Galápagos — Central, East & South Islands

Description

Encounter the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first weighed anchor off its shores. Spend seven nights exploring the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos archipelago in the company of an expert Naturalist Guide. In the evenings, return to the Xavier III to reflect on the day’s adventures. Retire to air-conditioned cabins with exclusive lower berths and private bathrooms. As one of the region’s largest operators, we understand the importance of controlling the onboard experience – that’s why you’ll never end up on another operator’s ship.

Trip Name

Galápagos — Central, East & South Islands

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Cruising Length: 25.5m Passenger Capacity: 16 Built: 1998 When it comes to our stellar fleet of Galápagos vessels, the Xavier III is made for both great value and great service. Imagine all the luxury of fresh and tasty local and international cuisine, daily excursions to explore the islands, and picturesque views of the area from the top deck – all this with an unbelievable price to boot. Get on board! Cabins: 4 lower deck double-occupancy cabins with port hole, 4 upper deck double-occupancy cabins with window, air conditioning, private facilities, TV & DVD player in lounge area Boat layout: Very spacious indoor-outdoor seating areas and sun chairs. Interior dining room with coffee, tea and water service on the main deck. Large lounge and bar area with TV and DVD player for daily briefings. Crew: The Xavier III carries a team of seven crew members and one CEO Naturalist Guide well-versed in the local wildlife, vegetation and geology and certified by the Galápagos National Park Service. Amenities: Snorkelling equipment, wetsuits and beach towels included at no extra charge. Comprehensive breakfast and gourmet Ecuadorian and international cuisine prepared fresh daily. All meals on board included.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 Quito

Arrive at any time.Our representative will greet everyone at the hotel and brief the group on the various aspects of the tour.If you are not able to attend the welcome meeting, a representative will leave all important information at the hotel’s reception indicating what time to be ready on Day 2 of the trip.

Day 2 - Day 2 Quito/Puerto Ayora

Early flight to Baltra. Meet the guide and transfer across Santa Cruz Island to Puerto Ayora to board the boat.Transfer early to the airport for the flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival meet the Naturalist Guide, who will assist with the transfer to the Xavier, which is moored in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island. Visit a tortoise ranch in the Santa Cruz highlands and get up close and personal with these ancient creatures.Flights from Quito to Baltra depart between 6:40am and 9:40am depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into the Galápagos between 9:30am and 12:30pm with a short refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane). You will generally arrive onto the boat in time for lunch on Day 2 before the afternoon activity.The National Park charges a visitor fee of USD100, payable on arrival, which funds park maintenance and supervision in the Galápagos as well as ecological study, conservation, and infrastructure development in Ecuador's other National Parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the National Park System are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage.

Day 3 - Day 3 Isla Rábida/Bachas Beach

Land at Rábida Island for a visit to a saltwater lagoon and sea lion colony. Afternoon excursion to Bachas Beach for walks to observe the bird and wildlife as well as free time for swimming and snorkelling.In the morning, go on an excursion to Rábida Island, and land on a red sand beach.Afternoon excursion to Bachas Beach to see the sea lions and plentiful bird life.

Day 4 - Day 4 Floreana Island

Land at Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island. Guided walks to observe the bird and wildlife and learn about the natural history. Visit Post Office Bay in the afternoon. Snorkelling excursion at Champion Islet.Morning visit to Punta Cormorant on the northern part of Floreana. This is a perfect spot to go snorkelling from the boat, as the waters are home to a multitude of colourful fish and sea lions. Please be sure you are a comfortable swimmer, the water here can be rough and the currents are strong.In the afternoon, visit Post Office Bay, which has an older and less mysterious history. A short hike up past the post barrel takes you to an interesting lava cave.

Day 5 - Day 5 Punta Suárez/Bahía Gardner

Visit Punta Suárez and Gardner Bay on Española Island. Enjoy guided walks to observe wildlife and free time for swimming or snorkelling.

Day 6 - Day 6 Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Visit the Interpretation Centre on San Cristóbal Island and enjoy free time to explore the port town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Afternoon excursion to El Junco lagoon and the tortoise breeding centre.

Day 7 - Day 7 Punta Pitt/Kicker Rock

Morning landing at Punta Pitt and Islet Pitt. After, visit Cerro Brujo on San Cristóbal Island to observe the sea lions, marine iguanas, and seabirds along the beach. Continue to the dramatic Kicker Rock in the afternoon.

Day 8 - Day 8 Isla Santiago

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

Day 9 - Day 9 Puerto Ayora/Quito

Disembark in Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galápagos tortoises. Fly back to Quito.Transfer to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy one last night in historic Quito.Flights from Baltra to Quito depart between 10:00am and 1:00pm depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into Quito between 2:30pm and 5:30pm with a refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane). You will arrive back at the hotel in the early evening in time for dinner.

Day 10 - Day 10 Quito

Depart any time.

Day 11 - Please Note:

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Come face-to-face with 200-year-old giant tortoises
Explore large colonies of blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas on the volcanic rocks
Discover three species of boobies and two species of frigatebirds nesting together at Punta Pitt
Send a post card at Post Office Bay and bringing one home