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Getting up close with a crab in the Galapagos

Western Islands

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Cachalote Explorer
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Embark on this exciting 8-day tour of the Galapagos' wild west! Highlights of the west include beautiful Santa Cruz, wildlife-rich Isabela, cliff-laden Fernandina, and the amazing black beaches of Santiago. These islands are rich with an abundance of wildlife both in and out of the ocean including flamingos, iguanas, sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks. Enjoy the company of friendly sea lions while snorkeling or hike across volcanic landscapes, making this a truly unique vacation.
Kayaking Elizabeth's BaySea lions snuggling on the beach of Isabela IslandIsabela, Volcano Negro(Santa Cruz)Getting up close with a crab in the Galapagos
Highlights
  • Visit Isabela's Giant Tortoise Breeding Center
  • Explore Elizabeth Bay and search for marine turtles and sea lions
  • Take a hike around Bartolome
  • Snorkel on the beautiful island of Isabela
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 - Santa Cruz

Arrive in the Galapagos and transfer to Santa Cruz Island. Here, we will visit the highlands of Santa Cruz where you will have the opportunity to see giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and its giant tortoise breeding center. Here, you can learn about the various Galapagos conservation and research programs that have helped saved certain species of tortoises from becoming extinct.

Day 2: Chinese Hat - Rábida

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning we travel to Chinese Hat (Sombrero Chino), a small volcanic island. Here, view magnificent lava tubes and lava flows, and learn about these interesting geological formations.

This afternoon, we travel to Rábida Island, visiting a saltwater lagoon and keeping our eyes peeled for Brown Pelicans and other amazing Galapagos wildlife!

Day 3: Isabela

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today we arrive to Isabela Island, in search of Blue-footed Boobies, fur seals, sea lions and more! In the morning we visit the small island of Las Tintoreras, one of the main breeding sites for marine iguanas. Next, we travel to the Sierra Negra volcano, one of the most active volcanos in the Galapagos Islands.

This afternoon we visit Isabela's Giant Tortoise Breeding Center where we'll see several species of tortoises in one location.

Day 4: Isabela

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today we continue to explore Isabela Island. In the morning we visit Punta Moreno, where we keeps are eyes peeled for White-cheeked Pintail ducks.

In the afternoon, we visit Elizabeth Bay. Here, we have the opportunity to observe some amazing Galapagos wildlife, such as the Flightless Cormorant, marine turtles and sea lions.

Day 5: Isabela

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
We explore more of Isabela Island today, visiting Urbina Bay and Tagus Cove. At Urbina Bay, we hope to catch a glimpse of marine iguanas and Galapagos Penguins! At Tagus Cove, we have the chance to see an abundance of Galapagos birds, such as the Blue-footed Booby, Brown Noddy, Flightless Cormorant and the Galapagos Penguin.

Day 6: Fernandina - Isabela

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning we visit Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island, where we scout the shoreline for Flightless Cormorants, Sally Lightfoot crabs, sea lions, iguanas and more!

In the afternoon, we travel back to Isabela Island and visit the wonderful snorkeling site of Punta Vicente Roca.

Day 7: Santiago - Bartolomé

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning we visit Puerto Egas on Santiago Island, where we will see Galapagos fur seals swimming along the shore. If we're lucky, we will also spot numerous Galapagos birds, such as the Galapagos Dove, the Vermilion Flycatcher, and the Galapagos Hawk!

This afternoon, we travel to Bartolomé Island. Here, we hike up steep, wooden steps in order to reward ourselves with spectacular views of the islands!

Day 8: North Seymour - Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
This morning we travel to North Seymour Island, home one of the largest populations of frigatebirds. We may also see Blue-footed Boobies and Swallow-tailed Gulls.

After our visit to North Seymour, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador.

Ship/Hotel

Cachalote Explorer

Cruise the Galapagos on the Cachalote ship
Cachalote ship in the Galapagos
Cachalote ship in the Galapagos

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at

Child Discount

30% discount for children under age 12 at time of Galapagos cruise. Not applicable to Holiday season departures

Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
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
  • 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: $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.
  • Internal Flights: Mainland Ecuador - Galapagos - Mainland Ecuador: $475-675
  • Wetsuits are not included but are available to rent on board - $30/week per person.
  • Fuel Surcharge - to be invoiced separately

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
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