Cachalote Itinerary Isabela - 6 days
ITINERARY ISABELA - 6 DAYS
FRIDAY
AM: Baltra / Transfer to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz.
PM: At 14:00 you will take the speed boat that Will take you to Isabela Islands here you will board the CACHALOTE.
This would be around 17:00
SATURDAY
AM: Isabela: Moreno Point (HK/PR/SN)
PM: Isabela: Elizabeth Bay (PR/KY)
SUNDAY
AM: Isabela: Urbina Bay (HK/SN)
PM: Isabela: Tagus Cove (HK/SN/PR/KY)
MONDAY
AM: Fernandina: Espinosa Point (HK/SN)
PM: Isabela: Vicente Roca Point (PR/SN)
TUESDAY
AM: Santiago: Eggas Port (HK/SN/PR/KY)
PM: Bartolome (HK/SN/PR)
WEDNESDAY
AM: North Seymour (HK)
Baltra: Transfer to the Airport
HK: HIKE / SN: SNORKEL / PR: PANGA RIDE / KY: KAYAK /
PB: PADDLE BOARD
DAY 1: FRIDAY
AM: ARRIVO TO ISABELA ISLAND
You’ll be met by your guide at the main dock in Isabela and take a scenic dinghy ride to the yacht, where the friendly crew will warmly welcome you aboard.
PM: ISABELA: PUERTO VILLAMIL - TORTOISE BREEDING CENTER.
IAfter settling in, we’ll begin our first adventure by heading back to Puerto Villamil and taking a short bus ride to the Tortoise Breeding Centre, where you’ll encounter giant tortoises of all ages and learn about these majestic creatures. We’ll then walk along the lagoon, where there’s a chance to spot flamingos in their natural habitat. Afterwards, enjoy some free time in the charming town of Puerto Villamil —stroll along the beach or explore local shops and restaurants. In the evening, we’ll return to the yacht for a delicious dinner before retiring to our cabins as the yacht sets sail toward its first overnight destination.
DAY 2: SATURDAY
AM: ISABELA: MORENO POINT
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a scenic dinghy ride around rocks and islets of Western Isabela, home to an array of wildlife including cormorants, playful sea lions, and Galápagos penguins. Next, explore Moreno Point with a 1.5-hour guided walk across striking black lava fields, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes and unique geological features. Return to Cachalote to gear up for your first snorkel of the day, where you might encounter sea turtles, seahorses, rays, sharks, and colorful tropical fish.
PM: ISABELA: ELIZABETH BAY
After a refreshing lunch onboard, continue to Elizabeth Bay. A peaceful dinghy ride takes you through a lush lagoon, where mangroves create a serene sanctuary for sea turtles, rays, penguins, and other marine life. Conclude your day with a delicious dinner and a recap on the day’s highlights. Motor through the night to your next destination.
DAY 3: SUNDAY
AM: ISABELA: URBINA BAY
Awaken to the sights of Urbina Bay, a fascinating location that emerged from the ocean floor in 1954, leaving remnants of the seabed visible to this day. Embark on a guided walk along the trail, where you’ll encounter giant tortoises and vibrant land iguanas in their natural habitat. Afterward, enjoy a snorkel directly from the beach. Return to Cachalote for a delicious lunch before continuing your journey.
PM: ISABELA: TAGUS COVE
In the afternoon, arrive at Tagus Cove, a historic harbor once favored by whalers and pirates, who left their marks by carving names into the cliffs and rocks. Here, take a hike to Darwin’s Crater, a striking saltwater lake surrounded by breathtaking views of the island's volcanic landscapes (approximately a 1- hour walk). Afterward, prepare for an exhilarating dinghy ride or snorkeling
session in the cove’s tranquil waters, teeming with marine life. Conclude the day with a satisfying dinner aboard the yacht, followed by a debrief on the day's discoveries.
DAY 4: MONDAY
AM: FERNANDINA: ESPINOZA POINT
During the night, motor to Fernandina Island, the youngest and most westerly of the Galapagos Islands, renowned for its active volcanoes. After breakfast, take a dinghy to Espinoza Point , home to large colonies of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Galapagos hawks, and the non-venomous Galapagos snake. Enjoy a leisurely guided walk along flat trails. Return to the yacht to gear up for an exciting snorkel in the bay.
PM: ISABELA: VICENTE ROCA POINT
After lunch onboard, the journey continues back to Isabela Island, arriving at Vincente Roca Point . Known for its towering cliffs, breathtaking vistas, and a hidden cave, this location offers an unforgettable snorkeling experience. Glide along the cliffs and mouth of the cave towards a calm bay where you may encounter resting sea turtles, flightless cormorants, and a variety of marine life. Back on board, change for a scenic circumnavigation of the cliffs, providing up-close views of the dramatic coastline. End the day with
a special celebration of crossing the Equator, followed by a delightful dinner.
DAY 6: TUESDAY
AM: SANTIAGO: EGGAS PORT
Wake up to the stunning views of Santiago Island. After breakfast, take a dinghy to Egas Port which offers a stunning coastal walk along rugged lava formations, leading you to some of the Galápagos' most vibrant tide pools. This site is home to a variety of wildlife, including playful fur seals lounging in grottos, oystercatchers foraging along the shore, and marine iguanas basking on the volcanic rock. Along the way, you'll see the Sugar Loaf Volcano in the distance and the remnants of an old salt mine, a glimpse into the island's past.
PM: BARTOLOME
Return to the boat for lunch, then journey to Bartolome Island, renowned for its iconic Pinnacle Rock and breathtaking views. Ascend the stairs to marvel at the panorama, and snorkel around Pinnacle Rock, where you might encounter penguins, rays, sharks, and vibrant tropical fish. End your day with dinner and a debrief on board, enjoying the spectacular scenery as you sail overnight to North Seymour.
DAY 6: WEDNESDAY
AM: NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND / BALTRA FOR RETURN FLIGHT TO QUITO
On your final day, before breakfast, take a dinghy ride to North Seymour, a flat island uplifted thousands of years ago, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Galapagos' geological history. Enjoy a 1.5-hour guided walk through the island’s incredible wildlife, including colonies of blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, magnificent and great frigate birds, playful sea lions, and perhaps even a glimpse of reef sharks along the shoreline.
Return to the boat for breakfast as you motor for Baltra Island, where your itinerary comes to an end. Upon arrival, you and your luggage will be transferred by bus to the airport, or you can choose to extend your Galapagos adventure by exploring the islands by land. For those continuing the two-week itinerary, remain aboard to embark on your next unforgettable journey.
Baltra: Return flight to Quito
