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ECUADOR
GALAPAGOS 
• 4 days
 Galapagos Islands with M/N Santa Cruz
Fixed departures: Fridays |
The M/N Santa Cruz has 46 cabins and is the only ship built exclusively to make cruises in the Galapagos Islands. It was completely renovated in 1998, redesigned and refreshed inside and out. The M/N Santa Cruz has gained worldwide recognition for its excellent standards, with first class service, expert crew, the finest multilingual naturalist guides and menus with the best of international cuisine and Ecuador's delicacies.
A boat trip between islands and wetlands permits the observation of the coastal landscape, an area of significant volcanic activity in the past. During this exploration one can see various types of birds such as boobies, frigates and pelicans. Occasionally the black lava reveals the presence of marine iguanas. The navigation in shallow turquoise waters provides the opportunity to see turtles, rays and sharks.
The M/N Santa Cruz offers expeditions lasting 4, 5 and 8 days. |
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Day 01 (Friday): PUERTO BAQUERIZO MORENO (SAN CRISTÓBAL ISLAND)
Arrival by plane to San Cristóbal Island (flight not included) and transfer to the M/N SANTA CRUZ, which is anchored in the Puerto Baquerizo Moreno bay, the provincial capital of the Galapagos Islands. Accommodation in cabins and lunch. After lunch, introductory talk and boat's preparation.
CERRO BRUJO (SAN CRISTÓBAL ISLAND)
Travel by boat along the coast that leads to the volcanic white coral beach of Cerro Brujo. Landing. On this habitat one can observe seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds and shorebirds. You can also observe sea lions. It is an open area for walking, ideal for bird watching. Among the more attractive fauna there are the Cucuve de Chatham and the San Cristóbal's lava lizard, both species endemic to the island and not found anywhere else in Galapagos. There are also canaries, the Galapagos's papamoscas and, with luck, the witch bird (pájaro brujo) (a subspecies endemic to San Cristóbal). This is the same coast where Charles Darwin walked for the first time in September 1835. Back on board for a conversation about the next day's activities, followed by a welcome cocktail offered by the captain, and dinner.
Day 02 (Saturday): PUNTA SUAREZ (ESPAÑOLA ISLAND)
Landing at Punta Suarez for a long walk between the rocks to visit its famous colonies of seabirds including (from April to December) the Galapagos Albatrosses. During the walk one can observe Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, forked tail seagulls, the Española's cucuve and three species of Darwin's Pinzones. It also can be observed colorful marine iguanas and a colony of sea lions near the landing site. Back on board for lunch.
PUNTA CORMORANT (FLOREANA ISLAND)
Disembark at Punta Cormorant on an olivine crystals's beach for an easy trail that leads to a saltwater lagoon where one can observe flamingos, ducks, royal teros, herons and other birds. We arrive soon at a white coral beach where sea turtles nest at night (December-May). Chance of diving from the beach area, and to use the glass bottom boat if conditions permit. Talk about the next day's activities and dinner.
Day 03 (Sunday): PUNTA ESPINOZA (FERNANDINA ISLAND)
Morning arrival at the archipelago's youngest island, Fernandina. Disembark for a walk one mile long. Punta Espinoza has an outstanding combination of new lava rocks and a lot of animal life. Since that there are no introduced mammals on the island, Fernandina has the highest density of marine iguanas who share the island's habitat with sea lions, crabs, sayapas and the Galapagos hawk. It's necessary to use good shoes for walking on lava. Back on board for lunch. While navigating by the Bolivar Channel one can have the sight of an unique volcanic landscape. Nutrient rich waters to the west of the archipelago can also bring surprises such as sea birds feeding, dolphins and possibly whales.
PUNTA VICENTE ROCA (ISABELA ISLAND)
In the afternoon, depending on sea conditions, opportunity for snorkeling near the slopes of semi submerged Ecuador volcano on the northern tip of Isabela Island. Since there is no landing at this point, we will explore the cliffs by boat and the naturalist guide will explain the area's dramatic geology, with remains of limestone formations and lava. Here nest cormorants without wings, the only ones in the world that have completely changed their condition of flying birds to diving birds. It is usual to this area to find penguins and Galapagos's furry sea wolves, Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies and white-headed small hawks. This is an area of immense marine wealth seasonally visited by green sea turtles. Before dinner, talk about details of the following day's activities.
Day 04 (Monday): CHARLES DARWIN SCIENTIFIC STATION
The visit to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station is certainly an adventure on this morning's program. It only requires a different approach to crown the travel plan with success. This tour is optional and starts very early. Arrival at Itabaca Channel between the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz and disembark at the public pier for a journey of 30 minutes by bus to Puerto Ayora by the upper part of Santa Cruz Island, where one can observe changes in vegetation. Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and program for breeding the famous giant tortoises in captivity. Here are shown the conservation efforts promoted by this institution and you can walk in an impressive giant cacti's grove, where many species of land birds can be observed. After the one hour visit, trip back by the same route to cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry and take the bus to Baltra Island airport for departure flight back to the mainland leaving at 12:15. Guests who are not making this tour can wake up later. Then landing in Baltra Island and transfer to the airport. |
| We recommend a few days in Quito and Ecuador in connection with your tour to Galapagos. Please contact us for further information. |
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| Rates include: |
> Accommodation
> Meals
> Visits
> Guides and conferences
> Transfer
Excludes:
> Air tickets
> Tax for the Galapagos National Park |
| Rates in US$ per person: |
Economy class
DBL from
SGL from
Fuel tax |
1335
2615
72 |
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