Embark on this exciting 6-day Galapagos tour of the wild west! Highlights of the west include beautiful Santa Cruz, wildlife-rich Isabela, cliff-laden Fernandina, and the amazing black beaches of Santiago. These islands are rich with an abundance of wildlife both in and out of the ocean including flamingos, iguanas, sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks. Enjoy the company of friendly sea lions while snorkeling or hike across volcanic landscapes, making this a truly unique vacation.
Highlights
Snorkel with sea turtles around Punta Vicente Roca
Be on the lookout for dolphins and orcas at Mosquera
Take a panga ride around Bartolome Island
Hike past the remains of a salt mining enterprise in Santiago
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive at the airport and be escorted to the boat for check-in, a short briefing, and then lunch. On your first excusion take a panga ride to Mosquera. This tiny islet is actually home to a huge population of sea lions and many shorebirds. While at Mosquera, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and orcas.
Day 2: Santiago | Bartolome
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sullivan Bay is known for its spectacular volcanic formations, relatively young pahoehoe lava flows, and unique geological scenery. Due to Sullivan’s relatively recent volcanic activity, few plants have been able to take root here. Look for the low-lying pioneer plant, locally known as “mollugo”, as well as the lava cactus.
Bartolome is a small island where you can enjoy some relaxed snorkeling around Pinnacle Rock. Penguins can usually be spotted here. Then it’s back on board for a quick change of clothes followed by a short dinghy ride to a dry landing. From here climb to the highest point
 on the island and encounter different volcanic formations including spatter and tuff cones, lava flows, and lava tubes. From the summit, enjoy a wonderful view of Sullivan Bay. If the hike isn't for you, enjoy a panga ride around the island. Enjoy the unique flora and fauna of the island including sea lions, pioneer plants, reef sharks, rays, and colorful reef fish.
Day 3: Isabela
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Isabela Island was formed by five volcanoes and is the largest of the archipelago. It's also the youngest of the islands. Urbina Bay is located in Western Isabela, at the foot of Alcedo volcano. Have the opportunity to observe sea turtle nesting sites as well as penguins and flightless cormorants. It is also one of the best places to see Darwin’s finches and large land iguanas. The giant tortoises which like to feed within the site’s dense vegetation can also be seen here.
Tagus Cove was used as an anchoring place for pirates, buccaneers, and whalers. The high ridges are painted with the names of hundreds of ships that came to the island. This is a practice that is now forbidden. Take a hike on a trail that goes through an area of vegetation and the volcanic landscape of Darwin Volcano. Once the top has been reached, enjoy the incredible view of the whole cove and Darwin Lake.
The brisk hike is followed by kayaking or a panga ride. Witness large numbers of blue-footed boobies perched on the ledges of the cliffs, as well as marine iguanas, penguins, brown pelicans, brown noddy terns, and swallow-tailed gulls. Enjoy the opportunity to encounter dolphins and whales while exploring the channel between Fernandina and Isabela Island.
Day 4: Fernandina
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Fernandina Island is one of the most pristine and dynamic ecosystems in the entire world. La Cumbre Volcano last erupted in April 2009. The lava fields from this eruption stretch towards the ocean from its base and dominate the landscape. Punta Espinoza is a narrow piece of land where some of the most unique species of the Galapagos can be seen. Amongst these are the flightless cormorant, Galapagos snakes, marine iguanas, penguins, and the Galapagos hawk.
Punta Vicente Roca is a wonderful snorkeling site where you can usually see turtles and various types of fish. If you prefer not to snorkel, enjoy a panga ride. This allows for an opportunity to study some of the Galapagos’ spectacular geological rock formations. In this area you can see Nazca boobies, pelicans, swallow-tailed gulls, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and penguins.
Day 5: Santiago
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Puerto Egas (James Bay) is located on the northwest side of Santiago Island. Here there are black beaches with eroded rock formations. Take a hike past the remains of a salt mining enterprise and then continue along the coast. Tidal pools are home to a variety of invertebrate organisms, including sea urchins, octopus, and starfish. Also get a chance to see marine iguanas, finches, oystercatchers, and with luck, the Galapagos hawk. Then head to the fur sea lion grottos, one of the only places in the islands where these unique animals can be seen. Enjoy a nice swim with playful sea lions. View the abundant variety of beautiful fish and maybe see some turtles, rays, and reef sharks.
The visitor's site on Espumilla Beach is on the northern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay. The main attractions here are a palo santo forest, beach, and the unique landscape. Keep an eye out for the Galapagos hawk as well as Darwin’s finches. The beach here is also an important site for nesting marine turtles.
Day 6: Disembark | Santa Cruz Island | Baltra
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, visit the highlands of Santa Cruz and see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. After this quick but informative visit, you are escorted to Baltra Airport for departure back to the mainland.
Dates & Prices
Per person starting at
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.
Initial deposit is 25% ($400 minimum), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 (10 weeks) 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
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.8 | 167 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 167 reviews on
3 days ago
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!
Sandi T
2 weeks ago
Erin was patient, thorough, responsive, knowledgeable.
Karen Bukolt
3 weeks ago
Erin was responsive, knowledgeable, helpful, and ran through a few different choices with us. She got us a fabulous price on a trip, and made everything easy to do. And QUICK!!
Tina
1 month ago
From the initial meeting and planning process with our trip planner Jess, through to the finalizing of our itinerary, trip details and questions, I was very impressed with the professionalism, thoroughness, organization and attention to details. I would highly recommend Adventure Life to anyone looking to plan a unique travelling experience, knowing that the expertise and experience provided will result in a seamless trip of a lifetime.
Lynn Farquharson
1 month ago
Excellent suggestions I line with my desires on a Galapagos very last minute cruise.
Swift and professional guidance and assistance in booking the trip. Helped me realising a substantial saving.