Western and Central Galapagos Cruise

After arriving at Baltra Airport, receive assistance and transfer directly to the M/C Monique for embarkation.

In the afternoon, set out to Las Bachas on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. Walk the long stretch of white sand or snorkel in calm waters. The beach serves as an important nesting ground for sea turtles, and you may notice a rusted World War II pontoon near the shore. The site’s name comes from a mispronunciation of “barges,” referring to the remains of two sunken vessels.

Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy

Begin the day at Rabida Island, known for its deep red sand shoreline. Walk past cactus stands and rugged volcanic terrain covered with dry-zone plants. As you explore, look for brown pelican nests along the coast and flamingos feeding in a nearby saltwater lagoon.
Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride, Kayaking
Difficulty: Moderate

Continue to Punta Albemarle at the northern end of Isabela Island. Navigate through dense mangrove channels by dinghy and view the remains of an American radar base from World War II. Spot marine birds, flightless cormorants, and some of the largest marine iguanas in the archipelago.
Activities and Excursions: Walking, Dinghy ride, Kayaking
Difficulty: Easy

Only accessible by dinghy, this expansive bay on Isabela’s northwest coast features two coves that attract a variety of nesting birds, including blue-footed and Nazca boobies, storm petrels, and Brown Noddies. The nutrient-rich waters make this a premier snorkeling spot, where whales, dolphins, sea lions, and marine birds can often be seen feeding.
Activities and Excursions: Snorkeling, Dinghy ride 
Difficulty: Moderate 

A dinghy ride along the cliffs of Tagus Cove offers a chance to observe Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and other seabirds. After landing, a 30-minute hike leads to panoramic views of Darwin Lake—a large saltwater lagoon—and surrounding volcanic peaks.
Activities: Walking
Difficulty: Easy

Espinoza Point showcases Fernandina Island's stark lava fields dotted with Lava Cacti and mangroves that grow atop hardened lava flows. Highlights include colonies of sea lions, penguins, flightless cormorants (especially active in spring and summer), and one of the largest concentrations of marine iguanas in the archipelago.
Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling 
Difficulty: Moderate 

In the afternoon, explore Urbina Bay, renowned for its upraised coral beds and vivid land iguanas. The area is rich in wildlife—giant tortoises, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, penguins, and marine iguanas are all commonly seen.
 Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling 
Difficulty: Moderate 

Once the site of a salt mine, this black-sand beach now serves as a prime location for spotting shorebirds, marine iguanas, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Inland, a walk that takes visitors past tidal pools and beautiful volcanic formations may offer views of fur seals lounging in shaded grottoes.
 Activities and Excursions: Walking, snorkeling  
Difficulty: Easy  

Once a haven for pirates and whalers, Buccaneer Cove now attracts wildlife rather than ships. It's a key nesting area for sea turtles and frequented by sea lions. A dinghy ride reveals stunning eroded cliffs that host nesting boobies, pelicans, and gulls.
Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride, kayaking  
Difficulty: Moderate

Bartholomew is best known for Pinnacle Rock, a striking volcanic cone that soars out of the water. A trail leads to the island’s summit, where breathtaking views of the surrounding lava terrain and the iconic rock await. The northern beach, a sea turtle nesting site, is perfect for snorkeling with reef sharks, penguins, and eagle rays.
Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride 
Difficulty: Easy 

Located next to Pinnacle Rock, the beaches at Sullivan Bay offer outstanding snorkeling, and lucky visitors might find themselves swimming alongside penguins. This northern beach is also a key nesting ground for green sea turtles.
Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride
Difficulty: Easy

Named after British naval officer Lord Hugh Seymour, this small island is covered in low-lying vegetation and teems with birdlife.
You’ll encounter blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and a substantial colony of magnificent frigatebirds, with males displaying their vibrant red throat pouches to attract mates.
Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride
Difficulty: Easy

Positioned between Baltra and North Seymour, Mosquera is a flat, sandy islet without a designated trail, allowing for free exploration. It’s known for its thriving sea lion colony, shorebirds, and colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs. The surrounding reefs make for excellent snorkeling, with chances to spot rays, turtles, and reef sharks.
Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling  
Difficulty: Moderate 

Visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, also known as the Charles Darwin Research Station. The center hosts an interpretation center, museum, library, and tortoise breeding facility, home to various tortoise subspecies being prepared for reintroduction.
Activities and Excursions: Walking
Difficulty: Easy

After your last visit, you will be transferred to the Baltra airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.  Assistance and farewell at the airport.