Galapagos Western Islands aboard Reina Silvia 8 Days "Western Route"

MORNING FLIGHT FROM QUITO OR GUAYAQUIL TO BALTRA (GALAPAGOS) TWIN CRATERS & FAUSTO LLERENA BREEDING CENTER
Assistance at the airport by our representatives for your Galapagos flight.

You will arrive at the airport on Baltra Island in the morning and after passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by guide from the Reina Silvia.

You will have lunch at the local restaurant and visit the " Twin Craters " located opposite to each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only figurative; not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. The view is breathtaking

The afternoon visit is the “Fausto Llerena” breeding center where giant tortoises are bred in captivity and reared until the age of 5 years, when they can survive the effects of introduced predators. This is home to tortoises ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-foot long adults. Subspecies of the giant tortoises interact with one another, and many of the older tortoises are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity.

ISABELA: MORENO POINT / ELIZABETH BAY
In the morning we will visit " Moreno Point ", located south west of Elizabeth Bay. Here, a dry landing onto what was once flowing lava is possible. The lava has left craters in its wake, which formed crystal tide pools. By looking into the pools, you can peer into another world, as the marine life drifts by. In the brackish pools of this area, you may see pink flamingos, White-Cheeked pintails, and Common gallinules. If you look carefully into the pools you may see White-Tipped reef sharks and some sea turtles.

The afternoon visit will take us to " Elizabeth Bay ", a secluded space lacking any landing sites. We will take a traditional 'panga', or dinghy ride, passing the red mangroves and amongst the wildlife of the lively bay. Elizabeth is known for its marine life; you will probably see sea turtles and rays skimming the surface of the water. You may also see the Brown pelicans diving for fish, Galapagos penguins, Blue-footed Boobies and even possibly spot humpback whales.

ISABELA AND FERNANDINA: URBINA BAY / ESPINOZA POINT
In the morning, you will land at " Urbina Bay " which presents some fascinating geological formations. In 1954, an uplift from the sea formed the bay which has been characterized by the resulting terrestrial coral reef ever since. Expect to see stingrays and sea turtles swimming near the surface of the water along with flightless cormorants, pelicans, and marine iguanas. You will be dazzled by the breathtaking view of the Alcedo Volcano

In the afternoon, you will land at " Espinoza Point " and after walking past a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions, you’ll reach the island’s highlight: the flightless cormorant nesting site. This area also provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos hawk.

ISABELA: TAGUS COVE / VICENTE ROCA POINT
After breakfast, you will visit " Tagus Cove " which is located across from Fernandina Island, near the Bolivar Channel dividing the two islands. This spot has been frequented by ships since the 1800s, using the area as an anchorage site. Trails winding by Lake Darwin up to a ridge display wonderful views. Punta Tortuga, just north of Tagus Cove, is another lovely beach surrounded by mangroves.

The afternoon visit is at " Vicente Roca Point." Comprised of two separate coves, this site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola mola (or sunfish).

ESPUMILLA BEACH / BUCCANEER COVE / EGAS PORT / SALT MINES
In the morning you will start visiting " Espumilla Beach " where marine iguanas lounge and the Sally Lightfoot crabs attract the hunting herons performing the dance of predator and prey right before your eyes. Snorkeling is highly recommended as you could find yourself face to face with an octopus, moray eel, shark and a variety of other species of tropical fish.

Next you will visit the " Buccaneer Cove " which is a testament to the fact that Santiago Island was once a refuge for British buccaneers. These pirates would anchor in the protected bay to make repairs and stock up on tortoise meat among other things. The steep cliffs, where hundreds of seabirds perch in front of the dark red sand beach, are a magnificent site.

After lunch, you will go to " Egas Port ", also known as James Bay, on Santiago Island which is home to the curious Galapagos hawks and quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. The trail leads to the coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos fur sea lions bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site

Later in the afternoon you will visit the " Minas de Sal ", located northwest of Santiago Island. The trail has an approximate distance of 8 km. round-trip. This site has an important history from the year 1683 when William Ambrose Cowley visited this place, it was he who gave the name of James to the Bay and the island there have been many travelers who have visited this place to exploit this natural resource and salted beef and fish.

BACHAS BEACH / NORTH SEYMOUR
The morning visit to " Bachas Beach " which is a swimming beach is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz. One of the few remnants of the U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos, a floating pier, can be seen here. You may see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, and whimbrels. Sea turtles also nest on the beach.

In the afternoon, you will visit " North Seymour ". Here you will be able to see Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds which are abundant on the Island. The island was formed by a series of submarine lava flows containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone.

BALTRA
After breakfast, you will be transferred from the boat to Baltra airport for your flight to Guayaquil or Quito.

 
Important: Itineraries and activities subject to change without prior notice. Depending on weather conditions and water currents, some wildlife described above may not be visible.