West-Central Islands

You meet your guide at the main dock in Isabela and take a scenic dinghy ride to the yacht, where the friendly crew welcomes you aboard. After settling in, you begin your first adventure by heading back to Puerto Villamil and taking a short bus ride to the Tortoise Breeding Centre, where you encounter giant tortoises of all ages and learn about these majestic creatures.

You then walk along the lagoon and spot flamingos in their natural habitat. Afterwards, you enjoy free time in the charming town of Puerto Villamil, where you stroll along the beach or explore local shops and restaurants. In the evening, you return to the yacht for a delicious dinner before retiring to your cabin as the yacht motors overnight toward its first destination.

Sights: Tortoise breeding center, town of Puerto Villamil, Lagoon
Activity level: Easy
Activities: Walking
Wildlife you may see: Tortoises, endemic birds, sea lions, marine iguanas, lava lizards, flamingos, pintail ducks

You start your morning with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a scenic dinghy ride around the rocks and islets of western Isabela, where you spot cormorants, playful sea lions, and Galápagos penguins. Next, you explore Punta Moreno on a 1.5-hour guided walk across striking black lava fields, taking in breathtaking views of surrounding volcanoes and unique geological features. You return to the yacht to gear up for your first snorkel of the day, where you encounter sea turtles, seahorses, rays, sharks, and colorful tropical fish.

After a refreshing onboard lunch, you continue to Elizabeth Bay. You take a peaceful dinghy ride through a lush lagoon, where mangroves shelter sea turtles, rays, penguins, and other marine life. End the day with a delicious dinner and a recap of the highlights before the yacht motors through the night toward your next destination.

Sights: Stunning landscapes of Western Isabela, rock and islets teaming with life, Punta Moreno and Elizabeth Bay
Activity level: Easy - moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Tortoises, sea lions, endemic birds, marine iguanas, lava lizards, sea turtles, penguins, rays, reef sharks

Awaken to the sights of Urbina Bay, a fascinating location that emerged from the ocean floor in 1954, leaving remnants of the seabed visible to this day. Embark on a guided walk along the trail, where you’ll encounter giant tortoises and vibrant land iguanas in their natural habitat. Afterward, enjoy a snorkel directly from the beach. Return to Beluga for a delicious lunch before continuing your journey.

In the afternoon, arrive at Tagus Cove, a historic harbor once favored by whalers and pirates, who left their marks by carving names into the cliffs and rocks. Here, take a hike to Darwin’s Crater, a striking saltwater lake surrounded by breathtaking views of the island's volcanic landscapes (approximately a 1- hour walk). Afterward, prepare for an exhilarating dinghy ride or snorkeling session in the cove’s tranquil waters, teeming with marine life. Conclude the day with a satisfying dinner aboard the yacht, followed by a debrief on the day's discoveries.

Sights: Unique sights and remnants of the seabed on Urbina Bay, the historic harbor of Tagus Cove
Activity level: Easy - moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Sea lions, tortoises, land and marine iguanas, various endemic birds, various marine life
 

During the night, motor to Fernandina Island, the youngest and most westerly of the Galapagos Islands, renowned for its active volcanoes. After breakfast, take a dinghy to Punta Espinoza, home to large colonies of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Galapagos hawks, and the non-venomous Galapagos snake. Enjoy a leisurely guided walk along flat trails. Return to the yacht to gear up for an exciting snorkel in the bay.

After lunch onboard, the journey continues back to Isabela Island, arriving at Punta Vincente Roca. Known for its towering cliffs, breathtaking vistas, and a hidden cave, this location offers an unforgettable snorkeling experience. Glide along the cliffs and mouth of the cave towards a calm bay where you may encounter resting sea turtles, flightless cormorants, and a variety of marine life. Back on board, change for a scenic circumnavigation of the cliffs, providing up-close views of the dramatic coastline. End the day with a special celebration of crossing the Equator, followed by a delightful dinner.

Sights: Fernandina and its beautiful landscape and marine iguana colonies, Punta Vincente Roca, crossing the equator
Activity level: Easy - moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Sea lions, Galapagos Hawk, marine iguanas, Galapagos Snake, Sea turtles, flightless cormorant, penguins

Wake up to the stunning views of Santiago Island. After breakfast, take a dinghy to Playa Espumilla, where golden sands meet lush green mangroves. This serene spot is home to pintail ducks, flamingos, sea turtle nests, and Galapagos hawks. Enjoy a swim or snorkel before heading to Buccaneer’s Cove for a scenic circumnavigation. Once a pirate hideout and a temporary home for Charles Darwin, the cove is teeming with wildlife, including swallow-tailed gulls, fur seals, brown noddies, and pelicans.

Return to the boat for lunch, then journey to Bartolomé Island, renowned for its iconic Pinnacle Rock and breathtaking views. Ascend the stairs to marvel at the panorama, and snorkel around Pinnacle Rock, where you might encounter penguins, rays, sharks, and vibrant tropical fish. End your day with dinner and a debrief on board, enjoying the spectacular scenery as you sail overnight to North Seymour.

Sights: Beautiful landscapes, Pinnacle Rock and 360 views
Activity level: Moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, stairs, snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Penguins, sea lions, fur seals, endemic birds: pintail ducks, swallow-tailed gulls, tropical fish, rays, sea turtles
 

On your final day, before breakfast, take a dinghy ride to North Seymour, a flat island uplifted thousands of years ago that offers a fascinating glimpse into the
Galápagos’ geological history. Set out on a 1.5-hour guided walk among thriving wildlife, including colonies of blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, magnificent and great frigatebirds, and playful sea lions, with the chance to spot reef sharks along the shoreline.

Return to the yacht for breakfast as you cruise toward Baltra Island, where your itinerary comes to an end. Upon arrival, you and your luggage will be transferred
to the airport for your departing flight or onward travels. For guests on a two-week itinerary, the journey continues with new islands and discoveries ahead.