Explore the western region of the Galapagos Islands on this 7 day expedition cruise aboard Silver Origin. Setting sail from the island of San Cristobal, you will head towards one of the most eye-catching sights in the Galapagos, Kicker Rock (Roca Leon Dormido). Here you will cruise close to the rock face with a chance of seeing a myriad of different birds, including Nazca Booobies and Swallow-tailed Gulls.
The following day you will visit two of the region’s most beautiful islands. The first is Bartolome, where you will land by Zodiac and trek towards the look-out point for glorious view of Sullivan Bay, before heading to Santiago Island for a beach landing on Playa Espumilla, which is home to sea turtles, Galapagos Hawks and Yellow Warblers.
The next three days will see you based close to the islands of Isabela and Floreana. Isabela is one of the largest landmasses in the western region and offers much to explore. During your time here you will visit one of the Galapagos Islands best snorkel sites, which lies at the foot of the cliffs at Punta Vicente Roca, and Elizabeth Bay where you will venture by Zodiac towards a dense Mangrove forest and be given the chance to see rays, sharks and turtles.
Floreana is the most northern of the islands in the western region and was the first to be colonised by the Ecuadorians. Floreana is noted for the great snorkelling opportunities it offers but the blend of white sand beaches, tree-topped mounds and rocky lava fields make it a lovely place to explore.
During your time on Floreana you will also visit the island’s famous Post Office. Unlike many places in the region, Post Office Bay is intrinsically linked to human history. In the 1800s whalers placed a barrel on the island in which they would leave letters for loved ones back home. These would then be collected by passing ships on their way to Europe and the Americas in order for them to be delivered. This system still works today – if you want to see how long it takes, you can join other tourists by leaving your own message!
The final two days of your expedition will be focused on the island of Santa Cruz. You will visit Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill), which displays the benefits of the conservation work carried out by the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos National Park in protecting the island’s reptiles, and Los Gemelos; two sinkholes that disappear deep into the earth and is one of the most breathtaking landmarks in the region.
