Galápagos — Central Islands (10 Days)

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 – that’s why you’ll never end up on another operator’s ship.

Trip Name

Galápagos — Central Islands (10 Days)

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

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, located 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 Galapagos between 9:30am and 12:30pm with a short refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane). You will generally arrive at the boat in time for lunch before the afternoon activity.The National Park charges a visitor fee of USD100, payable on arrival, which funds park maintenance and supervision in the Galapagos 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 Chinese Hat/Black Turtle Cove

Visit Chinese Hat for snorkelling opportunities and to observe the birds and sea lions before taking an excursion to Black Turtle Cove to see the marine life.Spot Galápagos penguins and explore marine life that is fantastic for snorkelling. There is also a large sea lion colony at Chinese Hat as well as many marine iguanas that can be seen on the guided walk. Hike among the volcanic scenery, with good views to the cone of the island's volcano.In the afternoon, take an excursion by "panga" to Black Turtle Cove to witness the extensive mangrove system and interesting waterway canals. Sea turtles and different species of rays can often be seen in this cove, offering a peaceful and fascinating glimpse into the diversity of the area.

Day 4 - Day 4 Cerro Dragon/Islas Daphne

Visit Cerro Dragón on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island to see land iguanas and a salt water lagoon frequented by flamingos and other species of birds. Continue to Daphne Island in the afternoon to spot birds and wildlife.

Day 5 - Day 5 Islas Plaza/Isla Santa Fe

Land at South Plaza in the morning for wildlife spotting opportunities. Afternoon visit to Santa Fé Island for guided walks to observe the wildlife and plentiful marine iguanas. Opportunities for swimming and snorkelling with the sea lions.

Day 6 - Day 6 Puerto Baquerizo Moreno/Isla Lobos

Visit the Interpretation Center on San Cristóbal Island and enjoy free time to explore the port town of Baquerizo Moreno. Afternoon excursion to Isla Lobos.

Day 7 - Day 7 North Seymour/Mosquera Island

Explore two tiny islands that are big on wildlife. North Seymour offers great views of nesting seabirds, including frigatebirds and Mosquera is home to large colonies of sea lions.

Day 8 - Day 8 Isla Santiago/Isla Bartolomé

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

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.In the morning, arrive in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.Then transfer to the airport on Baltra Island for a flight 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

Snorkel with sea lions and discover amazing marine life
Come face-to-face with 200-year-old giant tortoises
Hike along dramatic lava flows and explore colonies of sea birds and sea lions
Find marine iguanas relaxing in the sunshine