Galapagos Explorer

7 Days - from $2550

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 M.Y San Jose 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 San Jose 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.
Notes: M.Y. San Jose The San Jose is a modern vessel. She has a comfortable lounge and dining area, as well as a sun deck where you can view the wildlife or just kick back and relax. She has eight well-appointed, air-conditioned, twin cabins and yet, at 34 metres, she is small enough for us to offer an individual level of service. She's just perfect for a more personal look at this great marine reserve. 8 large double cabins with private facilities, all lower berths. 9 crew including bilingual Naturalist. Fully air conditioned, Radar, HF, VHF Radio, Satellite Navigation, 2 motor boats. The M.Y. San Jose was previously marketed as the Peregrine Endeavour. Accommodation on board is based on twin share. Single supplements are available on request should you require a cabin to yourself; however, be warned, they are expensive. Please remember that the sun in the Galapagos can be quite fierce. Make sure you bring along a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen. You should also bring insect repellant for use on some shore excursions and excursions into the mangroves. Peregrine Community Trust & The Galapagos Conservancy If, after having visited this unique and precious region of the world, you would like to make a donation towards the protection of the Galapagos, the recently launched Peregrine Community Trust is the easiest and most convenient way to do so. Peregrine supports the work of The Galapagos Conservancy. The Conservancy is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Galapagos conservation. It is a membership-based organisation and the largest source of private support for conservation efforts. The 11,000 Friends of Galapagos are individuals and institutions who care deeply about the Galapagos Islands, and understand the scientific importance of preserving this one-of-a-kind ecosystem. Funds raised by the Galapagos Conservancy support the core operations of the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) and the Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS), both located on the island of Santa Cruz. Please see below for details on how to make a contribution to the Peregrine Community Trust or refer to the Pledge Card provided at your pre-cruise briefing which contains details for making a donation.
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.
Starts/Ends: Quito/Quito
Trip Reference: PSGX