Have questions? We're here.
(Santiago)

Western Islands

Example 6 Day Cruise
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Galapagos trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Embark on this exciting 6-day Galapagos tour of the wild west! Highlights of the west include beautiful Santa Cruz, wildlife-rich Isabela, cliff-laden Fernandina, and the amazing black beaches of Santiago. These islands are rich with an abundance of wildlife both in and out of the ocean including flamingos, iguanas, sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks. Enjoy the company of friendly sea lions while snorkeling or hike across volcanic landscapes, making this a truly unique vacation.
Touring Bartolome.View the colorful array of wildlife on your Galapagos cruiseDinghy ride to Pinnacle rockKayaking with sea lions on a Galapagos tour(Santiago)
Highlights
  • Snorkel with sea turtles around Punta Vicente Roca
  • Be on the lookout for dolphins and orcas at Mosquera
  • Take a panga ride around Bartolome Island
  • Hike past the remains of a salt mining enterprise in Santiago
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Baltra | Embark | Mosquera

  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive at the airport and be escorted to the boat for check-in, a short briefing, and then lunch. On your first excusion take a panga ride to Mosquera. This tiny islet is actually home to a huge population of sea lions and many shorebirds. While at Mosquera, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and orcas.

Day 2: Santiago | Bartolome

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sullivan Bay is known for its spectacular volcanic formations, relatively young pahoehoe lava flows, and unique geological scenery. Due to Sullivan’s relatively recent volcanic activity, few plants have been able to take root here. Look for the low-lying pioneer plant, locally known as “mollugo”, as well as the lava cactus.

Bartolome is a small island where you can enjoy some relaxed snorkeling around Pinnacle Rock. Penguins can usually be spotted here. Then it’s back on board for a quick change of clothes followed by a short dinghy ride to a dry landing. From here climb to the highest point
 on the island and encounter different volcanic formations including spatter and tuff cones, lava flows, and lava tubes. From the summit, enjoy a wonderful view of Sullivan Bay. If the hike isn't for you, enjoy a panga ride around the island. Enjoy the unique flora and fauna of the island including sea lions, pioneer plants, reef sharks, rays, and colorful reef fish.

Day 3: Isabela

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Isabela Island was formed by five volcanoes and is the largest of the archipelago. It's also the youngest of the islands. Urbina Bay is located in Western Isabela, at the foot of Alcedo volcano. Have the opportunity to observe sea turtle nesting sites as well as penguins and flightless cormorants. It is also one of the best places to see Darwin’s finches and large land iguanas. The giant tortoises which like to feed within the site’s dense vegetation can also be seen here.

Tagus Cove was used as an anchoring place for pirates, buccaneers, and whalers. The high ridges are painted with the names of hundreds of ships that came to the island. This is a practice that is now forbidden. Take a hike on a trail that goes through an area of vegetation and the volcanic landscape of Darwin Volcano. Once the top has been reached, enjoy the incredible view of the whole cove and Darwin Lake.

The brisk hike is followed by kayaking or a panga ride. Witness large numbers of blue-footed boobies perched on the ledges of the cliffs, as well as marine iguanas, penguins, brown pelicans, brown noddy terns, and swallow-tailed gulls. Enjoy the opportunity to encounter dolphins and whales while exploring the channel between Fernandina and Isabela Island.

Day 4: Fernandina

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Fernandina Island is one of the most pristine and dynamic ecosystems in the entire world. La Cumbre Volcano last erupted in April 2009. The lava fields from this eruption stretch towards the ocean from its base and dominate the landscape. Punta Espinoza is a narrow piece of land where some of the most unique species of the Galapagos can be seen. Amongst these are the flightless cormorant, Galapagos snakes, marine iguanas, penguins, and the Galapagos hawk.

Punta Vicente Roca is a wonderful snorkeling site where you can usually see turtles and various types of fish. If you prefer not to snorkel, enjoy a panga ride. This allows for an opportunity to study some of the Galapagos’ spectacular geological rock formations. In this area you can see Nazca boobies, pelicans, swallow-tailed gulls, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and penguins.

Day 5: Santiago

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Puerto Egas (James Bay) is located on the northwest side of Santiago Island. Here there are black beaches with eroded rock formations. Take a hike past the remains of a salt mining enterprise and then continue along the coast. Tidal pools are home to a variety of invertebrate organisms, including sea urchins, octopus, and starfish. Also get a chance to see marine iguanas, finches, oystercatchers, and with luck, the Galapagos hawk. Then head to the fur sea lion grottos, one of the only places in the islands where these unique animals can be seen. Enjoy a nice swim with playful sea lions. View the abundant variety of beautiful fish and maybe see some turtles, rays, and reef sharks.

The visitor's site on Espumilla Beach is on the northern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay. The main attractions here are a palo santo forest, beach, and the unique landscape. Keep an eye out for the Galapagos hawk as well as Darwin’s finches. The beach here is also an important site for nesting marine turtles.

Day 6: Disembark | Santa Cruz Island | Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, visit the highlands of Santa Cruz and see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. After this quick but informative visit, you are escorted to Baltra Airport for departure back to the mainland.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at

Notes

Select a Date
Included
  • 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners
  • 5 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, and paddleboards are all included in the cruise cost and are available for your use onboard.
  • Bilingual Naturalist Guide 
  • Adventure Life Pre-departure Services and In-Country Assistance (Quito Representative)
  • Shore Excursions, Swimming and Snorkeling 
  • Transfers and Baggage Handling in the Galapagos
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Galapagos Park Entrance Fee: $200 per adult, $100 per child under 12 (fees of $100 per adult and $50 per child valid on arrivals through Aug 1, 2024). Payable upon arrival to the Galapagos, only in cash dollars. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
  • Internal Flights: Mainland Ecuador - Galapagos - Mainland Ecuador: $475-675

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Change & customize to make it yours.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By