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Enjoy a blissful snorkeling trip.

Western Islands

Example 7 Day Cruise aboard Treasure of Galapagos
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Experience the Galapagos' western islands with this 7-day cruise of exploration and adventure. Swarming with a plethora of wildlife, volcanic wonders, and breathtaking landscapes, the western islands are a distinct and memorable way to spend a vacation! Become acquainted with the sea lions, tortoises, iguanas, and various species of birds while snorkeling and on shore excursions.
White tipped sharkIsabela rock with birdsSea lions on beach in RabidaEspinoza Point, Fernandina Island, GalapagosEnjoy a blissful snorkeling trip.
Highlights
  • Hike Dragon Hill and see three different environments in just 1,600 m
  • Appreciate the biological importance of Isabela's Humedales/Wetlands
  • Observe iguanas, giant tortoises, sea lions, diverse birdlife & much more
  • Snorkel, swim, and hike volcanic wonders and breathtaking landscapes
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Baltra | Embark | Fausto Llerena breeding centre

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, as well as to pay the park entrance fee of $100 (unless it has been prepaid). A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor.

Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders, it is also interesting to learn how the protection and conservation of the islands are carried out. The main attractions are the National Park information center, the Van Staelen Exhibition Hall, the Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises, and adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity.
Activities: Hiking
Difficulty: Easy

Day 2: Eden Islet | Dragon Hill

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
El Edén is a paradisiacal tuff cone islet, just off the west coast of Santa Cruz (between Whale Bay and Dragon Hill). This morning you will disembark to the appropriately named Eden Islet. On its coast you will observe land iguanas and sea lions soaking up the sun, as well as seabirds feeding in the nearby mangrove forests. It is a perfect location for swimming activities, as the clear and calm waters will allow you to snorkel along tropical fish, rays, and two species of sharks. Alternatively, a kayak ride would be a memorable experience.
Activities: Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Dinghy Ride
Difficulty: Easy

The visitor site at Dragon Hill has been open for visits on 1993. This site is located in northwestern Santa Cruz Island and consists of a trail that lead to a hyper-saline lagoon behind the beach, frequented by flamingos, pintail ducks and other species of birds. This site has been re populated with land iguanas from Seymour, Isabela and Santa Cruz islands. There is a short walk to the Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay.
Activities: Hiking, Kayaking, Dinghy Ride, and Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy

Day 3: Tintoreras | Wetlands and Wall of Tears

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
A delightful place to be reached by a nice zodiac ride. “Tintoreras” are small islands in front of Puerto Villamil coast. There is Heron lava on the lookout on mangrove branch, and Galapagos Penguin and sea lion often pop out on shore. White-tipped reef sharks are fairly common in the archipelago. Their name in Spanish is Tintorera, thus the name of this site as they are always found here resting in the shallow waters.
Activities: Hiking, Kayaking, Dinghy Ride, and Snorkeling
Difficulty: Moderate

Isabela Island is the largest and one of the youngest islands in the Galapagos archipelago. You will land in Puerto Villamil, which has the second smallest population in Galapagos with approximately 3.000 inhabitants. First you will visit the Flamingos Lagoon; this place is the largest coastal lagoon found in Galapagos and is one of the main reproductive sites for the greater Flamingos. Afterwards you will follow a trail to the “The Wall of Tears”; from 1946 to 1959 Isabela was designated a penal colony by the Ecuadorian government. Prisoners were obligated to build a wall with enormous blocks of lava. Due to the arduous labor and harsh conditions in which the prisoners lived, this site is known as “El Muro de las Lagrimas”. There are a number of interesting sites along this route, such as the Cerro Orchilla, El Estero, Poza Escondida, Playa del Amor and Pozas Verdes.
Activities: Hiking
Difficulty: Easy

Day 4: Moreno Point | Tagus Cove

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Punta Moreno is located on the north coast of Isabela Island between the volcano Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcano. The trail runs along a lava flow Pahohoe (solidified lava in the form of corrugated or an accordion) into a complex of coastal lagoons, its main attraction are several species of birds which can be found around this lakes and mangroves.
Activities: Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Dinghy Ride

Tagus Cove, a tour along the cliffs in a zodiac will give the visitors a good chance to see the Galapagos penguin, the flightless cormorant and other sea birds. From the landing dock it is about a 30 minute hike along the trail up to the top of the cliff from where you can view Darwin Lake, an uplifted ultra-saline lake saltier than the sea. You can also see several volcanoes from this location. Look carefully at the graffiti on the surrounding cliffs of the cove, it has been written by pirates, whalers and buccaneers in past centuries.
Activities: Hiking, Kayaking, Dinghy Ride, and Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate

Day 5: Punta Espinoza | Vicente Roca Point

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Fernandina is the third largest island in the archipelago and has a single visitor site: Punta Espinoza located at the northeastern tip of the island. Marine iguanas conglomerate in larger groups than in any other island. They bask around in the sand, swim near the shore and sometime block the way at the landing dock. Among the unique species found here, is the Flightless Cormorant. This bird had to adjust its way of survival and perfection its skills of finding food in the ocean. Their wings, tails and feet progressively adapted for swimming. To see these birds, is to witness evolution happening right in front of you.
Activities: Hiking and Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy

Whilst having lunch you will cross the Bolivar Channel for the last time to Vicente Roca Point, just at the mouth of Isabela’s seahorse-shape. While entering a dark cave below a spectacular arch, roaring echoes of the waves will accompany you. Just around the corner the collapsed amphitheater of Volcan Ecuador offers another impressive view. The calmer waters of the coves are well-protected against the ocean swell and are a fairly cold, but great place for snorkeling amongst various species of shark, penguins, puffer fish and even seahorses!
Activities: Snorkeling and Dinghy Ride
Difficulty: Easy

Day 6: Egas Port | Rabida

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Puerto Egas is a black beach is located at the west side of Santiago Island. Volcanic tuff deposits have favored the formation of this special black sand beach and this is the main attraction of the Island. This site is called Puerto Egas, because there was an attempt of company of Hector Egas, to start the exploitation of salt, which failed because the price of salt on the continent was very cheap, and did not justify its exploitation in Galapagos. The project was abandoned and they left their infrastructure.
Activities: Hiking and Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy

Rábida Island is unique because the red color of the rocks and sand. The volcanic material in this island is very porous and external factors as rain, salt water and sea breeze have acted as an oxidizing agent. A short walk along a trail lead you to a coastal lagoon behind the beach permits the observation of land birds as nches, doves, yellow warblers and mocking birds. At the lagoon there is a colony of flamingos.
Activities: Hiking, Kayaking, Dinghy Ride, and Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy-Medium

Day 7: Las Bachas | Disembark | Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
These two small beaches are found to the West of Turtle Cove. Their sand is made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft, making it a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind one of the beaches there is a small brackish water lagoon, where occasionally is possible to observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels. The other beach is longer, but it has two old barges that were abandoned during the Second World War, when the USA used Baltra Island as a strategically point to protect the Panama Channel. 
Activities: Hiking and Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy

Transfer to Baltra Airport (GPS) for your flight back to Guayaquil or Quito.

Ship/Hotel

Treasure of Galapagos

Treasure Dining Area
Treasure Lounge Area
Sun Deck

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Standard Twin Cabin
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Eight spacious suites with private balcony, small lounge area, private bathroom. 2 with queen beds, 6 with twins.
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Master Suite
One cabin with separate living & sleeping areas, private bath, two balconies, perfect for families. 1 bedroom with king or 1 bedroom with twin beds, sofa bed in the living room.

Child Discount

20% discount for children under age of 12 at time of Galapagos cruise. Child discounts are conditional and may not apply on certain departures. Please contact us for more information.

Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
Included
  • 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners
  • 6 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Gear Rental: Snorkeling Gear
  • 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
  • Glass bottom kayak
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
  • Wetsuits are not included but are available for rent on board - $45 for 5-day tours, and $75 for 7-day tours.

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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).
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