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The Journey I - Western Galapagos Islands cruise is no longer operating. Click to our Galapagos small ship cruises and land adventures for current trips.

Join us on this wonderful 8 day Galapagos itinerary and see the wonders of the Islands come alive. This small ship cruise, will outfit you with the most talented naturalist guides and offer a range of activities designed to bring you into intimate contact with the unique creatures and ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands.

The Western Island cruise aboard the Journey I begins and ends in Baltra. As a dedicated 8 day cruise the Western Island cruise spends more time exploring and less time transiting and embarking guests. Visit the twin craters of Los Gamelos and the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. A diverse array of landing sites on Isabela Island includes Tintoreras, Sierra Negra, Punta Moreno, Elizabeth Bay, Urbina Bay and Tagus Cove. On Santiago Island explore Puerto Eggas and Rabida and Bartolome. The Western Island cruises also includes a visit to spectacular Fernandina island. Overall this is a diverse and well thought out cruise with a variety of landing sites.

The Journey I Western Islands Cruise can be combined with the Southern or Eastern Islands Cruise to create either a 11 day/10 night or 12 day/11 night itinerary or both for a comprehensive 15 day/14 night cruise. View the Western Islands Cruise details below or click on the following links to view details of the other Journey I Galapagos Cruises.

Southern Galapagos Islands 4 day/3 night

Eastern Galapagos Islands 5 day/4 night

Galapagos Journey I Main Page

Day 1 - FRI - Mainland to Galapagos

Upon arrival at Baltra meet your Expedition Leader and tour the Twin Craters - The "Gemelos" are a pair of craters approximately 30 meters deep located on either side of the road to Baltra (island where the airport lies). The holes could be created because of a volcanic explosion or because of magma chambers inside earth. A good place to see the Galapagos hawk and barn owl is on this island. The surrounding forest is full of birds such as the vermilion flycatcher or the yellow warbler. you need. Guides will meet you, collect your luggage, and escort you on the short bus ride to the harbor. Motorized rafts, called ‘Pangas’ will transport you to the M/C Journey I and our crew will welcome you onboard.

After departure and lunch, the first island visit is made at the Santa Cruz Highlands. Journeying across Santa Cruz into the highlands visitors are delighted by the island’s variety of life and geology. Beginning at the coast and traveling across Santa Cruz the road departs from Puerto Ayora climbing through the agricultural lands and into the mist covered forests. Santa Cruz possesses all of the various life zones present in the archipelago. As you travel through these zones birders are enchanted. Whether it’s the bright red feathers of a vermillion flycatcher or one of Darwin’s Finch almost every bird present in the islands can be found here. Santa Cruz offers excellent opportunities for viewing wild Galapagos Tortoises. Tracking tortoises is not the only exciting activity to be found in the highlands. There are also plenty of lava tubes, sinkholes and craters to explore. Theses eerie formations offer a fascinating hike into the belly of the island to view its volcanic make-up.

Accommodations: Journey I
Included Meals: lunch & dinner

Day 2 - SAT - Tintoreras, Wall of Tears & Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela

This morning begin with a zodiac ride to the “Tintoreras” - small islands in front of Puerto Villamil coast. There is Heron lava on the lookout on mangrove branch, and Galapagos penguin and sea lion often pop out on shore. White-tipped reef sharks are fairly common in the archipelago. Their name in Spanish is Tintorera, thus the name of this site as they are always found here resting in the shallow waters.

Next head to the Wall of Tears, a historic site in Isabela. Between 1946 and 1959 Isabela was a penal colony, where prisoners build a wall with huge blocks of lava as punishment. The wall is 100 meters long and 7 meters high. Due to the arduous labor and harsh conditions in which the prisoners lived, this site is known as the wall of tears. A set of stairs provides a bird’s eye view of the wall and the surrounding landscape. You can still see the cement foundations of the USA base dating back to the Second World War.

This evening will be spent at Sierra Negra Volcano. Land in Puerto Villamil, which has the second smallest populated island in Galapagos with approximately 3,000 habitants. We head up to the highlands from Puerto Villamil to Sierra Negra slope, and later enjoy some hiking on uneven terrain until we arrive to the Sierra Negra volcano rim. Sierra Negra is the second widest crater in the world. From this viewpoint, you have fantastic sights to the 6 x 5 mile wide crater, the rest of the volcanoes, and Perry Isthmus, a 12 Km wide lava field. From here we can hike to Chico Volcano to watch the striking lava formations, examples of the geological occurrences that have created the Galapagos Islands.

Accommodations: Journey I
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 3 - SUN - Punta Moreno & Elizabeth Bay, Isabela

This morning will be spent at Punta Moreno, located on the north coast of Isabela Island between the volcano Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcano. The trail runs along a lava flow Pahohoe (solidified lava in the form of corrugated or an accordion) into a complex of coastal lagoons, its main attraction are several species of birds which can be found around this lakes and mangroves.

Spend the afternoon at Elizabeth Bay. This is a marine visitor site, the excursion is carried out in a zodiac and so there is no landing point. Your zodiac ride starts with a visit to the Marielas islets where there is the largest and most important penguin colony in the Galapagos Islands. The excursion continues into the cove that is surrounded by red mangroves where you can admire their red roots and green leafs. It is here that you are able to observe sea turtles, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans, and sea lions. Frequently visitors have been able to see Galapagos hawks soaring overhead while schools of Pompano and Dorado fish swim below.

Accommodations: Journey I
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 4 - MON - Urbina Bay & Tagus Cove, Isabela

South from Tagus Cove and still on the West coast is Urbina Bay. It is an easy wet landing on a gentle sloping beach. This area is very interesting in that it is a perfect example of the geological activity of the islands. The waters of the bay are a good place to see turtles and rays and ashore is a short trail leading to a coral reef, which is evidence of an uplift from the sea which occurred in 1954. From here it is easy to reach the Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes. You can see large colored land iguanas here and the possibility of seeing giant Galapagos turtles, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, pelicans, and marine iguanas is excellent.

Spend the afternoon at Tagus Cove. A tour along the cliffs in a zodiac will give the visitors a good chance to see the Galapagos penguin, the flightless cormorant and other sea birds. From the landing dock it is about a 30 minute hike along the trail up to the top of the cliff from where you can view Darwin Lake, an uplifted ultra saline lake saltier than the sea. You can also see several volcanoes from this location. Look carefully at the graffiti on the surrounding cliffs of the cove, it has been written by pirates, whalers and buccaneers in past centuries.

Accommodations: Journey I
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 5 - TUE - Espinoza Point & Vicente Roca Point, Fernandina

Today begins at Punta Espinoza located at the northeastern tip of Fernandina island. Just across Tagus Cove, is a visitor site where some of the unique species of Galapagos can be seen. Marine iguanas conglomerate in larger groups than in any other island. They bask around in the sand, swim near the shore, and some time block the way at the landing dock. Among the unique species found here, is the flightless comorant. A bird that do to the lack of predators had to adjust their way of survival and perfectionate their 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.

After visiting this amazing place you will be taken to Vicente Roca Point, located at the ‘mouth’ of the head of the sea horse, which forms the northern part of the Galapagos Islands. Here the remnants of an ancient volcano form two turquoise coves with a bay well protected from the ocean swells. The spot is a popular anchorage from which to take panga rides along the cliff that are the remains of the volcano or explore a partially sunken cave at the water’s edge. Masked and blue-footed boobies sit perched along the point and the sheer cliffs, while flightless cormorants inhabit the shoreline. The upwelling of coldwater currents in this part of the Galapagos, give rise to an abundance of marine life which, in combination with the protection of the coves, make Punta Vicente Roca one of the archipelago’s sough after dive spots. One cove is only accessible from the sea by way of an underwater passage. The passage opens to calm waters of the hidden cove where sea lions like to laze on the beach having traveled along the underwater route. The entire area of Punta Vicente Roca lies on the flank of 2,600 foot Volcano Ecuador. This is the Galapagos Island’s sixth largest volcano.

Accommodations: Journey I
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 6 - WED - Puerto Egas & Rábida, Santiago

This morning's excursion is to Puerto Egas to ejony its black sand beaches that lead to one of the more rewarding visits of the Galapagos. A hike inland to the salt crater is an excellent opportunity to see land birds such as finches, doves, and hawks. A walk along the rugged shoreline, especially at low tide, will allow us to observe many marine species as Iguanas bask on the rocks and sea lions laze in the tide pools. At the end of the trail there is a series of grottoes or sea caves where fur seals and night herons are regularly found resting on the shady ledges. For many, this is the only opportunity to see the Galapagos fur seal, once thought to be on the verge of extinction.

After lunch head to Rábida Island which is unique because the red color of the rocks and sand. The volcanic material in this island is very porous and external factors as rain, salt water, and sea breeze have acted as an oxidizing agent. A short walk along a trail lead you to a coastal lagoon behind the beach which permits you to observe the land birds such as finches, doves, yellow warblers, and mocking birds. At the lagoon there is a colony of flamingos.

Accommodations: Journey I
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 7 - THR - Chinese hat & Bartolome Island, Santiago

This morning, begin with a tour of Chinese hat, a small islet (1 sq km) located just off the southeastern tip of Santiago Island. It is a recent volcanic cone, shaped like a Chinese hat when seen from north side. On the west you can see lava formations, formed under the sea and raised upward, this is why coral heads are found on the lava. This is an excellent visit for interpretation of geological features such as lava tubes and lava flows. The landscape is covered by sea lions colonies, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins.

After lunch, head to Bartolome Island, a small barren island that is located across from Sullivan Bay off James Island which has two main visitors’ sites. The first site offers the possibility to climb to the summit of the island, from where visitors can observe a variety of volcanic formations including lava bombs, spatter and cinder cones, lava flows, and lava tubes. The moon like landscape provides one of the most scenic panoramas in the archipelago. At the second site, visitors have the chance to relax on a beautiful beach, which offers great snorkeling opportunities. Multi–colored fish and occasionally penguins and sea turtles have been seen at the base of the tall pinnacle rock, which dominates Bartolome’s landscape. A short walk across to Bartolome´s second beach, which swimming is strictly prohibited visitors can see white-tipped reef sharks, at a safe distance swimming along the shoreline.

Accommodations: Journey I
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 8 - FRI - North Seymour, Baltra

Spend the morning at North Seymour, an uplifted (as opposed to volcanic) island and so is generally flat and strewn with boulders. There are good nesting sites here for a large population of magnificent frigate birds. Blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance in the more open areas and swallow-tailed gulls perch on the cliff edges. Despite the tremendous surf that can pound the outer shore, sea lions haul out onto the beach and can be found bodysurfing. After the morning excursion you will be taken to the Baltra airport for your flight to the mainland. Transfer to your hotel.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

GALAPAGOS CRUISE INCLUSIVE PACKAGE: For your convenience we offer an Inclusive Package with three nights hotel accommodations in Quito, all airport/hotel transfers, Galapagos flights, Galapagos National Park entrance fees and taxes, Galapagos migration card and your Galapagos Coral cruise. View details of our Galapagos Cruise Inclusive Package.

Travelers not interested in our inclusive package must purchase Galapagos flights in conjunction with their Galapagos Cruise.

GALAPAGOS CRUISE CUSTOM PACKAGE: If you are booking a cruise only program our experts can assist with hotels, transfers, flights and tours. Call AdventureSmith Explorations about customizing your tour or the possibilities of combining this trip with our Mainland Ecuador and Peru: Machu Picchu extensions. We are Galapagos cruise and Ecuador travel experts and our staff can help you customize the perfect Galapagos Cruise or Ecuador Tour Package.

Notes on Itinerary: Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itinerary may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation, or at the captains discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of Galapagos cruising unique.

Single/Triple Travelers: Single cabins are available for a 75% supplement. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will guarantee double occupancy rates for cabins even if we are unable to match you with a roommate. This program is not available during peak season or during holidays. Only the suites can be converted into triples with a sofa bed. Two travelers will pay the suite price and the 3rd will pay the standard price. Children between the age of 4-12 will receive a 15% discount.

Family Travelers: Children under 12 years old at the time of sailing receive 25% off when sharing the cabin with 2 adults. Some Junior cabins and Moon cabins are interconnected and are great for accommodating families and small groups. Minimum child age is 7 years old. Galapagos Family Cruises are available, call for details.

Included aboard Journey I: Cruises include double accommodation in cabins with air conditioning, private facilities, all meals, welcome and farewell cocktail, water, 24 hour coffee station, two daily visits to Galapagos Islands with naturalist guide, snorkeling opportunities, activities on board, briefings, lectures, airport and port assistance, transfers to port and dinghy ride to ship.

Not Included aboard Journey I: International airfare; Airfare from mainland Ecuador; Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee (US $100 per adult, $50 for children under 12 years old. This can be paid directly by passengers [cash only] or it is included in our INCLUSIVE PACKAGE TOURS), Galapagos National Institute Migration Control Card (US $10 per person; departure tax ($40.80), Gratuities for guides, crew, drivers or local staff; alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages; other personal expenses; medical services or insurance of any kind.

Wet suit rental available for US $25 per person per each 3-4 night cruise; Internet available $15 per hour or fraction.

Arrival and Departure: Most flights to the Galapagos will depart Quito or Guayaquil between 7:00am-9:00am on day 1 and return between 2:00pm-5:00pm on the final day. We highly recommend travelers arrive Ecuador 2 days prior to their Galapagos Cruise.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: A cruise deposit of $700 per person is required at the time of booking. For land packages a deposit of $300 per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. A special cancellation policy also applies to all Galapagos trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. When a trip cancellation is received inside of 70 days from departure, all trip costs are 100% non-refundable. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Accommodations Aboard: The Journey I Catamaran is a luxurious motor catamaran with room for 16 persons in spacious cabins. On board the Journey I you will have the comfort of a stable, spacious, luxurious and fast catamaran built for Galapagos travel. The advantages of a catamaran are a smoother, more stable ride, more deck space and more environmently-friendly. Yacht descriptions, deck plans Journey I

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in pangas (dinghies). Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours round trip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. There are numerous opportunities to swim and snorkel.

Snorkeling: The underwater experience is an integral part of any Galapagos cruise. We encourage all travelers to try snorkeling. Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, floating vest and net bag) are available to rent for the duration of the cruise. Shortie wet suits are also available for rent and are recommended from June to December.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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