Galapagos Explorer - Best of Galapagos West

Start your trip from Baltra Airport, located on Baltra Island. This historic location was a crucial US Airforce Base during World War II. Start by exploring the Black Turtle Cove mangrove estuary, which is only accessible by panga. Sombrero Chino, near Santiago Island is a volcanic island with vibrant marine life. Explore the beautiful Espumilla beach on Santiago Island. It is renowned for its nesting turtles and palo santo forest.

Explore Fernandina island, home to the marine iguanas Punta Espinosa and the flightless cormorants. Elizabeth Bay, Punta Moreno and Isabela Island are home to diverse birdlife and marine life. At the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, immerse yourself into conservation efforts, learning about the unique flora, fauna and a visit the Fausto Llerena breeding centre for giant tortoises.

Mosquera island offers pristine beaches, wildlife and a chance to end your journey. As you depart the Galapagos Explorer, return to Baltra Airport to catch your flight.

Tag 1: Santa Cruz Island: Arrival

You will receive a warm reception upon arrival and be taken to the Galapagos Explorer.
Explore Black Turtle Cove located along the north shores of Santa Cruz Island in the afternoon. The mangrove estuary is only accessible by panga and offers an untouched, natural environment. The cove, which is designated as a turtle refuge, provides a rare and unique experience.

Tag 2: Chinese Hat & Rabida Island

Sombrero Chino Island is also called the Chinese Hat. This island is dominated by a gently sloped volcanic cone that rises from the sea, and resembles an old-fashioned Chinaman hat. The west coast of the island is adorned by coral-headed lava, which indicates that the lava formed beneath the ocean. Be on the lookout for Galapagos Sea Lions, Marine Iguanas, and vibrantly red Sally Lightfoot Crabs. Lava cactus growing in cracks and crevices of the volcanic formations is a stunning sight.
Afternoon: Visit Rabida Island. It is renowned for the vibrant colors of its volcanic landscapes and unique color palette. It has a red sand beach, breathtaking views and a sunrise that is unmatched. Discover the beauty and uniqueness of Rabida Island. Capture the vivid hues, and the captivating scenery.

Tag 3: Santiago Island

You will spend the morning exploring Espumilla Beach on Santiago Island. You will explore the beautiful beaches and palo santo forests on the island, where you can see turtles nesting.
Discover Buccaneer Cove in the afternoon. The cove was named after the navigators who used it as an anchorage to land their boats in search of food and water. Today, this area is home to marine birds, a sea lion and a fur seal. Look out for pelican and heron. Also, boobies and swallow-tailed birds.

Tag 4: Fernandina Island

You will spend the morning exploring Espumilla Beach on Santiago Island. You will explore the beautiful beaches and palo santo forests on the island, where you can see turtles nesting.
Discover Buccaneer Cove in the afternoon. The cove was named after the navigators who used it as a place for anchorage to land their boats when searching for freshwater and food. Today, this area is home to marine birds, a sea lion and fawn seals. Look out for pelicans, herons, swallow-tailed and fur seals.

Tag 5: Isabela Island

You will arrive at Elizabeth Bay in the morning. It is located on the western shore of Isabela Island, at Perry Isthmus. Join a panga trip to search for blue-footed and penguins.
Head to Punta Moreno in the afternoon for a snorkeling experience with colorful fish and sea lions. You may even see sharks. Explore the coastal lagoons nestled among black lava flow.

Tag 6: Santa Cruz Island

Start your morning with a trip to the Charles Darwin Research Station. You will gain valuable insight into the conservation work being done in Galapagos. Explore the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center to learn more about the conservation and protection of the Galapagos tortoise. You'll see tortoises as you walk through the park and land iguanas being bred and nurtured at the center.
Explore the Santa Cruz highlands after lunch. The only island in the Galapagos to have every type of habitat found within the archipelago, Santa Cruz. From the coast up to the mountains, you can immerse yourself into the rich tapestry that is the plant life on the islands. Visit the Tortoise Reserve El Chato where you can see several giant tortoise subspecies roaming freely.

Tag 7: Santa Fe Island & South Plaza Island

Start your day with a morning exploration of Santa Fe Island. This charming island has two hiking trails that lead to a small bay. The first trail takes you to an amazing viewpoint on a steep cliff while the second leads through a forest of prickly pears cactus.
Afternoon: Visit South Plaza Island. It is characterized by Opuntia Cacti and steep cliffs. The landscape of this island is full of vibrant land iguanas in yellow, red and orange colors.

Tag 8: San Cristobal Island: Departure

The morning will be the perfect time to conclude your Galapagos experience with a trip to Mosquera, a small island. The white sand beaches, turquoise water, and black lava rock set the stage for this last adventure. Be sure to keep an eye out for nesting lavagulls, and a lively sea lion colony.
After this you will be able to bid farewell and say goodbye to Galapagos on your way to Baltra Airport, located on Baltra Island.

Cerro Frigatebird | Frigate bird | Galapagos Islands

Punta Albermarle | Marine iguana | Galapagos Islands

Cráteres gemelos | Yellow Warbler | Galapagos Islands

Inbegriffen

Accommodation
Three meals daily
Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, and refreshments on excursions
All excursions including panga tours, hikes, island visits, beach walks, visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, sea kayaking and snorkelling (included snorkelling gear: short wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins)
Guides' Journal with illustrations of fauna and flora to record your sightings
Area map with illustrated Star Birds checklist
Emergency medical evacuation insurance
VAT
VIP Lounge at the Galapagos’ airports, road transfers to and from Galapagos Airport (Baltra or San Cristóbal Island)
Limited laundry
Internet (via Starlink)

Nicht enthalten

Administration fee
Telephone calls
All items of a personal nature
Flights to and from the Galapagos Islands
Gratuities
Champagne, cognacs, fine wines, premium brand spirits and cigars
Landing fees
Travel insurance
Park fees
Migratory card

Höhepunkte

Encounter the majestic green sea turtles gracefully swimming in the pristine waters of Black Turtle Cove, a designated turtle sanctuary.
Immerse yourself in the rich avian diversity as you navigate the cove on a panga, with opportunities to spot various boobies, herons, and pelicans.
Explore the mangrove estuary, a national park comprising three mangrove species: black, white, and red. Marvel at the unique ecosystem and the vital role mangroves play in the Galapagos.