A 4-night, 5-day expedition through the western sector of the Galápagos archipelago aboard the Galápagos Legend. The route takes in Mosquera Islet, Puerto Egas and Rábida on Santiago, Urbina Bay and Tagus Cove on Isabela, Punta Espinosa on Fernandina and the Santa Cruz highlands.
The sailing is in a Junior Suite cabin, with a naturalist guide on board, all meals from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last, and snorkelling equipment.
Highlights
Mosquera Islet, sea lions
Puerto Egas, Santiago
Urbina Bay and Tagus Cove, Isabela
Punta Espinosa, Fernandina, marine iguanas
Santa Cruz highlands, giant tortoises
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1
Day 1: Mosquera Islet
Arrival at Baltra (a flight of about 2.5 hours from Quito or Guayaquil) and boarding of the Galápagos Legend. In the afternoon, Mosquera Islet, a coral-sand islet between North and South Seymour, with sea lions, shore birds and snorkelling with sharks, rays and barracudas.
Day2
Day 2: Puerto Egas and Rábida
In the morning, Puerto Egas on Santiago, with its black volcanic-sand coast and a sea-lion colony. In the afternoon, Rábida, with its red-sand beach, sea lions and a trail through palo santo and cactus.
Day3
Day 3: Urbina Bay and Tagus Cove, Isabela
In the morning, Urbina Bay, with coral blocks exposed by a 1954 geological uplift, land iguanas and, in the wet season, giant tortoises. In the afternoon, Tagus Cove, a historic anchorage visited by HMS Beagle in 1835, with Darwin Lake and snorkelling with turtles, fish and penguins.
Day4
Day 4: Punta Espinosa and Punta Vicente Roca
In the morning, Punta Espinosa on Fernandina, with its large concentration of marine iguanas, penguins and flightless cormorants. In the afternoon, Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela, surrounded by cliffs, with Nazca boobies and snorkelling with penguins and green turtles.
Day5
Day 5: Santa Cruz Highlands
In the morning, the central Santa Cruz highlands, where giant tortoises and several finch species are seen. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for the return flight.
Suggested hotels
Galápagos Legend
Superior
Galápagos
First-class expedition vessel; the priced cabin is the Junior Suite.
Essential, Premium and Luxury categories available. Final accommodation is confirmed by date and availability.
What's included
Included: Accommodation in a double Junior Suite cabin aboard the Galápagos Legend
Included: Naturalist guide on board
Included: All meals, from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last
Included: Snacks after each activity, except the last day
Included: Welcome cocktail
Included: Unlimited purified water, coffee and tea
Included: All visits, excursions and activities per the itinerary
Included: Airport–pier transfers
Included: Use of pier and ferry
Included: Snorkelling equipment
What's not included
Not included: Domestic flight to Galápagos
Not included: Galápagos National Park entrance fee (USD 200, payable in cash on arrival)
Not included: INGALA Transit Control Card (USD 20)
Not included: Airport and tourism taxes and visa fees
Not included: Meals, drinks or services not specified
Not included: Alcoholic drinks
Not included: Wetsuit hire
Not included: Medical services and travel insurance
Not included: Tips for the crew and the guide
Not included: Personal expenses and optional services