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Peregrine Travel Centre

Northern Loop (Celebrity Xperience)

Northern Loop (Celebrity Xperience)

From $6,400 USD

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Description

Situated 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos archipelago consists of 19 islands and more than 40 islets, created six million years ago when they emerged from the Pacific in a flurry of volcanic activity.

The islands were discovered in 1535 by Tomas de Berlanga, who sent the first known description of the Galapagos to the King of Spain: “…nothing but seals, and turtles, and such big tortoises that each could carry a man on top of itself, and many iguanas that are like serpents”. He also remarked on the tameness of the creatures: “…so silly that they do not know to flee, and many were caught in the hand”.

Perhaps our first association with the word “Galapagos” is the name “Darwin” – and for good reason. He sailed into the Galapagos Islands in 1835 on board the Beagle and was amazed by the extraordinary life he found on the islands.

Each island forms a unique ecosystem, a series of specialized relationships that have adapted to the volcanic and isolated nature of the islands. As a result, the Galapagos Islands are home to a wide variety of endemic species.

It has been more than 450 years since their discovery, yet the islands remain largely intact thanks to the conservation efforts of the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station. A further boost to the protection of the islands was given in 1978, when UNESCO declared them a World Heritage Site.

The waters around the Galapagos, which are the lifeblood of the archipelago, are also legally protected within the Galapagos Marine Reserve, making the islands one of the best places on the planet for scuba diving.

The Galapagos Islands offer a unique interaction with nature, and their name is synonymous with survival and the celebration of the diversity of species on earth.

Please Note: During peak season Christmas (Dec 23-30) and New Year (Dec 30-Jan 06)
a surcharge of $400 per person applies

Also, shorter, 5-night itineraries are available, please contact us for more details.

Trip Name
Northern Loop (Celebrity Xperience)
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 64 metres Passenger Capacity: 48 (in 24 cabins) Celebrity Xperience (previously known as Eclipse) is an upscale expedition vessel that offers unparalleled levels of comfort and service. Large enough to travel the Pacific in comfort and safety, small enough to dock at remote ports and negotiate inter-island landings with agility, Celebrity Xperience features outstanding open-air spaces, comfortable cabins, and spectacular al fresco dining. ACCOMMODATION Our 24 spacious Staterooms accommodate up to 48 passengers – just half the number usually found on a ship this size. This means that passengers can enjoy the generous accommodation of a larger vessel, while preserving the atmosphere and exclusivity of a smaller yacht. Celebrity Xperience offers four cabin categories, all stylishly decorated and equipped with private facilities, air conditioning, and ocean-view windows or portholes. Two Staterooms on each cabin deck have interconnecting doors to accommodate families. FACILITIES In addition to the chic indoor dining room, Celebrity Xperience features an al fresco dining area, where guests can savor a scrumptious meal with the islands’ stunning scenery as a backdrop. The lounge provides a relaxed atmosphere for the nightly briefings and lectures on board, and the library is a quiet place to catch up on some reading. One of the most popular areas is the sun deck, ideal for wildlife viewing, soaking in the Jacuzzi or relaxing in the comfortable sun loungers. The ship also has an infirmary, with a doctor on board at all times. RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL Celebrity Xperience operates under two equally important guidelines: to ensure the comfort and safety of our passengers at all times, and to protect the integrity of the fragile Galapagos environment. Celebrity Xperience is certified within the Rainforest Alliance “Smart Voyager” program. Wi-Fi: Passengers can access our Satellite Wi-Fi network. Due to the remoteness of the islands the internet can be intermittent. Electricity: All cabins have both 110 & 220 volt electrical outlets. Dress Code: We pride ourselves on an informal “non-cruise” atmosphere on board. While you might like to change out of your beach clothes for dinner, you won’t need a wardrobe any dressier than smart-casual. Smoking policy: Smoking is only permitted in the al fresco dining area or on the sundeck. 

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Arrival
Arrive at Baltra IslandUpon arrival at Baltra airport, you will clear immigration and be met by your guide, who will escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor. A motorized dinghy will then transfer you to Celebrity Xperience, where the captain and crew will welcome you aboard.Santa Cruz Island - Black Turtle CoveBlack Turtle cove is a complex maze of tranquil salt-water islets, surrounded by three different species of mangroves. Its waters are a nursery site for sea turtles, rays and sharks, as well as a nesting site for sea birds. This site is only accessible by dinghy.Difficulty level: Easy
Day 2 - Day 2 - Rábida Island & Santiago Island
Rábida IslandRábida is a small island with red volcanic rocks surrounding a beautiful red sand beach, where there is a colony of sea lions and a pelican nesting site. The trail leads to a salt-water lagoon where shore birds can be seen. Activities include snorkeling, swimming, kayaking or dinghy ride.Difficulty level: Easy to ModerateSantiago Island - Puerto EgasThe trail leads to tidal pools that are home to a variety of invertebrate organisms, including sea urchins, octopus and starfish. You will also see marine iguanas, finches and possibly the Galapagos hawk, as well as the less common Galapagos fur sea lion. After the walk, you will have time to swim or snorkel from the beach.Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
Day 3 - Day 3 - Isabela Island & Fernandina Island
Isabela Island – Tagus CoveTagus Cove was historically used as an anchoring place for pirates, buccaneers and whalers. The trail up from the cove goes through an area of vegetation, leading to a spectacular view of Darwin Volcano Lake. Activities include snorkeling, kayaking and dinghy ride.Difficulty level: Easy to DifficultFernandina Island - Espinoza PointFernandina Island is one of the most pristine and dynamic ecosystems in the entire world. La Cumbre Volcano, which last erupted in April 2009, dominates the landscape, with lava fields stretching towards the ocean from its base. Espinoza Point is home to unique Galapagos species such as the Galapagos penguin, flightless cormorant, Galapagos snake and huge marine iguanas.Difficulty level: Moderate
Day 4 - Day 4 - Isabela Island
Isabela Island – Urbina BayLocated in the west of Isabela, at the foot of Alcedo volcano, this site is famous for its large land iguanas, and keep your eyes peeled for Galapagos tortoises, flightless cormorants and penguins.Difficulty level: Easy to ModerateIsabela Island – Vicente Roca PointPunta Vicente Roca is a wonderful snorkeling site, where you can usually see turtles as well as all kinds of fish. For those who don’t snorkel, a dinghy ride will give you the opportunity to study some of the Galapagos spectacular geography. Nazca boobies, pelicans, swallow-tailed gulls, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants and penguins are often seen in the area.Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
Day 5 - Day 5 - Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island - Puerto Ayora & HighlandsOn your visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station you will gain insight into the extensive efforts underway to preserve the Galapagos Islands. You will also encounter the famous Galapagos tortoises that are the islands’ namesake. After the visit we will drive to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz to search for giant tortoises in their natural surroundings. In the afternoon you will have free time for shopping or mingling with the locals, or you can simply relax on board.Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
Day 6 - Day 6 - Genovesa Island
Genovesa Island – El BarrancoEl Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, is a steep path with stairs carved into the rock, which leads to a plateau full of bird life among a palo santo forest. You will see Nazca boobies, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds and petrels. With some luck, you may spot a short-eared lava owl.Difficulty level: ModerateGenovesa Island – Darwin BayDarwin Bay’s soft, coralline white sand is only the beginning of a spectacular excursion. A trail from the beach takes you into lush mangroves where red footed boobies nest. Other locals include sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls and frigatebirds. Kayaking or snorkeling are a must here, since sharks, colorful reef fish, rays and sea turtles are often seen.Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
Day 7 - Day 7 - Bartolomé Island & Santa Cruz Island
Bartolomé IslandBartolomé, one of the most iconic sites in the Galapagos, is a small island with two very different visitor sites: on the beautiful beach you can hang out with sea lions and snorkel, while the hike up to the peak offers jaw-dropping scenery.Difficulty level: ModerateSanta Cruz Island - Dragon HillAs the name implies, Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) is known for its healthy population of land iguanas. Other locals include common stilts, pintail ducks and occasionally flamingos. A short walk up the hill leads you to a land iguana nesting site, with breathtaking views of the bay. You will have the chance to go snorkeling after the walk.Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
Day 8 - Day 8 - Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island - Las Bachas BeachLas Bachas Beach is located in the north of Santa Cruz Island. Its soft, white sand is derived from decomposed coral, making it a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind the beach there is a small brackish lagoon, where it is possible to observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels.Difficulty level: Easy
Day 9 - Please Note:
We reserve the right to alter ITINERARIES and/or ACTIVITIES due to prevailing or forecast weather conditions, for technical or safety considerations or to meet National Park regulations. Itineraries may also vary due to force majeure or according to the need to refuel the vessel on certain Saturdays.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
30-12-201707-01-2018USD$6,400Standard Stateroom
30-12-201707-01-2018USD$6,700Stateroom
30-12-201707-01-2018USD$7,300Superior Stateroom
30-12-201707-01-2018USD$7,700Deluxe Stateroom

Inclusions

    • Walk among ancient giants. The Galapagos tortoise is the largest living species of tortoise, reaching weights of over 400kg, with a life span of over 100 years. The tortoise is native to seven of the islands, and its extraordinary ability to adapt to a variety of environments played an important part in Darwin’s theory of evolution.
    • Explore the underwater world. The Galapagos marine reserve is the archipelago’s lifeblood
    • a spectacular world of fish, rays and sharks that is definitely worth exploring. Vicente Roca Point is a breathtaking snorkeling site on our northern itinerary. It is a popular feeding place for sea turtles, as well as being home to wonderful rock formations teeming with life.
    • Witness evolution. The flightless cormorant is one of only two flightless seabirds on earth, the other being the penguin. Found on Fernandina and Isabela Islands, this rare bird is an example of the Galapagos Islands’ highly unusual fauna, since it is the only cormorant on earth that has lost its ability to fly – thanks to a lack of land predators and an abundance of fish.
    • Dance with albatrosses. Boasting a two-meter long wingspan, the waved albatross is a spectacular flyer, using dynamic soaring to stay in flight for hours. Mating season is between March and December, when the albatrosses flock to Suarez Point on Española Island to perform a jaw dropping mating ritual that consists of clacking beaks, exaggerated sways, bows and loud mating songs.
    • Play with sea lions. Galapagos sea lions are often seen sunbathing on sandy shores or on rocks, or gliding gracefully through the surf. Their playful nature and agility in the water make them the Galapagos Islands’ welcoming party. Snorkeling inevitably leads to mischievous close-up encounters with the youngsters.
    • Hurdle over marine iguanas. The Galapagos marine iguana is the only lizard to live and forage in the sea, making it a marine reptile. At times, the marine iguanas are hard to differentiate from the black volcanic rocks, and they make no effort to get off the paths used by visitors. They say that this lizard bears more resemblance to a dragon than an iguana.
    • Behold the famous feet. The blue-footed booby is the most iconic – and comical – bird in the Galapagos Islands. Pairs of them can be seen conducting their mating ritual, as they offer each other gifts, whistle and honk, stretch their necks towards the sky, spread their wings, and dance – showing off their bright blue feet.
    • Watch whales and dolphins. The Bolivar Channel, between Fernandina and Isabela Islands, draws large schools of fish, which in turn attract predators such as whales and dolphins. The best time to catch these magnificent creatures in action is in the early morning between June and September.
    • Paddle into the unexpected. Kayaking and dinghy rides are wonderful opportunities to appreciate just how extraordinary the Galapagos Islands are. Kayaking among a pod of dolphins, or paddling through a mangrove system that is home to sea turtles, rays and herons are once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
    • Create memories. The Galapagos Islands are one of the last wildernesses on earth, where the wildlife shows virtually no fear of humans. It’s no wonder that photography is a must
    • all it takes is one click to see what makes these islands enchanted.

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