The Fernandina Itinerary 8 Days


Explore the enchanting Galapagos Islands with this 8-day and 7-night journey. You'll venture to renowned destinations like Santa Cruz, Isabela, Santiago, and Fernandina, encountering diverse wildlife such as massive tortoises, marine iguanas, penguins, flamingos, and sea lions. Discover the captivating natural wonders of the region as well, including the Sierra Negra volcano and the salt-water lake of Darwin's Crater. Immerse yourself in the exceptional allure and extraordinary wildlife that define the Galapagos Islands on this unforgettable expedition.
Day 1: Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island: Highlands & Charles Darwin Station

Arrival at Baltra Airport

The Highlands of Santa Cruz Island

In the Santa Cruz highlands, you can see Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat.

Charles Darwin Station

Charles Darwin Station, a National Park Information Center and research center. Charles Darwin Station is home to a land iguana and giant tortoise breeding program.

Day 2: Sombrero Chino & Rabida Island

Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat)

Sombrero Chino, a small island of volcanic origin located just southeast of Santiago. Named after its shape, the island is a small volcanic island. The fauna includes the Galapagos Penguin, Sea Lions, Marine Iguanas.

Rabida Island

Rabida, a tiny island in the Caribbean Sea with dark coral-sand beaches. The lagoon, with its flamingos, the pelican breeding site, the sea lion bachelor colonies, and the snorkeling area at the end are all highlights.

Day 3: Isabela Island: Sierra Negra & Puerto Villamil

Isabela Island

Five active volcanoes have fused to form the largest island of Galapagos. Wolf Volcano, at 1707m high, is the highest point on the Galapagos.

Sierra Negra

The caldera of the Volcan Sierra Negra is 10km in diameter. Recent lava flows are visible, as well as moist vegetation in the highlands and parasitic cones.

Puerto Villamil

Puerto Villamil, a small charming town located on a beach with white sands. The Tortoise Breeding Station, and the Flamingo Lagoon are highlights. Tintoreras and Los Humedales are also worth a visit (depending upon the conditions).

Day 4: Isabela Island: Punta Moreno & Elizabeth Bay

Punta Moreno

Punta Moreno lies on the southwest coast of Isabela Island. This site offers spectacular views of the volcanoes Alcedo Sierra Negra Cerro Azul. Highlights include stunning lava flows and desolate, pristine terrain, as well as unusual and varied arid zone plants.

Elizabeth Bay

Only a dinghy can reach this spot. On the tiny islets of the bay, you can see penguins. Three different species of mangroves surround the end of this long, narrow bay. In the water, you can often see Galapagos Sea Turtles or rays.

Day 5: Isabela Island: Urbina Bay & Tagus Cove

Urbina Bay

Urbina Bay lies on the west coast of Isabela Island, at the base of the Alcedo volcano and Darwin Volcano. The colourful Galapagos Giant Tortoises, the land iguanas and corals upliftings from 1954 are highlights.

Tagus Cove

Tagus Cove, a natural harbor in which whalers or pirates painted their names on rocks centuries ago. The view from Darwin's Crater, a salt-water lagoon on the hillside will be spectacular.

Day 6: Fernandina Island: Punta Espinoza & Isabela Island: Punta Vicente Roca

Fernandina Island

Fernandina, the youngest volcano island in existence, is still very active.

Punta Espinoza

Punta Espinoza, a popular tourist destination, is known for the large number of marine iguanas that live there, as well as other unique species such the Galapagos penguins, Galapagos Hawks, and Galapagos Snakes.

Isabela Island: Punta Vicente Roca

The site can be visited via a dinghy ride along the cliffs, or by visiting the cave partially submerged at the edge of the water. The shoreline is home to flightless cormorants, Nasca boobies or blue-footed boobies.

Day 7: Santiago Island: Puerto Egas & Bartolome Island

Santiago Island

The island is situated between Isabela Island and Santa Cruz Island. The island is home to a variety of marine iguanas, fur seals and seabirds.

Puerto Egas

You can take a walk on the coast to see some of Galapagos best tide pools. Some highlights include: Sugar loaf volcano, fur seals, oystercatchers,marine iguana colony, and old salt mine.

Bartolome Island

You can hike to the top of Bartolome and enjoy a breathtaking view. Around Pinnacle Rock, you can see sea lions or penguins. The sandy beach is great for swimming and snorkeling.

Day 8: North Seymour Island & Baltra Island

North Seymour

The flat land was created by an event that occurred thousands of years before. This island has endemic Palo Santo tree, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and magnificent frigate bird colonies.

Baltra to Quito for the return flight

Included

  • Accommodation (sharing double cabins)
  • Meals
  • Excursions led by professional Naturalist guide
  • Use of snorkel equipment
  • Wetsuit
  • Use of kayaks
  • All transport between visitor sites and yacht
  • Tea, coffee, water and natural juices
  • Welcome cocktail

Not Included

  • Air tickets to and from the Galapagos. Tickets have to be bought with Enchanted Expeditions - US$50 dollars net surcharge per pax if not
  • National Park fees (US$100)
  • Transit Control Card (US$20)
  • Bottled beverages on board
  • Isabela Municipal dock fee (US$10 per person)

Highlights

  • Land iguanas, marine iguanas, lava lizards, sea lions, giant tortoises, sally lightfoot crabs
  • Variety of fish, sea turtles, eels, rays, invertebrates, possible hammerhead sharks, sea urchins, possible sea horses
  • Flamingos, penguins, flightless cormorant, brown pelican, Darwin finches, bluefooted boobies, whimbrels, lava gulls, swallowtailed gulls, Galapagos hawk, red-billed tropic birds, common gallinules
  • Salt bush, algodoncillo, jerusalem thorn, castela, lantana, red white and black mangroves, lava cactus, palo santo, manzanillo, yellow cordia, opuntia cactus
  • Walking, hiking, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking (certain sites), relaxing