
Central West Galápagos
5 Days Galápagos cruise on board the Golondrina
From USD 1,671
A 5-day Expedition Cruise
14 Reviews
The Trip Highlights
The best snorkeling in Galapagos: Vicente Rock Point
Thousands of Marine Iguanas at Espinosa Point
Scientific insights at C. Darwin Research Station
Giant Tortoises in the wild on Santa Cruz
Galapatours 'Plus' Experience
Fantastic guides
Relaxed atmosphere on board
English-speaking guide for all activities
Lectures in the evening
Get to know the highlights of Galápagos with this Naturalist cruise on board the beautiful Golondrina! On this Expedition Cruise, you will discover the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos Islands: Fernandina, the youngest island, will blow your mind with its rugged lava landscapes. The youngest island in the archipelago, it is still being formed by volcanic eruptions and makes for a wonderful, otherworldly contrast to the other islands. Isabela, the biggest of all islands in the Galápagos, offers you fantastic hikes, views and arguably some of the best snorkeling spots in the Archipelago. During your time on Santa Cruz, you will have the chance to observe the famous Galápagos Giant Tortoises in the wild and learn more about the preservation and scientific study of these amazing animals. On Santiago, an island formerly inhabited by pirates, you will be able to enjoy hikes and dinghy rides.
Your ship: Golondrina
- Some of the best naturalist itineraries in the fleet;
- Relaxed and fun atmosphere;
- Plenty of outside space.
Golondrina is a tourist class motor yacht that offers some of the best cruise itineraries for those who really want to discover the true Galápagos. This makes her exceptional value and she is a popular choice for those who want a comfortable and relaxed way to see the best of the islands.
Relax and have fun Golondrina is a motor yacht with classic lines that oozes friendly charm. There is always a great relaxed atmosphere on board and the main lounge and dining area with ba … Read more about Golondrina
Amenities
All meals
Transfers to and from ship
100% CO2 carbon footprint offset
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Single travellers can share cabin
Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices
English guide
Food & Drinks
The food on our Galapágos Cruises is among the very best you will find in South America. Most of the on-board chefs are internationally trained and have prior experience working in the best hotels and restaurants in Ecuador and indeed around the world.
You can expect a first-class selection of food, including a good variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced poultry and fish/seafood, rice and pasta dishes. Most boats will always include some typical Ecuadorian dishes on the menu during your cruise. If you have specific dietary requirements then these can usually be accommodated by the chef providing you have given advance notice. Please make sure you tell us about any allergies or dietary requirements you have at the time you book with us. If you leave it until you arrive at the dockside, then it may well be impossible to accommodate your needs.
Most boats serve a range of options at meal times in a relaxed buffet-style. At the first class and luxury end of the market, some boats have more formal dining where you will be served at your seat. However the atmosphere is always relaxed on board our cruises, and never stuffy or formal.



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Multiple Addons possibe
Optional Module Before First Day
Day 1
AM
Baltra • Arrival at Baltra airport+transfer to ship

Welcome to Galápagos! Once your flight has landed and you went through the immigration process, you'll be met in the Arrivals lounge by our English-speaking guide who will take you to your transfer vehicle for the short journey to your waiting ship.
Baltra Island, where your arrival airport is, was used as an important Air Force base in the Second World War. This is the primary airport for the Galápagos Islands and you'll be rubbing shoulders with fellow tourists, international naturalists and conservationists, researchers and academics, and Galápagos residents alike. The airport has been built as a "green" airport, and as well as using recycled materials in its construction, it's special design keeps the buildings relatively cool without the need for any air conditioning.
Once on board your ship, you will be introduced to the crew and given a welcome briefing as well as an important safety drill. After this you'll be shown to your cabin. While you're served a well-deserved and delicious lunch, the captain will cast off and your adventure truly starts.
Note: If you plan to spend a few days prior to the cruise in Puerto Ayora and want to do the cruise later this is no problem at all. The transfer from Puerto Ayora to Baltra is very easy.
PM
Baltra • Mosquera Islet

Mosquera Islet, like may similar islets in the Galápagos, was formed by a volcanic uprising. Over the centuries it also attracted corals, and along with the rocks that form the islet this helped to capture the sand from the currents that flow between Baltra Island and North Seymour Island.
Mosquera is home to one of the largest populations of Galápagos Sea Lions on the archipelago, and you will be able to watch their playful antics and admire their sense of relaxation as they sunbathe on the beach.
There have been occasional sightings of Orca (Killer Whales) in the waters off Mosquera Island, probably attracted by the large number of Galápagos Sea Lions on which they prey.
Day 2
AM
Isabela • Vicente Rock Point

Galapatours clients regularly rate Vicente Rock Point as one of the best snorkeling and SCUBA diving sites in Galápagos, or perhaps even in the world! There is no landing here, and snorkeling is done directly from the boats. The scenery around the Point is stunning - the remains of two ancient volcanoes made this formation, and the cliffs and caves around the bay provide an amazing backdrop.
The bay is well sheltered from ocean swells, making it ideal for snorkelers of any experience. The cold-water currents bring a rich stock of food to these waters, and the bay around Vicente Rock Point is often home to feeding frenzies, with groups of whales, dolphins, Galápagos Sea Lions, tuna, Blue-footed Boobies and other marine birds all feeding together, making for spectacular sights.
Many boats also take visitors on a panga ride along the shore, offering the chance to explore some of the caves and to encounter some of the other species such as Galápagos Flightless Cormorants and a small colony of Galápagos Fur Seals.
PM
Fernandina • Espinosa Point

Fernandina Island has never been colonised by any non-native species, and this makes it ones of the world's most pristine island ecosystems. Coupled with its young age (Fernandina was only formed a few hundred thousand years ago) this makes a visit to this Galápagos island very special indeed.
At Espinosa Point on the northeastern shore of Fernandina the vista is dominated by "La Cumbre", the volcano whose lava fields formed the island. A visit to Espinosa Point is high on many people's list thanks to the number of iconic unique Galápagos species you will see here. As well as the noisy and fun-loving Galápagos Sea Lions, Espinosa Point is a great place to see Marine Iguanas, the wonderful Galápagos Penguins and the unique and endangered Galápagos Flightless Cormorant. If you are very lucky and keep your eyes skyward you may also catch sight of a Galápagos Hawk circling overhead looking for its next meal.
Day 3
AM
Isabela • Urbina Bay

Urbina Bay is one of the youngest features in the Galápagos. It was mainly formed in 1954, when a sudden uplift of the land raised the seabed by over 5 metres, and pushed the coastline over 1 km further away. This has resulted in the astonishing site of heads of coral stranded far from the water. Exposed to the air and elements, the coral heads are rapidly deteriorating and are one of the sights of the Galápagos that won't be around for much longer.
Once ashore, a long hiking trail will take you away from the beach and into the island's arid zone. In this habitat, you are likely to see wild Galápagos Giant Tortoises and Galápagos Land Iguanas. As the trail circles back towards the shore line you'll come across colonies of the unique Galápagos Flightless Cormorant.
This is a pleasant area for snorkeling, and as you enter and leave the water you might do so watched by some Galápagos Penguins, who have a colony nearby. This is also one of the best sites to see Galápagos Marine Iguanas feeding underwater.
PM
Isabela • Tagus Cove

Tagus Cove is a sheltered deep-water bay on the western coast of Isabela Island, overlooking Fernandina Island. This natural anchorage has been a popular destination for ships since the 1800s, and when you come ashore you can see ancient graffiti left by whalers and buccaneers.
A steep (but thankfully short) hiking trail then takes you up to the salt water Darwin Lake, formed inside a volcanic cone. How did salt water get all the way up here? Scientists think tsunamis caused by eruptions or landslides on Fernandina may have deposited seawater originally, and then evaporation has made it even more salty over time.
From Darwin Lake, a series of 160 steps takes you to a stunning viewpoint where you will not only enjoy amazing views over the Galápagos, but may also see some unique wildlife, such as Galápagos Hawks, Vermilion Flycatchers, and species of Darwin's Finches.
Your panga ride along the shoreline back to your ship gives a great opportunity to see Galápagos Flightless Cormorants, Galápagos Penguins, Galápagos Martins, and the friendly Galápagos Sea Lions.
Day 4
AM
Santiago • Egas Port

Puerto Egas (Port Egas) is a sheltered landing site at the southern end of James Bay on the northwestern coast of Santiago. This landing site is the trailhead for two hiking paths.
The first trail runs along the coast to visit the so-called "Fur Seal Grottos". The Galápagos Fur Seals like to seek shade from the equatorial sun, and they prefer rocky shores with caves or other nooks and crannies in which they can keep cool. The grottos here are perfect for them, and the tidal pools are also popular with Galápagos Marine Iguanas who can be seen feeding in and around them.
The second trail from Egas Port heads inland to the "Salt Mine Volcano". This hike is just under 2 miles long and takes you to the rim of a salt mine crater. This "mine" is actually a small volcanic cone that is filled with a salt water lagoon that dries up in the dry season. At several points in the 20th century individuals or companies attempted to mine salt from it, but without commercial success. The name of your landing site is after the owner of the last company to try salt mining here, Hector Egas.
The lagoon is often home to Galápagos flamingos and other birds, and the wonderful Galápagos Hawk can often be seen circling above this area.
PM
Santiago • Chinese Hat

Chinese Hat ("Sombrero Chino" to locals) is an islet set just a short distance off the southeastern coast of Santiago. The small channel between Chinese Hat and mainland Santiago is fairly deep yet sheltered, and the water here is a glistening turquoise.
The islet gets its name because if you approach from the north, you will see that this small volcanic cone does indeed look like the traditional bamboo or rice hat. Viewed from above on a satellite image, however, you will see that this islet is actually more of an oval shape.
There is a short hiking trail on Chinese Hat that runs along the western coast of the islet. This is a harsh landscape of volcanic rubble and lava formations, a very atmospheric reminder of the fiery origins of the Galápagos.
Along the cost of both Chinese Hat and the opposite Santiago shore you are likely to see Galápagos Sea Lions and Galápagos Penguins, either basking in the sun or seeking shade to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Overhead, you might catch a glimpse of the magnificent Galápagos Hawk.
The stand-out reason for a visit to Chinese Hat however is to snorkel in that turquoise channel. Here you can see various species of sharks, rays, and a variety of tropical fish. Not all Galápagos boats can visit, and permits are only given to a select few boats and guides. Here at Galapatours we offer itineraries on all of these specially selected boats, so if a visit to Chinese Hat is important to you, speak to one of our Galápagos experts today to help choose the perfect itinerary.
Day 5
AM
Santa Cruz • Charles Darwin Research Station

The world famous Charles Darwin Research Center is just a 10 minute walk from downtown Puerto Ayora, and is the home of the non-profit Charles Darwin Foundation.
Inside, you'll find exhibits about the geography, geology and climate of the Galápagos, and the evolution of her unique species. There is also lots of information on the Foundation's current conservation and education programs.
As well as conducting it's own key research, the Charles Darwin Center also hosts international scientists, and supports the work of government agencies like the Galápagos National Park.
Next door is the site of the Galápagos' first giant tortoise breeding center, where pioneering work has been done since 1965 for the preservation of these species. Here you can see newly hatched babies, up to juveniles and full-grown adults ready to be released back into the wild.
Baltra • Transfer to Baltra airport

Your Galápagos adventure ends with the arrival of your ship back at Baltra Island. After what many guests describe as an emotional goodbye to your ship and its crew, you'll board the transfer vehicle that will take you on the short journey to the airport in plenty of time for your flight back to the mainland.
Baltra airport serves both Guayaquil or Quito, and we can arrange flights that fit best with your onward plans - particularly if you are continuing a South America tour. Speak to one of our travel experts as we are often able to beat even internet pricing on flights to and from Galápagos.
Note: If you plan to spend a few days in Galápagos after your cruise this is no problem at all. Just let us know and we will arrange for the logistics. The transfer from Baltra to Puerto Ayora, for example, is very easy.
Multiple Addons possibe
Optional Module After Last Day
Reviews

Victoria Tran
We booked an 8 days boat tour of the Golondrina (15 tourists and 8 crew members boat) for our family of 8 (4 adults, 4 boys ages 9-12) from July 12, 2019 to July 19, 2019 with Thomas Richmond from Galapatours. We booked in May 2019 so it was kind of late planning on our part but everything went smoothly and Thomas and Andino were prompt and very helpful, even returning our calls and emails on the weekend. We had a wonderful time on the Golondrina. Everything was easy and was as expected. The crew picked us up at the airport. We booked our own airlines as we were coming from Machu Picchu and Lima, Peru through Quito. We went on a wonderful adventure of the Galapagos on the Golondrina with its fantastic crew for 8 days, hiking and snorkeling everyday and seeing amazing landscape and animals and the kids learned so much and it was great healthy living. The ocean can be rough at night as the boat traveled for 5-6 hours across miles to get to the next island destination but you can't control the ocean and we were deep asleep after all the exercises every day anyway. Kids had no problem with any part of the trip and participated in the hiking and snorkeling in the middle of the ocean fine. We brought our own wetsuits for the kids. All the crew on our boat were fantastic. The other 7 passengers on our boat were 3 adults from Washington state, 2 from Texas, and 2 from Switzerland, and they were friendly, well-educated, fit, and engaging. At the end of our 8 days tour, the tour guide walked us to the correct bus transport at the airport (the only way to do it: bus for 5 minutes, ferry across, then taxi to town), to get into Santa Cruz town as we were staying on this main island for extra days (must do as the town is wonderful!). From the first time I emailed Thomas at Galapatours, he emailed me back and called me right away and he presented me with boat options and all the information was there to make the boat decision. I paid by credit card and everything was set and we just showed up at the airport in Baltra and the crew took care of us from there, as in the itinerary. The 8 days boat tour is the way to see the Galapagos, as most islands are far apart and boat can travel at night. As it is, we only saw the Eastern part of the Galapagos archipelago, but we saw all the animals as expected, so maybe we were very lucky (saw humpback whales too). Next time, we will do another 8 days to see the Western side and we will use Galapatours to book our trip!
Ned Greeley
once in a lifetime experience "Once in a lifetime experience. It was a fun trip, helpful nice staff, lovely informative guide who helped the whole group out, thanks so much Golondrina staff!" .-Ned Greeley – USA Feedback from: https://goo.gl/fG1wc9
Ned Greeley, USA
eine außergwöhnliche Reise Es war sehr schön an Bord der Golondrina. Es hat viel Spaß gemacht und war zudem informativ. Danke an die Crew, ihr wart klasse und habt diese Reise zu einer außergwöhnlichen Kreuzfahrt für uns gemacht. Quelle: https://goo.gl/fG1wc9
PydaGilmar
Greetings to our guide Alex! We just got back from an 8 day cruise on the Golondrina. (January 3-10, 2017) It was really good! The cabins are very small, but adequate. The galley had plenty of room and the food was good. The crew was polite and efficient. There were books about the Galapagos on board, which helped with the history, animals and geography. The boat navigates to the different islands mostly at night and the noise of the engines can be bothersome - bring ear plugs. Also, we got the behind-the-ear seasick patches, just in case. We were perfectly fine. Two people in our group got sea sick, but they did not have any anti-sickness prevention medication. Bring sunscreen for the day treks as well as lounging on the boat. Bring hiking boots, as some treks are over very rough terrain. Also bring a hat, sunglasses and insect repellant. Bring your bathing suit for the almost daily snorkeling (equipment available for rent at a very reasonable cost). Do not forget your camera and an extra SD card!! We met some people who paid $1000 more on a different boat and I can't honestly think of anything that could have been added to our existing trip that would make me want to pay that much more. Our guide (Alex) was absolutely awesome, but he is a freelancer and not always on the same boat.
Jennie, Australia
Highly recommended! My husband and I booked the 5 day/4 night trip very early, and paid a lot more than those who paid later. But regardless of this the whole trip was amazing, the crew went out of their way to ensure that our every need was meet. The food was superb, as was all spaces on board the boat. The days were well organised with both a morning and afternoon excursion, with a few hours each afternoon for a rest. We saw an incredible amount of animals, birds and fish, and were taken to a variety of different islands, nothing was repeated. The whole trip was very worthwhile.