Skip to main content

Western Islands 8 Day Itinerary | Galapagos Angel

8 Days
From £ 5,213

STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ECGGA8B

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Finish: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

SHIP: Galapagos Angel

DestinationDestination

Ecuador, Galapagos Islands

DestinationDeparture Date

Selected Sundays 

MealsMeals

All meals, water, tea & coffee while board your Galapagos cruise

TransportTransport

Group transfers in the Galapagos to & from your vessel 

TransportAccommodation

Cabin onboard a ship



Enquire Now
map

Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

Daily excursions, panga rides, shore landings and expert briefings while onboard

OVERVIEW

Enjoy 8 days exploring the Galapagos Islands onboard the new and luxurious ship, Galapagos Angel. You will start your voyage on the main island of Baltra and visit a giant tortise breeding centre in the highlands and cruise to the islands of Santa Cruz, Bartolome, Isabela, Fernandia, Florena and Mosquera Islet. 

Witness sea lions playing on the beaches and swimming in the water and see a range of endemic wildlife such as marine iguanas, red and blue footed boobies and Galapagos doves. You will see a range of sea life such as tuna, turtles and if you are lucky whales or perhaps even orca. 

Your cruise takes a maximum of 16 guests and includes a multi-lingual local guide who will accompany you on all of your excursions off the ship. You will explore on foot, by panga (zodiac) cruising and will have the oppourtunity to snorkel. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure. 

 

* 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

Arrival & Bachas Beach

Commence your Galapagos adventure on the first day with a morning flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra, where the enchanting archipelago eagerly awaits your arrival. Touch down on Baltra Island in the morning, and seamlessly navigate through immigration and baggage claim. A friendly staff member will be there to greet you, facilitating a smooth transfer to the awaiting yacht.

Upon boarding, you'll be escorted to your cabin, providing a moment to settle in before indulging in a delightful lunch and a comprehensive welcome briefing. In the afternoon, set your sights on Bachas Beach, nestled along the north shore of Santa Cruz. This inviting beach is perfect for a refreshing swim. Explore remnants of the U.S. World War II presence, including a floating pier. Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls Bachas Beach home, such as flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, and whimbrels. Witness the fascinating nesting grounds of sea turtles, marking the beginning of your immersive Galapagos experience.

Dragon Hill & Pinnacle Rock

Begin your day with a morning exploration of Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island. This site, one of the newest accessible to Galapagos tourists, offers an extended walking trail. Traverse along a picturesque beach and ascend a trail leading to the lagoon lookout, where vibrant flamingos, pintail ducks, and land iguanas grace the landscape.

As the day progresses, set sail for Bartholomew Island, where the iconic Pinnacle Rock awaits your arrival. Marvel at the variety of volcanic formations, displaying hues of red, orange, black, and even green. Ascend a stairway trail to the summit of the extinct volcano, a journey of approximately 30 to 40 minutes, rewarding you with one of the finest panoramic views of the islands. Visit a secluded and beautiful beach surrounded by the scarce vegetation found on this barren island. This beach is an ideal spot for snorkeling, offering the opportunity to swim alongside Galapagos penguins—an unforgettable encounter with the unique wildlife of the archipelago.

Vicente Roca Point & Espinoza Point

Embark on the third day of your Galapagos exploration, commencing the morning with a visit to Vicente Roca Point. This expansive bay, comprised of two separate coves, promises a captivating display of sea life. As you snorkel, keep a keen eye out for the enchanting seahorses, graceful sea turtles, and the peculiar yet fascinating Mola mola, also known as the sunfish.

In the afternoon, set sail for Espinoza Point, crossing the Bolivar Channel that separates Isabela and Fernandina Islands. Upon arrival, traverse past a lively colony of marine iguanas and a playful group of sea lions. The highlight of the island awaits—the nesting site of the flightless cormorant. This area also presents an excellent opportunity to witness the majestic Galapagos hawk, adding to the rich biodiversity of this remarkable archipelago.

Tagus Cove & Elizabeth Bay

Commence in the morning with a visit to Tagus Cove on Isabela Island. Positioned across from Fernandina Island near the Bolivar Channel, this historic site has served as an anchorage since the 1800s. Traverse the trails winding by Lake Darwin, leading to a ridge that offers breathtaking views of the surroundings.

As the day progresses, set sail for Elizabeth Bay, situated on the east coast of Isabela Island. This bay boasts numerous islets, which you can explore by dinghy. Keep an eye out for penguins and blue-footed boobies perched on the rocky islets. With its abundance of marine life and crystal-clear waters, Elizabeth Bay is an ideal location for snorkeling. Immerse yourself in the vibrant underwater world, encountering schools of colorful fish, playful sea lions, and perhaps even sharks—a truly mesmerizing experience in the heart of the Galapagos.

Urbina Bay & Moreno Point

Embark on another day of discovery, starting in the morning with a visit to Urbina Bay. Nestled at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast, between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay, this area underwent a significant uplift in 1954, causing the land to rise over 16 feet. Witness the remarkable transformation of the coast, which expanded half a mile, leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. Urbina Bay is also a fantastic location for snorkeling, inviting you to explore the vibrant underwater world.

In the afternoon, set your course for Moreno Point, located southwest of Elizabeth Bay. Experience a dry landing on what was once flowing lava, now marked with craters that formed crystal tide pools. Gaze into these pools to peer into another world, observing marine life drifting by. The brackish pools of Moreno Point may reveal pink flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, and common gallinules. Take a closer look, and you might spot white-tip reef sharks and sea turtles—a captivating exploration of the diverse ecosystems of the Galapagos.

Sierra Negra Volcano & A. Tupiza Breeding Center

Embark on the sixth day of your Galapagos journey, beginning in the morning with a visit to the awe-inspiring Sierra Negra Volcano. This colossal basaltic caldera holds the title of the largest in the Galapagos, boasting a diameter of 6.2 miles (10 km). The site not only offers breathtaking views but also provides a unique opportunity to observe up to seven species of finches and a diverse array of vegetation. The north side of the caldera bears evidence of its most recent volcanic activity, a dramatic display in 2005.

As the day progresses, venture to the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center in the afternoon, situated approximately one mile (1.5 km) from Puerto Villamil. This breeding center has played a crucial role in the conservation efforts for tortoise populations from various locations, including South Isabela, Sierra Negra Volcano, Cerro Azul, Cazuela, Cinco Cerros, Roca Union, San Pedro, Tables, and Cerro Paloma. Witness the success of captive breeding with a total of 330 juvenile and adult tortoises.

Devil’s Crown & Cormorant Point

Today you will have the opportunity to snorkel around Devil’s Crown. This rocky formation is the remains of an offshore volcano protruding from the water, offering a unique underwater landscape. Devil's Crown is renowned for being a hotspot to spot a diverse range of marine creatures, making it an excellent location for an immersive snorkeling experience.

As the day unfolds, set sail for Cormorant Point in the afternoon. The highlight of this destination is a large flamingo lagoon, where other avian species such as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails also thrive. The island's beaches each possess distinctive characteristics—the Green Beach derives its name from the green hue, attributed to a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, while the Flour Sand Beach is composed of pristine white coral.

Mosquera Islet & Departure

This morning, embark on a final excursion to Mosquera Islet. Situated between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour, this reef of rocks and coral, formed as a result of geological uplift, spans just 160 meters at its narrowest point. Notably, this island hosts one of the largest populations of sea lions and serves as a habitat for numerous shorebirds. Additionally, there have been occasional reports of orcas feeding on sea lions in this area.

After this insightful final visit, your Galapagos adventure concludes with a transfer to Baltra Airport. Arrive in time for your flight back to the mainland, carrying with you the memories of unparalleled wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and the extraordinary natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?

  • Enjoy a longer cruise in the Galapagos Islands which will allow you to see a wider variation of wildlife and environments. Many islands in the Galapagos have unique landscape - ranging from dry and volcanic to lucious and green and some animals can only be found on certain islands or at certain times. 

  • Cruise onboard a small ship with a maximum of 16 guests. You will be accompanied by a local expert guide on all of your excursions and get to know your fellow passengers well over meals and during down time onboard the ship. 

  • The Galapagos Islands are a mecca for wildlife and birding enthusiasts and most of the wildlife on the islands do not fear humans, due to the strong conservation laws that are in place and strict landing regulations, which ensure no more than 100 guests are at each landing site at any one time. 

Galapagos Angel

Galapagos Angel

Hop onboard this first-class motor yacht. Sailing in the Galapagos from May 2024. This premium motoryacht has been designed and built in Europe and can take a maximum of 16 guests. Enjoy a wide range of itinearies and explore the islands with an expert local naturalist guide. You can enjoy activities such as snorkelling, hiking and wildlife spotting on twice daily excursions. 

The ship is equipped with wifi and has many convertible cabins which allow for twin or double bedding configirations. 

Ice Class: Length: 35m
Breadth: 8m Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 11 Knots
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:
16 Guests

View Ship Details

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

Western Islands 8 Day Itinerary | Galapagos Angel from £ 5,213
Selected Sundays 

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

11 days

Signature Galapagos

Quito, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands

3 days

Mashpi Cloud Forest Lodge Extension

Ecuador, Amazon

9 days

Signature Peru

South America, Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu

Important Information

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

     

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

  • INCLUSIONS

    All meals and excursions while onboard the ship 
    Transfers in the islands
    Bilingual National Park Guide
    Use of snorkelling equipment/wetsuit

    Free Airport Assistance*
    Hotel night in Quito or Guayaquil (the day before the cruise)*
    2 Free transfers to Galapagos Flights* 
    *Applies only when purchasing roundtrip Galapagos/mainland airfare from this supplier

     

    EXCLUSIONS 

    Roundtrip airfare to/from Galapagos
    Alcoholic drinks
    Galapagos National Park Entrance fee (US$200 per person from Aug 2024 - Subject to change) 
    Galapagos Transit Control Card (USD$20 per person - Subject to change) 
    Travel/Medical insurance
    Gratuities 
    Personal Expenses

  • 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.