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Peregrine Travel Centre

Southern Loop (Celebrity Xperience)

Southern 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
Southern 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.North Seymour IslandNorth Seymour is a perfect introduction 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 2 - Day 2 - South Plaza Island & Santa Fe Island
South Plaza IslandSouth Plaza Island is home to a large opuntia cactus forest, land iguanas and one of the largest sea lion colonies in the central region of the archipelago. You will also be able to see Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and other kinds of sea birds, as well as different types of finches.Difficulty level: ModerateSanta Fe IslandDuring the hike you will see some of Santa Fe’s endemic species, including the Galapagos hawk, the Galapagos snake, various finches and the Galapagos mockingbird. Playful sea lions usually join swimmers and kayakers during beach time.Difficulty level: Moderate
Day 3 - Day 3 - San Cristobal Island
San Cristobal Island - Pitt PointPitt Point is located on the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island. You will hike up to a plateau where the view and landscape are so spectacular it is definitely worth the effort. The power hike is followed by kayaking, snorkeling or a dinghy ride.Difficulty level: Moderate to DifficultSan Cristobal Island - Cerro BrujoIn addition to the magnificent scenery, there is wonderful swimming and a dinghy ride at this visitor site. Cerro Brujo’s spectacular beach is home to a large colony of sea lions, and it is famous for being the first place in the archipelago that Charles Darwin visited.Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
Day 4 - Day 4 - Floreana Island
Floreana Island - Post Office Bay & Baroness’ Viewing PointPost Office Bay is home to a unique “post office” inspired by 18th century pirates and buccaneers who used a wooden barrel as an unofficial mailbox. The tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home. The Baroness’ Viewing Point is the ideal place to take in the unique scenery that defines Floreana.Difficulty level: EasyFloreana Island - Champion Islet & Cormorant PointAfter snorkeling at Champion Islet, you will visit Cormorant Point, where there is a beautiful lagoon that is home to flamingos, stilts and pintail ducks. A great site for bird-watching.Difficulty level: Easy
Day 5 - Day 5 - Isabela Island
Isabela Island - Elizabeth BayElizabeth Bay is one of the furthest points of the Galapagos that we will visit on our cruise. We will enter a sheltered cove that is only accessible by dinghy – a wonderful mangrove ecosystem that is a refuge for sea turtles, rays and herons.Difficulty level: EasyIsabela Island - Moreno PointMoreno Point, which is southwest of Elizabeth Bay, is famous for its large population of seabirds. You’ll be able to get close to them on a dinghy ride along the cliffs of the island, or on a hike through lava rock that leads to tide pools and mangroves teeming with life. You will also have time for snorkeling.Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult
Day 6 - Day 6 - 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 - Española Island
Española Island - Gardner BayGardner Bay offers the chance to enjoy a pristine white sandy beach. In addition to being a nesting site for sea turtles, it is home to one of the most important colonies of sea lions in the archipelago. Activities include swimming snorkeling and kayaking.Difficulty level: EasyEspañola Island - Punta SuarezPunta Suarez is home to large populations of Nazca and blue-footed boobies, as well as the beautiful waved albatross (seasonally). The 10,000 to 12,000 pairs of albatross on Española represent the entire population of this species on the planet. They perform one of the most spectacular courtship rituals of the animal world.Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult
Day 8 - Day 8 - Mosquera Islet & Departure
This 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 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$6,400Standard Stateroom
23-12-201730-12-2017USD$6,700Stateroom
23-12-201730-12-2017USD$7,300Superior Stateroom
23-12-201730-12-2017USD$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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