Baltra Airport
Baltra Island |
|
| Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz Island |
|
Bartolome Island |
| Egas Port, Santiago Island or (James Island) |
|
Espinosa Point, Fernandina Island |
| Vicente Roca Point, Isabela Island |
|
North Seymour Island |
| Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz Island |
|
San Cristobal Island,
Port Baquerizo Moreno Airport & Interpretation Center |
| Cerro Brujo (Wizard Hill), San Cristobal
Island |
|
Suarez Point, Espanola (Hood) Island |
| Gardner Bay, Espanola (Hood) Island |
|
Puerto Ayora (Charles Darwin Station), Santa Cruz
Island |
| Rabida Island |
|
Bachas Beach, San Cristobal Island |
Baltra Airport
Baltra Island |
Explorer
II 8-Day SAT-SAT
Saturday - Baltra Island and Dragon Hill
Arrive at the new facility on Baltra Island,
where your crew will meet you and escort you to your anchored ship. Once
on board, you will have an orientation followed by a lifeboat drill. In
the afternoon you will visit Dragon Hill where a new visitors center has
been opened by the Galapagos Islands National Park administration. After
a dry landing at a dock, the walk takes you to a hypersalinic (saltier
than the ocean) lagoon behind the beach, often frequented by flamingos,
common stilts, pintail ducks and other species of birds. A short walk
up the hill rewards you with a great view of the bay and a nesting site
of land iguanas. Many of the Iguanas that nest here have been re-established
by the Charles Darwin Research Station. You will return back to the ship
for a welcome cocktail and dinner. (L, D)
NOTE: The
$100 per person Galapagos National Park Tax has been prepaid.
Sunday - Bartolome Island & Egas Port,
Santiago (James or San Salvador) Island
Make a dry landing at Bartolome. On this young
island, which is inhospitable to most plants and animals, you will feel
as though you were walking on the moon.  You
will also have the opportunity to climb thirty minutes up a steep slope
to the summit of Bartolome's dormant volcano. Pause along the way to marvel
at lava bombs, spatter cones, and cinder cones. At the summit, gaze out
across a panoramic view including famous Pinnacle Rock (an eroded tuff
cone), tropical fish in crystal clear water, and perhaps, penguins, as
well. On the other side of the island, encounter sea turtles and White-tipped
Sharks. In the afternoon stroll along the shore at Egas Port, Santiago
Island (James) to look for octopi, starfish, and other sea life in the
tide pools. At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas feeding on
exposed green algae. Watch also for Great Blue Herons, Lava Herons, oystercatchers,
and Yellow-crowned Night Herons. Finally, visit the grottos (deep pools
of clear water) to view fur sea lions, which once lived on the verge of
extinction. (B, L, D)
Monday - Espinoza Point, Fernandina Island
& Vicente Roca Point, Isabela Island
This morning, disembark at Espinoza Point, Fernandina
Island, the youngest and most pristine island in the Galapagos, located
in the western region of the archipelago. On Fernandina, find the largest
Galapagos colony of marine iguanas, hundreds in number, basking in the
sun along the rugged shoreline. Watch sea lion harems with resident bulls,
as the bulls carefully guard their territory; and see Flightless Cormorants
build their nests on the point, while Galapagos Hawks fly overhead. Look
for the remnants of recent lava flows that stretch around the coast. After
lunch, sail to Vicente Roca Point on the northern shore of Isabela Island.
Here, natural erosion and the collapsed cone of Ecuador Volcano have formed
dramatically carved cliffs and a system of rookeries and canals that are
a geological wonder. This area also promises the highest probability of
seeing whales any time of the year. (B, L, D)
Tuesday - North Seymour Island & Black
Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz Island
 Spend
the morning on North Seymour Island, a low, flat island created by the
uplift of a submarine lava formation. Hundreds of Magnificent Frigate
Birds (a species distinct from the Great Frigate Bird) display their red
pouches during mating season and nest along side Blue-footed Boobies,s in
a grove of Palo Santo trees. In the afternoon, anchor at the entrance
to Black Turtle Cove, a mangrove swamp on the north shore of Santa Cruz
Island. Enter by panga, or Zodiak, into a number of small, elusive passageways,
as you follow your expert guide. This is a great place to see large schools
of Golden Rays, Green Sea Turtles (they are on the rare and endangered
species list), White-tipped Sharks, and Galapagos Sharks, as well as Lava
Herons, Yellow Warblers, and a variety of other bird species. (B, L, D)
Wednesday - Interpretation Center, San
Cristobal Island & Cerro Brujo
This morning, drop anchor in Puerto Baquerizo
Moreno, San Cristobal, to visit the impressive Interpretation Center,
opened in 1999. Here, gain a more complete understanding of the natural
and human history of the Islands. In the afternoon, you will have a wet
landing on the beach at "Wizard Hill" (Cerro Brujo). Here you
will encounter sea lions, crabs and a few interesting birds, such as the
yellow Warbler, ground finch, plover, oyster catchers, lava heron and
diving Blue-footed Boobies,s). You will have an opportunity to wander along
the beach or swim and snorkel. (B, L, D)
Thursday - Espanola (Hood) Island
In the morning, make a dry landing at Suarez
Point on Espanola (Hood) Island, where barking sea lions and curious mockingbirds
will greet you. Then, take a substantial hike along the coast of rocky
Suarez Point to observe one of the most diverse and impressive colonies
of sea birds on the islands. On the southern shore, cliffs jutting up
from the sea set a spectacular scene for the island's soaring birds and
famous blow hole. Although some bird life is seasonal, many species, such
as the Blue-footed and Masked Boobies, make this their home all year long.
Gardner Bay
After lunch on the ship, enjoy this magnificent
beach. It is home to many sea lion colonies and the turquoise colored
water makes a beautiful contrast to the white sand that consists of shell
dust. Mocking birds fight for their territory and inspect the backpacks
of the tourists. About 50m of the coast there is a rock where you can
encounter tropic fish and rays while snorkeling. But more spectacular
is the Gardner Rock that can be reached with a panga. It is home to white-tipped
reef shark, cactus finch and other colorful sea dwellers and very popular
among snorkelers. (B, L, D)
Friday - Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz (Charles
Darwin Station) & Radida Island
 On
this island, you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station for an
excellent overview of the ecology of the Galapagos Islands and of the
conservation efforts to protect them. If time permits, wander through
the small village of Puerto Ayora (Academy Bay), and mail your postcards
with Galapagos Island postmarks.
Rabida Island
In the afternoon you will have a wet landing
on Rabida Island. This is a small island covered by dry and coastal vegetation
and has a central volcano of 367 m2. It contains the largest variety of
lava types, red being the dominant color. A saltwater lagoon provides
occasional sights of Flamingos. While the beach holds a large sea lion
colony, fur seals also may be seen here. Red sands and teal waters characterize
this island. Sea lions cover the waterfront, and the bull is always making
a show of his bravado. There's a short walk to the top of the trail where
you can take fabulous photos of the clear waters and volcanic peaks. There's
also great snorkeling. Keep near the rocks and keep your eye out for sharks
and rays. (B, L, D)
Saturday: Bachas Beach & Baltra Island
This morning you will visit Bachas Beach on
San Cristobal Island. The sand at Las Bachas is made of decomposed coral,
which makes it white and soft, and a favorite site for nesting sea turtles.
Sally Lightfoot crabs are abundant on the lava rocks along the water's
edge. These crabs will eat anything they can get their claws on. You will
also see flamingoes, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, and whimbrels.
Afterwards you will sail into Baltra and transfer to the airport for your
fight back to the Ecuador mainland. (B)
Explorer
II 8-Day WED-WED
Wednesday: Arrive San Cristobal and Cerro
Brujo
Arrive at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Airport, San
Cristobal Island, where your crew will meet you and escort you to the
Explorer II. Once on board, you will have an orientation followed by a
lifeboat drill. In the afternoon, you will have a wet landing on the beach
at "Wizard Hill", or Cerro Brujo. This is a nice introduction
to the wildlife of the Galapagos as you encounter sea lions, crabs and
a few interesting birds (e.g. Yellow Warbler, Ground Finch, Plover, Oyster
Catchers, Lava Heron and diving Blue Footed Booby). Here you will have
an opportunity to wander along the beach or swim and snorkel. You will
return back to the ship for a welcome cocktail and dinner. (L, D)
NOTE: The
$100 per person Galapagos National Park Tax has been prepaid.
Thursday: Espanola (Hood) Island & Santa
Cruz Island
In the morning, make a dry landing at Suarez
Point on Espanola (Hood) Island, where barking sea lions and curious mockingbirds
will greet you. Then, take a substantial hike along the coast of rocky
Suarez Point to observe one of the most diverse and impressive colonies
of sea birds on the islands. On the southern shore, cliffs jutting up
from the sea set a spectacular scene for the island's soaring birds and
famous blow hole. Although some bird life is seasonal, many species, such
as the Blue-footed and Masked Boobies, make this their home all year long.
 Gardner
Bay
After lunch on the ship, enjoy this long beach
that is among the most magnificent in all Galápagos. It is home
to many sea lion colonies and the turquoise colored water makes a beautiful
contrast to the white sand that consists of shell dust. Mocking birds
fight for their territory and inspect the backpacks of the tourists. About
50m off the coast there is a rock where you can encounter tropic fish
and rays while snorkeling. But more spectacular is the Gardner Rock that
can be reached with a panga. It is home to white-tipped reef shark, cactus
finch and other colorful sea dwellers and very popular among snorkelers.
(B, L, D)
Friday: Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz (Charles
Darwin Station) & Radida Island
On this island, you will visit the Charles Darwin
Research Station for an excellent overview of the ecology of the Galapagos
Islands and of the conservation efforts to protect them. If time permits,
wander through the small village of Puerto Ayora (Academy Bay), and mail
your postcards with Galapagos Island postmarks.
Rabida Island
In the afternoon you will have a wet landing
on Rabida Island. This is a small island covered by dry and coastal vegetation
and has a central volcano of 367 m2. It contains the largest variety of
lava types, red being the dominant color. A saltwater lagoon provides
occasional sights of Flamingos. While the beach holds a large sea lion
colony, fur seals also may be seen here. Red sands and teal waters characterize
this island. Sea lions cover the waterfront, and the bull is always making
a show of his bravado. There's a short walk to the top of the trail where
you can take fabulous photos of the clear waters and volcanic peaks. There's
also great snorkeling. Keep near the rocks and keep your eye out for sharks
and rays. (B, L, D)
Saturday: Santa Cruz Island (Bachas Beach
and Dragon Hill)
This morning you will visit Bachas Beach on
San Cristobal Island. The sand at Las Bachas is made of decomposed coral,
which makes it white and soft, and a favorite site for nesting sea turtles.
Sally Lightfoot crabs are abundant on the lava rocks along the water's
edge. These crabs will eat anything they can get their claws on. You will
also see flamingoes, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, and whimbrels.
In the afternoon you will visit Dragon Hill where a new visitors center
has been opened by the Galapagos Islands National Park administration. After a dry landing at a dock, the walk
takes you to a hypersalinic (saltier than the ocean) lagoon behind the
beach, often frequented by flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks and
other species of birds. A short walk up the hill rewards you with a great
view of the bay and a nesting site of land iguanas. Many of the Iguanas
that nest here have been re-established by the Charles Darwin Research
Station. (B, L, D)
Sunday: Bartolome Island & Egas Port,
Santiago (James or San Salvador) Island
Make a dry landing at Bartolome.  On
this young island, which is inhospitable to most plants and animals, you
will feel that you are walking on the moon. You
will also have the opportunity to climb thirty minutes up a steep slope
to the summit of Bartolome's dormant volcano. Pause along the way to marvel
at lava bombs, spatter cones, and cinder cones. At the summit, gaze out
across a panoramic view including famous Pinnacle Rock (an eroded tuff
cone), tropical fish in crystal clear water, and possibly penguins, as
well. On the other side of the island, encounter sea turtles and White-tipped
Sharks. Then, the afternoon, stroll along the shore at Egas Port, Santiago
Island (James) to look for octopi, starfish, and other sea life in the
tide pools. At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas feeding on
exposed green algae. Watch also for Great Blue Herons, Lava Herons, oystercatchers,
and Yellow-crowned Night Herons. Finally, visit the grottos (deep pools
of clear water) to view fur sea lions, which once lived on the verge of
extinction. (B, L, D)
Monday: Espinoza Point, Fernandina Island
& Vicente Roca Point, Isabela Island
This morning, disembark at Espinoza Point, Fernandina
Island, the youngest and most pristine island in the Galapagos, located
in the western region of the archipelago. On Fernandina, find the largest
Galapagos colony of marine iguanas, hundreds in number, basking in the
sun along the rugged shoreline. Watch sea lion harems with resident bulls,
as the bulls carefully guard their territory; and see Flightless Cormorants
build their nests on the point, while Galapagos Hawks fly overhead. Look
for the remnants of recent lava flows that stretch around the coast. After
lunch, sail to Vicente Roca Point on the northern shore of Isabela Island.
Here, natural erosion and the collapsed cone of Ecuador Volcano have formed
dramatically carved cliffs and a system of rookeries and canals that are
a geological wonder. This area also promises the highest probability of
seeing whales any time of the year. (B, L, D)
Tuesday: North Seymour Island & Black
Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz Island
Spend the morning on North Seymour Island, a
low, flat island created by the uplift of a submarine lava formation.
Hundreds of Magnificent Frigate Birds (a species distinct from the Great
Frigate Bird) display their red pouches during mating season and nest
along side Blue-footed Boobies,s in a grove of Palo Santo trees. In the
afternoon, anchor at the entrance to Black Turtle Cove, a mangrove swamp
on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. Enter by panga, or Zodiak, into
a number of small, elusive passageways, as you follow your expert guide.
This is a great place to see large schools of Golden Rays, Green Sea Turtles
(they are on the rare and endangered species list), White-tipped Sharks,
and Galapagos Sharks, as well as Lava Herons, Yellow Warblers, and a variety
of other bird species. (B, L, D)
Wednesday: San Cristobal Island
Enjoy an early morning breakfast before you
disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight to mainland
Ecuador. (B)
Explorer
II 5-Day SAT-WED
Saturday - Baltra Island and Dragon Hill
Arrive at the new facility on Baltra Island,
where your crew will meet you and escort you to your anchored ship. Once
on board, you will have an orientation followed by a lifeboat drill. In
the afternoon you will visit Dragon Hill where a new visitors center has
been opened by the Galapagos Islands National Park administration. After
a dry landing at a dock, the walk takes you to a hypersalinic (saltier
than the ocean) lagoon behind the beach, often frequented by flamingos,
common stilts, pintail ducks and other species of birds. A short walk
up the hill rewards you with a great view of the bay and a nesting site
of land iguanas. Many of the Iguanas that nest here have been re-established
by the Charles Darwin Research Station. You will return back to the ship
for a welcome cocktail and dinner. (L, D)
NOTE: The
$100 per person Galapagos National Park Tax has been prepaid.
Sunday - Bartolome Island & Egas Port,
Santiago (James or San Salvador) Island
Make a dry landing at Bartolome. On this young
island, which is inhospitable to most plants and animals, you will feel
as though you were walking on the moon. You will also have the opportunity
to climb thirty minutes up a steep slope to the summit of Bartolome's
dormant volcano. Pause along the way to marvel at lava bombs, spatter
cones, and cinder cones. At the summit, gaze out across a panoramic view
including famous Pinnacle Rock (an eroded tuff cone), tropical fish in
crystal clear water, and perhaps, penguins, as well. On the other side
of the island, encounter sea turtles and White-tipped Sharks. Then, the
afternoon, stroll along the shore at Egas Port, Santiago Island (James)
to look for octopi, starfish, and other sea life in the tide pools. At
low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas feeding on exposed green algae.
Watch also for Great Blue Herons, Lava Herons, oystercatchers, and Yellow-crowned
Night Herons. Finally, visit the grottos (deep pools of clear water) to
view fur sea lions, which once lived on the verge of extinction. (B, L,
D)
Monday - Espinoza Point, Fernandina Island
& Vicente Roca Point, Isabela Island
 This
morning, disembark at Espinoza Point, Fernandina Island, the youngest
and most pristine island in the Galapagos, located in the western region
of the archipelago. On Fernandina, find the largest Galapagos colony of
marine iguanas, hundreds in number, basking in the sun along the rugged
shoreline. Watch sea lion harems with resident bulls, as the bulls carefully
guard their territory; and see Flightless Cormorants build their nests
on the point, while Galapagos Hawks fly overhead. Look for the remnants
of recent lava flows that stretch around the coast. After lunch, sail
to Vicente Roca Point on the northern shore of Isabela Island. Here, natural
erosion and the collapsed cone of Ecuador Volcano have formed dramatically
carved cliffs and a system of rookeries and canals that are a geological
wonder. This area also promises the highest probability of seeing whales
any time of the year. (B, L, D)
Tuesday - North Seymour Island & Black
Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz Island
Spend the morning on North Seymour Island, a
low, flat island created by the uplift of a submarine lava formation.
Hundreds of Magnificent Frigate Birds (a species distinct from the Great
Frigate Bird) display their red pouches during mating season and nest
along side Blue-footed Boobies,s in a grove of Palo Santo trees. In the
afternoon, anchor at the entrance to Black Turtle Cove, a mangrove swamp
on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. Enter by panga, or Zodiak, into
a number of small, elusive passageways, as you follow your expert guide.
This is a great place to see large schools of Golden Rays, Green Sea Turtles
(they are on the rare and endangered species list), White-tipped Sharks,
and Galapagos Sharks, as well as Lava Herons, Yellow Warblers, and a variety
of other bird species. (B, L, D)
Wednesday - Interpretation Center, San
Cristobal Island and Return to Quito
Arrive on San Cristobal Island this morning
for a visit to the impressive Interpretation Center, which opened in 1999.
Take this opportunity to gain a more complete understanding of the natural
and human history of the Islands. Afterward, proceed to the airport for
your return flight to mainland Ecuador. (B)
Explorer
II 4-DAY WED-SAT
Wednesday: Arrive San Cristobal and Cerro
Brujo
Arrive at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Airport, San
Cristobal Island, where your crew will meet you and escort you to the
Explorer II. Once on board, you will have an orientation followed by a
lifeboat drill. In the afternoon, you will have a wet landing on the beach
at "Wizard Hill" (Cerro Brujo). This is a nice introduction
to the wildlife of the Galapagos as you encounter sea lions, crabs and
a few interesting birds, such as the yellow warbler, ground finch, plover,
oyster catchers, lava heron and diving Blue-footed Boobies,s). You will
have an opportunity to wander along the beach or swim and snorkel. You
will return back to the ship for a welcome cocktail and dinner.
NOTE: The $100 per person Galapagos National Park Tax has been prepaid.
(B, L, D)
 Thursday:
Espanola (Hood) Island & Santa Cruz Island
In the morning, make a dry landing at Suarez
Point on Espanola (Hood) Island, where barking sea lions and curious mockingbirds
will greet you. Then, take a substantial hike along the coast of rocky
Suarez Point to observe one of the most diverse and impressive colonies
of sea birds on the islands. On the southern shore, cliffs jutting up
from the sea set a spectacular scene for the island's soaring birds and
famous blow hole. Although some bird life is seasonal, many species, such
as the Blue-footed and Masked Boobies, make this their home all year long.
Gardner Bay
After lunch on the ship, enjoy this long beach
that is among the most magnificent in all of Galápagos. It is home
to many sea lion colonies and the turquoise colored water makes a beautiful
contrast to the white sand that consists of shell dust. Mocking birds
fight for their territory and inspect the backpacks of the tourists.
About 50m off the coast is a rock where you can encounter tropic fish
and rays while snorkeling. But more spectacular is the Gardner Rock that
can be reached by a panga. It is home to white-tipped reef shark, cactus
finch and other colorful sea dwellers and very popular among snorkelers.
(B, L, D)
Friday: Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz (Charles
Darwin Station) & Radida Island
On this island, you will visit the Charles Darwin
Research Station for an excellent overview of the ecology of the Galapagos
Islands and of the conservation efforts to protect them. If time permits,
wander through the small village of Puerto Ayora (Academy Bay), and mail
your postcards with Galapagos Island postmarks.
Rabida Island
In the afternoon you will have a wet landing
on Rabida Island. This is a small island covered by dry and coastal vegetation
and has a central volcano of 367 m2. It contains the largest variety of
lava types, red being the dominant color. A saltwater lagoon provides
occasional sights of Flamingos. While the beach holds a large sea lion
colony, fur seals also may be seen here. Red sands and teal waters characterize
this island. Sea lions cover the waterfront, and the bull is always making
a show of his bravado. There's a short walk to the top of the trail where
you can take fabulous photos of the clear waters and volcanic peaks. There's
also great snorkeling. Keep near the rocks and keep your eye out for sharks
and rays. (B, L, D)
 Saturday:
Bachas Beach & Baltra Island
This morning you will visit Bachas Beach on
San Cristobal Island. The sand at Las Bachas is made of decomposed coral,
which makes it white and soft, and a favorite site for nesting sea turtles.
Sally Lightfoot crabs are abundant on the lava rocks along the water's
edge. These crabs will eat anything they can get their claws on. You will
also see flamingos, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, and whimbrels.
Afterwards you will sail into Baltra and transfer to the airport for your
fight back to the Ecuador mainland. (B)
|
