This exciting 5-day private adventure aboard the Archipel I circumnavigates Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos Islands. Explore the unspoiled western end, formed by fire and lush highlands. Your first excursion visits the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center to learn about the conservation of endangered species. Head to Elizabeth Bay, with its spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans, and sea lions. See the Galapagos penguin via a zodiac ride around the cliffs of Tagus Cove. Continue to Espanola Island, look for land birds such as finches, doves, yellow warblers, and mockingbirds. While entering this distant, less-frequented location requires more extended travel, the Archipel I allows you to watch Survival of the Fittest without actually experiencing it.
Highlights
Snorkel with sea lions at the fascinating Espinoza Point
Observe white tip sharks resting in the flat water near the shore
Visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Center for tortoise conservation initiation
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Upon arrival at Baltra airport, you will pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, as well as to pay the park entrance fee of $200 (unless it has been prepaid). A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor.
At this site, you can observe tortoises that come from various islands of the archipelago. They comply with the captive breeding program and then return to repopulate the areas where their population has been affected. The land iguanas of Santa Cruz, Isabela and North Seymour are also in a captive breeding program, as the populations in these areas suffered from feral dogs. One of the main attractions is the famous embalmed Lonesome George. Estimated to have died between 93 and 109 years of age, it is recognized as the last of its kind and a symbol of the efforts invested to conserve endangered species. The captive tortoises are used to the presence of visitors, so it's a great place to take photos with them.
Activities: Hiking
Difficulty: Easy
Moreno Point is located on the north coast of Isabela Island, between the volcanos Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul. The trail runs along a solidified pahoehoe lava flow into a complex of coastal lagoons. Its main attractions are several species of birds, which are found around the lakes and mangroves.
Activities: Hiking, Dinghy Ride, and Snorkeling
Difficulty: Moderate
Urbina Bay is located along the west coast of Isabela, between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove. It is close to the base of the Alcedo Volcano. The coastline has undergone a major uplift in 1954, which caused the shore to expand three quarters of a mile out. Here you will be able to find corals, shells, and many other calcareous organisms exposed above water. Urbina Bay is home to large and colorful land iguanas and giant tortoises of the Alcedo Volcano population. A lot of Darwin finches can be seen as well.
Activities: Hiking and Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy
Day 3: Espinoza Point, Fernandina | Vicente Roca Point, Isabela
Fernandina is the third-largest island in the archipelago and has a single visitor site: Punta Espinoza, located at the northeastern tip of the island. Marine iguanas conglomerate in larger groups than on any other island. They bask around in the sand, swim near the shore and sometimes block the way at the landing dock. Among the unique species found here, is the flightless cormorant. This bird had to adjust its way of survival and perfection its skills of finding food in the ocean. Their wings, tails and feet progressively adapted for swimming. To see these birds is to witness evolution happening right in front of you.
Activities: Hiking and Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Whilst having lunch you will cross the Bolivar Channel for the last time to Vicente Roca Point, just at the mouth of Isabela’s seahorse-shape. While entering a dark cave below a spectacular arch, roaring echoes of the waves will accompany you. Just around the corner the collapsed amphitheater of Volcan Ecuador offers another impressive view. The calmer waters of the coves are well-protected against the ocean swell and are a fairly cold, but great place for snorkeling amongst various species of shark, penguins, puffer fish and even seahorses!
Activities: Dinghy Ride and Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy – Moderated
Egas Port is a black beach located on the west side of Santiago Island. Volcanic tuff deposits have favored the formation of this special black sand beach and this is the main attraction of the Island. This site is called Puerto Egas because there was an attempt of Hector Egas to start the exploitation of salt, which failed. After all, the price of salt on the continent was very cheap and did not justify its exploitation in the Galapagos. The project was abandoned and they left their infrastructure.
Activities: Hiking and Snorkeling
Difficulty: Moderated
Rabida Island is unique because of the red color of the rocks and sand. The volcanic material in this island is very porous and external factors such as rain, saltwater and sea breeze have acted as an oxidizing agent. A short walk along a trail will lead you to a coastal lagoon behind the beach that allows for the observation of land birds as finches, doves, yellow warblers and mockingbirds. There is also a colony of flamingos at the lagoon.
Activities: Hiking, Kayaking, Dinghy Ride, and Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy – Moderated
Day 5: Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz | Disembark | Baltra Airport
After breakfast, you will check out and disembark the cruise for the last time at 08:30 am.
Your last adventure is brief but enchanting, and will take place enroute to the airport. You will explore onboard the dinghy the green landscape of Black Turtle Cove, which is mostly composed of mangrove trees that host innumerable aerial and aquatic species. Observe how the quiet emerald lagoon and surrounding shallow bays enables the easy observation of sea turtles and as well as groups of sharks.
Activities: Hiking, Kayaking, Dinghy Ride, and Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy
The visit ends and you will disembark at 09:00 at Baltra island, ultimately reaching Baltra airport at 09:30, where its the official end of your cruise adventure.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$49,520
or $3,095 per person based on 16 max passengers
Standard Cabin
8 cabins with twin or double beds. Feature private facilities with hot & cold water, A/C.
Notes
Please reserve your kayak in advance prior to trip
Child Discount
20% 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.
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
4 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.
Glass bottom kayak
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.
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.9 | 328 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 328 reviews on
2 days ago
I am still finalizing plans with Adventure Life. So far my interaction with travel expert agents have been great!!
Carla Sottovia, PhD
1 week ago
I wasnt thrilled with the island choices offered on our dates but my friend suggested cruising and you have good reviews
Joyce Schiavo
1 month ago
Jess was very responsive and quick to address questions. She was patient when we wanted to make changes. We did check the BBB and found good reviews. We look forward to a fabulous Machu Picchu and Galapagos trip and hope to book many other trips with Adventure Life. Thank you.
Mary Westphal
1 month ago
Adventure life made it so easy to plan my trip. They were very professional and answered all of my question promptly and completely. They were also flexible in accommodating my changes to the trip.
J Rugg
1 month ago
Excellent information by company . Easy to book trip.