Fitzroy Cruise (Cruise B)

Darwin wrote that among these islands “we seem to be brought somewhat near to that great fact—that mystery of mysteries—the first appearance of new beings on this earth.” Our Fitzroy Cruise, named for the captain of Darwin’s vessel, discovers the extraordinary wildlife and wonders of the western Galapagos Islands, including Isabela, with its five active volcanoes. Blue-footed boobies, flightless cormorants, flamingos, giant land tortoises, and tiny Galapagos penguins are just a few of the exotic species we encounter. Snorkeling, hikes, an expert naturalist guide—this is the quintessential natural history adventure.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Quito, Ecuador

Arrive in Quito (9,200'), the highland capital of Ecuador. The next day is at leisure to explore Quito on your own. We recommend a visit to Old Quito, a World Heritage Site of well-preserved colonial architecture. Overnights at the centrally located Hotel Hilton Colon.

Days 3-4 Galapagos Cruise
Baltra / Santa Cruz / Isabela

Fly to the Galapagos and board the yacht at Puerto Ayora. On Santa Cruz, we see land tortoises at the Darwin Research Station’s breeding facility, then set a course for Isabela, with its spectacular coastline of basaltic bluffs. At Punta Moreno we watch for flamingos, and at Elizabeth Bay, enjoy a panga ride, often accompanied by green sea turtles and curious Galapagos penguins.

Days 5-6
Isabela / Fernandina

At Isabela’s Urbina Bay, we hike among geological uplifts and sometimes see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Cruising to pristine Fernandina Island, we hike to Punta Espinosa to see a large colony of marine iguanas and flightless cormorants. The next day, we take in an amazing volcanic landscape as we hike at Tagus Cove, once an anchorage for pirate boats, and Punta Albemarle, where marine iguanas lounge on lava flows.

Days 7-9
Santiago / North Seymour / Baltra / Quito

At Santiago, we visit golden Espumilla Beach, with its nesting green sea turtles, then land at Puerto Egas to watch Galapagos fur seals dart through the water. After walking among magnificent frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies on North Seymour, we fly to Quito on Day 8. Depart Day 9.

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The Ultimate Galapagos Journeys

Wilderness Travel offers the most comprehensive program in the Galapagos, with cruises from 5 to 15 days in length. Choose one of our three core cruises, or combine them—with no overlap of sites visited—for a truly memorable voyage among the wonders of the enchanted isles.

• Darwin Cruise (Cruise A) explores the Southern Islands – 9 days / 5 nights aboard yacht
• Fitzroy Cruise (Cruise B) explores the Western Islands – 9 days / 5 nights aboard yacht
• Finch Cruise (Cruise C) explores the Central & Northern Islands – 8 days / 4 nights aboard yacht
• Combination Cruise A + B – 14 days / 10 nights aboard yacht — view map
• Combination Cruise B + C – 13 days / 9 nights aboard yacht — view map
• Combination Cruise A, B + C – 18 days / 14 nights aboard yacht — view map

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:

• Cusco Machu Picchu Extension (6 days)
• Amazon Rainforest Extension: Sacha Lodge (4 days)
• Amazon Rainforest Extension: Napo Wildlife Center (4 days)
• Otavalo & Hacienda Zuleta Extension (3 days)

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 1, Easiest. It is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active and enjoys moderate walks. There are daily shore excursions featuring walks on well-marked trails through wildlife colonies, rocky lava fields, and along beaches. Our shore landings are either “dry” (where there are rocks or wooden piers to step onto when you disembark from the panga) or “wet” (which involves stepping out of the panga into a foot or so of surf and wading to shore). Getting out of the panga for a dry landing is occasionally tricky, especially on days when the seas may be active because the panga moves up and down with the waves and the rocks you step onto may be slippery. The yacht staff will assist in these landings. While we travel aboard small sailing vessels, we normally motor from island to island because of the long distances between islands and the desire to maximize our time on shore.

Explanation of Trip Levels