Our Western Galapagos Yacht Itinerary opens up with a tour of North Seymour Island, one of the most spectacular places in the archipelago with birds and unique scenery. The next day, we’ll wake up to the youngest and largest islands in Galapagos — Isabela and Fernandina — and embark on a spectacular tour of their geology, native wildlife, and human history.
After that, we’ll visit Rabida Island and Dragon Hill, each with its unique set of nature and beaches. Next, Santa Cruz awaits to provide us with insights into the conservation efforts underway while marveling at giant tortoises! Lastly, Floreana Island is our final visit, taking our breath away with its gorgeous scenery and amusing human history.
This Galapagos itinerary has been designed to guarantee the best wildlife-viewing opportunities at several of the most gorgeous landscapes in the archipelago.
Baltra Island
This adventure begins with your flight to Baltra Island and a transfer to the nearby dock to board Yacht La Pinta. You will be invited to lunch after an introductory briefing on board and an emergency drill.
North Seymour Island
We will disembark and enjoy a walk along this beautiful island. You will observe numerous birds, sea lions, and land iguanas. Afterward, we will head back onboard for an evening briefing, a welcome cocktail, and dinner.
Punta Vicente Roca
This coastal exploration is done aboard dinghies. There is abundant wildlife here, and, depending on weather conditions, you can snorkel along the cliffs!
Punta Espinoza
In the afternoon, we will visit the youngest island of the archipelago – Fernandina. Highlights here include hawks, penguins, flightless cormorants, and astounding views of the surrounding volcanic landscapes.
Urbina Bay
After breakfast, we will disembark at Urbina Bay. We will see plenty of corals and shells alongside Galapagos land iguanas. While sailing across the Bolívar Channel, we will have a chance to spot whales.
Tagus Cove
Upon disembarking, we will partake in an uphill hike to the Darwin Crater, which consists entirely of salt water. Afterward, you can snorkel or ride kayaks along the coastal landscape.
Rabida Island
In the morning, we will disembark at Rabida Island’s red-colored beach. We will observe marine iguanas, mockingbirds, and Darwin’s finches.
Dragon Hill [Santa Cruz Island]
The walk here involves circling a brackish-water lagoon that lagoon birds often frequent. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay as well as the western islands.
Puerto Ayora & Charles Darwin Research Station
The morning visit heads to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest. Following our visit, lunch will be served at the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel.
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
This is a great place to look for the emblematic Darwin’s Finches and the endemic Scalesia trees. We visit a giant tortoise reserve before returning to the yacht.
Post Office Bay
After breakfast, we will disembark at Post Office Bay to visit the historic “Post Office Barrel” that has functioned as a post office. There’s kayaking and swimming from the beach here as well.
Champion Islet & Cormorant Point
You can enjoy snorkeling or a ride on the glass-bottom boat that travels along “Champion Islet.” Later, you will visit Cormorant Point, where American flamingos can be spotted.
The journey ends at Baltra Island, where you will be transferred to the airport to take your 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 day one.
Rounding out this Galapagos itinerary is captivating North Seymour, with its fair share of frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. As we make our way through the sprawling Palo Santo tree forest, we’ll make it to the other side of the island, where sea lions, marine iguanas, and beautiful sunsets are quite common.
Visited on day two.
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 two.
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.
Visited on day four.
Rabida never fails to stun the eyes with its mesmerizing crimson-red beach and towering hillsides. Here you’ll get to enjoy a tour across its spectacular terrain and the nearby saltwater lagoon, allowing you to see flamingos, sea lions, and marine iguanas. The opportunity to go snorkeling here is available, too.
Visited on days four and five.
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, and the care native islanders take in protecting the wildlife and the environment. Giant tortoises are also seen in their natural habitat in the lush and verdant highlands.
Visited on day six.
On this island, immerse yourself in the human history of the Galapagos by partaking in the unique act of sending mail through a barrel that’s been functioning as a post office for over two centuries! You’ll also enjoy gorgeous beaches frequented by flamingos, herons, and numerous other birds. Snorkeling, glass-bottom boat, kayaking, and paddleboarding are offered here.
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