Passion: “West” Itinerary

The Passion yacht “West” itinerary focuses on the Central, South, and Western Islands, including visits to Western Isabela, Fernandina Island, and historical Floreana Island.

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrive at Baltra airport / Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz (Indefatigable): The largest of the central islands, Santa Cruz is home to many tourist visitor sights and the largest human settlement, Puerto Ayora.

• Highlands of Santa Cruz: Galapagos giant tortoises can be seen in the wild in the highlands of Santa Cruz.
• Charles Darwin Station: Visit the Charles Darwin Station research facility and National Park Information center. The Charles Darwin Station has a giant tortoise and land iguana breeding program and interpretation center.

Day 2 (Sunday): Floreana Island:

Floreana (Charles) Island is best known for its colorful history of buccaneers, whalers, convicts, and early colonists.

• Punta Cormorant: Punta Cormorant has two contrasting beaches and a large inland lagoon where pink flamingoes can be seen.
• Devils Crown: This is a snorkeling site located just off Punta Cormorant. The site is a completely submerged volcano that has eroded to create the appearance of a jagged crown.
• Asilo de la Paz: In the highlands of Floreana Island we will find a freshwater spring where historically was a hideout for the pirates, and whalers.

Day 3 (Monday): Floreana Island

• Post Office Bay: This is one of the few sites visited for its human history. Visit the wooden mail barrel where letters are dropped off and picked up and see the remains of the Norwegian fishing village.
• Day Time Navigation: This is an excellent time to keep an eye out for whales and dolphins. Furthermore, enjoy the landscape of Isabela Island.

Day 4 (Tuesday): Isabela Island

Isabela Island (Albemarle): The largest of the Galapagos Islands formed by five active volcanoes fused together. Wolf Volcano is the highest point in the entire Galapagos at 1707m.

• Punta Moreno: Located in the central southwestern coast of Isabela Island. The site has spectacular views of volcanoes Alcedo, Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul. Some highlights include impressive lava flows, desolate and pristine landscape, varied and unusual arid zone vegetation.
• Urbina Bay: Located at the central-west coast of Isabela Island at the foothills of Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes. Highlights include the colorful land iguanas, Galapagos Giant tortoises and the coral uplifting from 1954.

Day 5 (Wednesday): Isabela Island / Fernandina Island

Isabela Island (Albemarle)

• Tagus Cove: A natural harbor where centuries ago whalers and pirates left their ship’s names painted or carved on the rocks. A walk uphill to Darwin’s Crater salt-water lake will provide an excellent view.

Fernandina Island (Narborough): Fernandina is the youngest volcanic island and is still active.

• Punta Espinoza: A place famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas and as the habitat of unique species like the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, among others.

Day 4 (Thursday): Santiago Island

Santiago Island (James): This Island is located between Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands. This Island offers a wide variety of seabirds, marine iguanas and fur seals.

• Puerto Egas: A walk along the rocky coastline that will show you a view of some of Galapagos’ best tide pools. Some highlights include Sugar loaf volcano, fur seals, oystercatchers, marine iguana colony, and an old salt mine.
• Espumilla Beach: This site has a beautiful contrast between the golden beach and the green mangroves. It is also a great site to see flamingos, pintail ducks, green sea turtle nests and the Galapagos Hawk. It is also a good site to go for a cool off swim or a snorkel.
• Buccaneers Cove: This site was Charles Darwin’s home for 9 days. As well as a resting site for many whalers and pirates. With this rich history Buccaneers Cove is a must see. Enjoy a panga ride or snorkel looking for Galapagos Fur Seals, Brown Noody, Pelicans, and Swallow-tailed Gulls

Day 7 (Friday): Santiago Island / North Seymour

Santiago Island:

• Sullivan Bay: This site is of great geological interest. Highlights: 100-hundred-year-old lava flow field, pahoehoe formations, lava bubbles

North Seymour Island: This flat piece of land originated after an uplifting event thousands of years ago. Small but packed with many animals.

• North Seymour: The island is home to endemic Palo Santo trees, colonies of blue-footed boobies, swallow tailed gulls, the magnificent frigate birds, and sealions.

Day 8 (Saturday): Mosquera Island / Baltra Island for return flight to Quito

Mosquera Island: This small beach island is located in the channel between North Seymour Island and Baltra Island.

• This white sand beach is home to a healthy sealion colony.

Baltra Island

• Return flight to Quito or Guayaquil

To discover the central and western parts of the Galapagos Islands, check out our Passion East trip itinerary.

• Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
• Start / End: Baltra / Baltra
• Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling, swimming, wildlife watching, bird watching
• Highlights: Land iguanas, marine iguanas, fur seals, lava lizard, Galapagos snake, magnificent frigate bird, ­blue-footed boobies, red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, lava herons, cactus finch, sea lions, giant tortoise reserve, Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, sea lions, Galapagos hawk, hood mockingbirds, flamingos, Galapagos penguins
• Season: All year
• Included: All meals and accommodation in double cabins while on board, welcome cocktail, all excursions and activities while on board, wetsuits, snorkeling gear, use of kayaks, bilingual naturalist guide
• Not Included: Flights to and from Galapagos, Galapagos National Park entrance fee, Migratory card fee, any extra beverages on board (anything in a bottle), tips, personal expenses
• 2023 Prices starting at: US $6743 per person