Western Islands Galapagos Cruise | Alya

Begin your adventure with a morning flight from either Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island in the Galapagos.

After a delicious lunch, we'll kick off our exploration by visiting Black Turtle Cove, a hidden gem nestled in the northern region of Santa Cruz. This tranquil bay, accessible only by dinghy, is surrounded by stunning mangroves. Keep your eyes peeled for enchanting marine creatures such as black-tip reef sharks, marine turtles, and variety of rays that often grace these waters.

Embark on a wet landing excursion at Darwin Bay, an island in the Galapagos' northern region. As we step onto the shore, we'll be greeted by a fascinating mangrove swamp, home to a vibrant colony of frigates, marine iguanas, red-footed boobies, and mask boobies. Witness the spectacle of the great terrestrial finch, seagulls, herons, and cactus finch. After our land excursion, take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear bay waters.

In the afternoon, we'll make our way to Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip's stairs. This thrilling adventure takes us along the Barranco path, offering captivating encounters with tropical birds, petrels, common frigates, red-footed boobies, mask boobies, doves, and finches.

In the morning you will arrive at Sullivan Bay. Virtually uneroded lava flows cover an extensive area of this island. Lava pahoehoe (basaltic lava that has a smooth, billowy, undulating or ropy surface), hornitos, and mollugo (a lava colonizer) can be seen.

In the afternoon you will make your way to Bartolome Island. We will follow a path to the top (114m) where we can see pioneering plants such as tiquilia, chamaesyce, and scalesia. The island has been formed by cones, lava pipes where lava once flowed. Following the wet landing at the beach, we will follow a path through mangrove swamps and sand dune vegetation, to the south beach. At the north beach, guests can enjoy swimming and snorkelling. From the top of Bartolome, we will be able to see the islands of Santiago, Rabida, and Isabela. You will also have the unique opportunity to see penguins at Pinnacle rock.

In the morning you will arrive at Chinese Hat Island. A small islet located near the south-east coast of Santiago. It’s shaped like a Chinese hat when seen from afar. It is an island consisting of a cone type “Splatter” (lava ejected as drops which fall close to where they came from, which form an inclined cone) that forms the summit and many lava tubes that go down to the coast.

In the afternoon you will make your way to Mosquera. This islet is located between Baltra Island and North Seymour. Here, we find the biggest sea lion colony; it is also possible to observe several species of birds. Enjoy the white sand beach.

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. Afterward, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight from the Galapagos.