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Sea Lion resting on Red Sesuvium

Western Islands

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Fragata
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Explore Galapagos islands, it's inspired Charles Darwin teory of evolution; enjoy the saim expirience and see endemic animals. Practice snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, ornithology, exploring a volcanic land and cohabit with the wildlife.
Panga Ride near Tagus Cove, Isabela Island, GalapagosKayaking Tagus CovePunto Egas, Santiago Island, GalapagosPunto Egas, Santiago Island, Galapagos, Sea LionSea Lion resting on Red Sesuvium
Highlights
  • Strolling on the beach in Mosquera Island
  • Panga ride visit to Vicente Roca Point and see turtles, rays and puffer fish
  • Walk on a sandy and rocky denied path on Urbina Bay
  • Observe lava tunnels, lava cactus, Galapagos Sesuvium
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
0

Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Baltra| Mosquera

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the morning, fly to Baltra from Guayaquil. This island was a strategic point during the Second World War. Once at the airport, a naturalist English speaking guide assists you and transfers you to the yacht.

After lunch, sail to Mosquera Island This island consists of a long narrow stretch of white sand, rocks, and tide pools. Created by geological uplift, Mosquera has a flat look to it rather than the conical shape of the volcanically formed islands. It is a great place for snorkeling, strolling on the beach, and enjoying the wildlife. It is home to a huge population of sea lions and many shorebirds.

Day 2: Isabela | Fernandina

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, take a panga ride visit to Vicente Roca Point on Isabela Island. Comprised of two separate coves, this site is a large bay with spectacular sea life, observing seahorses, sea turtles, rays, puffer fish, and the strange yet fascinating Mola-mola (or sunfish). You may also see also Galapagos penguins, blue-footed boobies and nazca boobies.

In the afternoon disembark in Espinoza Point on Fernandina. Take a hike to see lava flows, a colony of marine iguanas (nesting time: January to June), penguins, pelicans and colonies of cormorants, and lava cactus. Spend the rest of the afternoon snorkeling before boarding the boat for dinner.

Day 3: Isabela

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning, disembark in Urbina Bay, located in the west of Isabela Island, at the food of the Alcedo volcano. Walk on a sandy and rocky defined path observing calcareous organisms (shells, corals)shells and corals above water. In this area we see a large colony of land iguanas, Darwin's finches, giant tortoises (between June – September) and flightless cormorants. After the hike, there is time for snorkeling along the shoreline where guests may observe penguins and flightless cormorants.

After lunch, visit Tagus Cove, a port where whaling ships arrived and left their ships’ names in a cave in 1800. In the high part is Darwin Lake, a round salt water crater. Disembark and take a walk begins from the shore by a wooden stairway that rises to the dusty trail passing through Palo Santo Forest to reach the Darwin Lake. Continue on the trail around the lake through the dry vegetation zone and admire panoramic views the overlook both Darwin and Wolf volcanoes. Later, take a panga ride through the cliffs and observe the historical graffiti, penguins, flightless cormorants, boobies, pelicans and sally lightfoot crabs. Then enjoy snorkeling time in the cove.

Day 4: Santiago | Chinese Hat

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning, visit Egas Port on Santiago Island. Walk along a rocky trail to the salt crater while observing Darwin Finches, the endemic Galapagos hawks, marine iguanas, sally light root crabs and fur seals and sea lions. Here, there is time for swimming and snorkeling.

In the afternoon, disembark and take a short walk around Chinese Hat observing lava tunnels, lava cactus, and Galápagos Sesuvium. Then take some time to swim and snorkel.

Day 5: Santa Cruz Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, walk for about 20 minutes to the Charles Darwin Station to observe Galapagos giant turtles breeding efforts. The Darwin Station is part of the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands, an international non-profit organization dedicated to scientific research in the Galapagos Islands since 1959.

After lunch, visit Hacienda Primicias and see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The tortoises are easy to spot, lumbering around eating grass and leaves and wallowing. Some highland birds, like cattle egrets, mockingbirds, finches or flycatchers can be seen here. After the hike return to the yacht for dinner and briefing for next day.

Day 6: Isabela

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today, sail to Tintoreras, located south of Puerto Villamil. This area has a small bay of completely calm turquoise waters, where you can find sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, etc. The bay is connected to a crevice of crystal clear water, that's shallow and when the tide is low, the entrance closes. In this crevice, you can see how reef sharks swim along with other small fish and sea lions.

In the afternoon, head to the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center. This center has a captive breeding program for tortoises from the populations of southern Isabela. Then visit Humedales for a short hike. This area is characterized by sandy beaches, rocky shores, and mangroves. The area has a number of trails where you can see all four species of mangroves found in Galapagos and also migratory birds: whimbrel, short-billed dowitcher, wilson’s phalarope, common tern, blue-winged teal, osprey, black-bellied and semipalmated plovers, greater and lesser yellowlegs to name a few. Afterwards, take a bus to the Wall of Tears. The wall was constructed between 1946 and 1959 while Isabela was a penal colony. As punishment the prisoners were forced to build the wall from huge blocks of lava. The wall is named for the many convicts that died while building the wall. Then board the boat for dinner.

Day 7: Rabida | Santa Cruz Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, take a zodiac to one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago as well as a great snorkeling site. Begin on Rabida's famous maroon sandy beach and take an easy hike to a stunning lookout that looks over the amazing landscapes of the Galapagos.

Rabida is a birdwatcher's delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance on this island, such as nine varieties of finches, Large-billed Flycatchers, Galapagos Hawks and Brown Pelicans.

After lunch, sail to Cerro Dragon on Santa Cruz Island. Take a walk to a hypersalinic (saltier than the ocean) lagoon behind the beach, often frequented by flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks and other species of birds. Then take a short walk to the hill, which offers a great view of the bay and a nesting site of land iguanas. Many of the iguanas that nest here have been repatriated by the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Day 8: Black Turtle Cove| Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
This morning, take a panga ride to to Black Turtle Cove (Caleta Tortuga Negra). This area is very special due to its lovely beach with sea lions and its clear, calm water. Black (Pacific Green) Turtles and many different types of birds can be seen feeding here as you are paddled around the beautiful lagoons hidden in the mangroves. After this visit transfer to Baltra Airport by bus for your return flight to Guayaquil/Quito.

Ship/Hotel

Fragata

Exterior image of the Fragata.
The bridge of the Fragata.
Relax on the sun deck

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,883
Upper DeckFragata's spacious cabins.
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Upper Deck Cabin
Cabin# 5 - 9 located at the Upper Deck. All our cabins have a private bathroom with hot and cold water shower, sink and dressing table. Upper deck feature picture windows with sea views
Lower deckFragata's cabins.
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Lower Deck Cabin
Cabin# 1 - 4 located at the Lower Deck. All our cabins have a private bathroom with hot and cold water shower, sink and dressing table.

Child Discount

10% discount for children under age 12 at time of Galapagos cruise. Discount not applicable for holiday departures

Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Quito/Guayaquil Hotel and Transfers
  • Bilingual Naturalist Guide 
  • Adventure Life Pre-departure Services and In-Country Assistance (Quito Representative)
  • Shore Excursions, Swimming and Snorkeling 
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Galapagos Park Entrance Fee: $100 per adult, $50 per child under 12
  • Internal Flights: Mainland Ecuador - Galapagos - Mainland Ecuador: $475-675
  • Wetsuits are not included but are available to rent on board - $30 for 4-day and 5-day tours, and $35 for 8-day tours.
  • Snorkel equipment is not included but is available to rent on board - $20 for 4-day and 5-day tours, and $25 for 8-day tours.

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
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