Western Islands

Fly from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island in about two and a half hours. On arrival, meet experienced guides who take you on a brief bus ride to the pier to board the M/V Galapagos Legend.

This site takes its name from World War II barges that sank here, with their remains still visible in the sand. Swim in the clear water, walk along the shoreline, and explore the lagoon behind the high tide line, where you may see wading birds, marine iguanas, and occasionally flamingos. The two beaches also serve as important nesting grounds for green turtles, which often leave track-like marks across the sand.
Landing: Wet

Walk along Egas Port’s black volcanic sand, shaped by the island’s rugged shoreline. Look for wildlife that lives between land and sea, including a small colony of Galapagos fur seals near the end of the trail.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Type of terrain: Flat / Semi-rocky
Duration: 1 ½ hour walk or 1 hour snorkeling
Landing: Wet

On Rabida Island, step onto a distinctive red-sand beach at the center of the archipelago. See sea lions along the shore and search for mockingbirds, finches, Galapagos doves, and vermilion flycatchers. Follow a path through palo santo trees and cactus stands to reach a viewpoint overlooking the bay.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Type of terrain: Flat / Semi-rocky
Duration: 1 ½ hour walk, 1 hour snorkeling, 30 min kayaking, or 30 min glass-bottom boat
Landing: Wet

At the far end of a long, level hike, you arrive at a strange phenomenon where large blocks of coral lie completely exposed after a dramatic geological uplift in 1954. Located at the western base of Alcedo Volcano, you hope to run into a few very impressive land iguanas as well as some of the volcano´s endemic Galapagos giant tortoises during the wet season.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Type of terrain: Flat / Semi-rocky
Duration: 1 ½ hour walk, 1 hour snorkeling
Landing: Wet

Tagus Cove, a historic pirate hideout and anchorage. Visited by Charles Darwin and the HMS Beagle in 1835. Hike past Darwin Lake and the stunning volcanic landscape, revealing Isabela Island's dramatic northern volcanoes. Snorkel along a submerged wall with turtles, fish, penguins, and flightless cormorants. Enjoy a panga ride or kayak for added excitement!
Difficulty Level: Medium, High
Type of terrain: Steep
Duration: 2-hour hike, 1 hour snorkeling, 30 min kayaking, or 30 min glass-bottom boat
Landing: Dry

Pristine Fernandina, the marine iguana capital. Its desolate volcanic backdrop hosts a massive concentration of these enigmatic reptiles. Surprisingly, Galapagos penguins share the same shoreline. Snorkeling offers an exciting opportunity to witness marine iguanas feeding underwater, alongside penguins, turtles, and unique flightless cormorants.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Type of terrain: Flat / Semi-rocky
Duration: 1 ½ hour hike, 1 hour snorkeling, 30 min glass-bottom boat
Landing: Dry

Spectacular site, surrounded by immense cliffs of an eroded volcano. Studded with resting seabirds like brown noddies and Nazca boobies. Superb snorkeling with unique fish species. Swim with penguins and green turtles.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Type of terrain: Flat / Semi-rocky
Duration: 1 hour snorkeling, 30 min Dinghy Ride
Landing: None

In the central highlands of Santa Cruz Island, you have your best opportunity to interact at close quarters with totally wild Galapagos giant tortoises. A short walk among these huge, 600lb, reptiles will also offer the chance for more highland species, especially several species of the famed finches.
Difficulty Level: Low
Type of terrain: Flat & muddy (depending on the season)
Duration: 1 ½ hour walk
Landing: Dry

After the visit, passengers will be transferred to Baltra Airport for their return flight to Guayaquil or Quito.