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Warm waters of the Galapagos archipelago

Western Islands

San Cristobal to Baltra - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Silver Galapagos
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Walk along the lovely beach, or go snorkeling in a colorful underwater world. This 8-day cruise has something for everyone! The wildlife of the north-central Galapagos—fearless as they are—will enrapture you. These isles have a distinctive natural beauty that adds to the islands’ charms. While you’re here, you can see spectacular water-spouting “blowers”, climb the famed Prince Philip Steps and learn about the history of these fascinating islands.
A male frigatebird rests in the trees of the GalapagosSwimming sea turtleHiking through cacti in the GalapagosGalapagos penguin on a rockWarm waters of the Galapagos archipelago
Highlights
  • Visit Espumilla Beach an important nesting site for the green sea turtle
  • Board a Zodiac and look for Galapagos Penguins at Isabela Island
  • Hike through Tagus Cove and admire its natural beauty
  • Play with curious sea lion pups at Floreana’s northern shore
Places Visited
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: San Cristobal Airport | Embark

Embark Silver Galapagos for your exciting Western Galápagos Expedition. After settling in and attending a mandatory safety drill start your adventure. This afternoon you will be introduced to your Expedition Team.

During the late afternoon, Silver Galapagos circumnavigates Kicker Rock. Look for frigatebirds, Swallow-tailed Gulls and Nazca Boobies. The geological formation and its impressive height can best be seen from the ship and conditions permitting you are able to observe one of the most beautiful sunsets of the Galapagos Islands.

In the evening enjoy the first of many memorable meals in The Restaurant.

Day 2: Bartolomé | Playa Espumilla, Santiago

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Some of the most spectacular landscapes in the islands come into view. Just off the coast of Santiago, Bartolomé boasts some of the most magnificent landscapes in the islands including the famous Pinnacle Rock, a towering obelisk at the edge of the ocean. Go snorkeling or take a walk along the beach to look for the playful Galápagos Penguin, perched on a rock or zooming underwater.

Beautiful Espumilla Beach is an important nesting site for the East Pacific green sea turtle. Walk through the arid vegetation zone of the interior where you can see the largest palo santo trees in the Galápagos, the perfect habitat for several species of Darwin’s finches. At times of the year when conditions are not ideal at Espumilla, you can enjoy a visit to Buccaneer’s Cove. This protected cove once served as a safe harbor for pirates as they repaired their ships and replenished their stores. Today, it offers a wealth of water-based activities, including snorkeling with a kaleidoscopic array of tropical fish, whitetip reef sharks, fur seals and even eagle rays. You can embark on a kayak or Zodiac tour and spy some of the beautiful geologic features of the area—red cliffs, natural caves and unique rock formations—while perhaps spotting seabirds like the Brown Noddy that nest in the cliffs.

Day 3: Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela, and Punta Espinoza, Fernandina

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The arid landscape of Isabela, the largest and youngest island in the Galápagos, is pierced by five majestic shield volcanoes. Snorkeling is probably the best although coldest in the islands at Punta Vicente Roca, located at the base of Ecuador Volcano. Half of this volcano collapsed about 100,000 years ago—meaning that visitors now get a spectacular cutaway view of the caldera. Aboard a Zodiac, look for Flightless Cormorants and Galapagos Penguins.

The largest colony of marine iguanas in the Galápagos can be seen sunning on the black lava shores of Punta Espinoza at the northeastern corner of Fernandina. One of the most pristine islands in the world, Fernandina hosts an impressive array of wildlife including sea lions, colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs and the rare endemic Flightless Cormorant.

Day 4: Caleta Tagus and Bahía Elizabeth, Isabela

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
A short cruise across the Bolivar Strait brings Silver Galapagos to Tagus Cove on Isabela Island. Yellow Warblers and Galápagos Mockingbirds may escort your hike between palo santo trees and yellow cordias, passing the briny Darwin Lake along the way. Join the snorkeling tour to look for penguins, cormorants and the shy Brown Noddy along the sheltered cliffs. You may also explore the area on a kayak. 

The tallest red mangrove trees in the Galápagos are found in Elizabeth Bay, an idyllic mangrove lagoon and a fascinating place to observe marine life. We will take a Zodiac through the mangroves where sea turtles swim close to the surface, and pelicans and herons stalk for fish or crab. Sea lions and penguins are also prevalent in this marine sanctuary.

Day 5: Post Office Bay | Punta Cormorant or Champion, Floreana

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Floreana has been luring visitors since the 18th century when whalers hunted the island for tortoises and pirates sought shelter in its caves. Sailors established a rustic mailing system still in use today: a box –today a barrel nailed to a pole- where they would drop letters hoping they would be delivered by other mariners sailing home. You can continue the tradition if you choose. Afterwards, take a walk along the lovely beach, or go snorkeling in a colorful underwater world.

A sea lion rookery has developed on Floreana’s northern shore. Amid lava rocks that are dotted with prickly pear cacti and sesuvium, a small colony of the creatures thrives. Pups are particularly curious when visitors arrive—they love to go in the water and investigate Zodiacs as they pass through their waters.

As you travel along the coast, you may find many other creatures that look for shelter amid the red and white mangroves: eagle rays, marine turtles, Brown Pelicans and resting Cattle Egrets. Kayaking through the turquoise waters here is a true pleasure, inviting a sense of peaceful solitude and an invigorating feeling of connection to nature.

At Punta Cormorant, one of the most interesting sites in the islands, land on the olive-green sand and walk to Flour Beach, a favorite nesting site for green sea turtles, hoping to see flamingos on the way. Floreana also offers some of the best snorkeling sites in the Galápagos.

Day 6: Cerro Dragón | Las Bachas, Santa Cruz

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cerro Dragon’s land iguanas have played an important part in the conservation program by the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos National Park. When their numbers declined in the 1970s some animals were taken to breed in captivity, others were put onto the neighboring islet Venecia. As these programs were successful, head inland on a trail leading past small saltwater lagoons that periodically feature flamingos to see the reintroduced animals. Once at the hill, circle Cerro Dragon, looking for the land iguanas and their burrows.

There might also be the possibility to snorkel near the landing site if time and tides permit.

Silver Galapagos relocates to the northern shore of Santa Cruz during the early afternoon. At Las Bachas there is a chance to swim from one of the two beaches, see White-cheeked Pintails and flamingos at a lagoon behind the beach and look for sea turtles -Las Bachas is one of the major nesting sites for them.

Day 7: Los Gemelos | Puerto Ayora | Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, Santa Cruz

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The second largest island in the archipelago is home to both the largest human settlement and the second largest wild tortoise population. Visit Los Gemelos, two pit craters in the midst of a forest of tall scalesia trees that look like giant daisies and are endemic to the Galápagos. There is a good chance to spot land birds, especially one of the rare and endemic Galápagos Martins.

In the afternoon, the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center gives us the opportunity to see both the domed tortoise and the iconic saddleback tortoise after which the islands were named.

Day 8: Baltra | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Following breakfast, disembark Silver Galapagos for your return flight from Baltra Airport.

Ship/Hotel

Silver Galapagos

Silver Galapagos
Silver Galapagos
Enjoy the natural beauty of the Galapagos archipelago aboard the Silver Galapagos

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$10,080
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.

Child Discount

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
  • Personalized Service with a Butler for all Suites
  • One hour free WIFI per day for all guests. Unlimited free WIFI for guests sailing on select suite categories.
  • In-suite dining and room service
  • Guided Zodiac, land and sea tours, and shoreside activities led by the Expeditions Team
  • Onboard gratuities
  • Beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, including champagne, select wines and spirits
  • Complimentary transportation into town in most ports
Excluded
  • 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 through Aug 1, 2024). Payable upon arrival to the Galapagos, only in cash dollars. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
  • Some champagne, premium wine and spirit selections, caviar, cigarettes and cigars are not included in your fare.
  • Meals ashore
  • Laundry or Valet services
  • Casino gaming

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
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