Skip to content Navigating the Diverse Southwestern Volcanic Archipelago
7 Days
Friday to Thursday
12 of 15
Galapagos Iconic Species
From
USD 7950
per guest
Set forth on a transformative expedition — Darwin’s Legacy — where the spirit of Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking discoveries comes to life. This itinerary takes you into the heart of the southwestern Galapagos: a region forged by recent tectonic upheavals, rich with geological wonders, and teeming with wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.
In the southwestern Galapagos, you witness the true origins of the archipelago — a land where volcanic forces have sculpted a dramatic, otherworldly landscape, where creation is still unfolding. Fernandina Island, in the Galapagos, is one of the most untouched environments on the planet, where life continues to evolve in isolation, entirely free from human influence. Here, your naturalist guide reveals the extraordinary adaptations of the local wildlife — from the Galapagos flightless cormorant to the marine iguana — before your journey continues to the Charles Darwin Research Station, where the science behind these islands’ resilience is actively being written.
Each stop through the southwestern volcanic archipelago reveals a different face of the Galapagos’ dynamic ecosystem. The pristine environments on this expedition — many untouched by human intervention — don’t just show you nature’s adaptability and resilience. They make you feel it.
Baltra Island
North Seymour Island
Wildlife: Frigatebirds · Blue-footed Boobies · Galapagos Sea Lions · Land Iguanas
Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)
Explore Punta Vicente Roca by panga, no landing site
Naturalists highlight lava flows and tuff stone formations
Spot diverse wildlife during the ride
Snorkel along cliffs if conditions allow, with chances to see green sea turtles
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
Wildlife: Marine Iguanas · Galapagos Flightless Cormorant · Galapagos Penguin · Green Sea Turtles · Galapagos Hawk
Urbina Bay (Isabela Island)
Tagus Cove (Isabela Island)
Wildlife: Giant Tortoises · Land Iguanas · Penguins · Possible Whale Sightings
Rabida Island
Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island)
Wildlife: Marine Iguanas · Darwin’s Finches · Mockingbirds · Santa Cruz Land Iguanas · Flamingos
Puerto Ayora & Charles Darwin Research Station
Morning visit to Charles Darwin Research Station
Explore facilities and giant tortoise pens
Learn about conservation and scientific work in the Galapagos
Enjoy lunch on the island
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
Wildlife: Giant Tortoises · Darwin’s Finches · Highland Birds · Scalesia Forest
Post Office Bay
Panga ride through Floreana’s north shore channels
Visit Baroness Cove for stunning coastal views
Stop at historic Post Office Bay with its two-century-old barrel
Learn about the 1835 Beagle expedition observation
Optional kayaking and snorkeling at Post Office Bay
Champion Islet & Punta Cormorant
Wildlife: Greater Flamingos · Sea Turtles · White-tipped Sharks · Tropical Fish · Shore Birds
Prices in 2026
Starting at USD 7950 per guest
Prices in 2027
Starting at USD 8150 per guest
Please select the year first, then click on the date that suits you best.
Because the Galapagos Islands are so extensive, picking where to visit and what to see can be difficult. To create our itineraries and enable guests to see the best balance of Galapagos species, we spoke with researchers, Naturalist Guides, and island aficionados to select the archipelago’s most unique and fascinating animals. Their choices inspired our Galapagos BIG15, which features the most iconic Galapagos wildlife.
Choose expedition vessels for an authentic and intimate experience.
Consider the comfort level with the ideal space-to-guest ratio during your journey.
All our itineraries allow you to discover 12 to 15 of the Big 15 iconic species and the top 4 islands in just 5 to 7 days.
Take part in the multi-guided itineraries for a unique experience of the Galapagos Islands.
Our carefully designed itineraries guarantee exclusivity and optimal wildlife viewing opportunities during island visits.
Enjoy multiple activities around the islands at no extra cost during your Galapagos expedition.
Rest assured, our Galapagos cruise ships have onboard medical professionals to attend to any medical needs.
Ensure the Galapagos National Park authorizes your cruise for activities and island visits.
Reminder: We can assist with tickets and fees for entry to Galapagos.
“Melissa has been fantastic! She answers all my questions, gets back to me quickly, and has mapped out a wonderful trip for us. I couldn’t be happier with the service I have received.”
– Mary Kabat
We'll call you back within 5 minutes.
