WEST EXPEDITION (B)

Day 1 - Thursday

MORNING:

✈ Baltra Airport. Departure from either Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island is a 2 ½ hour flight. Upon arrival in the Galapagos, passengers are greeted at the airport by our knowledgeable guides who will accompany them on a short ten-minute bus ride to the pier where they will board the Galapagos Legend.

AFTERNOON:

Mosquera Islet. This tiny, low-lying islet, converted into coral sand, is set between the north and south Seymour Islands. It's home to a group of sea lions that come to laze on the soft white sand, it's an excellent spot to observe shorebirds, herons, lava gulls, and boobies. Snorkeling or diving here, one can often see sharks, rays, and barracudas. 

• Difficulty level: Low
• Type of terrain: Sandy
• Duration: 1 ½ hour walk, 1 hour snorkeling or 1 hour beach time

Day 2 - Friday

MORNING:

Egas Port (Santiago Island). The black volcanic sand sets this landing apart from most, it's best known for the dramatic shoreline where we meet a host of species that chose to live between land and sea. Among these are the endemic Galapagos fur seals, which maintain a small colony at the end of our walk.

• Difficulty level: Medium
• Type of terrain: Flat / Semi-rocky
• Duration: 1 ½ hour walk, 1 hour snorkeling

AFTERNOON:

Rabida Island. Lying at the archipelago's heart, this dramatic island with a distinctive red-sand beach is home to sea lions, mockingbirds, finches, endemic Galapagos doves, and vermilion flycatchers. A walk takes us through a forest of palo santo and cacti to a beautiful overview of the bay. 

• Difficulty level: Medium
• Type of terrain: Flat / Semi-rocky
• Duration: 1 ½ hour walk, 1 hour snorkeling, 1 hour dinghy ride

Day 3 - Saturday

MORNING:

Urbina Bay (Isabela Island). At the far end of a long level hike, we arrive at a strange phenomenon where large blocks of coral lie completely exposed after a dramatic geological uplift in 1954. Located at the western base of Alcedo Volcano, we hope to run into a few impressive land iguanas and some volcanoes endemic to Galapagos giant tortoises during the wet season.

• Difficulty level: Medium
• Type of terrain: Flat / Rocky
• Duration: 1 ½ hour walk, 1 hour snorkeling

AFTERNOON: 

Tagus Cove (Isabela Island). Tagus Cove, a historic pirate hideout and anchorage. Visited by Charles Darwin and the HMS Beagle in 1835. Hike past Darwin Lake and stunning volcanic landscape, revealing Isabela island's dramatic northern volcanoes. Snorkel along a submerged wall with turtles, fish, penguins, and flightless cormorants. Enjoy a panga ride or kayak for added excitement!

• Difficulty level: Medium, difficult.
• Type of terrain: Steep
• Duration: 2 hour hike, 30 min kayaking, 1 hour snorkeling, 40 minutes dinghy ride.

Day 4 - Sunday

MORNING:

Punta Espinosa (Fernandina Island). Pristine Fernandina, the marine iguana capital. Its desolate volcanic backdrop hosts a massive concentration of these enigmatic reptiles. Surprisingly, Galapagos penguins share the same shoreline. Snorkeling offers an exciting opportunity to witness marine iguanas feeding underwater, alongside penguins, turtles, and unique flightless cormorants.

• Difficulty level: Medium
• Type of terrain: Flat / Semi - rocky
• Duration: 1 ½ hour hike, 1 hour snorkeling, 30 min Panga Ride.

AFTERNOON:

Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island). Spectacular site, surrounded by immense cliffs of an eroded volcano. Studded with resting seabirds like brown noddies and Nazca boobies. Superb snorkeling with unique fish species. Swim with penguins and green turtles.

• Difficulty level: Medium
• Type of terrain: Flat / Semi - rocky
• Duration: 1 hour snorkeling, 30 min Panga Ride

Day 5 - Monday

MORNING:

Highlands (Santa Cruz Island). In the central highlands of Santa Cruz Island, we have our best opportunity to interact at close quarters with totally wild, Galapagos giant tortoises. A short walk among these huge, 600lb, reptiles will also offer the chance for more highland species, especially several species of the famed finches.

• Difficulty level: Low
• Type of terrain: flat & muddy (depending on the season)
• Duration: 1 ½ hour walk, 45 min Panga ride, 45 minute snorkeling

AFTERNOON:

Baltra Island Airport. After the visit, passengers will be transferred to the airport for their return flight to Guayaquil or Quito.