Bonita Yacht – Western Galapagos Islands Expedition (A)

Your journey begins upon arrival at Baltra Airport, where you’ll be transferred to the Bonita Yacht. In the afternoon, visit Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island, named after the large population of land iguanas that roam its dry, rocky terrain. A scenic hike leads to a viewpoint overlooking the island’s diverse landscapes, and nearby brackish lagoons often attract flamingos and pintail ducks. This first excursion sets the stage for the wildlife encounters to come.

Start the day at Buccaneer Cove, once a hideout for pirates. The towering cliffs and eroded rock formations provide habitat for sea birds, including Nazca and blue-footed boobies. Snorkeling here offers encounters with sea lions, sea turtles, and colorful reef fish.

Next, visit Espumilla Beach, known for its golden sands and sea turtle nesting sites. The nearby mangroves and lagoons are home to flamingos and shorebirds. In the afternoon, explore Puerto Egas, where the rugged coastline features lava pools teeming with marine iguanas, fur seals, and Sally Lightfoot crabs.

Sail to Isabela Island, the largest in the archipelago. This day is dedicated to exploring its untouched landscapes and abundant wildlife. The western region of Isabela is home to flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, and marine iguanas. The afternoon brings a visit to Fernandina Island, considered the most pristine island in the Galapagos due to its lack of introduced species. The stark lava fields and dense populations of marine iguanas create a prehistoric scene.

At Urbina Bay, a geological uplift has created a landscape where giant tortoises and land iguanas roam freely. Walking along the black sand beach, you may spot Galapagos hawks and Darwin’s finches. Snorkeling in the bay offers encounters with sea turtles, rays, and even seahorses.

In the afternoon, visit Tagus Cove, a historic anchorage site where early explorers left graffiti on the cliffs. A hike leads to a viewpoint over Darwin Lake, a saltwater crater lake formed by volcanic activity. Penguins, cormorants, and sea lions can often be seen along the shoreline.

Begin the day at Moreno Point, where you’ll navigate through a network of lava lakes and pools. These unique formations attract flamingos, herons, and pintail ducks, while snorkeling here provides a chance to see marine iguanas, sea turtles, and reef sharks.

Later, explore Elizabeth Bay, a tranquil mangrove estuary where sea turtles, rays, and flightless cormorants thrive. A panga (dinghy) ride through the calm waters offers close-up views of this biodiversity-rich ecosystem.

The morning starts with a visit to Las Tintoreras, a group of small islets near Puerto Villamil, known for their shark-filled channels. This area is home to white-tipped reef sharks, penguins, marine iguanas, and sea lions. Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters is a highlight, providing a chance to swim alongside Galapagos penguins and colorful fish.

In the afternoon, visit the Isabela Wetlands, a series of lagoons and swamps that provide habitat for flamingos and other wading birds. A short walk leads to the Wall of Tears, a historic site built by prisoners in the mid-20th century.

On your final day, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, a key conservation center for the Galapagos giant tortoise breeding program. Here, you’ll learn about ongoing efforts to protect and restore endangered species in the archipelago. After this visit, you’ll transfer to Baltra Airport for your departure, concluding an unforgettable journey through the western Galapagos.