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Hidden Jewels of the Western Islands - Cruise B | Sirius

6 Days
From AUD 10,556

Trip Code: ECGASI6B

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (Light Adventure)

Start: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Finish: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

SHIP: Sirius Galaxy

DestinationDestination

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

DestinationDeparture Date

Selected Saturdays

MealsMeals

All Meals, Water, Tea & Coffee While Onboard Your Galapagos Cruise

TransportTransport

Group Transfers In The Galapagos To & From Your Vessel 

TransportAccommodation

Cabin On Board A Catamaran Yacht



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Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

Daily Excursions, Panga Rides, Shore Landings And Expert Briefings While Onboard

 

*Itinerary Is Subject To Change Depending On Weather Conditions And Government Regulations

OVERVIEW

The western islands of the Galapagos archipelago is an unmatched experience, traveling through one of the most pristine and environmentally diverse locations of the world. A remarkable route that highlights the magnificent natural beauties and raw power of nature is unveiled every day. You can tell you're going to have an amazing day the instant you wake up because of the boat's soft rolling. You go on daily excursions with knowledgeable naturalists to discover the distinctive landscapes of the islands and get up close and personal with its recognizable and unique animals. Every moment presents an opportunity to commune with nature in its most pristine form, whether you're snorkeling with playful sea lions in what feels like a never-ending aquarium, trekking through volcanic terrain, or taking in the rich marine life while exploring in pangas along the coast. Keep an eye out for giant tortoises, land and marine iguanas, as well as the small finches that bring the living history of these islands to life.

 

*Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Pricing is subject to change and availability at the time of booking. Contact us for more information.

ITINERARY

Santa Cruz Highlands

Today the adventure begins with your flight to the Galapagos Island. Upon arrival, our dedicated crew will receive you at the airport, give you a warm welcome and then transport you to the cruise ship.

En route, visit the highland forests of Santa Cruz, where you'll search for Galapagos Giant tortoises in their natural habitat. This area offers the best opportunity in the Galapagos to observe these gentle giants, some reaching over 300 kg (600 pounds!), as they graze and rest by freshwater ponds. The highlands are also a haven for a diverse range of birds rarely found in the lowlands, including finches (tree, woodpecker, and vegetarian finches), flycatchers, and various species of water birds. Depending on the itinerary, you may explore a lava tunnel and gain insights into how these extraordinary formations were shaped by ancient volcanic eruptions.

Punta Moreno & Elizabeth bay

Moreno Point is a magical place with extensive lava fields which look lifeless at first sight. Once inland, scattered brackish lagoons form oasis of life where you can find flamingoes, gallinules, ducks and herons. Along the shore we will look for penguins, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, oystercatchers and other shore birds. You will have the opportunity to snorkel with see sea turtles, cormorants and many species of fish. Look carefully in the long seaweeds and you might find a sea horse.

In the afternoon visit Elizabeth Bay, a beautiful sheltered bay surrounded by large mangroves and barren lava fields. There is no trail here so you will take a dinghy tour to explore many channels, pools and coves teeming with life. This is one of the best locations in the islands to see Galapagos penguins, but don’t expect to see thousands of them, as the entire population of the islands is only about 3.000 of them. Flightless cormorants also nest in the area and blue-footed boobies and pelicans often fish in these shallow and rich waters. Rays and sea turtles are also very abundant.

Urbina bay & Tagus Cove

Embark on a morning expedition to Urbina bay, a place is known for the dramatic uplifting that happened here during the 1950’s. A large portion of the coast was pushed up, exposing many hectares of previously submerged land. Look carefully along the trail and you will find small shells and corals, a proof that the area was underwater more than sixty years ago. The trail will give the opportunity to see land iguanas and, during certain seasons, giant tortoises. Galapagos hawks nest in the area and are often seen flying or perched on the trees.

This afternoon, hike Tagus cove, one of the places Charles Darwin visited during his exploration of the Galapagos islands. A trail will take you through a dry Palo Santo forests where you can see Darwin finches and mockingbirds. You will get great views of Darwin’s lake and the large volcanos of northern Isabela.
A boat tour along the shore will give you chances to see penguins, cormorants, marine iguanas and a very unique species: the Galapagos martin, a small endemic bird which is one of the most endangered species on the island.

Espinoza Point & Albermarle Point

Located at the base of an imposing volcano (the most active in the Galapagos islands) Espinoza point is one of the jewels of the Galapagos National Park. As soon as you disembark you will be surrounded by hundreds of marine iguanas, as this is the largest colony for the species. Sea lions bask in the beaches while their pups play in tide pools. Along the shore you will see flightless cormorants, which are restricted to the western areas of the archipelago. Surrounded by cold plankton-rich waters, Punta Espinosa is home for an array of species, including herons, pelicans, oystercatchers, sea turtles, shorebird and many more. Look up in the mangroves as Galapagos hawks often perch to look for their prey.

In the afternoon, explore Albermarle Point, a destination renowned for its abundant wildlife and historical significance. During World War II, the Americans constructed a radar base to detect the presence of Japanese warships approaching the Galapagos. Remnants of this radar are still visible today. Despite the barren landscape surrounded by vast lava fields, the coastal areas boast some of the largest marine iguanas in the islands, along with Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and various shorebirds.

Egas Port & Espumilla Beach

Contrary to its name, Puerto Egas lacks an actual "port," yet you may encounter remnants of past attempts to colonize the island in the 1960s. The trail winds along the coastline, teeming with wildlife, from marine iguanas basking in the sun to Galapagos sea lions, herons, oystercatchers, and numerous shorebirds. The trail culminates in an area known as "the grottos," hosting a small colony of the endemic Galapagos fur seal—more elusive up close than its relative. Notably, land iguanas were reintroduced to the area in 2019 after being extinct from Santiago for over a century, so keep a keen eye out for these impressive reptiles.

Espumilla beach is a stunning 1km (0.6 mi) stretch of beach with rust-colored sand situated on the northern coast of Santiago. Encircled by expansive mangrove trees and a captivating native dry forest, this locale serves as the habitat for Galapagos hawks, along with a diverse array of finches, mockingbirds, and doves. Be sure to explore the salt pan, especially during the rainy season when you might encounter flamingos and ducks.

Dragon Hill & Departure

Located in the northern coast of Santa Cruz, Dragon hill gets its name from the land iguanas that inhabit this area, the only location in the whole island of Santa Cruz where you can see this large species of reptiles. Thanks to a very successful breeding program, this population of land iguanas, which was in the brink of extinction during the 70’s and 80’s, has rapidly recovered. There is also a small salt water lagoon where we can often see flamingoes, ducks, stilts, sandpipers and other shorebirds.

After the visit, bid farewell to your guide and fellow travelers before being transferred to the airport in anticipation of your flight back to the mainland.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF
Sirius Galaxy

Sirius Galaxy

Experience the luxurious beauty of the Galaxy Sirius, a sumptuous vessel that has been expertly designed to provide unmatched comfort and tranquility. This remarkable ship, which is outfitted with elegant furnishings and cutting-edge facilities, guarantees an amazing sailing experience while you explore the fascinating Galapagos Islands. Enjoy fine dinner in the classy Galaxy Sirius dining room, which has a cozy atmosphere and breathtaking views of the ocean. While on your incredible Galapagos voyage, make lasting memories with other travelers and savor delectable cuisine. Relax in the chic Galaxy Sirius lounge, a great place to meet people, have a drink, and unwind. Savor the comfortable sitting and take in the friendly ambiance while a large-screen TV creates the ideal setting for special occasions. Create lifelong memories with other travelers in this welcoming haven of relaxation and companionship.

Ice Class: Length: 120.14 ft (36.62 m)
Breadth: 42.65 ft (13 m)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: 110V & 120V Passenger
Capacity:
16

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Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

Pricing per person & date

Hidden Jewels of the Western Islands - Cruise B | Sirius from AUD 10,556
Selected Saturdays

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Important Information

  • All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.

    Please note kayak activities are subject to weather conditions. 

    Prices are based on per person, twin share* (unless otherwise stated) 

    Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time

     

    *Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.

  • INCLUSIONS 

    Accommodation in double cabin
    Transfers in the Galapagos and airport assistance
    All meals during the cruise
    Water coffee and tea & soft drink
    All excursions as per the itinerary*
    English-Speaking Naturalist guide
    Snorkelling equipment
    Kayak & Paddle board equipment

     

    EXCLUSIONS 

    Return airfares from mainland Ecuador 
    Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee (US$200 per person from Aug 2024 - Subject to change) 
    Galapagos Transit Control Card (US$20 per person - Subject to change)
    Wet suit rental 
    Alcoholic drinks 
    Personal expenses
    Gratuities for crew/guides 
    Services not specified

  • 2 (Light Adventure)
  • A single supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please contact us for more information.

  • Seasonality, fuel surcharges, currency fluctuations and availability at time of booking.