Finch Cruise (Cruise C)

Blue-footed boobies stamping and whistling at their nests, eagle rays gliding in mangrove lagoons, inky-black marine iguanas piled atop one another as they bask in the sun—the Galapagos is full of natural marvels, and the animals have no fear of humans, which makes the wildlife viewing amazing. Our Finch Cruise links the central and northern islands of the Galapagos. Highlights including gloriously remote Tower Island, with its ocean-filled caldera, photogenic red-footed boobies, and incredible snorkeling.

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 / Black Turtle Cove / Tower

Fly to the Galapagos and board the yacht at Baltra. After a panga ride through Black Turtle Cove to see golden and juvenile eagle rays and green sea turtles, we sail to Tower, with its huge colony of curious red-footed boobies perched in palo santo trees. At magnificent Darwin Bay, we see Darwin’s famous finches, including sharp-beaked finches and large cactus finches, along with Galapagos doves and swallow-tailed gulls. Prince Philip’s Steps bring us nesting great frigatebirds and Nazca boobies.

Days 5-6
Bartolome / Santiago / Rabida

A hike to the top of Bartolome offers us breathtaking views of striking Pinnacle Rock, and we can snorkel with penguins in the waters below. On neighboring Santiago, we walk the lava flows of Sullivan Bay, with their fresh pahoehoe formations. Flamingos and sea lions reside on Rabida, with its colorful eroded hills.

Days 7-8
Santa Cruz / Baltra / Quito

On Santa Cruz, we visit Las Bachas, a major nesting site for green sea turtles, and a saltwater lagoon where flamingos wade. En route to Baltra, we look for Galapagos tortoises in the lush highlands of Santa Cruz before we fly to Quito on Day 7. Depart Day 8.

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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