Galapagos Alya: Itinerary Central & Western Islands (B)

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to the Alya Catamaran, where you will receive a warm welcome, followed by lunch.

In the afternoon, we head to the Highlands of Santa Cruz, where we will embark on a hike to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat—a truly unforgettable experience. This area also features lush vegetation and unique volcanic formations.

For this excursion, we recommend wearing comfortable hiking shoes, long pants, a raincoat, a hat, and sunscreen. After exploring, we return to the Alya for the evening.

Moreno Point is located on Isabela Island’s northern coast, between Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes. The area is known for its coastal lagoons surrounded by black lava flows, where a variety of bird species can be spotted. The site offers stunning views of three of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos: Sierra Negra, Cerro Azul (on Isabela Island), and La Cumbre (on Fernandina Island).

After lunch, we visit Elizabeth Bay, one of the primary breeding sites for Galápagos penguins. This marine visitor site features Red Mangrove Cove, home to brown pelicans, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, and sea lions.

Return to the yacht for dinner.

In the morning, we visit Urbina Bay, located at the base of Alcedo Volcano, between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove. After a wet landing, we take a 3.2 km trail where we can spot land iguanas, Galápagos hawks, giant tortoises, and vibrant red and blue lobsters.

After lunch, we head to Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island, the third-largest island in the Galápagos. It is home to the largest colony of marine iguanas and a diverse range of wildlife, including flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and snakes. The site offers breathtaking views of Fernandina’s untouched volcanic landscapes, with its most recent eruption occurring in May 2005.

Since Fernandina has no introduced mammals, its ecosystem remains one of the most pristine in the archipelago. From January to June, we take extra precautions while walking, as it is marine iguana nesting season.

Return to the yacht for dinner.

Our day begins at Tagus Cove, located west of Darwin Volcano on Isabela Island. While hiking through this historic site, we will see ancient pirate inscriptions dating back to the 1800s. The trail leads to Darwin Lake, a saltwater lagoon approximately 9 meters deep. Though it contains no fish, it attracts various bird species, making it a fantastic spot for wildlife observation.

After lunch, we visit Vicente Roca Point, a large bay made up of two separate coves. This site is an underwater paradise, ideal for spotting seahorses, sea turtles, and the rare Mola mola (sunfish).

Return to the yacht for dinner.

In the morning, we explore Espumilla Beach, a stunning site known for its Palo Santo trees, golden sands, and breathtaking coastal views. This beach is a significant nesting site for sea turtles, making it an essential location for conservation.

After lunch, we visit Egas Port, famous for its black sand beach, formed by volcanic deposits from the nearby Pan de Azúcar Volcano. The volcanic crater contains a saltwater lake that dries up during warm seasons.

Between 1928 and 1930, an attempt was made to develop a salt mine in this area. However, the project was abandoned due to economic and environmental concerns. Today, visitors can see remnants of the site, though access to the salt mine itself is restricted.

Return to the yacht for dinner.

On our final day, we visit Bachas Beach, a 1-kilometer-long white sand beach on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island.

The beach’s name comes from World War II, when the U.S. military left two barges (or “Bachas”) onshore. The early settlers mispronounced “barges” as “Bachas,” which became the official name of the area.

After a relaxing morning by the shore, it is time for your transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.