Galapagos Legend: Itinerary Western & Northern Islands (A+B)

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, transfer to Santa Cruz’s highlands, where you’ll explore lush forests and see wild Galapagos giant tortoises. This region is also home to various bird species, including finches and vermillion flycatchers. The changing landscapes, from coastal zones to dense vegetation, provide a unique introduction to the islands.

Explore Genovesa, known as “Bird Island,” where red-footed and Nazca boobies nest among Palo Santo trees. At El Barranco, climb up rocky cliffs to spot short-eared owls and storm petrels. In the afternoon, visit Darwin Bay, a white sandy beach where you can snorkel and observe swallow-tailed gulls, frigatebirds, and hundreds of red-footed boobies in the mangroves.

Walk through a brackish lagoon at Dragon Hill, home to flamingos and land iguanas. Then, head to Santa Fe Island, where towering cacti provide shelter for endemic Santa Fe land iguanas. Snorkel alongside sea lions in crystal-clear waters or spot the Galapagos hawk soaring above.

Start the day at Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz, a major nesting site for sea turtles. Flamingos and marine iguanas can also be seen near the lagoon. In the afternoon, visit Mosquera Islet, a sandy island between Baltra and North Seymour, where a large colony of sea lions welcomes visitors.

Explore Egas Port’s unique black volcanic sand beaches, where fur seals rest in tidal pools. Snorkel in the surrounding waters, home to marine iguanas and colorful fish. Later, visit Rabida Island, known for its striking red-sand beaches and saltwater lagoon where flamingos feed. Snorkel along the rocky shoreline, encountering sea lions and marine turtles.

Hike through Urbina Bay, where uplifted coral formations reveal the island’s volcanic history. Here, you may spot giant tortoises and land iguanas. In the afternoon, visit Tagus Cove, a historic pirate hideout with stunning views over Darwin Lake. Snorkeling opportunities include encounters with Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and marine iguanas.

Fernandina is the most pristine island in the Galapagos, home to the largest marine iguanas in the archipelago. At Espinoza Point, walk among these prehistoric creatures and spot flightless cormorants drying their wings. Later, snorkel at Vicente Roca Point, a marine life hotspot where sea turtles, rays, and colorful fish thrive in nutrient-rich waters.

End your journey with a final visit to Santa Cruz’s highlands, where you’ll have another chance to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat. After this last wildlife encounter, transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to the mainland.