Galapagos Explorer

7 Days - from $1845

Flying to Baltra we cross by ferry to Santa Cruz island and continue by road to Puerto Ayora where we'll visit the Galapagos tortoise research program at Darwin Station. In the afternoon we board the Peregrine Endeavour and cruise to Leon Domido and the large island of San Cristobal where we visit the new interpretation centre and the rugged volcanic peaks of Cerro Brujo. Next stop is isolated Espanola Island where we find waved albatrosses plus blue-footed and masked boobies, Galapagos hawks, Darwin finches, sea lions and marine iguanas. On the 'Buccaneer' hideaway island of Floreana we'll visit Post Office Bay and the island's volcanic cone, a great spot for snorkelling, full of sea lions and colourful fish. You'll also encounter the stately, pink flamingos as they wade in the shallow waters of inland lagoons. Arriving back at Santa Cruz Island we'll visit Black Turtle Cove and cruise amongst the mangroves, where the array of wildlife kicks into overdrive! The lagoons are a nursery for many sharks and rays. Amongst all this activity you will also find time to relax sunbath, swim, snorkel and enjoy new friendships.

Highlights

• Quito
• Baltra
• Santa Cruz
• Puerto Ayora
• Charles Darwin Station
• San Cristobal Interpretation Centre
• Leon Domido
• Cerro Brujo
• Espanola
• Punta Suarez
• Floreana
• Punta Cormorant
• Black Turtle Cove

Itinerary:

1 (Thu) Arrive in Quito and transfer to hotel.2 Fly to Baltra and transfer to Santa Cruz Island. Visit Charles Darwin Research Station. Board Peregrine Endeavour and set sail.3 San Cristobal Island via Leon Dormido and Cerro Brujo. Visit the Interpretation Centre.4 Espanola Island including Bahia Gardner, Punta Suarez and Devil's Crown.5 Cruise to Floreana Island visiting Post Office Bay and Punta Cormorant.6 Excursion to Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island and return to Baltra. Fly to Quito.7 Trip ends in Quito this morning (Wed).

Included: An experienced English-speaking naturalist, arrival transfer, cruise transfers, transport, four-night cruise and activities.
Not Included: Airport departure taxes, international departure transfer, visas where required, meals not included in the itinerary, insurance, laundry, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips, items of a personal nature, Galapagos transit card and the entrance fee to the Galapagos Islands National Park.
Meals: 6 breakfasts,5 lunches,4 dinners
Valid From: 1/01/2007
Trip Departure Notes: The prices here include flights from Quito to Galapagos return. The local payment indicated is the Galapagos National Park fee. It is not included in the trip cost and must be paid in cash upon arrival at Baltra airport.
Starts/Ends: Quito/Quito
Trip Reference: PSGX