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Our Western Galapagos Yacht Itinerary begins with a tour of Santa Cruz Island, home to giant tortoises, and research initiatives focused on conservation and sustainability. The next day, we’ll wake up to spectacular Bartolome Island and Santiago Island, each providing gorgeous scenery and captivating moments with the local wildlife, such as penguins!
Following that, we’re off to the western end of the archipelago, which is home to the largest and youngest islands in the archipelago — Isabela and Fernandina! Here, you’ll get a chance to admire the volcanic terrain of the archipelago and check out the wholly unique flightless cormorant.
This Galapagos itinerary has been designed to guarantee the best wildlife-viewing opportunities at several gorgeous landscapes in the archipelago.
Baltra Airport (Santa Cruz Island)
After landing, we drive to the Itabaca Channel to take a ferry across Santa Cruz Island. A bus ride takes us to a restaurant in the Highlands to enjoy lunch and then continue to Puerto Ayora.
Puerto Ayora
In Puerto Ayora, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center. Later in the afternoon, we stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking.
Bartolome Island
We start the day with a steep climb up a wooden staircase: the panoramic view from the top is well worth the effort! Following the walk, we take a panga ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock in search of Galapagos penguins and other wildlife.
Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)
After lunch, we board the pangas and land at Sullivan Bay. A trail runs along a lava field; this is the perfect place to see and understand the volcanic origin of the Galapagos.
Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island)
After disembarking, our walk passes a brackish-water lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks, and American flamingos. After our walk, we can snorkel from the shore. Here, we may spot rays, green turtles, and sharks.
Buccaneer Cove (Santiago Island)
After lunch, we explore the coastline along the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove. The cove has many marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms. Enjoy fantastic natural formations such as “Elephant Rock,” and “The Bishop.”
Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)
We explore the coast by dinghy, seeking out wildlife like Galapagos fur seals, Nazca boobies, flightless cormorants, penguins, and marine iguanas. Back on board, we navigate along the Bolivar Channel.
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
Our visitor site of Punta Espinoza is an amazing combination of barren landscapes and abundant wildlife. Spot hawks, penguins, marine iguanas, and the flightless cormorant.
Our journey ends at Baltra Island, where we transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.
A total of 20 spacious and spotless cabins (all of which have their private bathroom) offer room for up to 40 guests. A wide variety of cabin options are available, and nearly all of them are arrayed around the outer-facing corridors of the Yacht.
Visited on days one and three.
Home of the Charles Darwin Research Station and one of the largest giant tortoise populations in the archipelago. This island provides an exquisite sense of the ongoing conservation efforts underway, as well as the care and responsibility native islanders take concerning wildlife and the environment. During the visit, you’ll enjoy seeing giant tortoises in their natural habitat while experiencing the lush and verdant highlands. Additionally, you’ll get to check out a remote visitor site on the far end of the island that’s home to numerous land iguanas.
Visited on day two.
Step off onto this jaw-dropping island’s golden beach and admire its incredible views and landscapes. Bartolome is often referred to as the “postcard” island in the Galapagos, with its iconic peninsula adorned by the towering Pinnacle Rock. As icing on the cake, this island also allows one to see and snorkel alongside Galapagos penguins!
Visited on days two and three.
Beautifully rugged, with a well-eroded coastline consisting of tuff stone layers and lava flows, Santiago delights not only with its vistas but also a substantial bit of human history. Here you’ll learn about the salt mine that once existed on the island, followed by a chance to take a dip in the waters and swim alongside sea lions, sea turtles, and reef sharks!
Visited on day four.
Admire the epic and beautiful coastline of one of the largest islands in the Galapagos. In addition to the dramatic geology found here, you’ll also enjoy the chance to hop aboard our glass-bottom boat or go snorkeling in the presence of green sea turtles, playful sea lions, ocean sunfish, and even penguins, possibly!
Visited on day four.
Fascinate yourself with the mesmerizing canvas of recent lava flows that have amassed across the terrain. Home to one of the largest colonies of marine iguanas, you’ll want to watch your step, too! Snorkeling is offered here, with the possibility of seeing and even swimming alongside flightless cormorants and penguins.
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Have a chat with our Destination Experts that have enjoyed our itineraries!
