Galapagos

Western, Northern and Central Galapagos Islands (A5B4)

8 Days aboard Archipel I. From AUD $6,232pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details

Overview

Our adventurous 7 nights route enables you to combine visits around the largest island of Isabela, the sea bird colonies of popular North Seymour and the exclusive Genovesa. Explore the untouched western end of Galapagos, which has just been born out of fire and the lush highlands. And, on the spectacular volcano islet of Bartolomé and the lava flow at Sullivan Bay, you will certainly get impressed by the creative forces and fascinating pioneer species.

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Itinerary Highlights

  • Virgin Fernandina & isolated west coast of Isabela make you eye-witness of evolution.
  • Pioneer species colonize barren lava fields
  • Flightless cormorants, largest marine iguanas and penguins near the equator
  • Unique tidal channel with whitetip reef sharks & rays
  • Famous sea bird colonies of popular North Seymour and isolated Genovesa in one short cruise

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Arrival at Baltra airport - Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre (Santa Cruz)
  • Day 2: Moreno Point (Isabela) - Urbina Bay (Isabela)
  • Day 3: Espinoza Point (Fernandina) - Vicente Roca Point (Isabela)
  • Day 4: Puerto Egas (Santiago) - Rabida
  • Day 5: Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz) - Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz)
  • Day 6: Prince Philip’s Steps (Genovesa) - Darwin Bay (Genovesa)
  • Day 7: Bartholomew - Sullivan Bay (Santiago)
  • Day 8: Twin Craters and El Chato Reserve (Santa Cruz) - Transfer to Baltra airport

Ship Information

For more information on the Archipel I please view the ship page.

View Archipel I

Travelling with Eclipse

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Day 1: Arrival at Baltra airport - Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre (Santa Cruz)

AM - Arrival at Baltra airport
Upon arrival at Baltra airport, you will pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, as well as to pay the park entrance fee of $100 (unless it has been prepaid). A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbour.

PM - Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre (Santa Cruz)
At this site, you can observe tortoises that come from various islands of the archipelago. They comply with the captive breeding programme and then return to repopulate the areas where their population has been affected. The land iguanas of Santa Cruz, Isabela and North Seymour are also in a captive breeding programme, as the populations in these areas suffered from feral dogs.

One of the main attractions is the famous embalmed Lonesome George. Estimated to have died between 93 and 109 years of age, it is recognised as the last of its kind and a symbol of the efforts invested to conserve endangered species. The captive tortoises are used to the presence of visitors, so it's a great place to take photos with them.

Dinner included.

Day 2: Moreno Point (Isabela) - Urbina Bay (Isabela)

AM - Moreno Point (Isabela)
Moreno Point is located on the north coast of Isabela Island, between the volcanos Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul. The trail runs along a solidified pahoehoe lava flow into a complex of coastal lagoons. Its main attractions are several species of birds, which are found around the lakes and mangroves.

PM - Urbina Bay (Isabela)
Urbina Bay is located along the west coast of Isabela, between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove. It is close to the base of the Alcedo Volcano. The coastline has undergone a major uplift in 1954, which caused the shore to expand three quar ters of a mile out. Here you will be able to find corals, shells, and many other calcareous organisms exposed above water. Urbina Bay is home to large and colorful land iguanas and giant tor toises of the Alcedo Volcano
population. A lot of Darwin finches can be seen as well.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 3: Espinoza Point (Fernandina) - Vicente Roca Point (Isabela)

AM - Espinoza Point (Fernandina)
Fernandina is the third-largest island in the archipelago and has a single visitor site: Punta Espinoza, located at the northeastern tip of the island. Marine iguanas conglomerate in larger groups than on any other island. They bask around in the sand, swim near the shore and sometimes block the way at the landing dock. Among the unique species found here, is the flightless cormorant. This bird had to adjust its way of survival and perfection its skills of finding food in the ocean. Their wings, tails and feet progressively adapted for swimming. To see these birds is to witness evolution happening right
in front of you.

PM - Vicente Roca Point (Isabela)
Whilst having lunch we will cross the Bolivar Channel for the last time to Vicente Roca Point, just at the mouth of Isabela’s seahorse-shape. While entering a dark cave below a spectacular arch, roaring echoes of the waves will accompany you. Just around the corner the collapsed amphitheatre of Volcan Ecuador offers another impressive view. The calmer waters of the coves are well-protected against the ocean swell and are a fairly cold, but great place for snorkelling amongst various species of shark, penguins, puffer fish and even seahorses!

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4: Puerto Egas (Santiago) - Rabida

AM - Egas Port (Santiago)
Egas Port is a black beach located on the west side of Santiago Island. Volcanic tuff deposits have favoured the formation of this special black sand beach and this is the main attraction of the Island. This site is called Puerto Egas because there was an attempt of Hector Egas to start the exploitation of salt, which failed. After all, the price of salt on the continent was very cheap and did not justify its exploitation in the Galapagos. The project was abandoned and they left their infrastructure.

PM - Rabida
Rabida Island is unique because of the red colour of the rocks and sand. The volcanic material in this island is very porous and external factors such as rain, saltwater and sea breeze have acted as an oxidizing agent. A short walk along a trail will lead you to a coastal lagoon behind the beach that allows for the observation of land birds as finches, doves, yellow warblers and mockingbirds. There is also a colony of flamingos at the lagoon.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 5: Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz) - Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz)

AM - Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz)
After breakfast, you will check out and disembark the cruise for the last time at 08:30 am.

Your last adventure is brief but enchanting, and will take place enroute to the airport. You will explore onboard the dinghy the green landscape of Black Turtle Cove, which is mostly composed of mangrove trees that host innumerable aerial and aquatic species. Observe how the quiet emerald lagoon and surrounding shallow bays enables the easy observation of sea turtles and as well as groups of sharks.

PM – Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz)
Around noon you will embark from Baltra airport on the Archipel cruise. Your cabins will be assigned, and lunch will be promptly served. Your first excursion will take place this afternoon after 14:00 PM, at Bachas beach. This is a lovely bay with soft, white coral sand that is frequently visited by sea turtles to lay their eggs, so please, watch your step! After enjoying some leisure time at the beach, you could explore a small lagoon hidden behind some bushes, where occasionally it is possible to observe flamingos, black-necked stilts, and whimbrels. You might also observe some rusty barges, which
were abandoned here after WWII when the USA rented this island as a strategic point to protect the Panama Channel from Japan. After two hours on this visit, you will return onboard.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 6: Prince Philip’s Steps (Genovesa) - Darwin Bay (Genovesa)

AM - Prince Philip’s Steps (Genovesa)
Before landing, you will take a dinghy ride along the eastern arm of the caldera. As you approach, the soaring 25 m/80 ft high walls become overwhelming. Sometimes, a Galapagos fur seal is resting or a seabird is nesting on one of the ledges at the base. You will then have to hike and overcome the steep stairs from the landing dock to a bush of palo santo shrubs on top. Red-footed boobies gratefully use these scarce nesting places; so that they don’t have to nest on the rocky ground. Upon arriving at the edge of the rim, the bushes open up and you can enjoy panoramic views, a strong sea breeze and the amazing flying skills of countless seabirds. Following the exposed rim, you will first pass the Nazca boobies and finally reach the extensive storm petrel nesting places, where, if you’re lucky, you can spot the well-camouflaged short-eared owl hunting for food!

PM - Darwin Bay (Genovesa)
Inside the submerged caldera of Genovesa lies Darwin Bay, with a diameter of more than 1.5 km/1 mi and it is almost 200 m/650 ft deep. The small area will surprise you repeatedly, walking along a coral sand beach, crossing barren lava formations and creeks, passing tidal pools, shrubs and further ahead following the top of some cliffs. With this peaceful surroundings, every single species has occupied its own ecological niche (or habitat) without disturbing others.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 7: Bartholomew - Sullivan Bay (Santiago)

AM - Bartholomew
The beautiful volcanic islet of Bartholomew is among the youngest of the islands and, on a geological scale, was just recently born out of the fire. Although it looks lifeless at first sight, Bartholomew offers some of the wildest landscapes and best panoramas of the entire archipelago. To enjoy the postcard view of the idyllic “Pinnacle Bay” you will have to climb the stairs to the viewpoint on top of the island (114 m/375 ft). Enter a dramatic world of threatening (though extinguished) nearby spatter cones, craters, and lightweight lava droplets that have been spewed out by fiery fountains. The summit
trail is also ideal for witnessing how scanty pioneer vegetation, such as lava cactus, struggles to take root in the bare virgin lava fields.

PM - Sullivan Bay (Santiago)
The arrival in Sullivan Bay is like a moon landing. The desolate, sprawling fields seem to be mostly lifeless, but this island, which is particularly popular among photographers, still offers a lot to see. There is even some life! Green sea turtles burrow in the small white sand beach, where you can also find crabs, blue herons and oystercatchers.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 8: Twin Craters and El Chato Reserve (Santa Cruz) - Transfer to Baltra airport

AM - Twin Craters and El Chato Reserve (Santa Cruz)
The native scalesia forest of El Chato Tortoise Reserve is the best place to search for Galapagos giant tortoises in their most authentic setting! Despite the interesting breeding centres – where you are guaranteed to find tortoises in their corrals – there is nothing better than to observe them in their wild environment. Though it can be quite moist and muddy, your visit may turn into an adventurous quest when they have left their favourite pond silently.

The Twin Craters are found on either side of the road leading to Puerto Ayora. These impressive formations are not really volcanic craters and were formed by magma domes, which hardened on the outside while the lava continued flowing inside, leaving huge and empty magma chambers that eventually collapsed, leaving two large holes. The craters lie within a lush scalesia cloud forest, a high-altitude plant species that are endemic to the Galapagos. This area is also home to the carpenter finch, which uses tools to search for food. There may also be opportunities to see the vermillion
flycatcher, a small red-breasted bird.

After this, assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, you will be taken to Baltra airport. It has been a pleasure accompanying you on this unique trip and we hope to see you again very soon!

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 29 Jan 2026
DatesCabinFromAdditional
29 Jan 2026 - 05 Feb 2026 AUD$7332ppExpand to view prices
Ocean View Cabin AUD$7332ppContact us
12 Feb 2026 - 19 Feb 2026 AUD$7332ppExpand to view prices
26 Feb 2026 - 05 Mar 2026 AUD$7332ppExpand to view prices
12 Mar 2026 - 19 Mar 2026 AUD$7332ppExpand to view prices
26 Mar 2026 - 02 Apr 2026 AUD$7332ppExpand to view prices
09 Apr 2026 - 16 Apr 2026 AUD$7332ppExpand to view prices
23 Apr 2026 - 30 Apr 2026 AUD$7332ppExpand to view prices
07 May 2026 - 14 May 2026 AUD$7332ppExpand to view prices
21 May 2026 - 28 May 2026 AUD$7332ppExpand to view prices
04 Jun 2026 - 11 Jun 2026 AUD$7332ppExpand to view prices
18 Jun 2026 - 25 Jun 2026 AUD$7332ppExpand to view prices
02 Jul 2026 - 09 Jul 2026 AUD$6232ppExpand to view prices
16 Jul 2026 - 23 Jul 2026 AUD$7332ppExpand to view prices
30 Jul 2026 - 06 Aug 2026 AUD$6232ppExpand to view prices
13 Aug 2026 - 20 Aug 2026 AUD$7332ppExpand to view prices
27 Aug 2026 - 03 Sep 2026 AUD$7332ppExpand to view prices
10 Sep 2026 - 17 Sep 2026 AUD$6598ppExpand to view prices
24 Sep 2026 - 01 Oct 2026 AUD$7332ppExpand to view prices
08 Oct 2026 - 15 Oct 2026 AUD$7332ppExpand to view prices
22 Oct 2026 - 29 Oct 2026 AUD$6232ppExpand to view prices
05 Nov 2026 - 12 Nov 2026 AUD$7332ppExpand to view prices
19 Nov 2026 - 26 Nov 2026 AUD$7332ppExpand to view prices
03 Dec 2026 - 10 Dec 2026 AUD$7332ppExpand to view prices
17 Dec 2026 - 24 Dec 2026 AUD$7332ppExpand to view prices
31 Dec 2026 - 07 Jan 2027 AUD$8431ppExpand to view prices

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Ocean View Cabin

2 cabins with queen bed and 6 cabins with 2 single beds, two sea-view windows, private bathroom, closet & air conditioning.

Ocean View Cabin
Ocean View Cabin

Archipel I Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Year Of Construction: 2005
  • Category: Tourist Superior
  • Passengers: 16
  • Cabins: 8
  • Social Areas: Comfortable dining room, bar and lounge, library
  • Length: 27m
  • Beam: 11m
  • Electric Power: 110v and 220v
  • Machinery: 2 Cummins IMO 240 hp each one
  • Speed (knots): 10 knots
  • Crew: 9
  • Naturalist Guide(s): 1

What's included?

  • On-board accommodation
  • Transfers in Galapagos
  • Tours led by English-speaking Guide
  • Activities as specified
  • All meals during the voyage
  • Use of snorkelling equipment

What's not?

  • International and internal airfares
  • Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
  • Travel insurance
  • Galápagos National Park fee: US$200 per person
  • Transit control card: US$20 per person
  • Gratuities
  • Any items not mentioned as included

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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Western, Northern and Central Galapagos Islands (A5B4)

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