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West Galapagos Cruise 7 to 9 Days

The islands of the western Galapagos are the youngest and most geologically active. Cruises to the western islands feature giant uplifted coral beds and amazing lava fields. Chances for seeing wild giant tortoises are higher in this region of the Galapagos and the marine iguanas are ubiquitous. Our cruise starts from Isla Santa Cruz and we will head first to Isla Isabela for a chance to view both land iguanas and wild giant tortoises. On Isabela we will have the chance to hike up Sierra Negra and view its giant caldera.

Our next stop is Isla Fernandina which is known as the "marine iguana capital of the world" and is the youngest of the islands in the Galapagos. A short hike allows us to see the numerous iguanas along the shoreline and it's possible to snorkel and view the marine iguanas feeding underwater. Enroute back towards Santa Cruz we will stop at Isla Santiago which features pristine red and black sand features as well as excellent snorkeling alongside numerous turtles, sea lions and large schools of black-striped salemas. We will complete our circuit heading back to Santa Cruz and making a final stop at Las Bachas, two small beaches which are favored by nesting sea turtles. We can take a short walk to the lagoon behind the beaches to visit nesting shorebirds.

All of our cruise packages start and end in Quito and include your Galapagos flights.

    What's Included?

  • Return Air ticket to Galapagos from Quito*
  • 2 Nights Accommodation at Swissotel in Quito*
  • Airport Transfers in Galapagos
  • All Meals While on Cruise
  • Daily Guided Excursions
  • Beach Towels & Snorkeling Gear
  • Snacks & Beverages after excursions
  • Informative lectures about Galapagos
 
* Single supplement is $400 and includes a private room in Quito and shared cabin on the cruise.
** If you already have flights to Galapagos lets us know and we can discount your package price.

Arrival Day in Quito

We will pick you up when you arrive at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Quito for the night. The hotel offers easy access to the old town and airport

Flight to Galapagos & Start Cruise

We will pick you up in the morning and drop you to the airport in Quito for your flight to the Galapagos. We will meet you at the airport in Baltra when you arrive and help you with the transfer to your cruise ship.

Western Galapagos Cruise Highlights:

* Note: All of our western Galapagos itineraries include the following destinations. Specific itineraries vary depending on the number of cruising days.

Isla Isabela
The island you will spend the most time on with any of the western cruises is Isla Isabela. First stop 'Los Tintoreras', small islands in front of the Puerto Villamil coast, where reef sharks, sea lions, and penguins are commonly found. Hiking trails on Isabela include hiking its third-highest volcano, Sierra Negra, and a coastal walk along the lava flows of Punta Morena. Marine tours through mangroves and along cliffs will take you to Tagus Cove, Urbina Bay, or Elizabeth Bay.

Isla Santa Cruz
On Isla Santa Cruz you will either spend time on the Eden Islet and Dragon Hill, or Bachas Beach. The small islet of El Eden is known for its ubiquitous Blue-Footed Boobies and clear waters abundant with Galapagos turtles, sharks, and rays. Dragon Hill is a beautiful bay frequented by flamingos, pintail ducks, and other species of birds. Whereas Bachas Beach is a white sand haven where marine turtles lay their eggs and coastal birds preen in the nearby lagoon.

Isla Fernandina
Isla Fernandina is the youngest of the islands in the Galapagos and the third largest. As the “marine iguana capital of the world”, its Punta Espinoza is carpeted in iguanas. They can be found basking along the shoreline, swimming near shore, and feeding underwater. Enjoy an afternoon hiking and snorkeling with one of the Galapagos’ most famous inhabitants!

Last Day in Galapagos

Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to the Baltra airport for your flight to Quito. Pick-up in Quito and transfer to the hotel for the night.

Depart Quito

We will pick you up in the morning to drop you off at the airport for your international flight.

    Exclusions

  • Galapagos National Park Fee of $100 (Cash only)
  • Transit Control Card $20 (Cash only)
  • Wetsuit rental: USD 25 for 3-4 night cruises
  • Kayak rental: regular kayak USD 30, transparent kayak USD 40 per use per person
  • Internet plans are available on board
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage packages upon request
  • Tips: as a suggestion, per day, per person USD 20 for the crew and USD 10 for the naturalistic guide.


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For details on the following please check:
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Please review the "Terms and Conditions" carefully before booking and don't hesitate to ask us if any questions.
At AdventureHero, we love to trek!