Enjoy the Western Islands of the Galapagos archipelago and discover all that this wonderful destination has to offer. Snorkel with sea lions and kayak surrounded by unique species. On this 8-day exciting journey, explore the exclusive shores of Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, and Santiago. Experience stunning encounters with Galapagos wildlife as you take part in adventure options such as hiking and swimming in pristine crystal-clear waters.
Highlights
Observe the famed Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat
Witness the famous dance of the blue-footed boobies at Vicente Roca Point
Look for Galapagos penguins, one of the most rare penguin species on earth
Cruise along Moreno Point's shoreline to spot amazing marine iguanas
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Morning flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra, Galapagos Islands.
Arrive at Baltra Island in the morning. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, meet an Alya staff member and transferred to the yacht. Seeto your cabin where you have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.
In the afternoon, visit the Twin Craters located opposite to each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only gurative; not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground ssures and chambers. The view is breathtaking.
In the morning, visit Moreno Point located southwest of Elizabeth Bay. Here experience a dry landing on to what was once flowing lava. The lava has left craters in its wake which formed crystal tide pools. By looking into the pools, you can peer into another world as the marine life drifts by the window. In the brackish pools of this area, you may see pink flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, and white-tip reef sharks and some sea turtles.
Elizabeth Bay is located on the east coast of Isabela Island. The bay contains many islets which can be visited by dinghy. Penguins and blue-footed boobies can be spotted on the rocky islets. With an abundance of marine life and clear water, the area is perfect for snorkeling and viewing schools of colorful fish.
In the morning, visit Urbina Bay, located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954 causing the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is also a great place for snorkeling.
In the afternoon, cross the Bolivar Channel that divides Isabela and Fernandina Islands, land at Espinosa Point, and after walking past a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions, reach the island’s highlight: the fightless cormorant nesting site. This area provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos hawk.
In the morning visit Tagus Cove on Isabela Island, located across from Fernandina Island, near the Bolivar Channel dividing the two islands. This spot has been frequented by ships since the 1800s, using the area as an anchorage site. Trails winding by Lake Darwin up to a ridge display wonderful views. Punta Tortuga, just north of Tagus Cove, is another lovely beach surrounded by mangroves.
In the afternoon, visit Vicente Roca Point. Comprised of 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 (or sun fish).
In the morning, sail to Espumilla Beach where marine iguanas lounge and the Sally Lightfoot crabs attract the hunting herons performing the dance of predator and prey right before your eyes. Snorkel and find yourself face to face with an octopus, moray eel, shark, and a variety of other species of tropical fish.
In the afternoon visit Egas Port (also known as James Bay) on Santiago Island, which is home to the curious Galapagos hawks and quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. The trail leads to the coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos fur sea lions bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site.
In the morning, cruise to Rabida Island (or Jervis), one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago as well as a great snorkeling site. Start on Rabida’s famous maroon sandy beach, and after an easy hike, arrive at a stunning lookout to enjoy the amazing landscapes. The island is a birdwatcher’s delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance such as nine varieties of finches, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks, and brown pelicans.
In the afternoon, visit Chinese Hat Islet. This small islet is located near the southeast coast of Santiago Island. Its name comes from the distinct shape of the islet’s summit. This is a great location to view many geological formations such as lava tubes and lava flows. Some of the lava flows were formed underwater and subsequently raised above sea level. The presence of coral heads on the lava indicates this phenomenon.
In the morning visit Bachas Beach, a swimming beach located on the north shore of Santa Cruz. One of the few remnants of the U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos, a floating pier, can be seen here. You may see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, black-necked stilts, and sea turtles also nesting on the beach.
In the afternoon, head to South Plaza Island. This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colorful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is the Sesuvium. During the rainy season its color is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end of June through January) a bright red.
Day 8: San Cristobal | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Visit the Interpretation Center, a conservation project that represents the effort to protect wildlife and the environment through population and tourism controls.
After this final visit, be transferred to San Cristobal’s airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.
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.
$8,181
Select a Date
Standard
9 comfortable cabins, 8 with private balconies. All the beds can be double or twin. Upper Deck cabins are 172ft² / 16m²; Main Deck cabins measure 215ft² / 20m².
Notes
Please provide your wetsuite size in advance prior to trip
Child Discount
10% discount for children under 12 years of age. Children over 6 years old are welcome aboard. Child discounts are conditional and may not apply on certain departures. Please contact us for more information.
Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days 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: $200 per adult, $100 per child under 12 (fees of $100 per adult and $50 per child valid on arrivals throughAug 1, 2024). Payable upon arrival to the Galapagos, only in cash dollars. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 166 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 166 reviews on
3 days ago
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!
Sandi T
2 weeks ago
Erin was patient, thorough, responsive, knowledgeable.
Karen Bukolt
3 weeks ago
Erin was responsive, knowledgeable, helpful, and ran through a few different choices with us. She got us a fabulous price on a trip, and made everything easy to do. And QUICK!!
Tina
1 month ago
From the initial meeting and planning process with our trip planner Jess, through to the finalizing of our itinerary, trip details and questions, I was very impressed with the professionalism, thoroughness, organization and attention to details. I would highly recommend Adventure Life to anyone looking to plan a unique travelling experience, knowing that the expertise and experience provided will result in a seamless trip of a lifetime.
Lynn Farquharson
1 month ago
Excellent suggestions I line with my desires on a Galapagos very last minute cruise.
Swift and professional guidance and assistance in booking the trip. Helped me realising a substantial saving.