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Peregrine Travel Centre

Southern Loop (Celebrity Xploration)

Southern Loop (Celebrity Xploration)

From $6,200 USD

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Description

Situated 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos archipelago consists of 19 islands and more than 40 islets, created six million years ago when they emerged from the Pacific in a flurry of volcanic activity.

The islands were discovered in 1535 by Tomas de Berlanga, who sent the first known description of the Galapagos to the King of Spain: “…nothing but seals, and turtles, and such big tortoises that each could carry a man on top of itself, and many iguanas that are like serpents”. He also remarked on the tameness of the creatures: “…so silly that they do not know to flee, and many were caught in the hand”.

Perhaps our first association with the word “Galapagos” is the name “Darwin” – and for good reason. He sailed into the Galapagos Islands in 1835 on board the Beagle and was amazed by the extraordinary life he found on the islands.

Each island forms a unique ecosystem, a series of specialized relationships that have adapted to the volcanic and isolated nature of the islands. As a result, the Galapagos Islands are home to a wide variety of endemic species.

It has been more than 450 years since their discovery, yet the islands remain largely intact thanks to the conservation efforts of the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station. A further boost to the protection of the islands was given in 1978, when UNESCO declared them a World Heritage Site.

The waters around the Galapagos, which are the lifeblood of the archipelago, are also legally protected within the Galapagos Marine Reserve, making the islands one of the best places on the planet for scuba diving.

The Galapagos Islands offer a unique interaction with nature, and their name is synonymous with survival and the celebration of the diversity of species on earth.

Please Note: During peak season Christmas (Dec 23-30) and New Year (Dec 30-Jan 06)
a surcharge of $400 per person applies

Also, shorter, 5-night itineraries are available, please contact us for more details.

Trip Name
Southern Loop (Celebrity Xploration)
Days
8
Overview
Celebrity Xploration (previously known as Athala II) is an outstanding catamaran that combines adventure with comfort. On board, the atmosphere is relaxed, intimate and friendly. Cabins are well appointed, meals delicious, and the service reminiscent of a private yacht.  ACCOMMODATION This stable catamaran accommodates sixteen passengers in eight stylishly decorated staterooms, equipped with private facilities, air conditioning, and ocean-view picture windows. There are four cabins on the Upper Deck, which have interconnecting doors, and four cabins on the Main Deck with private balconies. The spacious cabins feature twin beds that can be converted to a kingsize bed upon request. All cabins come with a private refrigerator. SOCIAL AREAS In addition to an indoor dining room, and a lounge for the nightly briefings and lectures, Celebrity Xploration features ample outdoor space, including a large sun deck with Jacuzzi, an open-air bar and an al fresco dining area, where you can take in the islands’ spectacular scenery over a delicious meal. RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL Celebrity Xploration operates under two equally important guidelines: to ensure the comfort and safety of our passengers at all times, and to protect the integrity of the fragile Galapagos environment. Celebrity Xploration is certified within the Rainforest Alliance “Smart Voyager” program. Electricity: All cabins have 110 volt electrical outlets. 220 volt electrical outlets are available in the dining room only. Smoking policy: Smoking is permitted in the al fresco dining area or on the sun deck. 

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - SATURDAY ARRIVAL IN GALAPAGOS
Arrive at Baltra IslandUpon arrival at Baltra airport, you will clear immigration and be met by your guide, who will escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor. A motorized dinghy will then transfer you to the Celebrity Xploration, where the captain and crew will welcome you aboard.Sombrero Chino IslandSombrero Chino means “Chinese Hat”, a name that makes perfect sense as soon as you take a look at its unique shape. There are several interesting geographical formations that are ideal for scenic photos, and these are home to various marine species, such as Sally Lightfoot crabs and sea lions. Keep an eye out for different species of Darwin’s finches as well.Difficulty level: Easy
Day 2 - Day 2 - SUNDAY – SANTA CRUZ & RABIDA ISLANDS
Santa Cruz Island - Dragon HillAs the name implies, Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) is known for its healthy population of land iguanas. Other locals include common stilts, pintail ducks and occasionally flamingos. A short walk up the hill leads you to a land iguana nesting site, with breathtaking views of the bay. You will have the chance to go snorkeling after the walk.Difficulty level: Easy to ModerateRábida IslandRábida is a small island with red volcanic rocks surrounding a beautiful red sand beach, where there is a colony of sea lions and a pelican nesting site. The trail leads to a salt-water lagoon where shore birds can be seen. Activities include snorkeling, swimming, kayaking or dinghy ride.Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
Day 3 - Day 3 - MONDAY – ISABELA ISLAND
Isabela Island - Puerto VillamilThere are many unique and exciting opportunities on your visit to Puerto Villamil and its spectacular surrounding areas. Hike up to Sierra Negra Volcano, visit the tortoise breeding center, the wetlands or the infamous “Wall of Tears”. You can stroll through town and mingle with the locals, or just lie on the beautiful beach and do nothing at all.Difficulty level: Easy
Day 4 - Day 4 - TUESDAY – FLOREANA ISLAND
Floreana Island - Post Office Bay & Baroness’ Viewing PointPost Office Bay is home to a unique “post office” inspired by 18th century pirates and buccaneers who used a wooden barrel as an unofficial mailbox. The tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home. The Baroness’ Viewing Point is the ideal place to take in the unique scenery that defines Floreana.Difficulty level: EasyFloreana Island - Champion Islet & Cormorant PointAfter snorkeling at Champion Islet, you will visit Cormorant Point, where there is a beautiful lagoon that is home to flamingos, stilts and pintail ducks. A great site for bird-watching.Difficulty level: Easy
Day 5 - Day 5 - WEDNESDAY – SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
San Cristobal Island - Cerro Brujo & Leon DormidoIn addition to the magnificent scenery, there is wonderful swimming and a dinghy ride at this visitor site. Cerro Brujo’s spectacular beach is home to a large colony of sea lions, and it is famous for being the first place in the archipelago that Charles Darwin visited. Later, you will sail by Leon Dormido, a 500 ft high rock formation that is a hangout for many bird species.Difficulty level: Easy to ModerateLobos IslandVisitors may have close encounters with sea lion pups, especially while snorkeling. However, this small islet offers much more, including blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and even a glimpse at the second type of sea lion species found in the Galapagos: the fur sea lion.Difficulty level: Easy
Day 6 - Day 6 - THURSDAY – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Santa Cruz Island - Puerto Ayora & HighlandsOn your visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station you will gain insight into the extensive efforts underway to preserve the Galapagos Islands. You will also encounter the famous Galapagos tortoises that are the islands’ namesake. After the visit we will drive to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz to search for giant tortoises in their natural surroundings. In the afternoon you will have free time for shopping or mingling with the locals, or you can simply relax on board.Difficulty level: Easy to ModerateFor those on our 5-night itinerary, this will be your departure day. In the morning you will visit the highlands of Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises in the wild, followed by a transfer to Baltra airport for your flight back to the mainland.
Day 7 - Day 7 - FRIDAY - ESPAÑOLA ISLAND
Española Island - Punta SuarezPunta Suarez is home to large populations of Nazca and blue-footed boobies, as well as the beautiful waved albatross (seasonally). The 10,000 to 12,000 pairs of albatross on Española represent the entire population of this species on the planet. They perform one of the most spectacular courtship rituals of the animal world.Difficulty level: Moderate to DifficultEspañola Island - Gardner BayGardner Bay offers the chance to enjoy a pristine white sandy beach. In addition to being a nesting site for sea turtles, it is home to one of the most important colonies of sea lions in the archipelago. Activities include swimming snorkeling and kayaking.Difficulty level: Easy
Day 8 - Day 8 - SATURDAY DAPHNE ISLAND & DEPARTURE
Daphne IslandVisitors are not allowed on this island due to its fragile ecosystem, but your guide will point out the island's birdlife from the vantage point of the yacht's deck and explain the important research that is underway.Difficulty level: Easy
Day 9 - Please Note:
We reserve the right to alter ITINERARIES and/or ACTIVITIES due to prevailing or forecast weather conditions, for technical or safety considerations or to meet National Park regulations. Itineraries may also vary due to force majeure or according to the need to refuel the vessel on certain Saturdays.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
30-12-201707-01-2018USD$6,200Upper Deck Cabin
30-12-201707-01-2018USD$6,450Main Deck Cabin With Balcony

Inclusions

    • Walk among ancient giants. The Galapagos tortoise is the largest living species of tortoise, reaching weights of over 400kg, with a life span of over 100 years. The tortoise is native to seven of the islands, and its extraordinary ability to adapt to a variety of environments played an important part in Darwin’s theory of evolution.
    • Explore the underwater world. The Galapagos marine reserve is the archipelago’s lifeblood
    • a spectacular world of fish, rays and sharks that is definitely worth exploring. Vicente Roca Point is a breathtaking snorkeling site on our northern itinerary. It is a popular feeding place for sea turtles, as well as being home to wonderful rock formations teeming with life.
    • Witness evolution. The flightless cormorant is one of only two flightless seabirds on earth, the other being the penguin. Found on Fernandina and Isabela Islands, this rare bird is an example of the Galapagos Islands’ highly unusual fauna, since it is the only cormorant on earth that has lost its ability to fly – thanks to a lack of land predators and an abundance of fish.
    • Dance with albatrosses. Boasting a two-meter long wingspan, the waved albatross is a spectacular flyer, using dynamic soaring to stay in flight for hours. Mating season is between March and December, when the albatrosses flock to Suarez Point on Española Island to perform a jaw dropping mating ritual that consists of clacking beaks, exaggerated sways, bows and loud mating songs.
    • Play with sea lions. Galapagos sea lions are often seen sunbathing on sandy shores or on rocks, or gliding gracefully through the surf. Their playful nature and agility in the water make them the Galapagos Islands’ welcoming party. Snorkeling inevitably leads to mischievous close-up encounters with the youngsters.
    • Hurdle over marine iguanas. The Galapagos marine iguana is the only lizard to live and forage in the sea, making it a marine reptile. At times, the marine iguanas are hard to differentiate from the black volcanic rocks, and they make no effort to get off the paths used by visitors. They say that this lizard bears more resemblance to a dragon than an iguana.
    • Behold the famous feet. The blue-footed booby is the most iconic – and comical – bird in the Galapagos Islands. Pairs of them can be seen conducting their mating ritual, as they offer each other gifts, whistle and honk, stretch their necks towards the sky, spread their wings, and dance – showing off their bright blue feet.
    • Watch whales and dolphins. The Bolivar Channel, between Fernandina and Isabela Islands, draws large schools of fish, which in turn attract predators such as whales and dolphins. The best time to catch these magnificent creatures in action is in the early morning between June and September.
    • Paddle into the unexpected. Kayaking and dinghy rides are wonderful opportunities to appreciate just how extraordinary the Galapagos Islands are. Kayaking among a pod of dolphins, or paddling through a mangrove system that is home to sea turtles, rays and herons are once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
    • Create memories. The Galapagos Islands are one of the last wildernesses on earth, where the wildlife shows virtually no fear of humans. It’s no wonder that photography is a must
    • all it takes is one click to see what makes these islands enchanted.

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