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Isabela rock with birds

Western Islands (2017)

Example 6 Day Cruise aboard Santa Cruz II
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Experience the best of the Galapagos Islands on a 6-day cruise of the western islands. Snorkel with sea lions, view the famous dance of the blue-footed boobies, and see the giant tortoises which gave this archipelago its name as you travel these historic islands.
Espinoza Point, Fernandina Island, GalapagosThe GalapagosView of Isabela From FernandinaSea lion on North SeymourIsabela rock with birds
Highlights
  • Volcanic landscape of Fernandina
  • Espinosa Point to see sunbathing Marine Iguanas
  • Visit Giant Tortoises at El Chato on Santa Cruz
  • Send some mail at Post Office Bay
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Baltra - North Seymour

Arrive at the Baltra airport and transfer to the Santa Cruz II. Familiarize yourself with the ship and your cruise-mates.

Begin your Galapagos tour at North Seymour Island. Take a 1.2 mile hike across the island and explore its rocky coast. Along the way, stop to see colonies of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds. Watch as sea lions body surf in the waves and see if you can spot Daphne Major and Minor in the distance.

Day 2: Isabela - Fernandina

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the morning, sail for Vicente Roca Point to see the remnants of an ancient volcano. These two turquoise coves are well protected from ocean swells and are ideal for snorkeling. Explore the cliffs surrounding the bays and view masked and blue-footed boobies.

In the afternoon, journey to Espinosa Point, a narrow stretch of land where hundreds of marine iguanas sun themselves on the lava rocks. Observe the different types of lava flows and mangrove forests which line the area.

Day 3: Isabela

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Travel to Tagus Cove, which was named after a British warship. Take a panga (zodiac) trip below the high cliffs to view the pirate graffiti on the rocks.

After lunch, travel to Urbina Bay to see sea turtles and rays in the shallows. Take a short trail to the coral reef, providing you with the unique experience of walking in a coral bed.

Day 4: Santa Cruz Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a non-profit organization which specializes in tortoise conservation. Reach out and encounter the tortoises in their corrals.

Sail for El Chato in the afternoon, a reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz. See the giant tortoises in the wild and walk around the reserve, offering one of the best places to observe ground birds, tree and ground finches, the vermillion flycatcher, cattle egrets and occasionally Galápagos rails.

Day 5: Floreana

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sail for Post Office Bay to view the barrel where whalers and sailors used to leave their mail. Take place in the tradition by leaving an addressed postcard in the barrel. If you sort through those already placed in the barrel and find one close to where you live, feel free to take it and deliver it, yourself!

In the afternoon, visit Baroness’ Observatory for breath-taking views of La Lobería and the inland features of Floreana.

Day 6: Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your connecting flight to the mainland.

Ship/Hotel

Santa Cruz II

BEAGLE RESTAURANT
Evolution Hall Santa Cruz II

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$4,394
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Explorer Cabin - Horizon deck (EH)
With comfortable spaces and large picture windows to illuminate the interior spaces and allow guests to take in the views, these cabins offer elegant areas to relax after a day of active exploring. There are 23 Explorer cabins located on the Horizon deck. Beds convert from double to twin upon request. Cabin code: EH
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Explorer Cabin - Expedition deck (EE)
With comfortable spaces and large picture windows to illuminate the interior spaces and allow guests to take in the views, these cabins offer elegant areas to relax after a day of active exploring. There are 17 Explorer cabins located as on the Expedition deck. Beds convert from double to twin upon request. Cabin code: EE
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Explorer Cabin - Panorama deck (EP)
With comfortable spaces and large picture windows to illuminate the interior spaces and allow guests to take in the views, these cabins offer elegant areas to relax after a day of active exploring. There are 3 Explorer cabins located on the Panorama deck. Beds convert from double to twin upon request. Cabin code: EP
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Explorer Family Cabin - Horizon deck (FH)
With comfortable spaces and large picture windows to illuminate the interior spaces and allow guests to take in the views, these cabins offer elegant areas to relax after a day of active exploring. There are 2 Explorer family cabins located on the Horizon deck. Cabins are equipped with twin beds and a sofa bed (ideal for children under 12). Cabin code: FH
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Darwin Suite - Panorama deck (DS)
Our three Darwin suites on the Panorama deck feature double picture windows, and offers superb comfort and deluxe amenities. Available with a twin or double bed, and if more space is desired, these suites can be interconnected with an Explorer cabin. Cabin code: DS

Notes

Please provide your wetsuite size in advance prior to trip

Child Discount

Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
Included
  • 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners
  • 5 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • 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
  • Snorkeling and kayaking equipment is included in the cruise cost and available for your use on board.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Galapagos Park Entrance Fee: $200 per adult, $100 per child under 12 (fees of $100 per adult and $50 per child valid on arrivals through Aug 1, 2024). Payable upon arrival to the Galapagos, only in cash dollars. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
  • Wetsuits are not included but are available to rent on board - $22 for 5-day tours, and $41 for 7-day tours.
  • Fuel Surcharge - to be invoiced separately

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
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