Itinerary B: Western Cruise (Santa Cruz - Santa Cruz)
Galaxy Sirius · Galápagos · 5 nights
About this route
Embark on a captivating 5-night adventure through the western reaches of the Galápagos archipelago aboard the Galaxy Sirius. This naturalist-led journey focuses on the unique volcanic landscapes and endemic wildlife of Isabela, Fernandina, and Santiago islands. Guests will encounter giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and rare flightless cormorants while exploring pristine coastlines and lush highlands.
Regions on this route
Highlights
Puerto Ayora
The central hub of Santa Cruz Island, this area serves as a gateway to the highlands where giant tortoises roam. The surrounding environment transition from coastal arid zones to lush scalesia forests.
- Giant tortoises
- Scalesia forests
- Highland birding
Santa Cruz Island
A diverse island featuring both volcanic formations like Dragon Hill and lush agricultural zones. It is critical for the conservation of endemic land iguanas and various Darwin finch species.
- Land iguana colonies
- Saltwater lagoons
- Darwin finches
Shore excursions
- Hike through the Santa Cruz highlands to observe giant tortoises in their wild habitat.
- Explore ancient volcanic lava tunnels to learn about the archipelago's geological formation.
- Panga ride through the red mangrove forests of Elizabeth Bay to spot penguins and rays.
- Nature walk at Dragon Hill to see the successful land iguana breeding program.
- Visit historical Tagus Cove to view Darwin Lake and the surrounding volcanic peaks.
Good to know
- Check-in and boarding times are coordinated with local flight arrivals at Baltra Airport.
- Hiking excursions vary in difficulty from level 1 (easy) to level 3 (hard) across uneven volcanic terrain.
- Itineraries are subject to change based on Galapagos National Park regulations and weather conditions.
Day-by-day plan
Day 1: Embarkation – Santa Cruz Highlands
Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, travelers are met by a National Park guide for a transfer to the Santa Cruz highlands. The afternoon is spent among giant tortoises in their natural habitat and exploring impressive volcanic lava tunnels. This region is characterized by lush vegetation and provides sanctuary for various avian species including Darwin finches and waterbirds.
Day 2: Isabela Island – Moreno Point & Elizabeth Bay
The morning begins at Moreno Point, a stark landscape of lava fields dotted with brackish lagoons that attract flamingos and herons. In the afternoon, a panga ride through Elizabeth Bay reveals a sanctuary of red mangroves and secluded coves teeming with life. The area is renowned for its population of Galápagos penguins and serves as a vital nesting ground for flightless cormorants.
Dive sites: Moreno Point, Elizabeth Bay
Day 3: Isabela Island – Urbina Bay & Tagus Cove
Visit Urbina Bay to see the results of a massive geological uplift that exposed large sections of coral reef in the 1950s. The journey continues to Tagus Cove, a historic anchorage once frequented by Charles Darwin, featuring arid Palo Santo forests and views of Darwin Lake. These sites offer opportunities to observe land iguanas and the critically endangered Galápagos martin.
Dive sites: Urbina Bay, Tagus Cove
Day 4: Fernandina & Isabela – Espinoza & Albemarle
Explore Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island, located at the foot of one of the world's most active volcanoes and home to the largest marine iguana colony. The afternoon features a visit to Albemarle Point, where historical radar base ruins from WWII stand amidst expansive lava fields. The nutrient-rich waters here are excellent for observing flightless cormorants and sea lions during snorkeling excursions.
Dive sites: Espinoza Point, Albemarle Point
Day 5: Santiago Island – Egas Port & Espumilla Beach
The day focuses on the diverse coastlines of Santiago Island, starting with the volcanic grottos of Egas Port where fur seals often seek shade. Later, visit the striking rusty-brown sands of Espumilla Beach and the dramatic cliffs of Buccaneer Cove, a former pirate sanctuary. Snorkeling in these sheltered bays often reveals reef sharks and large schools of tropical fish among rocky reefs.
Dive sites: Egas Port, Espumilla Beach, Buccaneer Cove
Day 6: Disembarkation – Dragon Hill & Departure
The final morning is spent at Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island, a successful breeding site for land iguanas nestled near a saltwater lagoon frequented by flamingos. Following this nature walk, guests are transferred to Baltra Airport for their return flights to the mainland. Safe travels!
Dive sites: Dragon Hill
Upcoming departures
- 2027-02-27 – 2027-03-04from 8,100 USDBook
- 2027-03-13 – 2027-03-18from 7,940 USDBook
- 2027-03-27 – 2027-04-01from 8,100 USDBook
- 2027-04-10 – 2027-04-15from 8,100 USDBook
- 2027-05-22 – 2027-05-27from 8,100 USDBook
- 2027-06-05 – 2027-06-10from 7,535 USDBook
- 2027-06-19 – 2027-06-24from 8,100 USDBook
- 2027-07-03 – 2027-07-08from 7,940 USDBook
- 2027-07-17 – 2027-07-22from 7,940 USDBook
- 2027-07-31 – 2027-08-05from 7,940 USDBook
- 2027-08-14 – 2027-08-19from 8,100 USDBook
- 2027-08-28 – 2027-09-02from 8,100 USDBook
All routes of this liveaboard
About the vessel
Galaxy SiriusGalápagos