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The Galaxy

Private Charter - Central and Western Islands Aboard Galaxy

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Galaxy
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Enjoy the Galapagos Islands aboard the Galaxy in 8 days, where you will explore magical landscapes with unique wildlife like giant tortoises, flamingos, iguanas, and sharks. There is an endless list of activities to do in the different islands: Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, Rabida, Chinese Hat and North Seymour.
Iconic wildlife of the Galapagos sunning themselves(Rabida)Snorkeling in the GalapagosBeach on Isabela islandView the ocean from all areas aboard the GalaxyThe Galaxy
Highlights
  • Hike to the highlands of Santa Cruz and visit the twin craters
  • Enjoy a walking along the base of the Alcedo Volcano on Urbina bay
  • See endemic wildlife on Egas Port with your private group
  • Ride around Tagus Cove and see the two volcanic craters
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 | Santa Cruz Highlands | Embark

Departure to the Galapagos Islands, arrival at Baltra airport, where your naturalist guide of the National Park will be waiting for you.

Either if you do this visit starting from Baltra or from Puerto Ayora, a bus will take you to the highlands stopping along the way at one of the reserves to visit the lush highland forests where you will look for Galapagos Giant tortoises in their natural environment. This is the best place in the Galapagos to see these gentle giants (reaching over 300 kg / 600 pounds!) casually grazing and resting in freshwater ponds. This is also home for a great diversity of birds rarely found at the lowlands, including finches (tree, woodpecker and vegetarian finches), flycatchers and several species of water birds. You will visit a lava tunnel (depend on the itinerary) and learn how these extraordinary formations where created by ancient volcanic eruptions.
Highlights: Giant tortoises, Darwin finches, barn owls, white-cheeked pintails, Galapagos flycatchers, Lava tunnels. 
Trail: 1-1.5 km / 0.6-0.9 mi
Level: Easy
Dry landing and hiking

Day 2: Isabela, Moreno Point | Elizabeth Bay

Moreno Point is a magical place with extensive lava fields which look lifeless at first sight. Once inland, scattered brackish lagoons form oasis of life where you can find flamingoes, gallinules, ducks and herons. Along the shore you will look for penguins, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, oystercatchers and other shore birds.
Snorkel: You will snorkel to see sea turtles, cormorants and many species of fish. Look carefully in the long seaweeds and you might find a sea horse.   
Highlights: American flamingoes, ducks, gallinules, penguins, cormorants, marine iguanas, sea lions, Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin finches.
Trail: 1.6 km / 1 mi
Level: Hard
Dry landing, Hiking, Snorkeling, and Panga ride

Elizabeth Bay is a beautiful sheltered bay surrounded by large mangroves and barren lava fields. There is no trail here so you will take a dinghy tour to explore many channels, pools and coves teeming with life. This is one of the best locations in the islands to see Galapagos penguins, but don’t expect to see thousands of them, as the entire population of the islands is only about 3.000 of them. Flightless cormorants also nest in the area and blue-footed boobies and pelicans often fish in these shallow and rich waters. Rays and sea turtles are also very abundant.
Highlights: Galapagos hawks, sea turtles, rays, Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, herons. 
Level: Easy
Panga Ride

Day 3: Isabela, Urbina Bay | Tagus Cove

This place is known for the dramatic uplifting that happened here during the 1950’s. A large portion of the coast was pushed up, exposing many hectares of previously submerged land. Look carefully along the trail and you will find small shells and corals, a proof that the area was underwater more than sixty years ago. The trail will give the opportunity to see land iguanas and, during certain seasons, giant tortoises. Galapagos hawks nest in the area and are often seen flying or perched on the trees.  
Snorkel: You can snorkel from the beach to see sea turtles, cormorants and penguins. Fish are also abundant in the area. 
Highlights: Galapagos hawks, land iguanas, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin finches, flycatchers.
Trail: Short trail: 1.2 km / 0.7 mi. | Long Trail: 3.0 km / 1.8 mi
Level: Easy
Wet landing, Hiking, and Snorkeling

Tagus cove is one of the places Charles Darwin visited during his exploration of the Galapagos islands. A trail will take you through a dry Palo Santo forests where you can see Darwin finches and mockingbirds. You will get great views of Darwin’s lake and the large volcanos of northern Isabela.
A boat tour along the shore will give you chances to see penguins, cormorants, marine iguanas and a very unique species: the Galapagos martin, a small endemic bird which is one of the most endangered species on the island. 
Snorkel: The nutrient-rich waters around Tagus Cove attracts a lot of sea turtles and a great diversity of fish, but also penguins, who feast on large schools of anchovies. It is common to see cormorants underwater as they chase fish through the reef.
Highlights: Galapagos hawks, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, herons, penguins, sea turtles, sea stars.  
Trail: 2.6 km / 1.6 mi
Level: Hard
Dry landing, Hiking, Snorkeling, Panga ride, Paddle boarding, and Kayaking

Day 4: Fernandina, Espinoza Point | Isabela, Albermarle Point

Located at the base of an imposing volcano (the most active in the Galapagos islands) this site is one of the jewels of the Galapagos National Park. As soon as you disembark you will be surrounded by hundreds of marine iguanas, as this is the largest colony for the species. Sea lions bask in the beaches while their pups play in tide pools. Along the shore you will see   flightless cormorants, which are restricted to the western areas of the archipelago. Surrounded by cold plankton-rich waters, Punta Espinosa is home for an array of species, including herons, pelicans, oystercatchers, sea turtles, shorebird and many more. Look up in the mangroves as Galapagos hawks often perch to look for their prey.
Snorkel: The nutrient-rich waters around Punta Espinosa attracts great numbers and diversity of fish and sea turtles.  Seaweeds are also abundant, making this place the best for seeing marine iguanas feeding underwater.  Following a cormorant underwater as it chases fish through the reef is one on the most amazing snorkel experiences you may have on your trip.
Highlights: Galapagos hawks, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, penguins, sea turtles, sea lions, herons, oystercatchers, shorebirds, sally light-foot crabs.  
Trail: 1.6 km / 1 mi
Level: Easy
Dry landing, Hiking, and Snorkeling

This place is great for wildlife as well as an historical site. During WWII, the Americans built a radar base in order to detect the presence of Japanese war ships approaching the Galapagos. You can still see a few remains of the radar. The area is barren and surrounded by endless lava fields, but along the coast you will find some of the largest marine iguanas in the islands, Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants and shorebirds.   
Snorkel: A couple of sheltered coves offer great opportunities to snorkel to look for cormorants, penguins and many species of fish.
Highlights: Marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, penguins, sea turtles, shorebirds, sally light-foot crabs.  
Trail: 1.0 km / 0.6 mi
Level: Easy
Dry landing, Hiking, Snorkeling, and Panga ride​

Day 5: Santiago, Egas Port | Espumilla Beach

Despite its name, there is no “port” at Puerto Egas, but you might see a few remains of the last attempts to colonize the island during the 60’s. The trail goes along the coastline which is rich in wildlife, with marine iguanas basking in the sun everywhere, Galapagos sea lions, herons, oystercatchers and many shorebirds. At the end of the trail an area called “the grottos” is home for a small colony of the endemic Galapagos fur seal, much more difficult to see at close range than its cousin. As recently as 2019, land iguanas where re-introduced to the area, so look around for these impressive reptiles which where extinct from Santiago for over a century.  
Snorkel: You can snorkel from the beach and explore an area of rocky bottoms which is excellent for fish, turtles and reef sharks. Often, sea lions are also present and are happy to interact with divers. 
Highlights: Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos fur seals, oystercatchers, marine & land iguanas, Galapagos hawks, herons, shorebirds, Darwin finches, Galapagos doves. 
Trail: 2.3 km / 1.4 mi
Level: Easy
Wet landing, Hiking, and Snorkeling

Espumilla is a beautiful 1km (0.6 mi) long beach with rusty-brown sand, located in the northern coast of Santiago. It is surrounded by large mangrove trees and a very interesting native dry forest, which is home to Galapagos hawks but also a great diversity of finches, mockingbirds and doves. Don’t forget to check the salt pan, as during the rainy season there could be flamingoes and ducks.
Highlights: Bobbies, oystercatchers, herons, Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin finches, Galapagos hawks. Trail: 2.3 km / 1.4 mi (plus and extra loop 1 km-0.6 mi) This site gets its name because it was used by pirates and buccaneers during the XVII and XVIII centuries as a place to hide and get freshwater and tortoises. The place is very scenic with beautiful cliffs and interesting rock formations. There is no trail, but here you will take a dinghy to look at wildlife from the small boats. 
Snorkel: You can snorkel in a sheltered bay which is teaming with underwater wildlife including large schools of fish (angelfish, puffers, parrotfish, snappers, grunt...) but also reek sharks, sea lions and sea turtles.
Highlights: Boobies, herons, Galapagos fur seals, swallow-tailed gulls, Galapagos hawks. 
Level: Easy
Wet landing, Hiking, Snorkeling, Panga ride, Paddle boarding, and Kayaking

Day 6: Santa Cruz, Dragon Hill | Black Turtle Cove

Located in the northern coast of Santa Cruz, Dragon hill gets its name from the land iguanas that inhabit this area, the only location in the whole island of Santa Cruz where you can see this large species of reptiles. Thanks to a very successful breeding program, this population of land iguanas, which was in the brink of extinction during the 70’s and 80’s, has rapidly recovered. There is also a small salt water lagoon where you can often see flamingoes, ducks, stilts, sandpipers and other shorebirds.   
Snorkel: After the hike, you will have the option to snorkel in shallow sheltered water where you will see large schools of surgeonfish and parrotfish, as well as reef sharks, rays and a large diversity of tropical fish. 
Highlights: Galapagos land iguanas, Darwin finches, American flamingoes, white-cheeked pintails, Galapagos flycatchers, herons. 
Trail: 2.2 km / 104 mi
Level: Easy
Dry landing, Hiking, and Snorkeling

Black Turtle Cove gets its name from the abundance of green see turtles, locally known as: “tortugas negras”. There is no landing here so you will be doing a boat tour on the dinghies, exploring shallow channels and small coves surrounded by beautiful mangrove forests. Reef sharks, sea turtles and several species rays inhabit this beautiful area which is considered an important mating area for turtles and a nursery for several species of sharks. Herons, pelicans and boobies are also common here as they prey in schools of anchovies.
Highlights: White-tipped and black-tipped reef sharks, green see turtles, rays, herons, blue-footed boobies, mangroves. 
Level: Easy
Panga Ride

Day 7: Rabida | Chinese Hat

Rábida is a small island famous for its reddish lava rocks (rich in iron) which gives it a unique look. The beach is also red and hosts a small colony of sea lions. There is a small salt water lagoon where you will see ducks and stilts and sometimes flamingoes. The trail will take you inland to get beautiful views of the beach and the lagoon. Look for Darwin finches, flycatchers and mockingbirds. In the cliffs along the coast you can find Nazca & blue-footed boobies, brown noddy, herons and the two species of sea lions: Galapagos and fur seals.  
Snorkel: You can snorkel from the beach and explore a sheltered rocky area, which is excellent for fish, sea lions and reef sharks. Look at the high diversity of small invertebrates attached to the vertical walls.
Highlights: Red-sand beach, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos hawks, flycatchers, Darwin finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, ducks, flamingoes.  
Trail: 2 km / 1.2 mi
Level: Easy
Dry landing, Hiking, Snorkeling, Panga ride, Paddle boarding, and Kayaking

This small islet is formed by a volcanic cone with a perfect symmetrical shape. It is separated from Santiago by a narrow channel forming one of the most beautiful bays in the islands. Blue-turquoise water and coral sand beaches surrounded by dark lava rocks gives this area a real tropical character, which makes even more surprising finding penguins resting in the rocks. The trail goes along the shore, taking you through a small colony of sea lions.
Snorkel: When you swim in this place you will get mesmerized by the incredible colors of the fish and the sleek silhouette of reef sharks and, it is not uncommon to see a penguin darting through the water chasing anchovies like a small torpedo. 
Highlights: Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos penguins, lava tubes, oystercatchers, Galapagos hawks. 
Trail: 1.3 km / 0.8 mi
Level: Moderate
Wet landing and, Hiking, Snorkeling, Panga ride, Paddle boarding, and Kayaking

Day 8: Seymour | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
This island is home for large colonies of both magnificent and great frigatebirds and you can see them displaying their red balloons to attract a female. Blue-footed boobies nest in the ground and perform their famous dance in the open areas, while swallow-tailed gulls perch on the cliff edges. Land iguanas are common inland while their marine cousins bask in the rocks by the sea, close to sea lions, which often like to body surf in the waves. 
Snorkel: This place is a really great snorkeling location, as it has tremendous diversity and amount of fish, but also sea lions, sharks, eels, turtles, rays and many more. 
Highlights: Galapagos sea lions, blue footed boobies, magnificent & great frigatebirds, land & marine iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, shearwaters, Darwin finches.
Trail: 1.4 km / 0.8 mi
Level: Easy
Dry landing, Hiking, Snorkeling, and Panga ride

Then, transfer to the airport to take your flight back to continental Ecuador.

Ship/Hotel

Galaxy

Galaxy ship exterior
Living area
Bar lounge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Galapagos Cruises & Tours.
Lower deck cabin
Lower Deck
Comfortable cabins with lower beds and port hole windows. Cabins have private bathrooms with hot/cold water and air conditioning.
Main deck cabin
Main Deck
Comfortable cabins with lower beds and large windows. Cabins have private bathrooms with hot/cold water and air conditioning.
Upper deck cabin
Upper Deck
Comfortable cabins with lower beds and large windows. Cabins have private bathrooms with hot/cold water and air conditioning.

Child Discount

10% 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
  • 7 Breakfasts, 7 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. 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

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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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