Galápagos — 10 Days West & Central Islands (Monserrat)

Description

Picture it: the Galápagos, viewed from the deck of the comfortable Monserrat as she cuts through blue waters bound for another island paradise loaded with natural splendour. But it’s not just a “look but can’t touch” situation – on this trip, you’ll get up-close and personal with aquatic wildlife like sea lions and turtles, hike over volcanic lava flows to check out the landscapes of Bartolomé, and relax on the stunning white-sand beaches of Santiago. Get out onto the high seas and start making better memories.

Trip Name

Galápagos — 10 Days West & Central Islands (Monserrat)

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Small Ship Passenger Capacity: 20 With plenty of room to move about and the best passenger-to-guide ratio in our fleet, the Monserrat is value incarnate. Comfortable cabins and common areas, roomy outdoor spaces, and a CEO Naturalist Guide for every ten travellers make for a top-notch blend of comfort, service, and, on the top deck, sun worship. Cabins: 6 upper-deck double-occupancy cabins with twin and double beds. 4 lower-deck double-occupancy cabins with twin and double beds. Boat layout: Spacious main deck. Lounge, bar and dining room. Large forward sundeck with lounge chairs. Observation deck with out door bar. Crew: With eleven dedicated crew members and a pair of CEO Naturalist Guides familiar with the local flora and fauna and certified by the Galápagos National Park Service, there’s always someone available to answer your questions. Amenities: Snorkelling equipment, wetsuits and beach towels included at no extra charge. Fresh and tasty local and international cuisine served onboard.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 Quito

Arrive at any time.

Day 2 - Day 2 Quito/Puerto Ayora

Early flight to Baltra. Meet the guide and transfer across the island of Santa Cruz to Puerto Ayora to board the ship. Take an afternoon excursion to the highlands to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

Day 3 - Day 3 Sullivan Bay/Bartolomé Island

Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to see giant lava formations contrasting the white-coral sand beach. Continue to Bartolomé for a guided tour to see the dramatic volcanic features before hiking to a panoramic viewpoint.

Day 4 - Day 4 Bachas Beach/Cerro Dragón

Visit the beach on Las Bachas and relax or swim in the crystal waters. Continue to Cerro Dragón on the west coast of Santa Cruz to see land iguanas and a saltwater lagoon frequented by flamingos and other species of birds.

Day 5 - Day 5 Black Turtle Cove/Mosquera Island

Take a morning panga ride and look for marine life in Black Turtle Cove before navigating back to Baltra for lunch. In the afternoon, sail to Mosquera and walk along the beach and observe the vast sea lion colonies.

Day 6 - Day 6 Isabela Island

Arrive at Puerto Villamil, home to the small community that lives on Isabela Island. In the morning, hike the Sierra Negra volcano, which has the largest basaltic caldera in the Galápagos. Visit Las Tintoreras and the tortoise breeding centre in Puerto Villamil in the afternoon.

Day 7 - Day 7 Chinese Hat/Rábida Island

Visit Chinese Hat for snorkelling opportunities and to observe the birds and sea lions. Take an afternoon excursion to Rábida to see a lagoon and sea lion colony.

Day 8 - Day 8 Puerto Egas/Santiago Island

Morning excursion to Puerto Egas to see the salt crater as well as a dark sand beach and tidal pools. Continue to Playa Espumilla, one of the most idyllic beaches in the Galápagos Islands, which boasts thick mangroves and flamingo and sea turtle nesting sites. Head to Buccaneer Cove to witness the towering cliff wall rock formations.

Day 9 - Day 9 North Seymour/Quito

Visit North Seymour for guided walks to observe birds and wildlife, including vast sea lion colonies. Disembark at Baltra and fly back to Quito.

Day 10 - Day 10 Quito

Depart at any time.

Day 11 - Please Note:

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

7 nights cruising the Galápagos National Park aboard the Monserrat
Hike over the dramatic volcanic flows to a viewpoint on Bartolomé
Snorkel with sea lions and sea turtles
Hike the Sierra Negra Volcano – the largest basaltic caldera in the Galápagos
Choose to search for sea turtles or simply relax on the white-sand beaches of Santiago