Unique creatures seemingly lost in time, moon like volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches and crystal clear waters teeming with life characterize the Galapagos Islands. Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, bisected by the Equator, Las Encantadas, the enchanted isles, the Galapagos is one of nature’s most enchanting destinations.

The unique and unusual wildlife, which have adapted to varied conditions, have become a living study of evolutionary science. Here the nineteenth century explorer and biologist, Charles Darwin, turned the world around with his insightful writings, “On the Origin of the Species”. But more inspiring is the endearing and sometimes comical nature of the animals here. With little fear of man, sea lions jump in to play alongside swimmers, iguana’s sit patiently for portraits, while boobies and frigate birds pursue their mates within an arms length of visitors.

To observe a waved albatross take flight or the birth of a sea lion pup is an unforgettable experience. These rich and prolific expressions of life are contrasted by the timeless setting of the Galapagos Islands. After our unforgettable 8 day first-class cruise we will exchange sea for Andes Mountains and have some time to explore Quito, Ecuador! You may choose to explore the city, shop, take a day trip into the countryside or simply relax and reflect on your time in the Galapagos Islands!

Itinerary:

Nov 3 - Saturday:
Late afternoon arrival in Quito, Ecuador. Transfer to 4-star Eugenia Hotel.

Nov 4 - Sunday:
Galapagos Islands. Morning flight from Quito to Baltra airport Galapagos. We travel from Baltra to Santa Cruz and board our luxurious First Class Yacht in Pureto Ayora. Today we begin to explore the Galapagos by traveling to the Highlandsof Santa Cruz to see the giant Galapagos land tortoise in the wild!

Nov. 5 - Monday: Española - Punta Suarez Española the southernmost island of the archipelago, is home to the “worlds population, about 15,000 couples, of waved Albatross”, large beautifully striking birds, a wondrous site to behold. We’ll also find the largest marine iguana’s and lava lizards, sea lions, Naza & blue footed boobies nesting right next to the trail, Hood Mockingbird, red Tropic bird and others. A spectacular blow hole, spewing water about 75 ft into the air is where you can watch seabirds perform their aerial acrobatics. Punta Suarez is one of the most popular and attractive places in Galapagos, you will not want to leave this island!

Nov. 6 - Tuesday:
Santa Fe – Gardner Bay. Santa Fe has one of the most beautiful coves in the archipelago, a turquoise lagoon with two small white sand beaches, protected by a peninsula where sea lions rest.

Hike through an Opuntia (prickly pear cactus) Forest. The cacti are the main food of the Santa Fe land iguana, much larger and paler yellow than other species, you find them resting in the shade of the cactus. Snorkel with sea lions in Gardner Bay.

Nov. 7 - Wednesday:
North Seymour – Bartolome. North Seymour is a low, flat island, formed as a result of a lava formation uplift. It is covered with low, bushy vegetation and has the largest colony of magnificent frigate birds in the Galapagos. There is also a large population of blue-footed boobies that perform an amusing courtship dance, when nesting conditions are right. Their goofy stride, picking-up their blue feet in slow motion, wing spreading, whistling and honking; is a highlight of this island! On Bartholome you will climb to a lookout point where you can admire the spectacular panorama of both bays and the famous needle shaped Pinnacle Rock. The beaches boast great swimming and snorkeling spots with sea lions and also a good chance to encounter penguins, sea turtles and some white-tipped reef sharks..don’t worry if you leave them alone they will leave you alone!

Nov. 8 - Thursday:
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina) - Urvina Bay (Isabela) Punta Espinoza is a narrow point of land extending out from the base of the Fernandina Volcano. Here is the largest colony of marine iguanas in the Galapagos. Here we also see the flightless Cormorants nesting on the open rocks. Another trail takes us through a lava field of recent volcanic activity with clumps of lava cactus. Past the lava field is the tide pool area where we can sit and watch sea lion pups interacting, see sea turtles, rays and shore bird activity. Enjoy some great snorkeling perhaps with penguins, sea turtles, flightless coromants in the water, and marine iguanas feeding on algae at low tide. Urvina Bay is at the base of the Alcedo Volcano. After an eruption in 1954, 4 miles of coastal seabed, marine life and all were uplifted about 15 feet forever exposing giant coralheads and marine organisms on what is now the shore. Here we see marine remants and coral skeletons some of them almost waist high. Urvina Bay is also the nesting site for brown pelicans and flightless cormorants and you’ll also see some giant marine iguanas.

Nov. 9 - Friday:
Elizabeth Bay - Moreno Point (Isabela) We explore Elizabeth Bay on a panga ride, first to a secluded cove lined with large red mangrove trees and turtles, rays, and various birds are plentiful. We’ll spend some time here as there is a lot of activity going on. Later we motor to some rocky islets called “The Marielas” to observe a colony of nesting penguins, they prefer these cooler waters and the greatest portion of the penguin population is found here. Flightless cormorants and giant marine iguanas are also seen.

Nov. 10 - Saturday:
Floreana - Punto. Cormorant / Devil’s crown / Post Office Bay Floreana Island is perceived as one of the most exotic Islands of the archipelago. The beach at Punta Cormorant has a greenish cast due to an accumulation of olivine crystal mineral. A trail leads to a lagoon with flamingoes, white-checked pintail ducks and other shorebirds. The trail continues to a white sand beach which is a nesting site for green turtles. Enjoy a good swim or snorkel while sea lions play around you, perhaps some sting rays and a reef shark or two. Devils Crown is a half-submerged volcanic cone, considered to be one of the most outstanding marine sites of the Galapagos. To the west, Post Office Bay keeps the legendary post barrel that whalers used to send their mail.

Nov. 11 - Sunday:
Santa Cruz/ Charles Darwin Station. Morning visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz. The station is a tortoise breeding and rearing center, where tortoises of different subspecies are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. The most popular inhabitant of this island will probably be Lonesome George, he is the only survivor of a specific turtle species. Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galapagos. The small town of Puerto Ayora is the economic centre of the archipelago, with the largest population (10,000) of the 4 inhabited islands. Santa Cruz is also the only island where six different zones of vegetation can be seen: Coastal, Arid, Transition, Scalesia, Miconia, and Pampa Zones. We then travel back to Baltra for our flight back to Quito and check in at the Eugenia Hotel.

Nov. 12 - Monday:
free day…Breakfast included at Eugenia. A full day to explore the wonderful and interesting city of Quito, shop or simply relax after our Galapagos cruise. A day excursion will be arranged and an option for those interested in visiting the small town of Cotaxoxi, renowned for their hand-made leather goods and other crafts. The drive there also gives you a wonderful experience of the landscape and country outside of Quito.

Nov. 13 - Tuesday:
Morning Transfer to Quito Airport for your return flight. Welcome Home from an unforgettable experience in the Galapagos and the magic of the Andes Mountains in Ecuador. You return home with special memories, fantastic photographs and a group of wonderful new friends who have shared this magical Galapagos Islands adventure with you!

Q: Where are the Galapagos Islands?

A: The Galapagos Islands (or Archipelago de Colon) is a Province of Ecuador located 500 miles (800 kilometers) west of the Ecuadorian coast. They lie directly on the equator.

Q: What is the climate like?

A: The islands lie directly on the Equator and it is warm for most of the year. The hottest season is generally January to April with average temperatures ranging from the low 70’s to a high of 84 F. Everything is usually very green and it is during this period that you might have a few afternoon thundershowers. From April to December is considered the "cool" season.

Q: Are vaccinations required for Ecuador?

A: No vaccinations are required to enter Ecuador

Q: What is the boat like and what is included?

A: The boat rates includes double accommodations and all meals aboard the boat, island sightseeing, all guide and lecture services, transfers in the islands and between the airport and yacht in Galapagos.

Q: What is not included?

A: Flight to Quito, Ecuador. Galapagos Park Entrance Fee & municipal tax, currently $100 US payable in cash to the national park authorities in Baltra), tips (it is customary to tip the guide, chef and crew) soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and any other extras not specifically mentioned. There is also a $25 US departure tax from Ecuador on all international flights.

Q: How much should we tip the guide and crew?

A: We recommend that you consider tipping 1) the guide, 2) kitchen staff and 3) the rest of the crew. As a general rule-of-thumb, we recommend between $5 - $8 US from each passenger to each group per day. If you have received very good and exceptional service, please be more generous!

Q: Will there be time for snorkeling?

A: There is plenty of time for snorkeling for those who are interested. Snorkeling gear ($3.00 a day) and wetsuits ($3.00 a day) may be rented aboard the boat. You may bring your own equipment also.

Q: Will we have to exchange any money before we travel to Ecuador or once in the country?

A: Not if you have US dollars. Ecuador has adopted the US dollar as its official currency.

Q: Should we purchase trip cancellation insurance?

A: Trip cancellation / medical insurance is recommended. Contact your local travel agent or on-line visit:

www.insuremytrip.com for a list of different companies and rates.

Q. What will the daily schedule be on the boat?