Regardless of when you choose to visit, the Galapagos Islands are consistently teeming with activity and a multitude of things to experience throughout the entire year!
Our Eastern Galapagos Islands Itinerary is one the most comprehensive expeditions that we offer throughout the Galapagos, thanks in large part to its length and multitude of visitor sites it explores. In this blog, we invite you to consider the excellent benefits that this particular Eastern excursion provides when compared to our Western and Northern Galapagos itineraries.
The longer, the better
Galapagos expedition experts have always recommended that a bare minimum of 5-days is what’s recommend for visitors to adequately “get a sense” of what Galapagos has to offer. Anything over this bare minimum will give you a wholly grandiose and complete experience of the Enchanted Islands. This is why we often recommend our 7 day/6 night Eastern Galapagos Itinerary for those looking to get more than just a taste of what Galapagos has to offer. With excellent island coverage and island exclusivity, this itinerary aboard the Santa Cruz II is the way to go. After all, if you’re going to make it this far out, why not make the most of it?
Prepare to visit one of the most secluded destinations on Earth!
You’ll visit the #1 Island to Experience in Galapagos
That’s right, Española Island (otherwise known as the Grand Central Station of Wildlife) in Galapagos consistently ranks as the top island to visit in the archipelago, as per the opinion of our guides, guests, and expedition leaders.
With an astounding diversity of wildlife, an amazing coastline consisting of dramatic cliffs, and as the only island in Galapagos to serve as the home of the majestic waved albatrosses, it’s no wonder that Española is number one on everybody’s list of islands. Speaking of the waved albatrosses….
You’ll get to experience the LARGEST bird in all of Galapagos
Dazzle your eyes as they witness the largest bird in Galapagos with its majestic wingspan of the Galapagos albatross! You’ll find them nesting beginning in April and, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see their quirky yet mesmerizing courtship dance that drums up an incredibly cacophonous melody as their beaks rattle against each other!
A Trifecta of Iconic Species (and more)!
You won’t have to worry about whether it’s a Nazca, blue- or red-footed booby that you’ll get to experience, because this Eastern Galapagos Itinerary is an “all-footed” boobies experience!
Not to mention, you’ll witness all three major species of iguana that the Galapagos are home to: marine, land and Santa Fe. Additionally, you’ll find that two special guests will make an appearance as well: Galapagos fur seals and sea lions! That’s already EIGHT fantastic members of our BIG15 list of iconic species. And it doesn’t stop there, for this entire Eastern itinerary will allow you to see up to THIRTEEN MEMBERS (nearly 90%) of our BIG15 list of iconic species!
Deliberating on Vessel Size? Don’t!
Captivated by the itinerary length, but doubting the larger size of Santa Cruz II? In a nutshell, however, it all comes down to realizing that, in spite of the larger size of the Santa Cruz II, you’re entitled to:
A multi-guided guided expedition
More guides mean you’ll have more activities to choose from and more specialized groups to be a part of.
Stability
The bigger the boat, the more stability you get. Additionally, this Eastern Galapagos Islands itinerary is “seasickness proof” in the sense that it only navigates around islands that are protected from the stronger currents that flow into Galapagos. The Santa Cruz II saves its longest navigations for nighttime, while daytime navigations are only limited to lasting less than a few hours.
Larger recreational spaces
To lounge out on, have some time to yourself, and relish the Galapagos in absolute comfort and solace – why wouldn’t you want to have that extra space?
Charles Darwin was here…
The Punta Pitt visitor site will see you retracing the steps of renowned biologist Charles Darwin! This was one of the places he actually managed to disembark at during his visit in the Galapagos back in 1835.
