Western Islands

After arriving at Baltra Airport, meet the staff for assistance and transfer to the M/C Grand Ocean Spray.

Explore Chinese Hat, a volcanic islet shaped like its namesake. The site contains fragile lava formations preserved in excellent condition, offering a rare chance to see them up close. Along the shore, look for sea lions, shorebirds, and white-cheeked pintail ducks. American Oystercatchers and Galapagos Penguins often swim nearby, while hawks and colorful tropical fish can also be spotted.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, kayaking, dinghy ride
Difficulty: Moderate
Landing: Wet landing
Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, various shorebirds, white-cheeked pintail ducks, penguins, Galapagos Hawks, various tropical fish, and Sally lightfoot crabs.

At Vicente Roca Point, view dramatic volcanic formations and observe diverse bird species. The Cromwell Current flows through this area, bringing cold, nutrient-rich waters that attract both land and marine animals, often creating large feeding activity visible from the surface.
Activities: Dinghy ride, snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
Landing: No landing
Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, various shorebirds, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, fur seals, whales, sea turtles, various tropical fish, sally lightfoot crabs, and other marine species.

Continue to Fernandina, the archipelago’s most untouched and geologically active island, located at the far west. No foreign species have ever established here, keeping it in a natural state. Espinosa Point, the island’s only visitor site, features large groups of marine iguanas, Galapagos hawks, and opportunities to hike or snorkel in one of the most undisturbed environments of the Galapagos.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Landing: Dry landing - may be slippery
Possible Wildlife: Flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, land iguanas, penguins, sea lions, various shorebirds, Galapagos Hawks, various tropical fish, sally lightfoot crabs, sea turtles.

If you like historic remnants, then you will enjoy finding what was left behind by pirates and sailors in the 1800s. This site was one of their preferred pit stops while traveling the seas. The hike here will provide incredible views of the cove and on the other side the mangrove forest where the last 35 pairs of Mangrove finches thrive.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, kayaking, dinghy ride
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Landing: Dry
Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, various shorebirds, flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, sally lightfoot crabs, and mangrove finches.

Millions of years ago, Urbina Bay was once lying on the ocean floor. Volcanic uplifts caused it to rise, and now it is occupied by sea lions, land iguanas, and flightless cormorants. It is a great place to enjoy some free time on the beach, or the guide may suggest a walk.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Landing: Wet
Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, various shorebirds, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, sea turtles, land iguanas, Galapagos Hawk, sally lightfoot crabs, Galapagos tortoise.

This visitor site is visited by dinghy only, as the park authorities have no authorized landing in order to protect the island.  While in the dinghy, you can appreciate a large abundance of marine life that can be seen in the clear waters.
Activities: Dinghy ride
Difficulty: Easy
Landing: No Landing
Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, frigate birds, sea turtles, various shorebirds, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, pelicans, sally lightfoot crabs, tropical fish, and marine life such as Galapagos sharks.

The beautiful rocky shores of Moreno Point offer a plethora of birds to be seen. It is truly a birder's delight. The main attraction is the coast lagoons, where white-tipped sharks can be seen, and the panoramic views of Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes cannot be missed.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, dinghy ride
Difficulty: Moderate
Landing: Wet
Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, great blue herons, various shorebirds, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, sally lightfoot crabs, sea turtles, land iguanas, Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos tortoise.

The Charles Darwin Research Station is one of the Galapagos Islands’ most important sites for visitors. It is a research facility that has an extensive collection of Galapagos plant life specimens carefully preserved, and also acts as a biological research station and active breeding center operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation. Their biggest conservation efforts are to one day eliminate all invasive and non-native plants and animals, destroying endemic species within the islands.
Activities: Walking
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Landing: Dry
Possible Wildlife: Galapagos tortoises in captivity and various stages of tortoises.

The highlands are located in the northern part of Santa Cruz and can reach elevations up to 1500 meters. This area is rich in hills, ferns, volcanoes, and wildlife. A great contrast to the molten lava-hardened beaches and rocky areas of other islands already seen. It is home to giant tortoises, mockingbirds, finches, and many other species.
Activities: Walking
Difficulty: Moderate
Landing: Dry
Possible Wildlife: Galapagos tortoises, finches, mockingbirds, lava lizards, pintail ducks, and other shorebirds.

South Plaza is one of the smallest islands with a visitor site but is home to an incredible amount of diverse flora and fauna. It has a large population of Sesuvium plants like the prickly pear cactus tree which is an important source of food for the land iguana. Just a few years ago mice were finally eradicated from the island, helping the population of land iguanas grow healthily once more. The amazing colors of the turquoise waters against the black lava create a setting for amazing photography opportunities.
Activities: Walking
Difficulty: Moderate
Landing: Dry
Possible Wildlife: frigatebirds, sally lightfoot crabs, sea lions, land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, various shorebirds, and seabirds.

Depart from Baltra airport. After this last visit, transfer to Baltra airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. Assistance and farewell at the airport.