8 Days Galápagos West Cruise

Arrive at Santa Cruz and board your Cruise

Land at Punta Cormorant, home to one of the Galápagos’ largest flamingo lagoons. Observe sea turtles nesting on the beaches and marine life cruising through the shallow waters. Later visit Post Office Bay, where a centuries-old tradition allows travellers to leave and collect postcards without stamps, before continuing to Baroness Lookout and learning about one of the islands’ most famous mysteries.

Sail to Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago. Explore Punta Moreno, where volcanic lava fields, mangroves, and lagoons create a surreal landscape. Continue to Urbina Bay, famous for giant tortoises, land iguanas, and excellent snorkelling opportunities. Isabela showcases the Galápagos’ volcanic origins better than anywhere else in the islands.

Visit Fernandina Island, often considered the most pristine island in the entire archipelago. Large colonies of marine iguanas cover the black lava shoreline while flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, sea lions, and hawks thrive in extraordinary numbers. This island has virtually no introduced species and is regarded as one of the world’s greatest wildlife destinations.

Explore Tagus Cove, historically used by pirates, whalers, and scientific expeditions including Darwin’s voyage. Hike to viewpoints overlooking volcanic craters before kayaking or zodiac cruising through Elizabeth Bay’s mangrove ecosystems. Watch for penguins, sea turtles, rays, and marine iguanas in one of the archipelago’s richest marine environments.

Visit Santiago Island and Rabida Island, famous for its striking red-sand beaches created by oxidised volcanic minerals. The islands provide excellent opportunities to observe sea lions, pelicans, flamingos, mockingbirds, and Darwin’s finches while enjoying some of the most photogenic landscapes in the archipelago.

Explore North Seymour Island, one of the best locations in the Galápagos for observing blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds. During breeding season, frigatebirds inflate their striking red throat pouches while boobies perform elaborate courtship dances. Continue to Mosquera Islet, home to large sea lion colonies and excellent snorkelling.

Disembark at Baltra Island and transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Leave with memories of one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations, where species evolved in isolation and inspired the development of evolutionary theory.