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Arrival to Quito. Transportation is provided at the hotel. Accommodations at the hotel. Welcome cocktail provided.
Breakfast. Assistant for transfer to the airport to take the flight to Galápagos (Baltra Island). Arrive Galapagos at 13h30 p.m. and we go hotel to accommodations. Afternoon, we visit Charles Darwin Research Satation and the Vann Strallen Center. Accommodation and dinner at hotel.
After breakfast, we go to take a motor ship to visit Plazas with box lunch in route. The Plazas Islands are an important habitat of sea lions, iguanas, cactus, and seagulls. Afternoon, we will visit Punta Carrión where we can enjoy of a wonderfull beach and practiced snorkeling to apreciate differet kinds of fish. Accommodation and dinner at hotel.
Breakfast, we will visit Bartoleme Island, that is a wonderfull for its lanscape and there, there are pelicans, penguins, and cormorants. It offers the chance to walk between lava flow formations and enjoy of a gold beach. Accommodation and dinner at hotel.
Breakfasta, we take Bahía tour to visit different place such as: La Lobería with sea lions, Punta Estrada frigate and boobies, Canal del Amor with change of water´s color, Playa de Franklin with marine iguanas, Las Grietas thas is a natural swiming pool to take a shawer. Afternoon, we go to Túneles del Amor in Santa Cruz. Accommodation and dinner at hotel.
After breakfast, transfer to Baltra airport to take the flight to Quito. In the route we can apreciate the Crateres Gemelos. Arrival to Quito, Transportation is provided at the hotel. Accommodations at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport to take the departure flight.
Hotel and/or Ship Turistic, Firts Class and Luxury
Program: 4, 5 and 8 días
• Lodge DWB
• All meals (brekfast, lunch and dinner)
• Expeditions and Visits in the Island
• Medical International Assistance
• Ticket Quito/Guayaquil – Galápagos – Quito/Guayaquil
• Guide
• Tax Machalilla National Park
• Drinks
• Tax 1.2% IVA
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Arrival to Quito. Transportation is provided at the hotel. Accommodations at the hotel. Welcome cocktail provided.
Breakfast. Assistant for transfer to the airport to take the flight to Galápagos (Baltra Island). Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz)
El Baranco (Genovesa)
Darwin Bay (Genovesa)
Suarez Point (Española)
Interpretation Center (San Cristobal)
Baltra Beach
Bartolomé
Espinoza Point (Fernandina)
Tagus Cove (Isabela)
Moreno Point (Isabela)
Urbina Bay (Isabela)
Highlands (Santa Cruz)
Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz)
Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz)
Baltra Airport
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport to take the departure flight.
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M/V GALAPAGOS LEGEND ITINERARY DAY BY DAY! |
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Arrival to Quito. Transportation is provided at the hotel. Accommodations at the hotel. Welcome cocktail provided.
Baltra Island . Welcome at Baltra Airport . Briefing on ship´s facilities at lounge given by guides as well as National Park. Safety drill practice with passengers, crew and guides.
North Seymour Island . After a dry landing guests will encounter Swallow Tailed Gulls and Sea Lions. This site is also known for being a major nesting colony for Blue Footed Boobies, and the largest colony of the Magnificent Frigate Bird. (a different species from the Great Frigate Bird). Travelers will also spot both endemic species of iguanas, the Marine Iguanas and Land Iguanas. Passengers will enjoy this relaxed hike around the nesting sites.
Genovesa Island . Best known as “the island of birds.” Passengers enjoy the safe harbor of being anchored deep within the cater formed bay. A dry landing at El Barranco (Prince Philip's Steps). Passengers will walk on lava terrain observing Red Footed Boobies, Frigates, and the fragrant Palo Santo trees. Thousands of Storm Petrels can be seen hovering over the open expanses. Your second visit is a refreshing wet landing, travelers visit Darwin Bay . Visitors will enjoy observing the Red-Footed Boobies, Frigates, Sea Lions, Lava Gulls, Night Herons, and Fiddler Crabs at this site. This site also offers snorkeling in the bay to observe sharks and rays at a safe distance. Passengers never forget the beaches on this island.
Española Island . Travelers enjoy a dry landing at Suarez Point. Upon landing visitors will learn more about the lava terrain while crossing the inactive lava fields.. Aside from the Sea Lion colonies, this is one of the most important sites for bird watching. As soon as visitors step foot on this island many species can be spotted and observed up close. Among the many species, the Hooded Mocking bird and Red Billed Tropic Bird can be seen. Travelers will also spot a large colony of Marine Iguanas, Lava Lizards, and the colorful Sally Light Foot Crabs. After a short trek visitors encounter colonies of masked and blue-footed boobies. Nesting grounds sometimes overlap the trail. Visitors will also find Galapagos Doves, Hawks and Swallow-Tailed Gulls. After crossing the nesting grounds you will reach the world's largest colony of Waved Albatross (15000 approx.), Their mating rituals are a highlight. Nearing the end of this excursion passengers will visit the famous blowhole, where water shoots into the air at almost 23 mts. (75 ft.).
San Cristóbal Island . Dry landing at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Here passengers visit the Interpretation Center providing travelers an opportunity to learn about the natural and human history of the islands through an hour-long interactive presentation. There is some time to shop in town.
Santa Cruz Island . Arrive at Black Turtle Cove located near Las Bachas beach in the north of Santa Cruz Island . This excursion provides passengers with a “panga” ride though the mangrove, during which the outboard motor of the small boat is turned off. This allows for the close observation of Sea Turtles, White Tipped Reef Sharks, Spotted Eagle Rays, and Yellow Rays.
*END OF THE 3 NIGHTS CRUISE ITINERARY
Bartolomé Island . Dry landing. Arriving on this island, passengers will see volcanic formations including lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. After a hike to the summit visitors have an impressive view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock. During the ascent travelers will often see a large colony of Marine Iguanas and Lava Lizards. Red Mangroves, Tiquilla, and various cacti all add to the experience. Visitors also enjoy a chance to cool off while snorkeling. Here travelers often see the Galapagos Penguin, Sea Turtles, and White Tipped Sharks from a safe distance.
Fernandina Island . After a dry landing at Espinosa Point, passengers will see the largest colony of Marine Iguanas mingling with Sally-light Foot Crabs. Also enjoyed are the Flightless Cormorants nesting sites, the Galapagos Penguins, Galapagos Hawks, and Sea lions. Among the flora and volcanic formations observers will note Brachycereus Cactus, “pa-hoe-hoe” lava, and other unusual lava formations. Travelers will view recent lava flows from a safe distance. Also numerous mangrove beds extend into the sea, depicting a healthy and thriving eco-system.
Isabela Island . Is the largest island in the Galapagos. At Tagus Cove, passengers enjoy a dry landing. Visitors learn more about the eruption of five volcanoes that flowed together to form this land mass. During the walk passengers will see the largest population of Giant Tortoises.(about 4000, but difficult to spot) the marked trail leads to Darwin 's salt water lagoon and an excellent view of the lava fields, scoured with unique volcanic formations,. Time is allowed for viewing marine life from the dinghy. Frequently visitors see Galapagos Penguins at this site. A view of graffiti dating back to the 1800's can help passengers better appreciate the relationship between the islands and tourism today. Most of the graffiti is believed to be done by pirates and buccaneers.
Santiago Island . Visit the dark sand beach at Puerto Egas during a wet landing. Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows, the surrounding area is prime for spotting and observing Hunting Herons, Great Blue Herons, Lava Herons, Oyster Catchers, and the Yellow Crowned Night Heron. Passengers enjoy the sight of Marine Iguanas grazing upon algae beds at low tide sharing space with Red Sally Light-Foot Crabs. There is a colony of Fur-Seal swimming in deep pools of cool water called “grottos”. This is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling in search of Octopuses, Sea Horses, Star Fish and other sea life caught in the small tidal pools. From a safe distance travelers can admire Moray Eels, Hammerhead Sharks, White Tip and Galapagos Sharks, Golden and White Spotted Eagle Rays, Jacks, Wahoo, Tuna, Groupers, Red-Tailed and Dog Snappers, Sea Lions, and Sea Turtles. All located in the back drop of cold water and warm water corals, fans, and sponge.
Rábida Island . Dry landing at the dark red colored beach of volcanic origin, frequented by sea lions. It is often considered the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most diversified volcanic rocks in all of the Islands . Here a short trail leads to a salt water lagoon, where we find small colonies of Flamingos feeding. The brown pelican nests in the mangroves found at the far side of the lagoon. Also to be found are boobies and 9 species of Darwin 's finches. Dinghie ride by the reefs and an excellent opportunity for snorkeling.
Santa Cruz Island . On another visit, travelers have the chance to investigate the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, staffed with international scientists conducting biological research and conservation projects. Here you can also admire Giant Tortoises, part of the breeding program. Also travelers can admire the impressive Giant Prickly-Pear Cactus forest and many land birds. The visit to the station takes around 40 minutes. After this visit passengers have some free time to walk around town and shop for souvenirs.
The trail then leads up to Dragon Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay. This area is a nesting site for a big number of reintroduced Land Iguanas, again thanks to the Charles Darwin Research Station. There is also a bizarre Scalesia tree forest.
Santa Cruz Island . Disembarkation at Bachas Beach (wet landing) which is located at north of Santa Cruz Island . In this site you will be encountered by sea lions that will be found bodysurfing, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and passengers would have the opportunity to swim in this white sanded beach.
Baltra Island . Baltra´s airport in order to take the flight back to Quito or Guayaquil. Transportation is provided at the hotel. Accommodations at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport to take the departure flight. |
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M/V SANTA CRUZ MONDAY TO MONDAY |
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Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island)
Arrival by plane to San Cristobal Island and transfer to the MV SANTA CRUZ, which will be anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos Islands. Cabin assignment and lunch. After lunch, introductory welcome talk and boat drill.
Isla Lobos - Sea Lion Island (San Cristobal Island)
The ship navigates to a small islet whose shores are home to many sea birds, including frigate birds and blue-footed boobies . Great landscape photography. A sea lion colony is a great introduction to the most common seen mammals in Galapagos. These are the shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristóbal was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos. Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by a welcome cocktail offered by the Captain and dinner.
Bartholome Island
Disembark at Bartholome Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. Great way to start the day. This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase; the view from the top is worth the effort. Panga ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and snorkeling. Chance to snorkel next to Galapagos Penguins. There is also the possibility to ride on the glass bottom boat for great views of the underwater world. Scenic navigation to Puerto Egas. Lunch on board.
Puerto Egas (James Island)
Afternoon mid-length walk at Puerto Egas (wet landing). This is a great opportunity to see land and marine birds and to observe a fur-sea lion colony. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds. Outstanding snorkeling or swimming from the beach before or after the walk. Recaps and briefing before dinner. Weather permitting, stargazing on deck.
Darwin Bay (Tower Island)
Early morning cruise into Darwin Bay before breakfast; optional wake-up call. Later, a wet landing for an easy stroll observing hundreds of birds, mainly Great frigate birds, red footed and Nazca (masked) boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. Afterwards, return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbor. Those more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs and look for Hammerhead Sharks. Lunch on board. During navigation, spend some time on deck looking for dolphins or possibly whales.
North Seymour Island
North Seymour is an uplifted island. In previous times, this was the ocean's bed. Afternoon outing at North Seymour (dry landing) for a walk along the coast and the interior of the island observing bird colonies of blue footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls and also sea lions and marine iguanas. A shorter walk is also available. Evening recaps, briefing, and dinner.
Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island)
After breakfast, disembark (dry landing) to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens, an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds. Santa Cruz Island alone has 8 species of Darwin's Finches! Then, a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora. Lunch at the Finch Bay Hotel. Afternoon in the lush highlands, visiting the Scalesia forest and its eye-catching green. The vermilion flycatcher will delight all participants with its scarlet feathers against an emerald forest. Naturalist's briefing and dinner.
Tagus Cove (Isabela Island)
Early cruise into the Bolivar Channel where the cool waters will give Galapagos a not-so-tropical landscape. This can be rewarded with the possibility of observing dolphins or whales. The colossal young volcanoes are just breath taking. Morning disembarkation at Tagus Cove, a protected natural harbor. A walk uphill takes you around Darwin's salt-water crater lake for a superb view. There is also the possibility of a dinghy ride along the shoreline to see the unique fauna of the largest island in the Archipelago. Galapagos Penguins along the shore are always a highlight. Possibility for swimming and snorkeling. Lunch on board.
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
The afternoon brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina. First, a dinghy ride to observe penguins, as well as flightless cormorants and then disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, and hawks. Lava terrain calls for good walking shoes. Recap and briefing before dinner. The western skies tend to be the clearest ones in Galapagos, and so tonight, weather permitting, we will be on deck stargazing.
Urbina Bay (Isabela Island)
Before breakfast, scenic cruise along Bolívar Channel and possible observation of whales and/or dolphins. Breakfast and disembarkation (wet landing) for a medium-length walk at Urbina Bay to look for giant tortoises and land iguanas. This place went through a volcanic uplifting event back in 1954 leaving gaunt marine skeletons, which make the walk remarkably interesting. Those who wish may take either only a short walk along the beach, or a longer walk towards the interior of the island. Swimming and snorkeling depending on local conditions. Back on board for lunch.
Punta Moreno (Isabela Island)
The forces of the Galapagos volcanoes can be easily witnessed here. Afternoon outing (dry landing) for a medium length walk at Punta Moreno (west of Isabela Island) to observe unique lava flows and small lagoons with bird life. Those who do not wish to take the shore excursion may enjoy a panga ride along the shoreline to observe birds and marine iguanas. Evening conference and dinner. Weather permitting, stargazing on deck.
Gardner Bay (Hood Island)
After breakfast, disembark at Gardner Bay (wet landing) for a short walk along the cleanest white coral beach you can imagine. You can either take a short walk and watch the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches, enjoy the beach, snorkel and swim from the beach, or ride the glass-bottom boat around Gardner and Tortuga islets. Great snorkeling at these locations.
Punta Suarez (Hood Island)
Afternoon excursion at Punta Suarez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April - December) and the famous blowhole. Great hike for blue-footed boobies, swallowtail gulls, the Hood island mockingbird, red-green-black marine iguanas, and of course a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. A shorter walk is also available. For those not planning to walk at all, there will be a dinghy ride along the coastline of Punta Suarez. Farewell dinner. Farewell cocktail and instructions for departure.
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island)
Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for a short visit to the town and the Interpretation Center. The San Cristobal Interpretation Center, located in a natural setting, allows visitors to obtain information to help them understand the characteristics of the natural area they are visiting, such as the natural processes that have made Galapagos a unique place in the world, the human history and the efforts being made to protect and preserve the Galapagos Islands.
Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the continent.
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YACHT ISABELA II TUESDAY TO TUESDAY |
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Baltra Island
Morning arrival to Baltra Island by TAME flight and immediate transfer to the dock to board the ISABELA II. Welcome introductory briefing and lunch.
North Seymour Island
Afternoon disembarkation (dry landing) for a walk along the coast and the interior of the island, observing bird colonies of blue footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls and also sea lions and marine iguanas. A shorter walk is also available. Welcome Cocktail offered by the Captain. Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities and dinner.
Gardner Bay (Hood Island)
After breakfast, disembark (wet landing) at a white coral beach where you can take a short walk and watch the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach.. There is great snorkeling in this area (snorkeling equipment is available for passengers at no extra cost), or ride the glass-bottom boat around Gardner or Tortuga islets.
Punta Suárez (Hood Island)
Afternoon dry landing for an exciting walk on lava terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the Waved Albatrosses (May - December) and the famous blowhole. A shorter walk is also available. For those not planning to walk there will be panga (dinghy) ride along the coastline of Punta Suárez. Naturalist's briefing and dinner.
Point Cormorant (Floreana Island)
After breakfast, disembark at Point Cormorant (wet landing) for an easy walk to see the flamingos that inhabit a brackish-water lagoon, and other birds like ducks, stilts, sandpipers, etc. There is great snorkeling from the beach or near by, at the Devil's Crown. Those who do not snorkel can enjoy a ride on the glass-bottom boat. Lunch on board.
Post Office Bay (Floreana Island)
Wet landing at the historical Post Office Bay to learn about the human side of the islands, its early inhabitants and the adventures of pirates and whalers. Then, a panga ride will take you to nearby islets to observe sea lions, rays and sea turtles, boobies and possibly the Galapagos penguin. Naturalist's briefing and dinner.
Santa Cruz Island
After breakfast, disembark (dry landing) to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens, an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds. Then a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora. Lunch at the Hotel Delfín. Afternoon in the highlands, visiting the Scalesia forest and the twin pit craters Los Gemelos. From December to mid-April a visit to see the giant tortoises in the wild may be included, if weather conditions are good. Naturalist's briefing and dinner.
Darwin Bay (Tower Island)
Morning wet landing for an easy stroll observing thousands of bird life, mainly frigate birds, red footed and masked boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. If you wish you can continue walking over sharp lava and uneven terrain, or just go back to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbor. Those most adventurous can look for Hammerhead sharks, snorkeling along the cliffs. Lunch on board.
Prince Philip's Steps (Tower Island)
The afternoon starts with a very interesting panga ride along the cliffs and then disembark (dry landing) on rocks for a steep climb (90 feet) and then a leveled walk for about a mile to the other side of this small island observing large colonies of masked boobies, frigate birds, storm petrels and the short-eared owl. Naturalist's briefing and dinner.
Early risers will enjoy cruising right in front of famous Ecuador Volcano, which rises off the water line with one of its halves completely collapsed, and now resting underwater, while crossing the Equator line.
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
The morning brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant. Lunch on board.
Urbina Bay (Isabela Island)
After lunch, scenic cruise along Bolívar Channel and possible observation of whales and/or dolphins. Disembarkation (wet landing) for a medium-length walk at Urbina Bay to look for giant tortoises and land iguanas. This place went through a volcanic uplifting event back in 1954 leaving gaunt marine skeletons, which make the walk remarkably interesting. Those who wish may take either only a short walk along the beach, or a longer walk towards the interior of the island. Swimming and snorkeling depending on local conditions.
Puerto Egas (James Island)
Wet landing for a mid-length walk. Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows. This is a great opportunity to see land and marine birds. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds and there is a colony of fur-sea lions. Good snorkeling and swimming from the beach after the walk. Lunch on board.
Disembark at Bartolome Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase; the view from the top is worth the effort. There will be time for a panga ride around Pinnacle Rock to observe penguins, to enjoy the beach (wet landing), snorkeling and swimming from the beach, or a ride on the glass-bottom boat. Farewell cocktail and departure briefing.
After breakfast, departure to the port and airport to take the flight back to the continent.
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OUR SUGGESTIONS- galapagos 
