike to sierra negra Volcano and enjoy the landscapes
Find giant tortoises and land iguanas on Urbina's volcanic black beach
Explore Santiago's shores, home to a variety of resident and migrant birds
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive at the Baltra airport and transfer to the Beagle.
Begin your Galapagos adventure in Bachas Beach and go swimming. View the floating pier which was left after the end of World War II. View the flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and whimbrels which make Bachas Beach their home.
In the morning, travel to the coral beach of Darwin Bay. Take a short hike which leads you through seabird colonies and a large red-footed booby colony.
In the afternoon, take the wooden staircase up Prince Phillip’s Step (El Barranco) for panoramic views of the island.
In the morning, sail for Puerto Egas and relax on black sandy beaches, also visit the old salt mines. Take an inland hike to the salt crater or walk along the rugged shoreline to find iguanas and sea lions. At the end of the trail, you might find a colony of fur seals and night herons.
After lunch The Beagle will start navigating to the west side of Isabela Island.
Punta Vicente Roca offers a dinghy ride, excellent for marine life observation. Then go snorkeling and enjoy the underwater wildlife. Take full advantage of the nutrient-rich Cromwell current that upswells in this area.
The 30 minute hike at Tagus Cove takes you to the top of a cliff to view the volcanic landscapes of Darwin Volcano and Darwin Lake, the latter an uplifted ultra-saline lake saltier than the sea. Historically used as an anchorage site by pirates and whalers, this site is again an excellent place for marine and land birds.
Fernandina is the youngest island of the archipelago. As you disembark at Punta Espinoza, you must be careful not to step on the marine iguanas piled up together to retain body heat. This visiting site is rich in wildlife, sea lions, flightless cormorants, penguins, herons, Sally light-foot crabs and much more, all living side by side on this small point with its mangrove forest. Located to the south at the foot of the western side of Alcedo Volcano, Urbina Bay was uplifted in 1954 from the seabed leaving coral heads sitting out of the water. There is a large colony of land iguana, which has grown since the feral dogs and goats have been controlled through Project Isabela. It also affords an opportunity to see the Alcedo Volcano tortoise in its natural habitat.
Sail for Elizabeth Bay, a marine visitor site with no landing point. Take a zodiac to visit the Marielas islets, the largest penguin colony in the Galapagos. Also view sea turtles, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans and sea lions.
Following lunch, travel to Punta Moreno and hike the trail which runs along a lava flow. The trail leads you to a series of coastal lagoons and mangroves.
After breakfast, passengers head for the Sierra Negra volcano, the second largest volcanic crater in the world. It sits in the southern part of Isabela Island. Transportation is available to the end of the road, followed by a 45- minute walk on a trail to the top of the volcano from where the caldera can be viewed.
Upon returning from the hike, passengers visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, to see the giant tortoises. Lunch is served upon your return to The Beagle, and afterwards, those who wish to, can go swimming in one of the Coves of Villamil Port. In the afternoon the boat begins traveling toward Puerto Ayora
Day 8: Santa Cruz Island | Baltra | Embark
1 Breakfast
Departing visitors going to Baltra Airport and those who are remaining on The Beagle for a second week will all go together in a bus to the Gemelos, located in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Pit craters are just off the main road that crosses the island to the airport.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,320
Select a Date
Standard
6 cabins with double accommodations, private bath facilities and air conditioning.
Notes
Please provide your wetsuit size in advance prior to trip
Child Discount
Inquire for special children's rates. Child discounts are conditional and may not apply on certain departures.
Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
Initial deposit is 25% ($400 minimum), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, and paddleboards are all included in the cruise cost and are available for your use onboard.
Bilingual Naturalist Guide
Adventure Life Pre-departure Services and In-Country Assistance (Quito Representative)
Shore Excursions, Swimming and Snorkeling
Transfers and Baggage Handling in the Galapagos
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Galapagos Park Entrance Fee: $100 per adult, $50 per child under 12. Payable upon arrival to the Galapagos, only in cash dollars. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!