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Treasure of Galapagos Cruise Itinerary C

Treasure of Galapagos Cruise Itinerary C

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Description

Our 6 night-route runs around the largest, seahorse-shaped island of Isabela, where nature seems to hunt for the greatest. Explore the virtually untouched western end of the Galapagos Islands, which has just been born out of fire. You are right on time for the first thrilling chapters of evolution! Uncover the mystery of how tough pioneer species make barren lava fields habitable; and approach bizarre outgrowths of adaptation as marine iguanas and flightless cormorants. It’s true that accessing this remote and isolated region demands longer navigation (mainly overnight), but our stable mega-catamaran enables you to witness ‘survival of the fittest’, without experiencing it.

Trip Name
Treasure of Galapagos Cruise Itinerary C
Days
7
Overview
Vessel Type: Motor Catamaran Passenger Capacity: 16 Lenght: 31.6 m Built: 2009 Welcome to the Galapagos aboard our stable motor catamaran  Our stable seaworthy catamaran is considered one of most intimate cruise options at present for the Galapagos Islands. It is the perfect choice if you appreciate private comfort or if you dread seasickness; whether travelling on your own or for your romantic getaway! The inviting ambience of your comfortable cabin with inspiring sea views, and a maximum number of only 16 international guests, may turn your naturalist cruise into a personal experience. Bringing nature even more to life Without doubt your on-board naturalist guide is the crucial pivot for your experience in the Galapagos. Being a first-class yacht, Treasure of Galapagos contracts only the best National Park certified guides (Class III or II). Our experts use their extensive experience to lead the excursions, to search and identify species and point out interesting details; besides taking care of your safety and compliance of indispensable conservation rules. Above all our guides share their knowledge, love and respect for the Galapagos’ stunning ecosystem. Their inspiring explanations (in English and Spanish) and fascinating stories about animal behaviour, intriguing ecosystems and survival strategies can bring nature even more to life; not only in the field, but also during lectures or daily briefings aboard. Of course you can consult your guide for personal questions or just to share your curiosity. Enjoy a more intimate nature experience Small groups definitely make your nature and cruise experience more intimate and profound. Thanks to a maximum number of only 16 passengers aboard M/C Treasure of Galapagos, your naturalist guide can easily respond to different individual interests. You can also hear him/her loud and clear in the field. Both our smaller inflatable dinghies (‘Zodiacs’ for only 8 passengers each) make boarding and disembarking our catamaran much faster, and increases your chances to spot wildlife during dinghy-rides. On larger expedition vessels different groups have to keep a certain distance, and lose flexibility and valuable excursion time on the islands. Specially designed for First Class Galapagos cruising This modern First Class yacht was built in 2009 and is well maintained (dry dock every second year). It is equipped with two powerful engines that give a cruising speed of 9 knots (over 22 km/h; 13.5 mp/h). The crew’s quarters, kitchen and engines are hidden inside both hulls (Lower Deck).  All this makes Treasure of Galapagos not too large to become impersonal, and not too small to feel trapped without comfort. Leisure time in an inviting private ambience Your impressive cabin resembles a floating hotel room with an ample bathroom, private balcony, sitting area, ample storing space, soft carpeting and regular beds. This inviting private ambiance with inspiring sea views is an ideal place to withdraw for a while, after another impressive excursion (in contrary to common cramped and dark cabins with just a porthole and berths/bunk beds). You may easily forget the cosy living room and deck terraces with comfortable deck chairs and our hot tub! Delicious food: to make your mouth water Our professional cook and kitchen staff will treat you to a substantial breakfast, and mouth-watering warm lunches and dinners, all served in abundant buffet style. The galley (kitchen) will keep surprising you with a varied menu of local and international dishes with at least two choices (usually fish, chicken or meat), rice/potatoes/pasta and various vegetables and salads. Our food is healthy and delicious; special meals (vegetarian or other dietary requirements) are available upon previous request at no extra cost. Snacks and juices are served in-between meals. Meanwhile our captain navigates safely to the next destination Whilst carelessly enjoying the leisure ambience on-board, you can be rest assured that the captain and his competent crew continuously look after your safety on-board. They are always there to help you in and out safely when boarding and disembarking, or driving the inflatable dinghies (‘Zodiacs’) carefully. Many zones of the Galapagos are near the end of the world and request self-sufficiency. As a matter of course all crew-members have first-aid knowledge. Your naturalist guide and captain are trained to deal with eventual medical or other emergencies aboard. The bridge always maintains radio contact with the outside world.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Flight to Baltra Airport (GPS) & Ch. Darwin Research Station
At Baltra Airport you will have to pay your Galapagos National Park entrance fee and your luggage will be inspected.The most memorable part of the Charles Darwin Research Station will probably be the successful breeding centre and its celebrity ‘Lonesome George’.
Day 2 - Day 2 Whale Bay (Santa Cruz) & Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz)
The visitor site of whale Bay is a cove of green sand at the base of Dragon Hill on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island. The beach contains a large amount of olivine crystals, the same that originate from volcanic materials. The crystals were formed when the magma was still underground.Near the beach there are ceramic relics, which reflect the same antiques of human settlements that were close to the beach in 1846. According to the accounts of the French captain Genie, a path originated from this site to the top of the island, which was used to collect fresh water. It is thought that in this place lived a group of people who were dedicated to the collection of lichen, used for tinting.Thanks to the successful breeding programme Dragon Hill is still populated by the largest wild population of Galapagos land iguanas on Santa Cruz.
Day 3 - Day 3 Las Tintoreras & Wetlands (Isabela)
A delightful place to be reached by a nice zodiac ride. "Tintoreras” are small islands in front of Puerto Villamil coast. There is Heron lava on the lookout on mangrove branch, and Galapagos Penguin and sea lion often pop out on shore. White-tipped reef sharks are fairly common in the archipelago. Their name in Spanish is Tintorera, thus the name of this site as they are always found here resting in the shallow waters.Isabela Island is the largest and one of the youngest islands in the Galapagos archipelago. We land in Puerto Villamil, which has the second smallest population in Galapagos with approximately 3.000 inhabitants. First we will visit the Flamingos Lagoon; this place is the largest coastal lagoon found in Galapagos and is one of the main reproductive sites for the greater Flamingos. Afterwards we will follow a trail to the “The Wall of Tears”; from 1946 to 1959 Isabela was designated a penal colony by the Ecuadorian government. Prisoners were obligated to build a wall with enormous blocks of lava. Due to the arduous labour and harsh conditions in which the prisoners lived, this site is known as “El Muro de las Lagrimas”. There are a number of interesting sites along this route, such as the cerro Orchilla, El Estero, Poza Escondida, Playa del Amor and Pozas Verdes.
Day 4 - Day 4 Moreno Point (Isabela) & Urbina Bay (Isabela)
Fresh, promising greens of pioneer vegetation contrast strongly with the dead, pitch-black lava flow that once reached the ocean at Moreno Point.On Isabela nature seems to hunt for the largest. The exceptional coastal plain at Urbina Bay attracts prehistoric giants in the wild, such as the largest land iguanas.
Day 5 - Day 5 Espinoza Point (Fernandina) & Tagus Cove (Isabela)
Westernmost Fernandina harbours one of the world’s most virgin, untouched ecosystems, and is another crown jewel of the Galapagos.Tagus Cove is a historical anchorage at the northern entrance of Bolivar Channel (between Isabela and Fernandina).
Day 6 - Day 6 Puerto Egas (Fernandina) & Rabida (Fernandina)
Puerto Egas is historical, and the favourite site on Santiago for wildlife lovers; and it’s even the best place in the archipelago to observe Galapagos fur seals,Upon landing at this remarkable red beach, you will usually be greeted by a large bachelor colony of Galapagos sea lions.
Day 7 - Day 7 Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz) & Seymour Airport (Baltra)
Strolling along its coastline, the blinding white Bachas Beach appears full of natural life. It is one of most important breeding sites for Pacific green turtles.Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra, where we will take the airport shuttle. Your guide will accompany you to the check-in counters in the departure hall. You will return home with stunning pictures and unforgettable lifelong memories!
Day 8 - Please Note:
All itineraries are subject to change

Trip Dates

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Inclusions

    • Virgin Fernandina & isolated west-coast of Isabela make you an eye-witness of evolution.
    • Fur seal groats & unique tidal channel with white-tip reef sharks & rays.
    • Flightless cormorants, large marine iguanas and penguins near the equator.
    • The archipelago’s largest concentration of American flamingo in bird-rich wetlands.

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