Galápagos - Wildlife and Scenic Wonders (Western Route)

Day 1: Arrival to Quito

Upon your arrival in Ecuador's captivating capital, Quito—nestled at 2,800 meters above sea level at the base of the majestic Pichincha Volcano—you'll be warmly greeted at the airport and escorted to your hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, with free time to explore the vibrant city and its rich culture on your own.

Day 2: Quito City Tour

Experience the wonders of Quito, home to South America's largest historic center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through iconic landmarks like the majestic Basilica del Voto Nacional, the stunning San Francisco Church, and the intricate La Compañía. Plus, this tour includes a visit to the Middle of the World, where you can defy the laws of physics and stand on the equator itself. Discover the rich history and unique charm of Quito while enjoying these unforgettable experiences

Day 3: Arrival & Charles Darwin Research Station

Depart for the Galapagos Islands, arriving at Baltra Airport, where you will be greeted by our naturalist guide from the National Park.

The Charles Darwin Station is a nonprofit organization that has been working alongside the Galapagos National Park for decades to preserve the biodiversity of these remarkable islands. During your visit, you’ll learn about the collaborative efforts between these institutions to protect native species and eradicate invasive ones that threaten the Galapagos environment. One of their most significant projects is the captive breeding of giant tortoises. The tour takes place primarily outdoors in a stunning native dry forest, where you’ll see giant cacti and other fascinating native plants. It’s also an excellent spot to observe several species of Darwin’s finches, as well as flycatchers and mockingbirds.

Highlights: Galapagos giant tortoise & land iguanas, Darwin finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, Galapagos flycatchers and yellow warblers.

Activity Level: 1 - Dry Landing and Hiking

Day 4: Isabela Island - Moreno Point & Elizabeth Bay

Moreno Point is a fascinating place where extensive lava fields, seemingly lifeless at first glance, give way to scattered brackish lagoons that serve as oases of life. Here, you may spot flamingoes, gallinules, ducks, and herons. Along the shore, keep an eye out for penguins, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, oystercatchers, and other shorebirds.

Elizabeth Bay is a stunning, sheltered bay surrounded by large mangroves and barren lava fields. There are no trails here, so we’ll explore the area by dinghy, winding through channels, pools, and coves rich with life. This is one of the best spots to see Galapagos penguins, though with a total population of only about 3,000 across the islands, sightings are special. Flightless cormorants nest nearby, and blue-footed boobies and pelicans frequently fish in these shallow, nutrient-rich waters. Rays and sea turtles are also abundant here

Snorkeling: During our snorkel, we’ll have the chance to see sea turtles, cormorants, and a variety of fish species. Be sure to check the long seaweeds closely—you might even spot a seahorse!

Highlights: American flamingoes, ducks, gallinules, penguins, cormorants, marine iguanas, sea lions, Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin finches.

Activity Level: 3 - Dry Landing and Hiking

Day 5: Isabela Island - Urbina Bay & Tagus Cove

Urbina Bay is known for the dramatic uplift that occurred in the 1950s, when a large section of the coast was pushed up, exposing many hectares of previously submerged land. Along the trail, you can spot small shells and corals—evidence that this land was once underwater. The trail also offers opportunities to see land iguanas and, during certain seasons, giant tortoises. Galapagos hawks nest in the area and are often seen soaring overhead or perched in the trees.

Tagus Cove is one of the locations Charles Darwin visited during his exploration of the Galapagos Islands. A trail through the dry Palo Santo forests offers sightings of Darwin’s finches and mockingbirds, along with stunning views of Darwin’s Lake and the northern Isabela volcanoes. A boat tour along the shore provides opportunities to observe penguins, cormorants, marine iguanas, and the rare Galapagos martin, an endemic species that is one of the island’s most endangered birds.

Snorkeling: From the beach, you can snorkel to see sea turtles, cormorants, and penguins, with abundant fish in the surrounding waters.

Highlights: Galapagos hawks, land iguanas, mockingbirds, Darwin finches, flycatchers.

Activity Level: 3 - Dry Landing, Wet Landing and Hiking

Day 6: Fernandina & Isabela - Espinoza Point & Vicente Roca Point

Espinoza Point, located at the base of an imposing volcano, the most active in the Galapagos Islands, this site is one of the crown jewels of the Galapagos National Park. Upon disembarking, you'll be greeted by hundreds of marine iguanas, as this is home to the largest colony of the species. Sea lions bask on the beaches, while their playful pups explore the tide pools. Along the shore, you’ll also spot flightless cormorants, which are found only in the western part of the archipelago. The cold, plankton-rich waters of Punta Espinosa support a diverse array of species, including herons, pelicans, oystercatchers, sea turtles, and shorebirds. Be sure to look up in the mangroves, where Galapagos hawks often perch to hunt.

Snorkeling: The nutrient-rich waters around Punta Espinosa attract a vast variety of fish and sea turtles. The abundance of seaweed makes this one of the best places to witness marine iguanas feeding underwater. Following a cormorant as it hunts through the reef is sure to be one of the most memorable snorkeling experiences of your trip.

Surrounded by some of the tallest cliffs in the Galapagos, Vicente Roca Point offers spectacular landscapes and fascinating volcanic features. While there is no trail here, you’ll enjoy a dinghy tour along the shore, giving you a closer view of pelicans, flightless cormorants, sea turtles, boobies, Galapagos fur seals, and marine iguanas. The area is also a prime spot for sightings of whales and dolphins.

Snorkeling: Snorkel in the cove to spot sea turtles, penguins, sea lions, cormorants, rays, and a wide variety of fish. Keep an eye out for fan corals, sponges, and other invertebrates thriving along the walls.

Highlights: Marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, penguins, sea turtles, fur seals, Nazca & blue-footed boobies

Activity Level: 2 - Dry Landing and Hiking

Day 7: Santiago & Rabida Islands

Despite its name, there is no actual port at Puerto Egas, though you may spot remnants of the last colonization attempts from the 1960s. The trail follows the coastline, which is teeming with wildlife—marine iguanas bask in the sun, Galapagos sea lions lounge by the shore, and herons, oystercatchers, and many shorebirds are frequently seen. At the trail's end, "The Grottos" provide a home for a small colony of the endemic Galapagos fur seal, which is more elusive than its sea lion cousins. In 2019, land iguanas were reintroduced to the area after being extinct on Santiago Island for over a century, so keep an eye out for these impressive reptiles.

Rabida Island is famous for its striking reddish lava rocks, rich in iron, which give the island a unique appearance. The red-sand beach hosts a small colony of sea lions. A nearby saltwater lagoon attracts ducks, stilts, and occasionally flamingos. The trail leads inland, offering beautiful views of the beach and lagoon, as well as opportunities to spot Darwin’s finches, flycatchers, and mockingbirds. Along the cliffs, look for Nazca and blue-footed boobies, brown noddies, herons, and both species of Galapagos sea lions and fur seals.

Snorkeling: Snorkeling from the beach, you can explore a sheltered rocky area that’s excellent for observing fish, sea lions, and reef sharks. The vertical walls are also home to a rich diversity of small invertebrates.

Highlights: Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos fur seals, oystercatchers, marine & land iguanas, hawks, herons, shorebirds, Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, red-sand beach.

Activity Level: 1 - Wet Landing and Hiking

Day 8: Black Turtle Cove and Departure

Black Turtle Cove is named for the abundance of green sea turtles, locally called "tortugas negras." There is no landing at this site, so you'll explore the shallow channels and small coves by dinghy, surrounded by stunning mangrove forests. The area is home to reef sharks, sea turtles, and several species of rays, and is an important mating site for turtles as well as a nursery for various shark species. Herons, pelicans, and boobies are also commonly seen here, feeding on schools of anchovies.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport to take your flight back to continental Ecuador (Quito).

Highlights: White-tipped and black-tipped reef sharks, green see turtles, rays, herons, blue-footed boobies.

Important Information

Your return flight will go to Quito.

Quito’s altitude is approximately 9,350 feet above sea level. You may experience mild altitude sickness during your stay.

All planned activities are subject to weather conditions.

Excursions and activities are subject to change.

Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included).

Full-day excursion: Historic Quito and Middle of the World, including lunch, before the expedition cruise.

English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide activities, both on board and ashore.

Escorted landings with small panga boats.

Inquire about exploring Ecuador mainland.