Cruise Description
Discover the most captivating ports of call with the Archipel I and explore the seemingly untouched western region on this five day Western Galapagos Islands cruise.
Meet and greet your expert naturalist guide at Seymour Airport on Baltra Island, and after a warm welcome on board by your captain and crew, sail towards Santa Cruz Island for your very first excursion.
Tour the island's Highlands where you'll see the Twin Craters and observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Then spend your second day onboard exploring the largest island in the archipelago - Isabela Island, with an extensive land area of 4640 sq. km.
Sail through the islets of Las Tintoreras and observe white-tipped reef sharks resting in the calm turquoise waters. Then continue to the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center situated just outside Puerto Villamil, where you'll observe giant tortoises live in captivity and learn the efforts behind ensuring their survival in the wilderness on the Galapagos Islands.
Journey towards Moreno Point and walk its lava fields and explore the tidal lagoons, keeping your eyes peeled for sightings of herons, frigatebirds, and green turtles. The Archipel I sails onward to Elizabeth Bay where you'll have the opportunity to visit the breeding grounds of the Galapagos penguins.
Uncover pirate history at Tagus Cove, your final stop on Isabela Island. This site on its northwestern shores was historically frequented by pirates who left their mark by carving the names of the vessels they commanded into the site's surrounding cliff faces.
Reach Fernandina Island, the third-largest in the Galapagos archipelago, and walk the barren landscape of Punta Espinosa, observing the large colonies of marine iguana that bask in the sun. You'll be surprised to discover that despite its barren landscape, lava cacti thrive here, against a dramatic backdrop of Volcán La Cumbre.
See Las Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island on the final morning of this Western Galapagos Islands cruise, where you'll learn the origin of its name and discover the role it played in World War II.
Built for exploring the islands of the archipelago, the Archipel I boasts 8 modern cabins with twins and doubles and sea view windows so guests can fall asleep and wake up to the natural beauty of the western Galapagos Islands. With an emphasis on comfort and intuitive service provided by a dedicated crew of nine, the Archipel I delivers a seamless experience at sea.