Cachalote Explorer: “Isabela” Itinerary

The Cachalote Explorer yacht trip “Isabela” itinerary focuses on the Central and Western Islands, including visits to Western Isabela Island and Fernandina Island, two highlights of the Galapagos Islands.

Note: Passengers must transfer to Isabela Island via speed boat ferry or by small plane,  ideally the day before. Day 1 activities depend on when the passengers arrive to Isabela

Day 1 (Friday): Isabela Island

Isabela Island (Albemarle): Isabela is 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.

• Sierra Negra : Volcan Sierra Negra has a caldera with a diameter of 10km. View recent lava flows, moist highland vegetation, and parasitic cones.
• Puerto Villamil: Puerto Villamil is a charming small town on a white sand beach. Highlights include the Tortoise Breeding Station and the flamingo lagoon. Other visits (depending on conditions) are the Tintoreras or Los Humedales.

Day 2 (Saturday): Isabela (Albemarle) Island

• Punta Moreno: Punta Moreno is 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.
• Elizabeth Bay: This spot is only accessible by dinghy. It is possible to see penguins on the small islets in the bay. The end of the bay is long and narrow surrounded by three species of mangroves. Galapagos Sea Turtles and rays can usually be seen in the water.

Day 3 (Sunday): Isabela (Albemarle) Island

• Urbina Bay: Urbina Bay is located at the central-west coast of Isabela Island at the foothills of Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes. Highlights include the colourful land iguanas, Galapagos Giant tortoises and the coral uplifting from 1954.
• Tagus Cove: Tagus Cove is 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.

Day 4 (Monday): Fernandina Island / Isabela Island

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

• Punta Espinoza: Punta Espinoza is 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.

Isabela Island

• Punta Vicente Roca: This site is visited by dinghy rides along the cliffs or the partially sunken cave at the water’s edge. Nasca boobies, blue-footed boobies and flightless cormorants inhabit the shoreline.

Day 5 (Tuesday): James (Santiago) Island / Bartolome Island

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

• Playa Espumilla: Espumilla Beach 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 Noodies, Pelicans, and Swallow-tailed Gulls

Bartolome Island: A hike will take you to the highest point on Bartolome for a spectacular view. Sea lions and penguins can be seen around Pinnacle Rock. There is a sandy beach with great swimming and snorkeling.

Day 6 (Wednesday): North Seymour Island / Baltra for return flight to Quito

North Seymour Island: This flat piece of land originated after an uplifting event thousands of years ago. The island is home to endemic Palo Santo trees, colonies of blue-footed boobies, swallow tailed gulls, and magnificent frigate birds.

Baltra: Return flight to Quito

To discover the northern and southern parts of the Galapagos Islands, check out our Cachalote Explorer Tower Island trip itinerary.

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS:

Quick trip to Peru visiting Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley

Trip to Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest staying at Sacha Lodge

• Duration: 6 days / 7 nights
• Start / End: Isabela / Baltra
• Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling, swimming, wildlife watching, bird watching
• Highlights: Land iguanas, marine iguanas, lava lizards, sea lions, flamingos, penguins, flightless cormorant, brown pelican, Darwin finches, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, Galapagos hawk, Darwin finches.
• Season: All year
• Included: All meals and accommodation in double cabins while on board, all excursions and activities while on board, bilingual naturalist guide, snorkeling gear
• Not Included: Flights to and from Galapagos, Galapagos National Park entrance fee, Migratory card fee, any extra beverages on board (anything in a bottle), wetsuit rental, tips, personal expenses
• Prices staring at: US $3500 per person