Discover the Western Galapagos Islands, featuring dramatic volcanic landscapes and diverse wildlife such as sea lions, marine iguanas, and various seabirds. Experience the unique natural beauty through guided hikes and snorkeling in pristine waters.
Galapagos
Central & Western Galapagos Islands (Itinerary A)
7 Days aboard M/Y Bonita. From AUD $6,493pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Visit the black sand beach at Puerto Egas, formed by volcanic deposits over time.
- Keep an eye out for spectacular sea life at Vicenta Roca Point at Isabela Island including seahorses, sea turtles and Mola-Mola (sunfish).
- Stop by Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island famous for it's large colonies of marine iguanas and the flightless cormorant.
- Learn about the famous Galapagos giant tortoise during a visit to the Charles Darwin Station which was once the home to Lonesome George.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: AM: Baltra Airport - PM: Santa Cruz: Dragon Hill
- Day 2: AM: Santiago: Espumilla Beach/Bucanero Cove - PM: Santiago: Egas Port
- Day 3: AM: Isabela: Vicente Roca Point - PM: Fernandina: Espinoza Point
- Day 4: AM: Isabela: Urbina Bay - PM: Isabela: Tagus Cove
- Day 5: AM: Isabela: Elizabeth Bay - PM: Isabela: Moreno Point
- Day 6: AM: Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Station - PM: Santa Cruz: Highlands
- Day 7: AM: Santa Cruz: Twin Craters
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: AM: Baltra Airport - PM: Santa Cruz: Dragon Hill
AM: BALTRA AIRPORT
Departure to the Galapagos Islands, arrival at Baltra airport, where our naturalist guide of the National Park will be waiting for you.
PM: DRAGON HILL
Located in the northern coast of Santa Cruz, Dragon hill gets its name from the land iguanas that inhabit this area, the only location in the whole island of Santa Cruz where you can see this large species of reptiles. Thanks to a very successful breeding program, this population of land iguanas, which was on the brink of extinction during the 70’s and 80’s, has rapidly recovered. There is also a small salt water lagoon where we can often see flamingos, ducks, stilts, sandpipers and other shorebirds.
Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 2: AM: Santiago: Espumilla Beach/Bucanero Cove - PM: Santiago: Egas Port
AM: BUCCANEER COVE / ESPUMILLA BEACH
This site gets its name because it was used by pirates and buccaneers during the XVII and XVIII centuries as a place to hide and get freshwater and tortoises. The place is very scenic with beautiful cliffs and interesting rock formations. There is no trail, but here you will take a dinghy to look at wildlife from the small boats.
PM: EGAS PORT
Despite its name, there is no “port” at Puerto Egas, but you might see a few remains of the last attempts to colonize the island during the 60’s. The trail goes along the coastline which is rich in wildlife, with marine iguanas basking in the sun everywhere, Galapagos sea lions, herons, oystercatchers and many shorebirds. At the end of the trail an area called “the grottos” is home for a small colony of the endemic Galapagos fur seal, much more difficult to see at close range than its cousin. As recently as 2019, land iguanas were reintroduced to the area, so look around for these impressive reptiles which were extinct from Santiago for over a century.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 3: AM: Isabela: Vicente Roca Point - PM: Fernandina: Espinoza Point
AM: VICENTE ROCA POINT
Surrounded by some of the tallest cliffs in the Galapagos, Vicente Roca point is a great location to observe spectacular landscapes and interesting volcanic features. There is no trail here but you will take a dinghy tour along the shore to get a closer view of pelicans, flightless cormorants, sea turtles, boobies, Galapagos fur seals and marine iguanas. The area is also known to be a good location for whales and dolphins.
PM: ESPINOZA POINT
Fernandina is the most active volcano of the islands, with regular eruptions every 3-5 years. This island is also one of the jewels of Galapagos because of the large number of animals on its shores. As soon as you disembark you will see hundreds of marine iguanas lounging in the sun, while the tide pools are a favorite playground for sea lions. Further along, Galapagos cormorants build their nests near the shore, not far from other species such as herons, oystercatchers and other shorebirds, while hawks often perch in the mangroves in search of prey.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 4: AM: Isabela: Urbina Bay - PM: Isabela: Tagus Cove
AM: URBINA BAY
This place is known for the dramatic uplifting that happened here during the 1950’s. A large portion of the coast was pushed up, exposing many hectares of previously submerged land. Look carefully along the trail and you will find small shells and corals, a proof that the area was underwater more than sixty years ago. The trail will give the opportunity to see land iguanas and, during certain seasons, giant tortoises. Galapagos hawks nest in the area and are often seen flying or perched on the trees.
PM: TAGUS COVE
Tagus cove is one of the places Charles Darwin visited during his exploration of the Galapagos islands. A trail will take you through the dry Palo Santo forests where you can see Darwin finches and mockingbirds. You will get great views of Darwin’s lake and the large volcanoes of northern Isabela.
A boat tour along the shore will give you chances to see penguins, cormorants, marine iguanas and a very unique species: the Galapagos martin, a small endemic bird which is one of the most endangered species on the island.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 5: AM: Isabela: Elizabeth Bay - PM: Isabela: Moreno Point
AM: ELIZABETH BAY
Elizabeth Bay is a beautiful sheltered bay surrounded by large mangroves and barren lava fields. There is no trail here so you will take a dinghy tour to explore many channels, pools and coves teeming with life. This is one of the best locations in the islands to see Galapagos penguins, but don’t expect to see thousands of them, as the entire population of the islands is only about 3.000 of them. Flightless cormorants also nest in the area and blue-footed boobies and pelicans often fish in these shallow and rich waters. Rays and sea turtles are also very abundant.
PM: MORENO POINT
Moreno Point is a magical place with extensive lava fields which look lifeless at first sight. Once inland, scattered brackish lagoons form an oasis of life where you can find flamingos, gallinules, ducks and herons. Along the shore we will look for penguins, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, oystercatchers and other shore birds.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 6: AM: Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Station - PM: Santa Cruz: Highlands
AM: CHARLES DARWIN STATION
The Charles Darwin Station is a nonprofit organization which has been working for decades together with the Galapagos National Park to preserve the biodiversity of these unique islands. During this visit you will learn about the projects that both institutions carry together to protect the native species and eradicate the invasive ones which are threatening the Galapagos environment.
One of the most important and emblematic projects has been reproducing giant tortoises in captivity. The visit is mostly outdoors in a beautiful dry native forest with giant cactus and many other interesting native plants. It is also a fantastic place to find several endemic Darwin finches, as well as flycatchers and mockingbirds.
PM: HIGHLANDS
Either if you do this visit starting from Baltra or from Puerto Ayora, a bus will take you to the highlands stopping along the way at one of the reserves to visit the lush highland forests where you will look for Galapagos Giant tortoises in their natural environment. This is the best place in the Galapagos to see these gentle giants (reaching over 300 kg / 600 pounds!) casually grazing and resting in freshwater ponds. This is also home for a great diversity of birds rarely found at the lowlands, including finches (tree, woodpecker and vegetarian finches), flycatchers and several species of water birds. You will visit a lava tunnel (depending on the itinerary) and learn how these extraordinary formations were created by ancient volcanic eruptions.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 7: AM: Santa Cruz: Twin Craters
AM: TWIN CRATERS
The Twin Craters or also known as “Los Gemelos”, are located on the way to the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island. You will find them on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. In fact, they are not real craters, they were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. You will have a wonderful view of the local flora, like Scalesia plants. On this site it is also possible to observe the endemic short-ear owl. Then, transfer to the airport to take your flight back to continental Ecuador.
Breakfast included.
Next Departure Date: 01 Mar 2026
| Dates | Cabin | From | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Mar 2026 - 07 Mar 2026 | AUD$6493pp | ||
| Lower Deck | AUD$6493pp | Contact us | |
| Upper or Main Deck | AUD$6493pp | Contact us | |
| 29 Mar 2026 - 04 Apr 2026 | AUD$6493pp | ||
| 26 Apr 2026 - 02 May 2026 | AUD$6493pp | ||
| 10 May 2026 - 16 May 2026 | AUD$6493pp | ||
| 24 May 2026 - 30 May 2026 | AUD$6493pp | ||
| 21 Jun 2026 - 27 Jun 2026 | AUD$6493pp | ||
| 05 Jul 2026 - 11 Jul 2026 | AUD$6493pp | ||
| 19 Jul 2026 - 25 Jul 2026 | AUD$6493pp | ||
| 02 Aug 2026 - 08 Aug 2026 | AUD$6493pp | ||
| 16 Aug 2026 - 22 Aug 2026 | AUD$6493pp | ||
| 30 Aug 2026 - 05 Sep 2026 | AUD$6493pp | ||
| 13 Sep 2026 - 19 Sep 2026 | AUD$6493pp | ||
| 08 Nov 2026 - 14 Nov 2026 | AUD$6493pp | ||
| 22 Nov 2026 - 28 Nov 2026 | AUD$6493pp | ||
| 06 Dec 2026 - 12 Dec 2026 | AUD$6493pp | ||
| 20 Dec 2026 - 26 Dec 2026 | AUD$9739pp |
Alternative itinerary options:
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Lower Deck
Private bathrooms
Cold/hot water
Air conditioning
Towel
Dryer
Safety deposit box
Upper or Main Deck
Private bathrooms
Cold/hot water
Air conditioning
Towel
Dryer
Safety deposit box
M/Y Bonita Deckplan
Specifications
- Length: 25 metres
- Beam: 6 metres
- Cruising speed: 9 knots
- Water capacity: 2500 gallons
- 16 passengers
- 8 crew members + 1 bilingual guide
- Motor: 2 Caterpillar 8 cylinder motors
- 9 cabins
What's included?
- Airport assistance
- Transfers in Galapagos
- Accommodation in double cabin
- All meals during the cruise
- Naturalist Bilingual Guide
- All visits and excursions according to the itinerary
- Snorkel Gear (mask, tube and fins)
- Kayaks, paddle boards
- Unlimited purified water, coffee and tea
- Wetsuits
What's not?
- Local flight to/from Galapagos
- Galápagos National Park fee: US$200 per person
- Transit control card: US$20 per person
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips
- Local Taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Service do not specified
Important notes and additional information
- Christmas and New Year supplement 50%.
- We accept children from 6 years old.
- Single Supplement 50% from the rate.
- Rates are subject to change; we guarantee rate with previous deposit only.
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Galapagos
This once in a lifetime destination is a nature lovers dream. Watch the famous Galapagos tortoises and blue footed boobies in the morning and snorkel with sea lions in the afternoon, then relax on your cruise to the next destination tomorrow!
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