Western Route Galapagos Cruise | Bonita

You will take a morning flight from either Quito or Guayaquil to the Galapagos. Upon arrival at Baltra airport you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your vessel. Here you will have a welcome drink and introduction to your experienced crew.

After lunch our first visit is to Dragon Hill which is located in the northwestern area of Santa Cruz Island. It consists of a 1,600 m long trail running through 3 different environments. In 1975, it was one of the only places on Santa Cruz Island where healthy land iguanas (Conolophus Subcristatus) could be found. That same year, the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation initiated a program to conserve land iguanas. In the lagoons found here, there are shrimp (Artemia salina), the food of the flamingos.  At certain times of the year, the shrimp are more abundant and the flamingo population increases.

In the morning you will arrive at Espumilla Beach.
The main attractions include Palo Santo Wood, the beach, and the stunning landscape; the beach is a very important site for tortoises because they use this place for nesting. Once time, the pigs were the main predatory of tortoise’s eggs; pigs were eradicated with the creation of Isabela Project.

In the afternoon you will make your way to Egas Port. Here we find a beautiful black sand beach; to the south of the beach is the Pan de Azucar Volcano, whose volcanic deposits have contributed to the formation of the black sand beach.  The crater of this volcano contains a saltwater lake that dries up during hot weather.  Between 1928 and 1930, explorations to develop a salt mine were carried out, but it was decided that a mine was not feasible. The workers’ use of endemic woods also damaged the environment and the development was scrapped.

In the morning you will arrive at Vicente Roca Point. This point is comprised of two separate coves. This site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola-mola (sunfish).

In the afternoon you will make your way you Fernandina Island. This is the third biggest island in the Galapagos and has only one visiting site:  Espinoza Point, famous for the large colonies of marine iguanas and the home of the flightless cormorant, the Galapagos penguin, snakes, and more.  From Espinoza Point, we can admire the beauty of Fernandina Island and its volcano which last erupted in May of 2005.  Fernandina is the only island that doesn’t have mammals and the open areas are extremely fragile.  From January to June, the nesting period of the marine iguana, we take great care when walking. Dinner.

In the morning you will arrive at Urbina Bay. This place is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove. Wet landing. Trail length is around 3.20 Km; during this walk, we can observe land iguanas, hawks, and tortoises.  It is also possible to see red and blue lobsters.

In the afternoon you will arrive at Tagus Cove. It is located to the west of Darwin Volcano on Isabela Island.  While walking, we will find several inscriptions (names of pirates) dating back to the 1800’s. From here, we can see Darwin Lake, a salt water lake with a depth of approximately 9 m.  It contains no fish.  It is very common to see a variety of bird species.

In the morning you will arrive at Moreno Point. We will disembark at Moreno Point which is located near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. The plethora of birds seen during a dinghy ride along the striking rocky shores or a hike along a path through lava rock leading to tide pools and mangroves, create a birdwatcher’s delight. In the tide pools, green sea turtles or white-tip sharks can be spotted.

In the afternoon you will arrive at Elizabeth Bay. this is one of the island’s breeding sites for penguins. Located on the west coast of Isabela, Elizabeth Point is a marine visitor site. Visit Red Mangrove Cove: Brown pelicans, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays and sea lions are often seen.

After breakfast, we will visit Charles Darwin Station which is located in the main port on Santa Cruz Island; we will take a private bus to the entrance of the breeding center where we will see tortoises and land iguanas in captivity. This center is the main breeding site on the islands. Animals that were in danger of extinction on the various islands are maintained in captivity. Thanks to the dedicated work of several institutions, some species are being saved. Here lived Lonesome George, the famous last survivor of the giant tortoise species found on Pinta Island.

In the afternoon you will transfer to the highlands of Santa Cruz. Here we will hike and encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat, a natural wonder. For this visit we recommend to use sport shoes, long pants, raincoat, hat and sun block.

After breakfast, you will make your way to see the twin Craters on Santa Cruz island. Los Gemelos, or the Twin Craters, are located opposite each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only figurative; not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. The view is breathtaking.

Following this you will be transferred to the airport where you will board your departure flight from the Galapagos.