8 Days Western and Northern Galapagos Islands catamaran cruise

8 Days Western and Northern Galapagos Islands catamaran cruise
Board an expedition to the more remote areas of the Galapagos island chain, the trip includes visits to Fernandina, Isabela, Santiago and Genovesa Islands amongst other iconic visitor sites. Most shore excursions on this itinerary cannot be reached on a day tour. Encounter red footed boobies, penguins, flightless cormorants, giant tortoises and more. Swim with sea lions, marine iguanas, turtles and tropical fish. You will have the stability of a luxury catamaran for smooth navigation in between islands.

Day by day

Day 1 : Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island: Twin Craters & Highlands

Santa Cruz: Twin Craters

Los Gemelos or the Twin Craters are found on opposite sides of the road from Puerto Ayora and Baltra. This name is a metaphor. These formations are not actually craters. They were formed by the collapse of underground material in fissures and chambers. It is stunning.

Santa Cruz Island: Highlands

The highlands of Santa Cruz can be reached by bus from Puerto Ayora. They are richly green and contrast beautifully with the lower, dry islands. The predominant vegetation of the highlands is the forest Scalesia trees, which creates the rich green color. Walking through the lava tubes underground, which are over half a mile in length, is an amazing, surreal experience.

Day 2 : Isabela Island: Tintoreras Islet, Sierra Negra Volcano & Arnaldo Tupisa Breeding Center

Tintoreras Islet

A short distance from Puerto Villamil is the Tintoreras Islet which houses a wide range of wildlife. The turquoise waters of the Tintoreras Islet are home to white-tip reef sharks, Galapagos penguins and marine turtles. One of the few places where marine iguanas are able to reproduce is on one of its beaches, which is surrounded by mangroves.

Sierra Negra Volcano

At 9 x 10 kilometers, the Sierra Negra Volcano is home to the largest basaltic caldera of Galapagos. It offers stunning views, the chance to see up to 7 species and a rich display vegetation. Evidence of recent volcanic activity can be seen on the caldera's north side, which was formed in 2005.

Wetlands

Just outside Puerto Villamil, you will find the Wetlands of Isabela Island. The Wetlands are made up of mangroves, swamps, lagoons, and mangroves. They house a number of rare bird species, including common stilts and whimbrels as well as white-cheeked pintails and gallinules. You can visit the Wetlands by foot, following a path through the swamps.

Arnaldo Tupisa Breeding Center

This center was established to protect animals during their first years from foreign species like donkeys and pigs. The center collects giant tortoise eggs and keeps them there for five years until they can be released into their natural environment.

Túneles de lava | Galapagos Islands
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Bahía Sullivan | Penguins | Galapagos Islands
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Playa Espumilla | Galapagos Islands
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Includes

All excursions
All transfers in the islands
All meals throughout cruise
Onboard internet service
Bilingual National Park Guide
Wetsuits, Snorkeling, Kayaks & Standup paddle board
Soft drinks
Non-premium alcoholic drinks
Safety Box, hair dryer
Underwater camera
Binoculars (Premium Suites only)

Does not include

Mainland-Galapagos-Mainland airfare
Premium alcoholic drinks
Travel / medical insurance
Tips
Personal Expenses
Cormorant II
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From $10,745.00 per person

Highlights

Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, whimbrels, sea turtles.
Variety of lava formations and landscapes, pahoehoe lava which is found primarily in Hawai’i and the Galapagos islands, ‘a’a lava, and pristine coral sand beach.
Land iguanas, sea lion colony, Audubon’s shearwaters, swallow-tailed gulls, Nazca boobies, amazing landscape with cliffs.
Beautiful rock formations, sea lions, shore birds, finches and mockingbirds; snorkeling: nice tropical fish, anemones, sponge coral.
Giant tortoises in captivity, snorkeling with sea lions, land and sea birds, blue-footed boobies, hatchling turles.

Departure dates

Start DateEnd DateItineraryDuration
2024-01-062024-01-13A8 Days
2024-01-132024-01-20B8 Days
2024-01-202024-01-27A8 Days
2024-01-272024-02-03B8 Days
2024-01-062024-01-105A5 Days