Enchanted Isles

Snorkel with playful sea lions, hike past dancing blue-footed boobies, and experience an incredible natural history destination the best way possible! On our voyage through the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Western Islands, we explore pristine Fernandina Island, a huge shield volcano with a shoreline full of flightless cormorants, and Isabela Island, where we snorkel in beautiful coves at Punta Vicente Roca. We may see spouting whales as we cross Bolivar Channel, and we also explore Santiago’s golden Espumilla Beach, a green sea turtle nesting site. We’ve perfected the active journey to this fascinating “world unto itself,” as Darwin called it, and traveling aboard the beautiful yacht Mary Anne, catering to just 16 guests, is the way to go.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Guayquil, Ecuador / Galápagos Cruise

Arrive in Guayaquil, with overnight at the Hilton Colon Guayaquil. The next day, fly to Baltra and head up to Cerro Mesa, a private ecological reserve in the Santa Cruz highlands to look for Galápagos tortoises before boarding the yacht.

Days 3-4
Devil’s Crown, Floreana / Santa Cruz

On Floreana, we explore a sea turtle nesting ground, snorkel at Devil’s Crown, and visit Post Office Bay. On Santa Cruz Island’s Tortuga Bay, we watch the seagoing marine iguanas and enjoy great snorkeling.

Days 5-6
Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island / Punta Espinosa, Fernandina

We hike to a flamingo lagoon on Isabela and explore by Zodiac among the sea turtles in Elizabeth Bay. Crossing to Fernandina Island, we look for flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, Galápagos hawks, and bright red-orange Sally Lightfoot crabs.

Days 7-8
Tagus Cove and Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela / Santiago

In Tagus Cove, we explore a historic pirate hideaway by Zodiac and stop at Punta Vicente Roca for excellent snorkeling before heading to Santiago. From Espumilla Beach, we walk a forest trail to see yellow warblers and unbelievably tame Galápagos flycatchers. At Puerto Egas, we visit dozing Galápagos fur seals as they lounge under arches of lava carved by the ocean.

Days 9-10
North Seymour / Baltra / Guayaquil

We disembark on North Seymour to visit nesting colonies of two species of frigatebirds as well as blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. We continue to Baltra, fly to Guayquil for overnight, and depart on Day 10 (or join our Ecuadorian Highlands, Amazon, or Machu Picchu extensions).

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

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 Zodiac) or “wet” (which involves stepping out of the Zodiac into a foot or so of surf and wading to shore). Getting out of the Zodiacs for a dry landing is occasionally tricky, especially on days when the seas may be active because the Zodiac 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