Seven Days Luxury Boat Western Islands Expedition | La Pinta | Galapagos islands

Seven Days Luxury Boat Western Islands Expedition

One of the most exclusive cruises in the Galapagos, not only because it offers 7 majestic days in this enchanted paradise with a fascinating itinerary circling from Santa Cruz to the Western and to the South of the Archipelago on board one of the most luxurious Vessels, Yacht La Pinta. Come on board and share this memorable trip with your loved ones!

Baltra Island / North Seymour Island

Friday: Arrival / Baltra

Our adventure begins with a morning flight to Baltra Island and immediate transfer to the dock to board Yacht La Pinta. There’s an introductory welcome briefing, boat drill, cabin assignment followed by lunch.

PM: North Seymour

On this lovely Central Island enjoy a walk along the coast and the interior of this beautiful flat island, observing numerous bird colonies as well as sea lions and land iguanas. There are opportunities for coastal exploration by dinghy.

Isabela Island / Fernandina Island: Vicente Roca Point & Espinoza Point

AM: Vicente Roca Point

Enjoy a morning coastal exploration by panga, while the naturalist guide explain the dramatic geology of the area, with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. There is abundant wildlife and, depending on the conditions of the ocean, we’ll be able to snorkel along the cliffs, hopefully in the company of green sea turtles and colorful fish.

PM: Espinoza Point

In the afternoon, visit the youngest and most pristine island of the archipelago, Fernandina, one of many visitors’ all-time favorites. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness and plentiful wildlife. Highlights include: penguins, hawks, the flightless cormorant and astounding volcanic landscapes.

Isabela Island: Urbina Bay & Tagus Cove

AM: Urbina Bay

We disembark at Urbina Bay in the morning, located on the western side of Isabela Island, the result of an uplifting of the ocean floor. Here you can see colorful large Land Iguanas, corals, shells and occasionally, giant tortoises. While crossing Bolívar Channel, there are good chances of spotting several species of whales.

PM: Tagus Cove

On the northwest of Isabela, secluded Tagus Cove provided a perfect anchorage spot for pirates and whalers over the centuries, and today makes a great visitor site. An uphill hike takes us to the back of Darwin Crater, filled with salt water; we can snorkel or ride kayaks amid the dramatic landscape.

Rabida Island / Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill

AM: Rabida Island

In the morning, disembark at Rabida Island’s red-colored beach (wet-landing). A stroll along the beach allows us to observe mockingbirds, marine iguanas, yellow warblers and species of Darwin’s finches. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach. For non-snorkelers, we can ride our glass-bottom boat for an exploration of life underneath the waves.

PM: Dragon Hill

The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts the fascinating landscapes of “Cerro Dragon”. Our walk includes circling a brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, while further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as the chance to observe land iguanas.

Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Station & Highlands

AM: Charles Darwin Station

The morning visit heads towards the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora; These are the Galapagos’ headquarters of scientific investigation, Tortoise breeding center, conservation and the National Park administration. A delicious lunch is served at the poolside of the Finch Bay Eco Hotel.

PM: Santa Cruz Highlands

After lunch, we head up to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island by vehicle. This is a great place to look for the emblematic Darwin’s Finches and the endemic Scalesia trees. The highlands are also great for exploring the exuberant vegetation where giant tortoises roam in the wild.

Floreana Island: Post Office Bay & Cormorant Point

AM: Post Office Bay

After breakfast, we land at Floreana Island to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. Panga rides along the various channels on the north shore can also be enjoyed. Views from La Loberia and the Baroness Viewpoint are quite rewarding; from the beach, kayaking and swimming can be enjoyed.

PM: Cormorant Point

Before disembarking at Punta Cormorant we can snorkel or ride our glass-bottom boat along the coast of an extinct cone called “Champion Islet”. Later in the afternoon, we arrive to olive-colored crystal beach for an easy walk by a brackish water lagoon where bird species like American Flamingos may be observed. On the other side of the island, we come to a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest.

Baltra Island: Transfer out

AM: Baltra

Our journey ends at Baltra Island, where we transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland. Baltra’s flat substrate (due to its uplifted origin) is the reason why the island was chosen back in the 1940s as the location to building an airport.

Highlights

Witness the active and diverse birdlife of enchanting Genovesa.
Snorkel with Penguins, Sea lions and school of fishes at Bartolome.
Explore the long trail of Chinese Hat filled with untamed and fearless wildlife.
A paradise of adventure awaits in Sullivan Bay with unreal volcanic landscapes and a pristine sandy beach.

Cruise Includes

All programed visits as per itinerary with specialized naturalist bilingual guide
Accommodation in twin/double Deluxe Suite with private facilities, all meals on board, drinking purified water, coffee and tea
Cruise Fuel Surcharge
Snorkeling equipment (fins, mask & snorkel) & sea-kayaks
Transfers within the islands on cruise dates as per itinerary
Personalized 24/7 assistance during tour

Cruise does not Include

Airfare to/from Galapagos from/to Mainland Ecuador (to be added)
Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee US$100 per person (in cash only upon arrival)
Galapagos Migration Card US$20 in cash per person (at Mainland’s Airport)
All sized Wet-suits for rent on board
Alcoholic/soft drinks, personal expenses, extras, tips and other services not specified in the program
Travel, medical & cancelation Insurance and any services on Mainland