Galapagos Eco Galaxy: Itinerary Western Islands (B)

Arrive at Baltra Airport, where you’ll be welcomed and transferred to the Galaxy II Cruise. Enjoy a welcome drink and lunch on board.

Charles Darwin Research Station: Located in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, this center is a key breeding site for giant tortoises and land iguanas. Visitors can observe these animals in captivity, where conservation efforts have helped protect endangered species. The station was once home to the legendary Lonesome George, the last surviving tortoise of Pinta Island.

Tintoreras: A small island near Puerto Villamil, surrounded by calm turquoise waters, featuring a scenic walking trail. The area is home to marine iguanas, lava lizards, herons, gulls, and sea lions. In the coves, visitors may spot sea turtles, rays, penguins, and white-tipped reef sharks (known as Tintoreras in Spanish). After the visit, breakfast is served before continuing to the next destination.

Moreno Point: After lunch, a visit to Moreno Point, located near Elizabeth Bay on Isabela’s western coast. A dinghy ride along the rocky shoreline offers birdwatching opportunities, while a hike through lava formations leads to tidal pools and mangroves, where green sea turtles and white-tip sharks can often be seen.

Elizabeth Bay: A key breeding site for Galápagos penguins, this marine visitor site on Isabela’s west coast is accessed by boat. A trip through the red mangrove cove offers the chance to see brown pelicans, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, and sea lions.

Urbina Bay: Located at the base of Alcedo Volcano, between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove, this area features a 3.2 km (2-mile) hiking trail where visitors can encounter land iguanas, Galápagos hawks, and giant tortoises. The site is also home to vibrant red and blue lobsters.

Espinoza Point (Fernandina Island): Fernandina, the third-largest island in the Galápagos, is known for its pristine ecosystems. Espinoza Point is famous for its large marine iguana colonies and is the only place where flightless cormorants can be found. Other wildlife includes Galápagos penguins, hawks, and endemic snakes. The island is untouched by introduced mammals, making it one of the most pristine locations in the archipelago.

Vicente Roca Point (Isabela Island): This area consists of two coves forming a large bay teeming with marine life. Snorkelers may encounter seahorses, sea turtles, and the rare Mola-mola (ocean sunfish).

Egas Port (Santiago Island): Home to a unique black sand beach, formed by volcanic deposits from Pan de Azúcar volcano. The crater of this volcano holds a seasonal salt lake, once explored for salt extraction in the early 20th century, though these operations caused environmental damage. Access to the salt mine is now restricted.

Rabida Island: The eastern side of Rabida Island features a striking red sand beach, a lagoon, and a scenic loop trail (1.1 km). The distinctive red coloration of the sand and rocks results from oxidation of volcanic material due to rain, seawater, and wind. The island’s main attractions include the stunning landscape, unique vegetation, and endemic wildlife.

Black Turtle Cove: Located in northern Santa Cruz, this mangrove-surrounded bay is accessible only by dinghy. The shallow waters provide a safe haven for marine life, including black-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and various species of rays.

After the visit, transfer to the airport for departure.