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Sea lion on Santiago Island in the Galapagos

Western Islands

Baltra roundtrip - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard M/Y Passion
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Set off on an exciting 8-day Western Galapagos Islands cruise aboard M/Y Passion. Starting at Baltra airport, the journey unfolds with explorations of Santa Cruz, home to giant tortoises and the Charles Darwin Station's breeding program, and Floreana's captivating history, snorkeling at Devils Crown, and Post Office Bay. Look out for whales and dolphins en route to Isabela Island, where visits to Punta Moreno and Urbina Bay offer encounters with colorful land iguanas and evidence of coral uplift. Dive into history and wildlife at Tagus Cove, and continue adventures on Fernandina, Santiago, and Puerto Egas. Relax at Espumilla Beach before concluding the voyage at Buccaneers Cove, Sullivan Bay, North Seymour Island, and Mosquera Island, home to a sea lion colony, before disembarking for a return flight home.
See Blue-footed boobies on your Galapagos tour!Two frigate birdsSea lions bask in the sun on the beachBeach on Isabela islandColorful land iguanaTwo Galapagos tortoisesCruising in the GalapagosSea lion on Santiago Island in the Galapagos
Highlights
  • Visit the Charles Darwin Station for fascinating breeding programs
  • Uncover Floreana's rich history and the beauty of Punta Cormorant
  • Snorkel at Devils Crown, where a submerged volcanic crown beckons
  • Witness unique wildlife at Punta Espinoza, home to marine iguanas
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 | Highlands & Charles Darwin Station

Arrive at Baltra airport. Visit the largest of the central islands, Santa Cruz, home to many tourist visitor sights and the largest human settlement, Puerto Ayora. Galapagos giant tortoises can be seen in the wild in the highlands of Santa Cruz.

Visit the Charles Darwin Station research facility and National Park Information Center. The Charles Darwin Station has a giant tortoise and land iguana breeding program and interpretation center.

Day 2: Punta Cormorant | Devils Crown | Asilo de la Paz

Floreana is best known for its colorful history of buccaneers, whalers, convicts, and early colonists. Punta Cormorant has two contrasting beaches and a large inland lagoon where pink flamingoes can be seen. 

Devils Crown is a snorkeling site located just off Punta Cormorant. The site is a completely submerged volcano that has eroded to create the appearance of a jagged crown. 

Asilo de la Paz, In the highlands of Floreana Island, you will find a freshwater spring that historically was a hideout for the pirates and whalers. 

Day 3: Post Office Bay | Whale Watching

Post Office Bay is one of the few sites visited in its human history. Visit the wooden mail barrel where letters are dropped off and picked up and see the remains of the Norwegian fishing village. 

Daytime navigation is an excellent time to keep an eye out for whales and dolphins. Furthermore, enjoy the landscape of Isabela Island.

Day 4: Punta Moreno | Urbina Bay

Isabela Island (Albemarle) is the largest of the Galapagos Islands formed by five active volcanoes fused together. Wolf Volcano is the highest point in the entire Galapagos at 1707m.

Punta Moreno is located on the central southwestern coast of Isabela Island. The site has spectacular views of volcanoes Alcedo, Sierra Negra, and Cerro Azul. Some highlights include impressive lava flows, desolate and pristine landscapes, and varied and unusual arid zone vegetation.

Urbina Bay is located on the central-west coast of Isabela Island at the foothills of the Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes. Highlights include the colorful land iguanas, Galapagos Giant tortoises, and the coral uplifting from 1954.

Day 5: Tagus Cove | Punta Espinoza

Tagus Cove is a natural harbor where centuries ago whalers and pirates left their ship's names painted or carved on the rocks. A walk uphill to Darwin's Crater salt-water lake will provide an excellent view.

Fernandina Island is the youngest volcanic island and is still active. 
Punta Espinoza is a place famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas and as the habitat of unique species like the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, among others.

Day 6: Puerto Egas | Buccaneers Cove | Espumilla Beach

Santiago Island (James) is located between Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands. This Island offers a wide variety of seabirds, marine iguanas, and fur seals.

In Puerto Egas, a walk along the rocky coastline will show you a view of some of Galapagos' best tide pools. Some highlights include Sugar Loaf Volcano, fur seals, oystercatchers, a marine iguana colony, and an old salt mine.

Espumilla Beach has a beautiful contrast between the golden beach and the green mangroves. It is also a great site to see flamingos, pintail ducks, green sea turtle nests, and the Galapagos Hawk. It is also a good site to go for a cool-off swim or a snorkel.

Buccaneers Cove was Charles Darwin’s home for 9 days. As well as a resting site for many whalers and pirates. With this rich history, Buccaneers Cove is a must-see. Enjoy a panga ride or snorkel looking for Galapagos Fur Seals, Brown Noddies, Pelicans, and Swallow-tailed Gulls.

Day 7: Sullivan Bay | North Seymour Island

Sullivan Bay is of great geological interest. Highlights: 100-hundred-year-old lava flow field, pahoehoe formations, lava bubbles.

North Seymour Island, a flat piece of land originated after an uplifting event thousands of years ago. Small but packed with many animals. The island is home to endemic Palo Santo trees, colonies of blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, magnificent frigate birds, and sea lions.

Day 8: Mosquera | Disembark | Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
Mosquera Island is a small beach island located in the channel between North Seymour Island and Baltra Island. This white sand beach is home to a healthy sealion colony.

Disembark after breakfast. Transfer to Baltra for the return flight to Quito or Guayaquil.

Ship/Hotel

M/Y Passion

The luxurious M/Y Passion
M/Y Passion Jacuzzi
Galapagos Passion Outdoor Dining

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Galapagos Cruises & Tours.
M/Y Passion StateroomM/Y Passion Stateroom
Stateroom
Standard staterooms feature air-conditioning and private bathrooms with bathtubs and showers.
M/Y Passion Master SuiteM/Y Passion Master Suite
Suite
Master Suites feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, panoramic windows, and private lounge areas.

Notes

Important notes:
  • Rates are per person based on double occupancy
  • Children under 12 traveling in the same stateroom/suite in triple occupancy have a 40% discount off the published rate (gross rate)
  • Single supplement +80%
  • A fuel surcharge may apply in case of a drastic increase in Ecuador`s fuel price
  • Christmas and New Holidays (from Dec. 23th to January 6th) have an additional surcharge of 10% of the published rate

Child Discount

Children under 12 traveling in the same stateroom/suite in triple occupancy have a 40% discount off the published rate (gross rate)

Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • 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
  • Tea, coffee, water, and natural juices.
  • Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, and fins), Short wet suits (shorties), kayak equipment.
  • Short wetsuits
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Galapagos Park Entrance Fee: $200 per adult, $100 per child under 12. 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
  • Fuel Surcharge - to be invoiced separately
  • Alcoholic and bottled beverages
  • Long wetsuits (available for rent)

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