Embark on your journey from Baltra Airport on Baltra Island, a historic site with its roots as a vital US Airforce base during World War II. Begin by navigating the mangrove estuary of Black Turtle Cove, accessible only by panga. Cruise towards Sombrero Chino near Santiago Island, unveiling its volcanic origins and encountering vibrant marine wildlife. Traverse the picturesque Espumilla Beach on Santiago Island, renowned for its palo santo forests and nesting sites for marine turtles.
Continue your exploration to Fernandina Island, where Punta Espinosa showcases marine iguanas and flightless cormorants. On Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay and Punta Moreno feature diverse marine and birdlife set against stunning volcanic landscapes. Immerse yourself in the conservation efforts on Santa Cruz Island at the Charles Darwin Research Station, gaining insights into the preservation of unique flora and fauna, including a visit to the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre for giant tortoises.
Wrap up your adventure at Mosquera Island, offering pristine beaches and wildlife encounters. Bid a fond farewell to the Galapagos Explorer as you return to Baltra Airport on Baltra Island for your onward flight.
8 Day Galapagos Itinerary
Day 1: Santa Cruz Island: Arrival
Upon your arrival, a warm welcome awaits you, and you will be transferred to the Galapagos Explorer.
In the afternoon, embark on the first leg of your journey by exploring Black Turtle Cove, situated along the northern shores of Santa Cruz Island. This mangrove estuary, accessible solely by panga, offers a pristine and naturally secluded environment. Designated as a turtle sanctuary, the cove is a haven for rare wildlife and plant species, providing a unique and enriching experience.
In the afternoon, embark on the first leg of your journey by exploring Black Turtle Cove, situated along the northern shores of Santa Cruz Island. This mangrove estuary, accessible solely by panga, offers a pristine and naturally secluded environment. Designated as a turtle sanctuary, the cove is a haven for rare wildlife and plant species, providing a unique and enriching experience.
Day 2: Chinese Hat & Rabida Island
In the morning you will explore Sombrero Chino Island, also known as the "Chinese hat." The island showcases a gently sloping volcanic cone rising from the ocean, resembling the distinctive shape of an old-fashioned Chinaman’s hat. In its afternoons, witness lava formations adorned with coral heads in the west, indicating their origin beneath the sea. Keep an eye out for the vibrant red Sally lightfoot crab, marine iguana, and Galapagos sea lion. The remarkable sight of lava cactus thriving in the cracks between the lava formations adds to the island's allure.
In the afternoon, venture to Rabida Island, renowned for its vivid colors and diverse volcanic landscapes. The island features a famous red sandy beach and offers breathtaking viewpoints, providing unparalleled photographic opportunities in its mornings. Explore the unique beauty of Rabida Island and capture the vibrant hues and captivating scenery it has to offer.
In the afternoon, venture to Rabida Island, renowned for its vivid colors and diverse volcanic landscapes. The island features a famous red sandy beach and offers breathtaking viewpoints, providing unparalleled photographic opportunities in its mornings. Explore the unique beauty of Rabida Island and capture the vibrant hues and captivating scenery it has to offer.
Day 3: Santiago Island
In the morning, you will explore Santiago Island’s Espumilla Beach. Here, you will visit the palo santo forest and the island’s beautiful shores, which are home to multiple marine turtle nesting sites.
In the afternoon, discover Buccaneer Cove. Named after the first navigators that used the island as an anchorage place to beach their boats while searching for food and fresh water, today, the cove is home to a variety of marine birds, sea lion, and fur seal. Accessible only by panga, look out for pelican, heron, swallow-tailed gulls, and boobies.
In the afternoon, discover Buccaneer Cove. Named after the first navigators that used the island as an anchorage place to beach their boats while searching for food and fresh water, today, the cove is home to a variety of marine birds, sea lion, and fur seal. Accessible only by panga, look out for pelican, heron, swallow-tailed gulls, and boobies.
Day 4: Fernandina Island
In the morning, you will explore Santiago Island’s Espumilla Beach. Here, you will visit the palo santo forest and the island’s beautiful shores, which are home to multiple marine turtle nesting sites.
In the afternoon, discover Buccaneer Cove. Named after the first navigators that used the island as an anchorage place to beach their boats while searching for food and fresh water, today, the cove is home to a variety of marine birds, sea lion, and fur seal. Accessible only by panga, look out for pelican, heron, swallow-tailed gulls, and boobies.
In the afternoon, discover Buccaneer Cove. Named after the first navigators that used the island as an anchorage place to beach their boats while searching for food and fresh water, today, the cove is home to a variety of marine birds, sea lion, and fur seal. Accessible only by panga, look out for pelican, heron, swallow-tailed gulls, and boobies.
Day 5: Isabela Island
In the morning, you will find yourself at Elizabeth Bay, situated on the west shore of Isabela Island at Perry Isthmus. Embark on a panga excursion in search of penguins and blue-footed boobies.
In the afternoon, head to Punta Moreno, an ideal spot for snorkeling with a diverse display of colorful fish, sea lions, and even sharks. The coastal lagoons nestled amidst black lava flows present a fascinating sight for exploration.
In the afternoon, head to Punta Moreno, an ideal spot for snorkeling with a diverse display of colorful fish, sea lions, and even sharks. The coastal lagoons nestled amidst black lava flows present a fascinating sight for exploration.
Day 6: Santa Cruz Island
In the morning, initiate your day with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, gaining insights into the crucial conservation efforts underway in the Galapagos. Following that, explore the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, established to safeguard and conserve the Galapagos’ tortoise population. As you stroll through the park, you'll encounter various tortoises and witness the breeding and nurturing of land iguanas at the center.
After lunch, delve into the highlands of Santa Cruz. This island stands as the sole one in the Galapagos featuring every habitat type found in the archipelago. The journey from the coast to the highlands provides a splendid opportunity to immerse yourself in the lush tapestry of plant life that thrives on these islands. Spend some time at the Tortoise Reserve El Chato, where several subspecies of giant tortoises roam freely.
After lunch, delve into the highlands of Santa Cruz. This island stands as the sole one in the Galapagos featuring every habitat type found in the archipelago. The journey from the coast to the highlands provides a splendid opportunity to immerse yourself in the lush tapestry of plant life that thrives on these islands. Spend some time at the Tortoise Reserve El Chato, where several subspecies of giant tortoises roam freely.
Day 7: Santa Fe Island & South Plaza Island
In the morning, embark on an exploration of Santa Fe Island, featuring a charming little bay with two walking trails. One trail leads to a scenic viewpoint perched upon a craggy cliff, while the other takes you through a captivating prickly pear cactus forest.
In the afternoon, venture to South Plaza Island, characterized by steep cliffs and Opuntia cacti. This landscape is home to playful sea lions and vibrant yellow and red land iguanas, creating a captivating and diverse environment.
In the afternoon, venture to South Plaza Island, characterized by steep cliffs and Opuntia cacti. This landscape is home to playful sea lions and vibrant yellow and red land iguanas, creating a captivating and diverse environment.
Day 8: San Cristobal Island: Departure
In the morning, conclude your Galapagos adventure with a visit to the small island of Mosquera. Its white sandy beaches, black lava rocks, and turquoise waters set the scene for your last exploration. Keep a keen eye out for the lively colony of Galapagos sea lions and the nesting grounds of the lava gull.
Following this, bid a fond farewell to the Galapagos as you make your way to Baltra Airport on Baltra Island for your onward flight.
Following this, bid a fond farewell to the Galapagos as you make your way to Baltra Airport on Baltra Island for your onward flight.
Itinerary Map
Click on the map to navigate the itinerary
8 Day Galapagos Itinerary Includes
- 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)
8 Day Galapagos Itinerary Does not Include
- 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
8 Day Galapagos Itinerary Highlights
- 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.
Meals Included
- Breakfast Served Daily
- 7 Dinners
- 8 Lunches
More information about the Galapagos Islands you visit in this 8 day itinerary:
Best of Galapagos West - Galapagos Explorer Yacht
8 Days
(A)
From
$10,950.00
per person
