Galapagos Western Itinerary - Petrel

Day 5: Isabela—Tagus Cove / Urbina Bay
Back on Isabela, spend the morning in Tagus Cove where we find graffiti dating to the 1800s, when pirates and whalers carved their ship names into the rock above a historic anchorage. Look for flightless cormorants on the shoreline and Galapagos penguins below the surface as we snorkel. Then, choose between two activities: a hike among the volcanic tuff cones for a closer look at the island's geological history, with views of Darwin's Lagoon, or a panga ride to look for blue-footed boobies perched on the cliff ledges, as well as brown pelicans, brown noddies and flightless cormorants. At Urbina Bay this afternoon, witness one of the best examples of geological uplift in the archipelago, a phenomenon that occurs when molten rock beneath the surface suddenly shifts. In 1954, the shoreline was heaved upward nearly 15 feet, exposing coral and stranding marine organisms above the water on what is now the shore. Urbina is home to nesting sea turtles and a colony of some of the islands' largest land iguanas. We also look for Galapagos tortoises and a variety of Darwin's finches.

Day 6: Isabela—Elizabeth Bay / Punta Moreno
On the southern side of Isabela, Petrel enters Elizabeth Bay to explore a sprinkling of islets, a lagoon frequented by sea turtles, and surrounding red and black mangroves. On a panga ride, search for resting and feeding sea turtles along with lava herons, Galapagos penguins, rays and flightless cormorants. Sailing west to Punta Moreno, we observe several endemic species on the seemingly barren lava flows. The point is located between two volcanoes, Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul, and we step ashore to walk atop the hardened lava. At first glance, the corrugated rock landscape appears lifeless. However, the hard black surface is dotted with numerous shallow lagoons that harbor a wide variety of birdlife. Commonly seen species include flamingos, paint-billed crakes and white-cheeked pintails. We’ll also see endemic Galapagos flora taking root on this young, barren lava flow, including giant candelabra cactus, Palo Santo trees, carob trees and lichens. The protected waters of Moreno Bay are surrounded by mangroves—ideal habitat for sea turtles, which we may spy as we snorkel.

Day 7: Isabela—Sierra Negra / Puerto Villamil
Isabela, the archipelago’s largest island, formed by five volcanoes, is also one of the youngest and a marvelous world within itself. The laid-back island town of Puerto Villamil is our home base for a variety of engaging activity options today. Wander trails through the wetlands located just outside town, comprised of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves that are home to a variety of bird species such as common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintail ducks, gallinules and other shore birds. We may also visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center or the Wall of Tears, a penal colony that existed on Isabela between 1945 and 1959. For a more adventurous option, take an excursion to Sierra Negra volcano and peer from the rim into the vast caldera, one of the largest in the world at 4 miles across.

Day 8: Santa Cruz—Darwin Station / Natural Habitat's Tortoise Camp
Arrive at Santa Cruz where our day begins with a visit to Puerto Ayora, the island’s main town, to visit the world-famous tortoise-rearing center at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, international scientists conduct research dedicated to conserving the unique habitats and species of the Galapagos. At the facility, visit the protection pens where hatchlings are bred to help increase depleted tortoise populations, a central mission for both the research station and Galapagos National Park. To date, more than 5,000 tortoises bred at the station have been released into the wild.

After time to explore town, followed by lunch back on board, we ascend into the misty highlands of Santa Cruz to reach this operator's private Tortoise Camp. This exclusive setting offers a rare opportunity to spend a night in wild tortoise habitat, and these ancient, gentle reptiles that are the archipelago's namesake often wander right through camp. Accommodations are in safari-style raised platform tents and treehouses with views of the ocean. While rustic, they offer comfortable amenities, including real beds and private en suite facilities. But the real treat of a stay here is our proximity to wild tortoises, which are attracted to the area's lush vegetation. They are most commonly seen in camp from July through February. From March to June, we make an excursion to a nearby tortoise reserve for closer views, as they migrate seasonally to a lower elevation.  Please note: At times, Tortoise Camp may be closed due to poor weather conditions.