Galápagos Islands

Compare East & West Galapagos Islands

What are the Differences, and Which Islands are Best to Visit?

We’ve designed our Galápagos itineraries to highlight the best islands of the archipelago, with in-depth explorations of the Eastern and Western islands. No matter which journey you choose, you’ll enjoy fascinating excursions on land, daily swimming and snorkeling, optional sea kayaking, and awe-inspiring wildlife encounters—sea lions, iguanas, boobies, frigatebirds, flamingos, finches, penguins, sharks, rays, majestic sea turtles, and of course, giant land tortoises!

Western Islands

The western islands, famed for their dramatic volcanic landscapes, giant uplifted coral beds, and spectacular beaches, are younger, larger, and completely off-limits to day-trippers. Thanks to the upwelling of cool nutrient-rich waters from the open ocean, these islands are home to a vast array of marine diversity, from iguanas, sea lions, and fur seals, to Sally Lightfoot crabs—watching for large pods of dolphins and whales is a true highlight of this trip. On land, we’ll meet giant tortoises in the wild, explore historic Post Office Bay and pirate hideaways on Floreana, and hike across Isabela’s stunning lava fields to a mangrove lagoon frequented by pink flamingos. On Fernandina, one of the most pristine places on the planet, expect sea turtles, countless marine iguanas, and a colony of endemic flightless cormorants.

Eastern Islands

The eastern islands are more mature and protected from the open-ocean currents, creating a safe haven for a wide variety of birdlife as well as endemic flora. These islands tend to be smaller than their western counterparts, with lots of flora to create a lush habitat for birds, including waved albatross, great frigatebirds, and elegant swallow-tailed gulls. We visit Isla Genovesa, where one of the only colonies of red-footed boobies exist, walk on red-sand beaches on Rábida, and see the iconic Pinnacle Rock on Bartolomé. The eastern islands’ warm waters attract colorful reef fish, tiny Galápagos penguins, and green sea turtles, and you’re likely to see young sea lions and fur seals sunbathing on white sandy beaches.

Galapagos Adventure aboard the Passion

View Trip Details

Aboard our deluxe 14-guest yacht, set out for an 8-day cruise through the Eastern or Western islands with an expert naturalist, daily hiking, snorkeling, and optional sea kayaking

Activities

Walking Wildlife & Natural History Small Ship Cruising Family Trips Sea Kayaking & Snorkeling

Trip Length

10 Days

Trip Level

Level 1+

Cost

From $10,295

Highlights

Walk right among nesting blue-footed boobies, giant marine iguanas, and sunning sea lions
Enjoy the comfort of a luxurious 14-guest yacht as your home base
With an expert naturalist guide, witness the diversity of wildlife that inspired Darwin
Explore Quito’s historic center—2 nights pre-cruise

Lodging

7 nights aboard the Passion, 2 nights hotel

Meals

All meals included except 1 lunch and 2 dinners

Departures

Jan 8-17, 2026

Jan 15-24, 2026

Feb 5-14, 2026

Feb 12-21, 2026

Mar 5-14, 2026

Mar 12-21, 2026

Apr 16-25, 2026

Apr 23, 2026 – May 2, 2026

Apr 30, 2026 – May 9, 2026

May 7-16, 2026

May 14-23, 2026

May 21-30, 2026

Jan 21-30, 2027

Jan 28, 2027 – Feb 6, 2027

Feb 18-27, 2027

Feb 25, 2027 – Mar 6, 2027

Mar 18-27, 2027

Mar 25, 2027 – Apr 3, 2027

Apr 15-24, 2027

Apr 22, 2027 – May 1, 2027

May 13-22, 2027

May 20-29, 2027