Eastern Galapagos Islands in Luxury - 5 Day Cruise

Description

Enjoy the best of Galapagos’ Eastern Islands on the M/Y Passion’s 5-day cruise. You’ll find all three species of boobies on Genovesa, swim with penguins in Bartolome, and spend a whole day with the world-famous Giant Tortoises in the Santa Cruz Highlands and the Charles Darwin Research Center.

Trip Name

Eastern Galapagos Islands in Luxury - 5 Day Cruise

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Luxury Yacht Length: 159 feet / 48.5 meters Passenger Capacity: 12 (6 cabins) Built/Refurbished: 1973/2014 Originally built as a private luxury yacht, the M/Y Passion has been completely refurbished while still retaining many of its original elegant features such as its rose colored marble bathrooms and teak wood decks that make the vessel one of a kind. The M/Y Passion, originally named Bellisima (beautiful in Italian) has never been used for tourism before. This exclusive vessel has ample social areas, a panoramic sky lounge and bar, separate dining room, wonderfully spacious sun decks for al fresco dining and a secluded sun deck with jacuzzi for relaxation and privacy. Measuring 159 feet (48.5 meters), she stands four decks and boasts an exceptional amount of space for its only 12 passengers. The ratio of one staff member per guest ensures first class service and the finest gourmet cuisine is served throughout the cruise. Each of the six ample state cabins has its own private bathroom with bathtub. The VIP and Master suites feature two en-suite bathrooms. All four staterooms and two suites on board are fully air-conditioned and incredibly spacious.

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 1 – SATURDAY MORNING FLIGHT TO BALTRA & BLACK TURTLE COVE

PM: After arriving at Baltra airport, we will be greeted by our naturalist guide to then board the M/Y WildAid’s Passion and have lunch. Following our meal, we will navigate a short distance to Black Turtle Cove, a large mangrove lagoon on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. Pelicans and herons roost on the branches, while marine dwellers such as green sea turtles and golden rays may cruise right next to the panga as it makes its way through the mangroves. The day ends with dinner and a briefing for the next day’s activities on board the yacht.

Day 2 - DAY 2 - SUNDAY DARWIN BAY & EL BARRANCO

AM: We travel to Genovesa Island and for a wet landing on Darwin Bay, a unique site with a beautiful beach, lined with red mangroves and soft‐haired prickly pear cacti, where red‐footed boobies and great frigatebirds perch tamely. PM: After a dry landing at El Barranco, we will climb to the edge of a cliff where frigatebirds, masked boobies, and red-footed boobies make their nests. The trail will take us to the inner part of the island, populated by palo santo trees and cacti. We will be seeking out the impressive red‐billed tropicbird amidst Galapagos storm petrels and the endemic short-eared owl.

Day 3 - DAY 3 - MONDAY BARTOLOME AND CHINESE HAT

AM: We will have a dry landing on Bartolome, followed by a mild climb up a set of wooden steps to reach the summit of a spatter cone for a breathtaking panorama of the island’s iconic Pinnacle Rock and views of neighboring Santiago, and other central islands in the distance. Afterward, we will visit the white sand beach used as a nesting site by sea turtles, followed by snorkeling in the waters of Bartolome Island, where it is not unusual to spot Galapagos penguins. PM: Less than a quarter of one square kilometer in size, this island gets its name from being shaped like a Chinese hat. The hat shape is best appreciated from the north side. Lava formations can be seen on the western side of the island, formed under the sea and later raised upward, making it possible to observe coral heads on the lava. Be amazed by the landscapes covered by sea lions’ colonies, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins.

Day 4 - DAY 4 - TUESDAY RABIDA & DRAGON HILL

AM: Wet landing onto Rabida’s deep‐red beaches to explore the red island’s fascinating interior and saltwater lagoon, where flamingos are usually present. Darwin’s finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, and yellow warblers feed off the vegetation. Given the right time of the year, we may see brown pelicans nesting on salt bushes that fringe the beach. PM: In the afternoon, we navigate a short distance to Cerro Dragon on Santa Cruz’s northwestern shore with a dry landing to visit a saltwater lagoon, home to greater flamingos, black‐necked stilts, and white‐cheeked pintails. Further inland we will find a fantastic land iguana nesting site.

Day 5 - DAY 5 - WEDNESDAY SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS & DEPARTURE

AM: This is our last day in the islands. After breakfast we will disembark in Puerto Ayora to take our transport to the Baltra airport, making a short stop to visit the highlands. We will visit one of the local ranches where it is possible to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. As these animals migrate from the highlands to the coastal areas and back, the chosen ranch will depend on the presence of the tortoises since they roam free and change locations. The farms are also great places to see the Santa Cruz ground finch which populates these forests, where it is also possible to see the yellow warbler. After this visit, we will make our way to the Baltra airport for the flight back to mainland Ecuador.

Day 6 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Santa Cruz Island
Genovesa
Bartolome
Santiago Island