Galápagos — West, Central and East Islands aboard the Monserrat

It’s virtually impossible to witness the wonders of the Galápagos first-hand and not return home a devoted conservationist. Board the comfy Monserrat and embark on a cruising adventure through the archipelago's western, central, and eastern islands. Snorkel with sea lions, discover the unusual endemic marine life in secluded bays, and hike Sierra Negra, the largest basaltic caldera in the region. With a pair of Level II Naturalist Guides at the ready to answer your questions, you'll head home with a new perspective on nature, your planet, and maybe even yourself.

Day 1 Quito
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Quito/Isabela Island
Fly to Baltra. Meet the guide and transfer to the boat. In the afternoon, sail to Mosquera Island and walk along the beach and observe the vast sea lion colonies.

Day 3 Isabela Island
Arrive at Puerto Villamil, home to the small community that lives on Isabela Island. In the morning, hike the Sierra Negra volcano, which has the largest basaltic caldera in the Galápagos. Visit Las Tintoreras and the tortoise breeding centre in Puerto Villamil in the afternoon.

Day 4 Chinese Hat/Rábida Island
Visit Chinese Hat for snorkelling opportunities and to observe the birds and sea lions. Take an afternoon excursion to Rábida to see a lagoon and sea lion colony.

Day 5 Puerto Egas/Santiago Island
On a morning excursion to Puerto Egas, walk on a dark sand beach studded with rock formations and tidal pools. Continue to Playa Espumilla, one of the most idyllic beaches in the Galápagos Islands, which boasts thick mangroves and sea turtle nesting sites. Head to Buccaneer Cove to witness the towering cliff wall rock formations.

Day 6 North Seymour/Baltra Island
Visit North Seymour for guided walks to observe birds and wildlife, including vast sea lion colonies. Spend the afternoon exploring the Santa Cruz highlands.

Day 7 Islas Plaza/Santa Fé Island
Land at South Plaza in the morning for wildlife spotting opportunities and a walk through the cactus forest. In the afternoon, take a guided walk around Santa Fé to observe wildlife and plentiful marine iguanas.

Day 8 Punta Pitt/Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Morning landing at Punta Pitt on San Cristóbal Island to observe the marine iguanas and seabirds along the beach. Head to La Galapaguera for opportunities to see giant tortoises and enjoy a snorkelling excursion.

Day 9 Puerto Baquerizo Moreno/Quito
Explore the port town of Puerto Baquerizo, the capital of the Galápagos. Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Centre before the flight back to Quito.

Day 10 Quito
Depart at any time.