Western Islands 8 Day Itinerary | Galapagos Angel

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.