Western Galapagos Journey

Take a morning flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra in the Galápagos Islands. After clearing immigration and baggage claim, meet the Sea Star staff and board a private bus to begin the adventure.

Please note: The first excursion in the Galapagos will be after being picked up at the airport upon arrival to the islands, before boarding the cruise. It is essential  to arrive in the Galapagos wearing comfortable clothes, good closed-toe shoes suitable for an excursion, a long-brimmed hat, sun lotion, sunglasses, and to ensure you have your camera handy

In the afternoon, visit the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora, where giant tortoises are bred and cared for in captivity. Observe tortoises at every stage of life—from tiny hatchlings just a few inches long to massive adults reaching four feet. Watch as different subspecies interact and see the older tortoises stretch their necks curiously toward visitors. Learn about conservation efforts and how young tortoises are raised until they are strong enough to thrive in the wild.
Activities: Hiking

Visit Tintoreras Islet, located just off Puerto Villamil, and discover its vibrant marine life and striking turquoise waters. Spot white-tip reef sharks gliding through the shallows, along with Galápagos penguins, sea turtles, and playful sea lions. Walk along the mangrove-fringed beach—one of the few places in the archipelago where marine iguanas successfully nest and reproduce.
​Activities: Hiking, dinghy ride

Afterward, visit Sierra Negra Volcano, home to the largest basaltic caldera in the Galápagos, stretching over 6.2 miles (10 km) in diameter. Enjoy breathtaking views from the rim and observe up to seven species of finches among the lush vegetation. Explore the northern side of the caldera, where remnants of the 2005 volcanic eruption showcase the island’s dynamic geological history.
​Activities: Hiking

In the afternoon, explore the Wetlands of Isabela Island, located near Puerto Villamil. Walk along winding trails through lagoons, swamps, and mangroves that provide vital habitats for unique bird species, including common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails, and gallinules. Enjoy peaceful views of this rich ecosystem while spotting wildlife up close in their natural surroundings.
​Activities: Hiking

Visit Moreno Point, located southwest of Elizabeth Bay, and step onto a striking landscape shaped by ancient lava flows. Walk across the hardened terrain to discover natural craters now filled with crystal-clear tide pools teeming with marine life. Spot pink flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, and common gallinules in the brackish lagoons, and watch for white-tip reef sharks and sea turtles gliding through the water below.
​Activities: Dinghy Ride, Hiking, Snorkeling

In the afternoon, explore Elizabeth Bay on the eastern coast of Isabela Island. Navigate by dinghy among small rocky islets where Galápagos penguins and blue-footed boobies perch along the shores. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters filled with vibrant marine life, from colorful fish and playful sea lions to the occasional reef shark gliding by.
​Activities: Dinghy ride, kayaking

Cross the Bolívar Channel between Isabela and Fernandina Islands to reach Espinoza Point. Walk past colonies of marine iguanas and sea lions to discover the island’s highlight—the nesting site of the rare flightless cormorant. Watch for Galápagos hawks soaring overhead as they patrol this pristine volcanic landscape.
​Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking

In the afternoon, visit Tagus Cove on Isabela Island, located across from Fernandina Island near the Bolívar Channel. This historic anchorage has been frequented by ships since the 1800s. Follow the trail past Lake Darwin and up to a ridge that offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding islands and volcanic landscapes.
​Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking

In the morning, visit Espumilla Beach, where marine iguanas bask along the shore and bright Sally Lightfoot crabs draw the attention of herons in a captivating dance of predator and prey. The golden sands and peaceful atmosphere make this a picturesque stop. Snorkeling is highly recommended, as the clear waters reveal octopus, moray eels, reef sharks, and a variety of colorful tropical fish.
​Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking

OR

Visit Buccaneer Cove stands as a reminder of Santiago Island’s storied past, once serving as a safe haven for British buccaneers who anchored in its sheltered bay to make repairs and stock up on supplies — including tortoise meat. Today, the cove is known for its steep cliffs teeming with seabirds and its striking dark red sand beach, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape.
Activities: Snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking


In the afternoon, visit Egas Port (James Bay) on Santiago Island, home to Galapagos hawks and agile lava lizards. Follow a scenic trail leading to the coastline, where tide pools and grottos teem with wildlife. Here, Galapagos fur seals bask on the sunlit rocks, and the surrounding waters offer excellent snorkeling opportunities.
​Activities: Hiking, Snorkeling

You will take an excursion to Lobos Island, aptly named “Sea Lion Island” for its lively population of playful and curious sea lions that greet visitors along the shore. The island also provides excellent snorkeling opportunities and the chance to spot blue-footed boobies and Nazca boobies nesting in the area.
​Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride

After this final visit, you will be transferred to San Cristobal Airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.