Galapagos Galaxy: Itinerary Western & Central Islands (D)

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to Santa Cruz Island. A scenic drive through the lush highlands brings us to a reserve where giant tortoises roam freely in their natural habitat. Walking among these gentle giants is a highlight of the journey. The area is also rich in birdlife, including finches, flycatchers, and Galapagos mockingbirds. We also explore lava tunnels, learning about the islands’ volcanic history before settling in for the night.

Moreno Point features vast lava flows and hidden brackish lagoons that serve as an oasis for flamingos, herons, and other bird species. Along the coast, we encounter penguins, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas. Snorkeling here offers the chance to see sea turtles, rays, and possibly even seahorses. In the afternoon, we take a dinghy ride through the mangroves of Elizabeth Bay, a haven for penguins, flightless cormorants, and sea turtles that glide gracefully through the shallow waters.

Urbina Bay, at the foot of Alcedo Volcano, is known for its dramatic uplifted coastline, revealing corals and marine fossils. This area is home to land iguanas, giant tortoises, and Galapagos hawks. Snorkeling here offers encounters with marine turtles and vibrant reef fish. Later, we explore Tagus Cove, a historic pirate hideout, where a short hike leads to stunning views of Darwin Lake, a saltwater crater. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting finches, Galapagos hawks, and flightless cormorants.

Espinoza Point, one of the most pristine sites in the Galapagos, is home to the largest marine iguana colonies and the unique flightless cormorant. The dramatic volcanic scenery here is breathtaking. Snorkeling in the nutrient-rich waters provides an opportunity to see marine iguanas feeding underwater. In the afternoon, we visit Albemarle Point, a remote historical site where remains of a WWII-era radar station still stand. This rugged area is a great place to see penguins, flightless cormorants, and large marine iguanas.

Egas Port features a stunning black sand beach and a trail leading to tide pools inhabited by Galapagos fur seals. Marine iguanas, herons, and sea lions are abundant here. Snorkeling at Egas Port reveals reef sharks, rays, and tropical fish. Later, we visit Espumilla Beach, a sea turtle nesting site surrounded by a dry forest filled with finches and Galapagos hawks. At Buccaneer Cove, named for the pirates who once sheltered here, we take a scenic dinghy ride to admire the towering cliffs and unique rock formations.

Dragon Hill is the best place on Santa Cruz Island to see land iguanas, which have been successfully reintroduced after conservation efforts. A short hike offers panoramic views and leads to a lagoon frequented by flamingos and shorebirds. In the afternoon, we take a peaceful dinghy ride through Black Turtle Cove, a mangrove-lined estuary where sea turtles, reef sharks, and rays gather in the calm waters. This site is a crucial breeding and nursery area for many marine species.

Rabida Island is known for its striking red sand beach, created by oxidized volcanic materials. A short hike reveals a saltwater lagoon where flamingos often gather. The cliffs along the coast are home to Nazca boobies, brown pelicans, and fur seals. Snorkeling here offers a chance to swim with sea lions, reef sharks, and schools of colorful fish. In the afternoon, we visit Chinese Hat Islet, a perfect volcanic cone with spectacular turquoise waters. This area is excellent for snorkeling, with chances to see penguins, sea lions, and sharks.

Our final stop is North Seymour Island, home to large colonies of frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies. The island’s flat terrain is covered with low vegetation, making it an ideal nesting site for seabirds. Male frigatebirds display their red throat pouches in a dramatic courtship display, while blue-footed boobies perform their signature dance. Sea lions and land iguanas are also abundant. After this visit, we transfer to Baltra Airport for our departure, concluding an unforgettable Galapagos adventure.