Seeking Recommendations on Galapagos Cruise: Western or Eastern Itinerary? (1 Viewer)

[LittleBrownCreeper]

With limited time for a Galapagos tour, I need to choose either western or an eastern itinerary. I want to save time for the Andes and a quick trip to the Amazon. I need birders' input: which would you/did you choose? Thanks. 🐧

*Shpiel from one travel guide:
"Cruising the Eastern Islands, highlights include a seasonal breeding site for thousands of waved albatross, the largest red-footed booby colony in the world, and amazing snorkeling around iconic Pinnacle Rock. On our Western Islands journey, explore a shoreline full of endemic flightless cormorants, snorkel at famous Devil’s Crown, and visit a colony of magnificent frigatebirds. Both itineraries are fantastic natural history adventures, and these legendary islands provide an incredible learning experience for everyone."

 

[njlarsen]

Check the list of Galapagos birds and which are more important for you.

If this includes the Waved Albatross, check that your tour is at a time of the year when you can see them (the colony may be empty at certain times of the year).

The western tour should also include the Penguin beyond what they have stated. This and the cormorant are resident as far as I know.

I think you will get around 2/3 of the finches on either tour.
Niels