6D/5N Hidden Jewels of the Western Islands by M/C Galaxy Sirius  

AM: TAKEOFF TO BALTRA AIRPORT

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Galapagos Islands, starting with your arrival at Baltra airport. Our expert naturalist guide from the National Park will eagerly await your arrival to introduce you to the wonders ahead.

PM: EXPLORING THE HIGHLANDS (Trail: 1 - 1,5 km | Level: Easy | Activities: Dry landing and hiking)

Whether you`re commencing your exploration from Baltra or Puerto Ayora, a comfortable bus ride will usher you into the verdant embrace of the highlands. En route, we`ll pause at a reserve, where you`ll step into lush highland forests to seek out Galapagos Giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Witness these gentle titans - some weighing more than 300 kg / 600 pounds - as they graze and recline in tranquil freshwater ponds. These highlands are also a sanctuary for many bird species seldom found in the lowlands, such as finches (tree, woodpecker, and vegetarian), flycatchers, and numerous waterbirds. Depending on your itinerary, you`ll also visit a lava tunnel. Here, you`ll delve into the fascinating geological history of the Galapagos, understanding how ancient volcanic eruptions crafted these extraordinary formations.

Highlights: Giant tortoises, Darwin finches, barn owls, white-cheeked pintails, Galapagos flycatchers, Lava tunnels.

AM: URBINA BAY`S DRAMATIC SEASCAPE (Short Trail: 1,2KM | Long Trail: 3KM | Level: Easy | Activities: Wet landing and hiking)

Our journey starts at Urbina Bay, a unique location known for a dramatic geological event in the 1950s. A significant uplift pushed a large coastal area upwards, revealing hectares of previously submerged land. Discover small shells and corals along the trail, a testament to the region`s underwater past. This path also provides a chance to see land iguanas and, during certain seasons, giant tortoises. Galapagos hawks are often spotted in the area, flying or perched on trees.

Snorkeling Experience: Dive into the clear waters from the beach to swim alongside sea turtles, cormorants, and penguins. An array of fish also populates the waters here, adding to the vibrant undersea life.

Highlights: Galapagos hawks, land iguanas, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin finches, and flycatchers.

PM: TAGUS COVE, DARWIN`S STOMPING GROUNDS (Trail: 2,6KM | Level: Hard | Activities: Dry landing and hiking)

In the afternoon, we visit the historical Tagus Cove, a site Charles Darwin once explored during his travels around the Galapagos islands. Traverse the arid Palo Santo forests, where Darwin finches and mockingbirds make their home, and take in the panoramic views of Darwin’s Lake and the towering volcanoes of northern Isabela.

A boat tour along the shore offers chances to observe penguins, cormorants, marine iguanas, and the rare Galapagos martin - an endemic, petite bird considered one of the most endangered species on the island.

Snorkeling Experience: The nutrient-rich waters around Tagus Cove draw in sea turtles, a rich diversity of fish species, and penguins feasting on large schools of anchovies. Watching cormorants dart underwater as they chase fish through the reef is a common sight.

Highlights: Galapagos hawks, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, herons, penguins, sea turtles, and sea stars.

Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)

AM: ESPINOZA POINT, VOLCANIC WONDERLAND (Trail: 1,6KM | Level: Moderate)

Begin your day at Espinoza Point, located at the base of an imposing volcano - the most active in the Galapagos islands. This site, one of the crown jewels of the Galapagos National Park, presents a unique spectacle right from the moment you step ashore. Hundreds of marine iguanas, forming the largest colony of the species, greet you upon arrival. Sea lions lounge on the beaches, their pups playfully exploring the tide pools. Along the shore, catch sight of flightless cormorants, a species confined to the western areas of the archipelago. Blessed with cold, plankton-rich waters, Punta Espinosa is a sanctuary for diverse species, including herons, pelicans, oystercatchers, sea turtles, shorebirds, and more. Also, keep an eye on the mangroves where Galapagos hawks often perch, scanning for prey.

Snorkeling Experience: The nutrient-dense waters around Punta Espinosa attract a myriad of fish and sea turtles. The abundant seaweed makes this spot an ideal location to watch marine iguanas feed underwater. Following a cormorant underwater as it chases fish through the reef will undoubtedly be one of the most incredible snorkeling experiences you`ll have on your trip.

Highlights: Galapagos hawks, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, penguins, sea turtles, sea lions, herons, oystercatchers, shorebirds, and sally light-foot crabs. 

PM: ALBEMARLE POINT, WILDLIFE MEETS HISTORY (Trail: 1KM | Level: Easy | Activities: Dry landing and hiking)

In the afternoon, visit Albemarle Point, where wildlife and history intersect. During World War II, the Americans constructed a radar base here to detect the presence of Japanese warships approaching the Galapagos. The remains of the radar can still be seen today. Despite being barren and surrounded by infinite lava fields, the coast is home to some of the largest marine iguanas on the islands, Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and shorebirds.

Snorkeling Experience: A couple of sheltered coves here provide excellent opportunities for snorkeling, offering views of cormorants, penguins, and various fish species. 

Highlights: Marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, penguins, sea turtles, shorebirds, sally light-foot crabs.

Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)