
Western Galápagos Cruise
5 Days Galápagos cruise on board the Legend
From USD 2,381
Western Galápagos Cruise
5 Days, Max. 100 passengers
13 Reviews
A 5-day Expedition Cruise
13 Reviews
The Trip Highlights
The best snorkeling in Galapagos: Vicente Rock Point
Thousands of Marine Iguanas at Espinosa Point
Mars-like landscapes at Rábida
Giant Tortoises in the wild on Santa Cruz
Galapatours 'Plus' Experience
Facilities to rival any cruise ship
Fantastic family-friendly Galápagos cruise
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 Legend! 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 spent on Rábida, you will have the opportunity to watch wild Flamingos and walk on a blood-red sandy beach. 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: Legend
- Cruise ship facilities in an intimate setting;
- Great range of excursions, and optional Scuba Diving;
- Excellent range of accommodation options;
- Family friendly;
The Motor Vessel Galápagos Legend is a superb, 300 feet long, purpose built luxury expedition vessel. Offering the very best in boutique adventure cruises, your journey will bring you all the amenities you would expect from a luxury cruise liner, and yet affords an intimate and personal glimpse into the stunning wildlife and habitats of the Islands.
Superb facilities Built in 2001 and fully refurbished to an exceptiona … Read more about Legend
Amenities
Transfers to and from ship
Gym on board
Private Balcony
Glass Bottom Boat
Snorkel gear (free of charge)
French guide possible
100% CO2 carbon footprint offset
-50% for children ≤ 12
Scuba outing possible
Kayaks on board
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Children's corner with activities
Doctor on board
Interconnecting cabins
Single travellers can share cabin
Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices
German guide possible
Triple cabins
English guide
Sundeck with jacuzzi
Internet/Wifi
All meals
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.



No dates selected
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
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
Rábida • A walk on Rabida Island

Rabida is a small, steeply-sloped island with red-sand shores, and was originally called Jervis. Despite its small size, Rabida has one of the highest concentrations of volcanic features in the Galápagos, and it's thanks to the iron-rich lava deposits that its sands and soils are so red.
After a wet landing on the northern coast you will often see Galápagos Sea Lions and marine iguanas around the beach, especially near the sheltered caves in hot weather. Just behind the beach is a nesting site for brown pelicans, who use the saltbush as cover. Rabida is one of the best spots in the archipelago to observe pelicans. Sometimes flamingos can also be seen in the lagoon here.
There is a short hiking trail that leads further inland through Opuntias where there are good opportunities to see land birds like Darwin's finches, Galápagos Doves and Galápagos Mockingbirds.
After your trip inland you can then have a relaxing swim and enjoy some snorkeling, which is very good in the clear waters off the beach. While you swim, you'll be able to see Blue-Footed Boobies taking off over your head from their cliff-top roosts.
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
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.
PM
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.
Day 5
AM
Santa Cruz • Santa Cruz Highlands

Santa Cruz is the only island on the Galápagos that allows you to travel through every habitat type that exists in the archipelago. This makes the journey north from the coast up into the highlands a fantastic opportunity to experience the breadth of life that exists on these islands.
Your bus journey starts from Puerto Ayora on the coast and you slowly start to climb through the agricultural zone where open fields begin to give way to lush, green, mist-covered forests. This is a marked contrast to many of the islands which are at much lower elevation and much more arid. This rich verdant landscape is predominantly made up of dense Scalesia forest.
Your expert Galapatours guide will stop several times along the route to allow you to explore various different sites. Among the stops will be a Giant Tortoise reserve, and also a visit to the famous lava tubes. Over half a mile long, a walk through these natural volcanic features is eerie and unforgettable.
Also along the way you will stop for refreshments, and you'll be able to try locally-grown Galápagos coffee - we think it's among the best we've ever tasted!
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
Daisy Z., New York
Die Legend ist super! Meine Eltern und ich waren noch vor kurzen auf der Legend, eine 4 Tages Tour hatten wir gebucht. Der Thomas von Galapatours war sehr hilfsbereit und antwortete schnell auf Mails. Thomas beantwortete all unsere Fragen bevor wir buchten. Die Legend ist gerade renoviert worden und sieht toll aus! Alle Angestellten und Guides auf diesem Schiff sind sehr freundlich und machen ihre Arbeit gut. Die Route ist gut durchdacht. Das Geld war es auf jeden Fall wert.
Daisy Z., New York City
Loved the Legend Me and my parents recently just came back from Galapagos Island. We booked 4-Day/3-Night Legend Cruise tour through Galapatours. Our travel specialist Thomas is very helpful and quick for replying our emails. Thomas answered all of our questions and concerns before we book our tour through Galapatours. He also get us a great deal by upgrading our cruise cabin. The Legend Cruise itself is great.It's recent renovated cruise. All the staffs and guides on the cruise are so friendly and professional. The itinerary is full and well planned. Definitely worth the money.
gmcatlin, California
Great ship My wife and I did a 4 night cruise on the Galapagos Legend last month, from May 1 to 5. We opted for the cheapest cabins on the lowest level, and of course this was still the most expensive cruise we have ever been on. We were in cabin 39 on the Sea Deck. The cabin consisted of two single beds separated by about three feet, with a narrow space at the foot of the beds. There were a couple drawers, a small closet and a small but workable bathroom with shower. We had two non-opening portholes for light and view. All perfectly functional but nothing luxurious. Preferences and budgets vary, but I would not recommend paying for a larger room for the simple reason that you will spend so little time in the cabin. We were awake at 6:00 AM every day (the ship goes by mainland time, so this is actually 5:00 AM Galapagos time). Breakfast was at 7:00, and we boarded the zodiac boats at 8:00 for our first outing of the day. Other than a couple hours of "free time" after lunch each day, we were always busy with something. And even during that early afternoon break, there are many pleasant places on the deck to hang out, so I don't see a need for a private balcony. The Legend is one of the largest ships in the Galapagos, and can carry 100 passengers. We were fortunate with our shoulder-season timing, because the ship only had 59 passengers for our cruise. Our decision to choose a large ship was primarily driven by concerns about seasickness. I know people that bobbed around on a small boat for a week and were sick the whole time. My wife is particularly susceptible to this - in a large group she will usually be among the very first to feel queasy. We also timed our trip for a period when sea conditions are usually fairly mild, and as it turned out seasickness was never an issue for us or any other passenger on that trip. However I think there are other advantages to a large ship. The Legend is 301 feet long, with several decks, so there are lots of places to wander around, or to hang out and chat, or to find a secluded spot to read or enjoy the view. They have a large dining room, and well-staffed kitchen. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, which we prefer since we can focus on just the foods we like. I am not the one to give a food review, but I found the meals to be very good. Although I doubt they would particularly impress people who are used to the Holland America style cruises. A Galapagos cruise is much more about the destination than the shipboard experience. There is a significant down side to a large ship, and that is the potential for crowds to disrupt your interactions with the natural Galapagos experience. According to National Park rules, each group at a Galapagos site must be limited to 16 people and have an offical guide. So if you are on a small boat with 16 passengers, you will land at each site with just your guide and that group. Your group will be the only ones there. But with a larger ship, there will be multiple groups each with their own guide. Since we had 59 passengers on the Legend for our trip, there were four different groups. Each group departs the Legend in their own zodiac boat, so they get staggered a little in their arrival time at the beach. But you will typically have one group not very far ahead of you, and another not far behind. And you may end up on a beach will all the other people, which can disrupt the experience somewhat. I found that having the extra groups roaming around was a small negative, but not terribly serious. This is because the wildlife you are viewing are not shy - they don't run and hide when the first group passes by. I think each group ends up getting a similar experience. But this is something to think about if you would like to feel a bit more isolation in your visit. I felt the Legend was a pretty decent ship. It seems well maintained (it is an older ship but recently refurbished). The crew did a good job making the cruise a good experience. Things were well-organized and made good use of our limited time in the islands. I would definitely recommend the Legend to someone who makes a well-thought out decision to choose a larger ship. In summary, we were happy with our choice of the Legend. For us, the advantages of the large ship outweighed the crowds. But we were lucky that the ship did not have a full complement of passengers.
Linda H., Mareeba
Most wonderful time of our lifes My husband and I travelled on the "Galapagos Legend" from 26th Feb. to 5th March. At the suggestion of our Aurora Expeditions' travel expert in Sydney, (who arranged everything for us) we booked Tours B & C, because it fitted in with our other travel itinerary, and also went to most of the islands. The choice of small or larger boat was not available to us - the two small boats were fully booked. We travelled with 98 people on Tour B, and 45 on Tour C. I definitely recommend more than one tour, because every island is different, either because of the island itself or the animals on each. We were split into groups of 16, and the zodiac landings were very well organized - in no time, everyone was either on the island or riding along the coastline. We were never inundated with other groups being in the same place, and had plenty of opportunities to observe and enjoy the animals - no rush to get from place to place. All guides were very friendly and knowledgeable, and keen to give us the best experience they could. We had many landings on the islands, and snorkelled in both deeper water or near the beach, sometimes swimming with sea lions or large turtles, and seeing many varieties of fish, starfish and also a few Galapagos penguins. We saw a marine iguana feeding on the bottom, and reef sharks and rays. We slowly moved along the coastline in the zodiacs, seeing such a variety of animals and birds - brown pelicans, blue footed boobies, marine iguanas, sea lions, turtles, flightless cormorants. Sullivan Bay, on Santiago is a spectacular lava flow, as far as the eye can see. Very little else to see, except Sally Lightfoot crabs, maybe a small lizard or two, and we saw a small cactus growing out of the hardened lava. So interesting and unusual. At Urbina Bay on Isabela, we saw lots of Galapagos tortoises and land iguanas, then on to Tagus Cove, where we walked up to Lake Darwin - beautiful view. South Plaza was so different - lots of large cactus growing, with land iguanas that eat the cactus. Beautiful colours of low-growing plants - reds, browns, greens. On Santa Fe, there were many sea lions and babies on the beach, as well as mockingbirds, finches, iguanas and Galapagos doves. Pitt Point on San Cristobal was spectacular - we walked to the top of a volcanic tuff - it was like being on the moon - stark landscape with fabulous views. Some travellers didn't go - "there's only a view" they said - didn't they miss out!! One tip - don't say no to anything - you'll have a great experience, whatever you do. As for travelling on the "Legend", we had a wonderful time. The food is amazing and plentiful - the evening meal is as appealing as anything you'd get in a good restaurant (with choices for main meal and dessert), plus 2 other courses. Breakfast and lunch is buffet-style - again, very nice food. We were very happy with our cabin, and we were upgraded for the second tour - keeping a smaller number of people closer together, I suppose. All staff and guides were very friendly and efficient. The transfers for the whole trip were perfectly organized - we were never left standing and wondering where our driver was! We had a wonderful time in the Galapagos Islands - the animals are not afraid of humans, so we were able to observe them closely. The tour boats are very strictly regulated, so we had the islands to ourselves when we landed - not sharing these special places with lots of other people. What a bonus! Thank you to everybody who made this trip unforgettable.
Catherine Moore
What an unforgettable trip! Was a truly enjoyable experience would recommend to anyone who was considering a visit to The Galapagos Islands. Loved the Legend. perfect size.