Galapagos Islands on a Catamaran

Galapagos Islands on a Catamaran

 

Departures:  Year-round. Special departures from June to September

Places Visited:  Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil

Highlights

The remote Galapagos Islands are one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. Follow in the footsteps of Darwin and explore the rugged scenery and unique flora and fauna. Sleep aboard a comfortable catamaran and sail around the archipelago, visiting various islands. Observe the many bird species, snorkel with playful sea lions, spot large iguanas, enjoy close encounters with giant tortoises and explore pristine nature.    

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • International & Domestic flights
  • 3 nights of accommodation in a double cabin onboard the Archipell I Catamaran with full board
  • 1 night of accommodation at Oro Verde Hotel in Guayaquil
  • Daily breakfast and local taxes in Guayaquil
  • Snorkel equipment
  • Excursions during the itinerary
  • Bilingual guides for transfers and tours in Guayaquil & Galapagos

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

  • Meals and drinks other than those mentioned
  • Galapagos National Park entrance fee (USD 100)
  • Transit Control Card (USD 10)
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional tours and experiences
  • Any items not mentioned

Day 1: Baltra - San Cristobal Island: Upon arrival to Baltra airport transfer to connecting flight to San Cristobal Island.

Upon arrival, transfer to the pier to board the Archipell Catamaran.

La Galapaguera

After lunch, the catamaran departs for its first excursion to Galapaguera, which is located in the northeast part of San Cristobal Island. The conservation center has been created to protect the San Cristobal tortoise species. The center’s mission is to guide tourists, promote the conservation of the species and protect the environment. A pleasant nature trail with native plants leads to the area where visitors can observe the giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

Day 2:South Plazas Island & Santa Fé Island

South Plaza features unique Sesuvium plants and Opuntia cacti scattered across the landscape, and provides some of the most interesting wildlife viewing in the Galapagos. Land iguanas can easily be spotted from the trail. They frequently lie in  the shade of cacti, waiting for a prickly pear to fall. Santa Fé is one of the best destinations for land-based excursions in the Galapagos Islands. Visitors may choose from two trails: one leads to the tallest Opuntia cacti in the Galapagos, while the other trail leads into the highlands that are inhabited by land iguanas. After a long walk, cool off with a refreshing swim in calm waters or snorkel with playful, curious sea lions.

Day 3: Floreana, Peace Asylum – Loberia

Peace Asylum is home to a fresh water spring. As one of the very few year-round sources of fresh water in the Galapagos, this spring has attracted pirates, whalers and settlers to Floreana. La Cueva de los Piratas (Pirate’s Cave) is the actual site where pirates carved a temporary shelter into the soft rocks. This is also where one of the original settlers first landed. La Loberia is a small beach that is home to a colony of sea lions and some marine iguanas. The beach is only a short walk from town and is perfect for some leisurely snorkeling. With luck, the sea lions will join you for a swim! Attentive snorkelers may also spot a ray or shark.

Day 4: Santa Cruz Island - The Charles Darwin Research Station – Highlands – Tortuga Bay

The Charles Darwin Research Station encompasses an information centre, museum, library and a tortoise breeding station. The tortoise breeding station offers the opportunity to observe various tortoise subspecies that are being prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats.

The Santa Cruz Highlands boast credible vegetation zones. Visit the private farm “Las Primicias”. This reserve is one of the best opportunities to observe the huge turtles of Santa Cruz Island in their natural habitat. Visitors can get very close to these fascinating and gentle animals.

Day 5: Twins excursion

In the morning, enjoy an excursion to “Los Gemelos” (The Twins). These are two enormous collapsed lava chambers, an inspiring visual reminder of the extreme forces of nature that have shaped the landscape. The short, easy hike to each of the Twins is teeming with endemic flora and fauna.

Baltra - Guayaquil: At the appropriate time, private transfer to Baltra airport to board the connecting flight to Guayaquil. Upon arrival in Guayaquil private transfer to Oro Verde Hotel.

Day 6:Guayaquil: Breakfast. At the appropriate time, private transfer to the airport.

END OF SERVICES

 


Tour descriptions and approximate times are for informational purposes only.

Some places described may be substituted and/or approximate times may be subject to change, due to unexpected circumstances or weather conditions.