Galapagos in Depth
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Highlights:
This program is for the dedicated nature over who also likes small vessel cruising. You will see a wide variety of flora and fauna located on a diverse group of islands, not unlike the way Darwin saw it although in his day there was a larger human population.
All your activities are included as are your meals, so relax and enjoy both the nature and the history as you dig deep into the uniqueness of these islands.
This program is for the dedicated nature over who also likes small vessel cruising. You will see a wide variety of flora and fauna located on a diverse group of islands, not unlike the way Darwin saw it although in his day there was a larger human population.
All your activities are included as are your meals, so relax and enjoy both the nature and the history as you dig deep into the uniqueness of these islands.
SKU:
Explore: Galapagos in depth
Customizable Itinerary - 13 Days (from $9,938 / person)
Day 1: USA-Quito
You board an aicraft bound for Quito, Ecuador’s Capital. Most USA flights arrive in the late afternoon or early evening. You will be met and delivered to your elegant boutique hotel.
Day 2: Highlights of Quito
After breakfast you will be picked up but your guide for a private tour of the Centro Historico, the old part of Quito which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. You start with a panoramic view of Alameda Park and the Basilica, followed by a walk down the street of the Seven Crosses. Your tour will continue with a walking tour starting at independence square. From there you will visit the presidential palace, the main cathedral, the gold-plated La Compania Church, San Francisco Church and San Francisco Plaza. At the completion of your tour you will enjoy a traditional lunch. The rest of the afternoon is left open.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3 Baltra and Dragon Hill
In the morning you will transfer to the airport for the flight to Balta on the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival you are met by a representative of your ship who will assist in boarding you and your luggage and getting you settled in your upper deck suite. While you have lunch your boat will depart for another part of Santa Cruz Island. Dragon Hill has been open to visitors since 1993. It is located in northwestern Santa Cruz Island and consists of a hyper-saline lagoon frequented by flamingoes, pintail ducks and other species. It has also been re-populated with land iguanas from Seymour and Isabela islands. A walk to the top of the hill offers a beautiful view of the bay.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Black Turtle Cove and Chinese Hat
After breakfast you visit Black Turtle Cove which is an ideal place as nursery for many sharks and rays. Its crystal water allows observation of large groups of both. You will then proceed to Santiago Island to Chinese hat, so–called because the volcanic cone resembles an ancient Chinese hat. The landscape is covered in sea lion colonies, marine iguanas and Galapagos penguins.
Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Genovesa Island
Today you will explore various parts of Genovesa Island starting with El Barranco which is located in the southern part of Darwin Bay. It is also known as Prince Philip’s steps where you climb to a plateau that surrounds the eastern side of Darwin Bay. Here you will find a large population of Masked and Red-footed boobies. Storm petrel and short-eared owls are also found in the lava flows. As you enjoy lunch on board you make your way to Darwin Bay, a favorite for birdwatchers and wandering tattlers, lava gulls, whimbrels, yellow-crowned, black-crowned and lava herons are all here in abundance. Follow a trail to the cliff’s edge for an incredible view of the island.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Bartolome and Santiago Islands
Bartholome Island is located across Sullivan Bay. It is over 300 feet above sea level which allows one of the most beautiful views of the Islands including Volcanic cones, lunar-like craters, lava fields. There is very little vegetation on the island but it does have two breathtaking beaches where marine turtles live and there is a colony of Galapagos penguins. You have the chance swim or snorkel and then re-board the ship for lunch and a passage to Santiago Island. This is the fourth largest of the islands and the most active volcanically.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Santa Cruz Island
Disembark and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station accompanied by a guide. On your visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station you will gain insight into the huge efforts being made by scientists, guides, rangers and park managers to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see the famous Galapagos tortoises that are the islands' namesake. Afterwards take a bus ride to the highlands of Santa Cruz to see wild giant tortoises.
Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: White Tipped Reef Shark Canal and Sierra Negra Volcano
This morning you take a zodiac ride to a delightful place called Tintoreras which are small islands in front of the Puerto Villamil Coast. Galapagos Penguins and sea lions often pop out on shore. White-tipped reef sharks are fairly common in the archipelago. Their name in Spanish is Tintorera, thus the name of this site as they are always found here resting in the shallow waters. As you have lunch you cruise to another part of Isabela Island which is the largest and one of the youngest islands in the Galapagos archipelago. Upon landing you head up to the highlands from Puerto Villamil to Sierra Negra slope to arrive at the rim of Sierra Negra volcano, the second widest crater in the world. From here you have superb views of the crater, the rest of the volcanoes and Perry isthmus, a seven mile wide lava field. From here you hike to Chico Volcano to watch the striking lava formations, examples of the geological occurrences that created the Galapagos Islands.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Punta Moreno and Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island
Your first visit of the day will be Punta Moreno, located on the north coast of Isabela Island. The trail runs along a lava flow Pahohoe (solidified lava in a ripple pattern like an accordion) into a complex of coastal lagoons, where several unique species of birds can be found. In the afternoon you will visit Elizabeth Bay which is a marine visitor site meaning that you do not go ashore but use zodiacs for sightseeing. Your visit will start at Marielas islets where the largest and most important penguin colony in the Galapagos is found. The excursion continues into the cove that is surrounded by red mangroves. It is here that you are able to observe sea turtles, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans and sea lions. Visitors have been able to see Galapagos Hawks soaring overhead whilst schools of Pompano and Dorado fish swim below. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Punta Espinoza and Tagus Cove
Fernandina Island is the third largest island in the archipelago and has one visitor site, Punta Espinoza. Marine iguanas conglomerate here in larger groups than on any other island. They bask around in the sand, swim near the shore and may even block the way to the landing dock (at least temporarily). After lunch on board you return to Isabela Island where you disembark from the zodiac at Tagus Cove. This will give you a good chance to see the Galapagos penguins and the flightless cormorants among other seabirds. From the landing dock, you hike to the top of the cliff from where you can see the Darwin Lake, an ultra-saline lake which is saltier than the ocean itself. You can also see several volcanoes from this location. Look carefully at the graffiti on the surrounding cliffs of the cove. It was written by pirates, whalers and buccaneers in past centuries.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Santiago Island
Your first stop on Santiago Island will be Espumilla Beach, located on the northern coast in James Bay. The main attractions are the Palo Santo forest and the beach which is an important nesting site for marine turtles. In the afternoon you will visit Puerto Vegas which is located on the west side of the island and is noted for its black sand beach.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Isla Lobos and Galapagos Departure
This little island is reached by panga which is a small boat used by your boat for beach landings. One on land the trail will lead across a dry vegetation zone, volcanic rocks and sandy areas. There is a small population of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds and at the beach you will see a large colony of sea lions. After visiting Isla Lobos you will be transferred to San Cristobal airport for your flight back to the mainland to connect with your US bound flight.
Breakfast
Day 13: USA Arrival
You arrive back in the USA in the morning.
You board an aicraft bound for Quito, Ecuador’s Capital. Most USA flights arrive in the late afternoon or early evening. You will be met and delivered to your elegant boutique hotel.
Day 2: Highlights of Quito
After breakfast you will be picked up but your guide for a private tour of the Centro Historico, the old part of Quito which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. You start with a panoramic view of Alameda Park and the Basilica, followed by a walk down the street of the Seven Crosses. Your tour will continue with a walking tour starting at independence square. From there you will visit the presidential palace, the main cathedral, the gold-plated La Compania Church, San Francisco Church and San Francisco Plaza. At the completion of your tour you will enjoy a traditional lunch. The rest of the afternoon is left open.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3 Baltra and Dragon Hill
In the morning you will transfer to the airport for the flight to Balta on the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival you are met by a representative of your ship who will assist in boarding you and your luggage and getting you settled in your upper deck suite. While you have lunch your boat will depart for another part of Santa Cruz Island. Dragon Hill has been open to visitors since 1993. It is located in northwestern Santa Cruz Island and consists of a hyper-saline lagoon frequented by flamingoes, pintail ducks and other species. It has also been re-populated with land iguanas from Seymour and Isabela islands. A walk to the top of the hill offers a beautiful view of the bay.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Black Turtle Cove and Chinese Hat
After breakfast you visit Black Turtle Cove which is an ideal place as nursery for many sharks and rays. Its crystal water allows observation of large groups of both. You will then proceed to Santiago Island to Chinese hat, so–called because the volcanic cone resembles an ancient Chinese hat. The landscape is covered in sea lion colonies, marine iguanas and Galapagos penguins.
Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Genovesa Island
Today you will explore various parts of Genovesa Island starting with El Barranco which is located in the southern part of Darwin Bay. It is also known as Prince Philip’s steps where you climb to a plateau that surrounds the eastern side of Darwin Bay. Here you will find a large population of Masked and Red-footed boobies. Storm petrel and short-eared owls are also found in the lava flows. As you enjoy lunch on board you make your way to Darwin Bay, a favorite for birdwatchers and wandering tattlers, lava gulls, whimbrels, yellow-crowned, black-crowned and lava herons are all here in abundance. Follow a trail to the cliff’s edge for an incredible view of the island.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Bartolome and Santiago Islands
Bartholome Island is located across Sullivan Bay. It is over 300 feet above sea level which allows one of the most beautiful views of the Islands including Volcanic cones, lunar-like craters, lava fields. There is very little vegetation on the island but it does have two breathtaking beaches where marine turtles live and there is a colony of Galapagos penguins. You have the chance swim or snorkel and then re-board the ship for lunch and a passage to Santiago Island. This is the fourth largest of the islands and the most active volcanically.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Santa Cruz Island
Disembark and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station accompanied by a guide. On your visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station you will gain insight into the huge efforts being made by scientists, guides, rangers and park managers to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see the famous Galapagos tortoises that are the islands' namesake. Afterwards take a bus ride to the highlands of Santa Cruz to see wild giant tortoises.
Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: White Tipped Reef Shark Canal and Sierra Negra Volcano
This morning you take a zodiac ride to a delightful place called Tintoreras which are small islands in front of the Puerto Villamil Coast. Galapagos Penguins and sea lions often pop out on shore. White-tipped reef sharks are fairly common in the archipelago. Their name in Spanish is Tintorera, thus the name of this site as they are always found here resting in the shallow waters. As you have lunch you cruise to another part of Isabela Island which is the largest and one of the youngest islands in the Galapagos archipelago. Upon landing you head up to the highlands from Puerto Villamil to Sierra Negra slope to arrive at the rim of Sierra Negra volcano, the second widest crater in the world. From here you have superb views of the crater, the rest of the volcanoes and Perry isthmus, a seven mile wide lava field. From here you hike to Chico Volcano to watch the striking lava formations, examples of the geological occurrences that created the Galapagos Islands.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Punta Moreno and Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island
Your first visit of the day will be Punta Moreno, located on the north coast of Isabela Island. The trail runs along a lava flow Pahohoe (solidified lava in a ripple pattern like an accordion) into a complex of coastal lagoons, where several unique species of birds can be found. In the afternoon you will visit Elizabeth Bay which is a marine visitor site meaning that you do not go ashore but use zodiacs for sightseeing. Your visit will start at Marielas islets where the largest and most important penguin colony in the Galapagos is found. The excursion continues into the cove that is surrounded by red mangroves. It is here that you are able to observe sea turtles, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans and sea lions. Visitors have been able to see Galapagos Hawks soaring overhead whilst schools of Pompano and Dorado fish swim below. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Punta Espinoza and Tagus Cove
Fernandina Island is the third largest island in the archipelago and has one visitor site, Punta Espinoza. Marine iguanas conglomerate here in larger groups than on any other island. They bask around in the sand, swim near the shore and may even block the way to the landing dock (at least temporarily). After lunch on board you return to Isabela Island where you disembark from the zodiac at Tagus Cove. This will give you a good chance to see the Galapagos penguins and the flightless cormorants among other seabirds. From the landing dock, you hike to the top of the cliff from where you can see the Darwin Lake, an ultra-saline lake which is saltier than the ocean itself. You can also see several volcanoes from this location. Look carefully at the graffiti on the surrounding cliffs of the cove. It was written by pirates, whalers and buccaneers in past centuries.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Santiago Island
Your first stop on Santiago Island will be Espumilla Beach, located on the northern coast in James Bay. The main attractions are the Palo Santo forest and the beach which is an important nesting site for marine turtles. In the afternoon you will visit Puerto Vegas which is located on the west side of the island and is noted for its black sand beach.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Isla Lobos and Galapagos Departure
This little island is reached by panga which is a small boat used by your boat for beach landings. One on land the trail will lead across a dry vegetation zone, volcanic rocks and sandy areas. There is a small population of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds and at the beach you will see a large colony of sea lions. After visiting Isla Lobos you will be transferred to San Cristobal airport for your flight back to the mainland to connect with your US bound flight.
Breakfast
Day 13: USA Arrival
You arrive back in the USA in the morning.