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Peregrine Travel Centre

Northern Loop (Celebrity Xploration)

Northern Loop (Celebrity Xploration)

From $6,200 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 Xploration)
Days
8
Overview
Celebrity Xploration (previously known as Athala II) is an outstanding catamaran that combines adventure with comfort. On board, the atmosphere is relaxed, intimate and friendly. Cabins are well appointed, meals delicious, and the service reminiscent of a private yacht.  ACCOMMODATION This stable catamaran accommodates sixteen passengers in eight stylishly decorated staterooms, equipped with private facilities, air conditioning, and ocean-view picture windows. There are four cabins on the Upper Deck, which have interconnecting doors, and four cabins on the Main Deck with private balconies. The spacious cabins feature twin beds that can be converted to a kingsize bed upon request. All cabins come with a private refrigerator. SOCIAL AREAS In addition to an indoor dining room, and a lounge for the nightly briefings and lectures, Celebrity Xploration features ample outdoor space, including a large sun deck with Jacuzzi, an open-air bar and an al fresco dining area, where you can take in the islands’ spectacular scenery over a delicious meal. RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL Celebrity Xploration 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 Xploration is certified within the Rainforest Alliance “Smart Voyager” program. Electricity: All cabins have 110 volt electrical outlets. 220 volt electrical outlets are available in the dining room only. Smoking policy: Smoking is permitted in the al fresco dining area or on the sun deck. 

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - SATURDAY- ARRIVAL IN GALAPAGOS
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 the Celebrity Xploration, where the captain and crew will welcome you aboard.Mosquera IsletThis tiny islet is home to a huge population of sea lions, as well as many shorebirds. Keep your eyes peeled, as there are occasional reports of dolphins and orcas around Mosquera.Difficulty level: Easy
Day 2 - Day 2 - SUNDAY – SANTIAGO & BARTOLOME ISLANDS
Santiago Island - Sullivan BaySullivan Bay is renowned for its spectacular volcanic formations, relatively young pahoehoe lava flows and unique geological scenery. Due to Sullivan’s relatively recent volcanic activity, few plants have been able to take root here, much less be successful, so pay particular interest to the low-lying pioneer plant known locally as “mollugo”, as well as the lava cactus.Difficulty level: ModerateBartolomé 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: Moderate
Day 3 - Day 3 - MONDAY – 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 – 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 Difficult
Day 4 - Day 4 - TUESDAY – FERNANDINA & ISABELA ISLANDS
Fernandina 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: 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 - WEDNESDAY – SANTIAGO ISLAND
Santiago 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 ModerateSantiago Island – Espumilla BeachIn addition to a beautiful beach, which is a nesting site for sea turtles, there is a palo santo forest that boasts some of the tallest specimens in the islands. Later, Bucaneer Cove’s awe-inspiring scenery will take your breath away. Activities include snorkeling, kayaking and a dinghy ride.Difficulty level: Easy
Day 6 - Day 6 - THURSDAY – 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 ModerateFor those on our 5-night itinerary, this will be your departure day. In the morning you will visit the highlands of Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises in the wild, followed by a transfer to Baltra airport for your flight back to the mainland.
Day 7 - Day 7 - FRIDAY – 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 8 - Day 8 - SATURDAY – NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND & DEPARTURE
North Seymour IslandNorth Seymour may very well be the perfect way to say goodbye to the Galapagos Islands. Although the island is characterized by arid vegetation, fauna abounds and you will soon find yourself surrounded by sea lions, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, frigatebirds and more.Difficulty level: Moderate
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
23-12-201730-12-2017USD$6,200Upper Deck Cabin
23-12-201730-12-2017USD$6,450Main Deck Cabin With Balcony

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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