8 days / 7 nights – Western Galápagos

8 days
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Small Ship Cruise
Fernandina Island is regarded as one of the most pristine island environments anywhere in the world, where life has evolved in its natural state, far from the intervention of Man. From the west, we venture back to the Central Islands, landing at the intriguing red beach of Rábida and seeking out the land iguanas of Cerro Dragón. On Santa Cruz, we visit the Ch...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Post Office Bay
    • Darwin Lake
    • Urbina’s Upheaval
    • Charles Darwin Research Station

What's this trip about?

    Fernandina Island is regarded as one of the most pristine island environments anywhere in the world, where life has evolved in its natural state, far from the intervention of Man. From the west, we venture back to the Central Islands, landing at the intriguing red beach of Rábida and seeking out the land iguanas of Cerro Dragón. On Santa Cruz, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and get up close to giant tortoises in their natural environment. In the south, we learn about the Galápagos very own 'murder mystery', spot flamingoes and snorkel at one of the best sites in the archipelago: Champion Islet. Back in the central islands, we explore the placid bay of Santa Fe as well as the dramatic cliffs of South Plaza. Whether it's the western, central or southern islands we visit, all the crew aboard La Pinta will do our utmost to ensure your Galápagos experience is truly, deeply moving and memorable.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityBaltra Island
End CityPuerto Baquerizo Moreno

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • South America
  • Ecuador

Attractions

  • Galapagos
  • Isabela Island
  • Isla Santa Fe
  • San Cristobal
  • Santa Cruz Island

Activities

  • Bird watching
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
  • Nature
  • Snorkeling
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • Shore excursions
    • Accommodation
    • All meals
    • Bilingual naturalist guides
    • Conferences and lectures
    • Visits to the islands mentioned in the itinerary
    • Transportation to / from the airport in Galápagos
    • Snorkelling equipment
    • Sodas, water & juices
    • Internet and WiFi (intermittent and low-bandwidth)
    • 2 mm "shorty" wet suit rental

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1

Baltra Island/North Seymour Island

Our adventure begins with a morning flight to Baltra Island and immediate transfer to the dock to board Yacht La Pinta.  There's a welcome introductory briefing, boat drill, cabin assignment and then lunch.

North Seymou...

Day 2

Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)/Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)

Since there is no landing site at this location, the coastal exploration is by dinghy, while the naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of the area, with remains of lava flows and tu...

Day 3

Urbina Bay/Tagus Cove (Isabela Island)

After breakfast, we disembark at Urbina Bay, on the western side of Isabela Island, the result of an uplifting of the ocean floor. Here you can find corals, shells, and large and very colourful Galápagos land iguanas, gian...

Day 4

Rábida Island /Cerro Dragón-Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island)

In the morning, we disembark at Rábida Island's red-coloured beach. A stroll along the beach allows us to observe marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin's finches. ...

Day 5

Puerto Ayora & Charles Darwin Research Station/Highlands of Santa Cruz Island

The morning visit heads to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest. These are the headquarters of sci...

Day 6

Post Office Bay/Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)

After breakfast, we land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. Panga rides along the maze of channels on Floreana's north sho...

Day 7

Santa Fe Island/South Plaza Island

We take the dinghy over to this idyllic sandy-white beach populated by colonies of sea lions. Galápagos hawks are often easily observed, perched atop salt bushes. The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted ...

Day 8

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal Island)

After breakfast, we depart for the port and airport for our flight back to the mainland.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,895
Price per day$862
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Metropolitan Touring.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Metropolitan Touring Reviews & Ratings

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Other Metropolitan Touring Reviews

S

Susan

Aug 2019

Metropolitan Touring Company Reviewsby Metropolitan Touring

very well organized

We would highly recommend seeing the Galapagos Islands on the Santa Cruz II operated by Metropolitan Touring. The 90 passenger ship was very nice with lots of pleasa...

M

Maru

Dec 2018

Metropolitan Touring Company Reviewsby Metropolitan Touring

My trip with efficiency and kindness

Definitely, the best tourism company in Ecuador, they helped me to plan...

E

Esteban

Nov 2018

Metropolitan Touring Company Reviewsby Metropolitan Touring

Fantastic service and attention to detail

Fantastic service and attention to detail. I highly recommend Me...

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Tour Operator

Metropolitan Touring

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Metropolitan Touring's 60+ years are characterized by that difference. Creators, promoters, sellers, organisers, coordinators, hosts, pioneers, yes. But above all, friends to all those who have come into contact with the company – and every contact, every bond, a story

In many ways, our company's origins as the pioneers of travel and tours to Galapagos Islands have set our course over the last decades. Their fragility, their specialness, their uniqueness have formed our belief in Galapagos cruises and travel experience that is founded on respectful contact with the natural world, in interpretation, understanding and sharing – and in fun!

Today, we own and operate a trio of vessels (the Santa Cruz and yachts Isabela II and La Pinta) as well as the Finch Bay Eco Hotel on Santa Cruz Island – and all our staff is as committed as they were when we were founded to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Air ticket to/from Galápagos, subject to change.
    • Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee and Immigration control card, subject to change.
    • Alcoholic beverages and tips
Ship & cabin information
Yacht La Pinta
Our Yacht La Pinta is the result of the company's five decades of experience in the Galápagos: she's a distillation of the wish lists generated by captains, expedition leaders, hotel managers and guests over many years. She's our newest yacht, accommodating 48 guests, with ample social areas, an observation deck towards the bow, wrap-around windows, Jacuzzi, cardio-gym, kayaks, glass-bottom boat, sun deck, sun loungers… ideal for travellers looking for a sophisticated, upscale experience of the islands. Her exciting itineraries promise a complete immersion in this unique environment, withexpert naturalist guides enriching wildlife encounterslike few others on the planet. Faultless service, delicious cuisine and stylish design complement the experience on the islands. Our staff embraces a spirit of adventure, while ensuring safety at all times. La Pinta boasts among the largest cabins of any Galápagos vessel with floor-to-ceiling windows in all cabins. Its social areas have almost permanent visual contact with the islands through panoramic windows, while its outside deck areas are also wonderful havens for observation and relaxation. La Pinta is considered an ideal yacht for families travelling together, with many connecting cabins.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information

Important Notes

Please remember that the exact route and programme may vary according to weather and ocean conditions and the wildlife we encounter. It's also subject to change without previous notice due mainly to readjustment of the National Park policies and regulations.

Dry landing: guests step from the dinghy onto rocks or a dock.

Wet landing: as the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into around 20 cm (8 inches) of water and wade ashore.

Trip ID
metrop-WesGalMet

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