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Sea lion on North Seymour

West-Central Islands

Example 6 Day Cruise aboard Cachalote Explorer
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Embark on this 6-day adventure that explores the incredible western and central islands of the Galapagos. Highlights of the west include beautiful Santa Cruz, wildlife-rich Isabela, cliff-laden Fernandina, and the amazing black beaches of Santiago. Be entertained by the antics of friendly sea lions or get up close and personal with the incredible giant tortoises that make their home here. Spend your days exploring the archipelago, encountering sea lions, Galapagos penguins, frigate birds, flightless cormorants, tortoises, and many more unique native species!
Pinnacle Rock of Bartolome Islandsunset, Puerto VillamilMoreno Point, Isabela Island, GalapagosBartolome is HeavenSea lion on North Seymour
Highlights
  • Explore Punta Moreno to find coastal lagoons and black lava flows
  • Snorkel at Punta Vicente Roca and see wildlife
  • Visit Puerto Egas and watch fur seals swim along the shore
  • Witness spectacular views of Bartolome
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: Baltra | Embark | Isabela

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
From Baltra, transfer to Puerto Ayora where you will catch the 14:00 pm speedboat ferry to Isabela Island.

The speed boat arrives in Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island at 16:30 pm approximately. Here you will board the Cachalote Explorer.

Day 2: Isabela

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Punta Moreno is located on the central southwestern coast of Isabela Island. The site has spectacular views of volcanoes Alcedo, Sierra Negra, and Cerro Azul. Some highlights include impressive lava flows, desolate and pristine landscapes, and varied and unusual arid zone vegetation.
Activities: Walking, Panga ride, Snorkeling

Elizabeth Bay is only accessible by dinghy. It is possible to see penguins on the small islets in the bay. The end of the bay is long and narrow surrounded by three species of mangroves. Galapagos Sea Turtles and rays can usually be seen in the water.
Activities: Panga ride

Day 3: Isabela

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Urbina Bay is located on the central-west coast of Isabela Island at the foothills of the Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes. Highlights include the colorful land iguanas, Galapagos Giant tortoises, and the coral uplifting from 1954.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling

Tagus Cove is a natural harbor where centuries ago whalers and pirates left their ship’s names painted or carved on the rocks. A walk uphill to Darwin’s Crater salt-water lake will provide an excellent view.
​Activities: Walking, Kayaking, Panga ride, Snorkeling

Day 4: Fernandina | Isabela

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Fernandina Island (Narborough) is the youngest volcanic island and is still active.
Punta Espinoza is a place famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas and as the habitat of unique species like the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk, and Galapagos snake, among others.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling

Isabela Island (Albermarle)
Punta Vicente Roca is visited by dinghy rides along the cliffs or the partially sunken cave at the water’s edge. Nasca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and flightless cormorants inhabit the shoreline.
​Activities: Panga ride, Snorkeling

Day 5: Puerto Egas, Santiago | Bartolomé

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Santiago (James) Island is located between Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands. This Island offers a wide variety of seabirds, marine iguanas, and fur seals.

Puerto Egas, a walk along the rocky coastline that will you show you a view of some of the Galapagos' best tide pools. Some highlights include a Sugar loaf volcano, fur seals, oystercatchers, a marine iguana colony, and an old salt mine.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling

Bartolome Island, a hike will take you to the highest point on Bartolome for a spectacular view. Sea lions and penguins can be seen around Pinnacle Rock. There is a sandy beach with great swimming and snorkeling.
Activities: Walking, Panga ride, Snorkeling

Day 6: North Seymour | Disembark | Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
North Seymour Island is a flat piece of land that originated after an uplifting event thousands of years ago. The island is home to endemic Palo Santo trees, colonies of blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and magnificent frigate birds.
Activities: Walking, Panga ride

Return flight from Baltra to Quito.

Ship/Hotel

Cachalote Explorer

Cachalote Explorer
Cachalote Explorer
Cachalote Explorer

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$3,000
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Cabin 1-2
Comfortable rooms featuring a matrimonial bed with individual climate controls and private bathrooms with hot and cold water.
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Cabin 3-7
Comfortable rooms featuring a matrimonial bed with individual climate controls and private bathrooms with hot and cold water.
Cachalote Explorer
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Cabin 8
Comfortable room featuring a matrimonial bed with individual climate controls and private bathrooms with hot and cold water.

Child Discount

50% discount for children under age 12 at time of Galapagos cruise. 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.
Included
  • 5 Breakfasts, 5 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.
  • 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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