Galapagos Western Islands 6 Day Itinerary A | Ocean Spray

Upon your arrival at Baltra Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to the luxurious M/C Ocean Spray catamaran. Your guide and crew members will welcome you aboard and escort you to your comfortable accommodations. After freshening up, you will receive a brief on health and safety protocols, as well as an overview of the normal routines and different areas of the vessel.

In the afternoon, you will be taken to Chinese Hat, an islet known for its unique, cone-shaped volcanic rock and rich wildlife. Here, you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the diverse bird species of the Galapagos, such as the playful penguins and the elusive hawks. This is a truly unique experience that is not to be missed.

In the morning, you will have the opportunity to explore the awe-inspiring rock formations of Vicente Roca Point on Isabela Island. This site is home to a diverse array of bird species and is also a prime spot to witness the feeding frenzies of underwater mammals, thanks to the cool, nutrient-rich waters of the Cromwell Current.

In the afternoon, you will journey to Fernandina Island - the youngest and one of the most pristine islands in the Galapagos archipelago that has never been invaded by foreign species. As the westernmost island in the Galapagos, it is also more volcanically active than its siblings. Espinosa Point is the only visitor point on the island and it offers a great opportunity to see Galapagos hawks, marine iguanas and the flightless cormorant. You will have time to hike and take in the otherworldly landscape, as well as snorkel along the beach to discover the abundance of marine life.

Today you will discover the rich history and natural beauty of Tagus Cove on Isabela Island. Known as a favorite pit stop for pirates, sailors, and whalers for hundreds of years, visitors can explore the interesting names and places etched into the cove's walls. The hike to the cove offers panoramic views of the surroundings, and it will take you past a mangrove forest where the last 35 pairs of Mangrove finches live. You can also snorkel off the cove's beach and possibly spot a marine iguana diving for food.

In the afternoon, you will visit Urbina Bay, a volcanic uplift that has been lying on the ocean floor for millions of years. The bay is now home to land and marine iguanas, boisterous sea lions, and the fascinating flightless cormorant. Visitors can relax on the beach, snorkel in the waters, and take one of the hiking trails that offer a better view of the different species of shorebirds living near the water.

On Tuesday morning, you will visit Elizabeth Bay on Isabela Island, where you will have the opportunity to view the diverse marine life in the bay's crystal clear waters from the comfort of a Zodiac boat. The area's fragile ecosystem prevents visitors from disembarking, but you will be able to spot Galapagos sharks and sea turtles.

In the afternoon, you will explore Moreno Point, known for its otherworldly rocky shoreline that is home to dozens of different bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. You can hike to the saltwater lagoons just off the beach, where you will find more unique bird species. The contrast of jet-black lava flows with the deep blue waters, the bright green vegetation surrounding the lagoons, and the towering Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes off in the distance make Moreno Point a particularly stunning, picturesque location to visit.

On Wednesday morning, you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history and conservation of the Galapagos Islands. The station boasts an extensive collection of Galapagos plant specimens and other interesting artifacts, including a full whale skeleton. It also serves as an active breeding center for Galapagos Giant Tortoises and continues to be a vital biological research station, managing multiple projects throughout the archipelago.

In the afternoon, you will visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, which reach up to 1,500 meters above sea level and offer a completely different climate zone. The area is filled with rolling hills, lush vegetation, wildlife, and volcanoes. You will have the opportunity to see Galapagos Giant Tortoises in their native environment and a variety of bird species such as finches, mockingbirds and more. The highlands also offer incredible panoramic views of the surrounding oceans, where you may even spot whales breaching or rays jumping above the waves.

On Thursday morning, you will visit South Plaza Island, home to one of the smallest visitor sites in the archipelago but also a large number of plant and wildlife species. The island is particularly known for its abundance of Sesuvium plants, such as the prickly pear cactus tree, which serves as a critical food source for the land iguana. With the recent eradication of the local (imported) mice population, the land iguana population has grown steadily. The island's jet-black lava set against the crystal-clear turquoise waters make it a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts.

Later that day, you will return to the M/C Ocean Spray to gather your belongings and freshen up before your transfer to Baltra Airport. Your Galapagos adventure comes to an end, but the memories will last a lifetime.