Galapagos 5 Day Cruise Itinerary B (Nemo I)

Description

Our 5 days itinerary combines the incredible shark canal out off the coast of Isabela with best flamingo lagoons of Galapagos, and spectacular snorkeling around Devil’s Crown. The albatross and booby colonies and marine iguanas on Española promise to be next highlight! Most elder islands of Southeastern Galapagos have azure bays and striking beaches of white coral sand, which are favorite place for large colonies of sea lions. The visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station will be a nice conclusion of your cruise.

Walk at a short distance past blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies and waved albatrosses, whilst courtshipping, mating, breeding, nurturing or learning to fly (depending the season). Española is the sole option for those eager to admire synchronous courtship dances of the only tropical albatross in the world.

These almost extinguished volcano islands in the south-west are geologically eldest, where evolution has had enough time to create plenty endemic species. Striking coral sand beaches at azure bays are favourite places for large colonies of Galapagos sea lions. En route you can also observe marine iguanas, whitetip reef sharks, American flamingos and – if lucky – even Galapagos penguins. In the Charles Darwin Research Center on Santa Cruz you will learn more on the successful captured breeding programs of the emblematic giant Galapagos tortoises.

For many Devil’s Crown is Galapagos deep water snorkelling site number one, and one of the very highlights of their cruise. Besides that this route also offers plenty possibilities for optional scuba diving.

Please Note: Christmas net surcharges: Dec 21-27: USD 300 pp; Dec 24-27: USD 200 pp; Dec 24-31: USD 350 pp; Dec 27-31: USD 250 pp. New Year net surcharges: Dec 31-Jan 4 USD 250 pp; Dec 31-Jan 7: USD 350 pp; Jan 4-7: USD 200 pp.

Trip Name

Galapagos 5 Day Cruise Itinerary B (Nemo I)

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Motor Sail Catamaran Length: 25m Passenger Capacity: 14 Built / refurbished: 1996 / 2014 The Nemo I (also known as the Nemo Martinica) is a 14-passenger sailing catamaran, offering a unique cruising experience in the Galapagos Archipelago. The catamaran was designed and built in France by Dufour & Sparks. On this catamaran you will experience the Galapagos Archipelago to its fullest. Most social areas are open deck spaces where you will constantly enjoy the most spectacular views of the islands and their volcanic rock formations. These areas include various lounges and catamaran netting at the front. Meals are served in the indoor and outdoor dining areas. When weather conditions permit we can turn off the engines and raise the sails, navigating silently through one the world’s natural wonders. The rich and spectacular Galapagos wildlife is the most important aspect of every naturalist cruise, but not the single and only factor that paints Holiday memories for the rest of your life. MS/C Nemo I contributes truly to a comfortable and pleasant stay as well. We follow fascinating routes in a more adventurous way, accompanied by an excellent naturalist guide, including time to unwind from the well-filled excursion program. Our chef will pamper you with a rich breakfast buffet, snacks, exquisite warm lunch and dinner served in buffet style. During your cruise you can fully enjoy the unrestrained ambience and personal service on board.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 – Monday Arrival at Baltra Airport & Las Bachas (Santa Cruz)

AM: Arrival at Baltra AirportUpon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will first pass through an airport inspection point where your TCT (Transit Control Card) will be checked and stamped (please keep this carefully with your passport as you will need to show it again when you leave Galapagos). Here you will also pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee of USD 100 (unless it has been prepaid). To ensure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, your luggage will be inspected as well. At the arrival hall a naturalist guide will meet you and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor at Baltra. By dinghy you will be taken to the yacht.PM: Las Bachas (Santa Cruz)These two small beaches are found to the West of Black Turtle Cove. Their sand is made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft, making it a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind one of the beaches there is a small brackish water lagoon, where occasionally it is possible to observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels. The other beach is longer, but it has two old barges that were abandoned during the Second World War, when the USA used Baltra Island as a strategically point to protect the Panama Channel.

Day 2 - Day 2 – Tuesday White Tipped Shark & Arnoldo tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center

AM: White Tipped SharkLas Tintoreras is a small bay on an islet, located 5 minutes on a dinghy ride from Port of Villamil, which permits the visitor to observe the White tipped shark. There is a colony of skarks that can often be seen resting in the lava canal. In addition to the sharks there are sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and rays in the beautiful, calm turquoise waters. Volcano Alcedo is one of the five shield volcanoes that form Albemarle Island the famous “Geyser” or hot steam fumarole will be reached, while all around are Galapagos giant tortoises of the Alcedo race.Nearby hundreds of marine iguanas can be observed, as ‘Las Tintoreras’ is one of their main breeding sites. On the nearby sandy beaches, sea lions play and relax in the sun. This is one of Isabela’s most beautiful visitor sites.PM: Arnoldo tupiza Tortoise Breeding CenterThis is where giant tortoises are reared on Isabela. It is located 1.5 kilometers from Pto. Villamil, this important center has a captive breeding program for tortoises from the populations of southern Isabela. Here you can learn about the processes of reproduction and breeding. In total there are about 300 tortoises of all size between juveniles and adults. Isabela Island is the only island in the world which has 5 different species of these giant reptiles.

Day 3 - Day 3 – WednesdayPunta Cormorant, Devil´s Crown & Post Office Bay (Floreana)

AM: Punta Cormorant, Devil´s Crown (Floreana)This site offers probably the best Flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos; it is also one of the largest in the islands. It’s situated between two tuff lava cones that give the area a special atmosphere. There are various species of shorebirds to observe besides flamingos; the most frequent are common stilts, white-checked pintail ducks and other migratory birds. It is very interesting to see the two distinct beaches: “The Green Beach” (due to its high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand) and the “Flour Sand Beach” which is made up of coral. After our visit of Cormorant Point we will continue with our yacht to the nearby islet known as Corona del Diablo (Devil’s Crown), where we can enjoy some great snorkeling.PM: Post Office Bay (Floreana)Historically, Post Office Bay is the location of a wooden barrel that was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. Since this time it has been used by mariners and tourists as a post office. The idea is to carry letters or postcards to their destination by hand. Apart from being the Post Office Barrel, this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists. We will continue to the north of the island and ascend to an elevated slope to enjoy a beautiful view from the Baroness Lookout. It is said that Baroness Eloisa von Wagner loved this place and spent several hours watching the horizon. Within walking distance (30 m) are the ruins of what is known as her House. From this lookout, the landscape covers the coastline from the Enderby islet to Post Office Bay, as well as Cerro Pajas, the pool of flamingos and wide forest of Palo Santo.

Day 4 - Day 4 – Thursday Punta Suarez & Gardner Bay (Española)

DAY 4 – ThursdayAM: Punta Suarez (Española)This rocky land spot sustains one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in the Galapagos. Along its southern shore, high cliffs rise up from the sea affording the visitor spectacular views of soaring birds and of the blow whole where water spouts up to 50-75 feet into the air according to the intensity of the surf.PM: Gardner Bay (Española)Located on the north-eastern coast of Hood, Gardner Bay provides an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming and snorkeling, and the opportunity to observe sea lions. Here you may also observe sharks in the crystal clear ocean waters.

Day 5 - Day 5 – Friday Santa Cruz Highlands Tortoises Farm

AM: Santa Cruz Highlands Tortoises FarmSanta Cruz also offers excellent opportunities for viewing wild tortoises, both roaming through pastures in the agricultural zone and in the Tortoise Reserve, which is accessible from Santa Rosa or Salasaca. Several farms serve food and allow visitors to explore their grounds in search of tortoises. Descending through the agricultural zone into the Transition Zone where the Tortoise Reserve is located, the introduced vegetation of the farmlands is replaced by native vegetation. The pond at El Chato is surrounded by forest where short-eared owls, Darwin’s finches, Vermilion Flycatchers, Yellow Warblers, Galapagos Rails, and Paint-billed Crakes can be seen. As the visitor walks into the forests overgrown with lichens, ferns, and other epiphytes, it is time to listen carefully for the sound of heavy footsteps and the sound of shrubs being slowly crushed as the tortoises make their way through the brush.Transfer to Baltra airport for your flight back to Guayaquil or Quito.

Day 6 - Please Note:

Itinerary is subject to change in case of force majeure caused by exceptional and natural circumstances. Approximate departure and navigation times are just indicative and depend on the sea state and decisions of the captain. Although Galapagos seldom requires quests for wildlife, observation of specific species can never be guaranteed.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Guided hikes during island visits
Dinghy-rides (in an inflatable dinghy, ‘Zodiac’ or ‘panga’)
Snorkelling & swimming
Sea-kayaking
Visit to a Galapagos giant tortoise breeding project, visitor’s Centre & interpretative botanic trail
Time for relaxing and realizing on which unique place you have ended up