Western Explorer Cruise
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Duration
7 Nights
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Ship Comfort
Luxury
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Total Guests
100
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Price From
$13,200 per person
Set sail aboard the Silver Origin for a week-long journey around the Western Galapagos Islands, where you'll encounter diverse wildlife, unique landscapes, and various island ecosystems.
Trip Highlights:
- Santa Cruz Highlands: Giant Tortoise Habitats & Birdwatching: Observe giant tortoises in their natural highland habitat and enjoy diverse birdwatching opportunities.
- Isabela Island: Elizabeth Bay & Tagus Cove: Explore mangroves and rocky coastline where penguins, flightless cormorants and many other bird species live.
- Santa Cruz: Guy Fawkes Islets & Snorkeling: Venture underwater to spot colorful marine invertebrates and wildlife including turtles, sharks and manta rays
- Floreana: Flocks of Flamingos at Punta Cormorant: Observe flamingos skim the water for shrimp and tend to chicks on the nest.
Operator's Itinerary
Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 | San Cristobal and Kicker Rock
Arrive in San Cristobal airport and board the Silver Origin Cruise.
In the late afternoon, circumnavigate around Kicker Rock where Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies and frigatebirds can be observed in the air. Look out for sea lions along the shore.
(Dinner)
Day 2 | Bartolemé & Santiago Islands
Step ashore Isla Bartolomé, passing through the arid volcanic landscape where lava lizards, Galapagos Hawks and Blue-footed Boobies inhabit. After a steep hike, enjoy panoramic views of Pinnacle Rock before swimming and snorkeling on the golden beach.
In the afternoon, Santiago Island. Palo Santo trees and giant Prickly pear cacti cover the land while sea birds such as Nazca Boobies, Blue Footed Boobies and Swallow-tailed Gulls fly overhead. Sea turtles, sea lions and reef sharks can also be spotted in the waters.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3 | Isabela & Ferdinanda Islands
On day three, explore Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island. The underwater caves along with an array of wildlife - green turtles, sharks, penguins, rays, dolphins and even whales can also be expected. Marine iguanas also like this area because of the rich variety of seaweeds growing underwater.
In the afternoon, watch hundreds of marine iguanas at Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island. Witness Galapagos sea lions and their pups take shelter here and play in the shallow tide pools.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4 | Isabela Island
In the morning, visit Tagus Cove where Galapagos Penguins and Flightless Cormorants are often seen.
Later, head to Elizabeth Bay, one of the main marine sites on Isabela's west coast, showing off mangroves and coves. Blue Herons and Frigatebirds perch on the rocks, and turtles, rays and sharks feed in the waters.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 | Floreana Island
Spend the morning at Floreana's Post Office Bay where you can send your own postcard. Then, visit Champion Islet (a small islet off Floreana) for deep water snorkeling and opportunities to see curious sea lions up close. Also at this marine site are turtles, sharks, sting rays and colorful fish.
In the afternoon, visit Punta Cormorant to see flocks of flamingos along with many other exotic birds.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 | Santa Cruz Island
Anchor in front of Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, home of the Tortoise Breeding Center. Enjoy some free time in Puerto Ayora town where local artists have created charming art galleries and corner cafes.
Explore the Santa Cruz highlands where flora and fauna differs drastically from the shoreline. Giant tortoises love this climate to mate, feed and rest before their next long migration to the shorelines.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 | Santa Cruz Island
On day seven, visit four islets off the coast of Santa Cruz Island that have underwater cliffs covered with colorful sponges, corals, sea stars and urchins - perfect for snorkeling.
In the afternoon, visit the soft white sands of Santa Cruz while spotting more wildlife.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 | San Cristobal
Transfer to San Cristobal airport for your flight back to the mainland.
(Breakfast)
Questions about this Voyage?
Inclusions
Vessel Overview
Your Expedition Vessel
Take a look inside...
Explorer Lounge
The Explorer Lounge offers undeniably the most elegant way to experience the islands. Choose a book from the expert-curated library, share stories from the day’s adventures, or simply enjoy the sounds of the live pianist over a cocktail.
Explorer Lounge Exterior
When night falls, cozy up around the fire pit - seamlessly taking you from day to night, the Explorer Lounge does it all!
The Grill
On the upper deck, the stylish dining area offers stunning views of the landscape while enjoying delectable cuisine.
Upper Deck
Featuring a Jacuzzi and relaxing seating area, the upper deck offers panoramic views and luxury comfort.
Restaurant
This acclaimed restaurant brings truly authentic Ecuadorian recipes using only the freshest local ingredients, accompanied by the best regional wine.
Basecamp
The perfect meeting point for Zodiac excursions, the Basecamp has been specially designed to offer guests a chance to prepare for their next adventure. Featuring an interactive wall, the Basecamp doubles as an information HQ where guests access information on the fascinating flora and fauna of the Galápagos Islands.
Observation Deck
Witness the breathtaking views of the Galápagos Islands from the comfort of the Observation Deck.
Fitness Center
Equipped with a fitness center for those looking to stay active while aboard the ship.
Panoramic Suites
With a capacity for 100 guests, this vessel is all about comfort and luxury with various Suites and Cabins to choose from.
Suites and Cabins
Owner's Suite
• Large veranda with floor-to-ceiling glass doors
• Living room
• Separate dining area
• Twin beds or king-sized bed
• Bathroom with double vanity,
plus a powder room
• Ocean-view whirlpool bath
and separate shower
• Walk-in wardrobe(s)
• Vanity table(s)
• Writing desk(s)
• 2 large flat screen TVs
• Premium sound system
• Premium coffee station
• Binoculars
• Laundry service
• Unlimited Premium Wifi
Grand Suite
• Large veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
• Living room with sitting area
• Separate dining area
• Twin beds or king-sized bed
• A choice of pillows
• Bathroom with double vanity, plus a powder room
• Ocean-view whirlpool bath and separate shower
• Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
• Vanity table(s)
• 2 large flat screen TVs
• Premium sound system
• Premium coffee station
• Binoculars
• Laundry service
• Unlimited Premium Wifi
Royal Suite
• Large veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
• Living room with sitting area
• Twin beds or king sized bed
• A choice of pillows
• Bathroom with double vanity, plus a powder room
• Ocean-view whirlpool bath and separate shower
• Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
• Vanity table(s)
• 2 large flat screen TVs
• Premium sound system
• Premium coffee station
• Binoculars
• Laundry service
• Unlimited Premium Wifi
Silver Suite
• Large veranda with patio
furniture and floor-to-ceiling
glass doors
• Living room with sitting area
• Twin beds or queen-sized bed
• A choice of pillows
• Bathroom with large vanity
• Whirlpool bath and separate
shower with exterior view
• Walk-in wardrobe(s) with
personal safe
• Vanity table(s)
• 2 large flat screen TVs
• Premium sound system
• Premium coffee station
• Binoculars
• Laundry service
• Unlimited Premium Wifi
Medallion Suite
• Private veranda with
Horizon Balcony
• Sitting area
• Twin beds or king-sized bed
• A choice of pillows
• Bathroom with large vanity
• Ocean-view walk-in shower
• Fitted wardrobe with
personal safe
• Writing desk
• 1 large flat screen TV
• Premium sound system
• Premium coffee station
• Binoculars
• Laundry service
• Unlimited Premium Wifi
Deluxe Veranda Suite
• Private veranda with
Horizon Balcony
• Sitting area
• Twin beds or queen-sized bed
• A choice of pillows
• Bathroom with large vanity
• Ocean-view walk-in shower
• Walk-in wardrobe(s) with
personal safe
• Writing desk
• 1 large flat screen TV
• Unlimited Standard Wifi
Classic Veranda Suite
• Floor to ceiling sliding doors
with veranda
• Sitting area
• Twin beds or queen-sized bed
• A choice of pillows
• Bathroom with large vanity
and walk-in shower
• Walk-in wardrobe(s) with
personal safe
• Writing desk
• 1 large flat screen TV
• Unlimited Standard Wifi