GTEG-108 – GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE M/V SANTA CRUZ II – EASTERN ISLANDS ITINERARY SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS –FRIDAY TO THURSDAY
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS FIRST CLASS CRUISE TOURS
GTEG-108 – GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE
M/V SANTA CRUZ II – EASTERN ISLANDS ITINERARY
SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS –FRIDAY TO THURSDAY
HIGHLIGHTS
A snapshot of islands to be visited and the highlights and iconic fauna and flora species of each island.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY:
Detailed information on activities and visits to each island and applicable cruise rates
CRUISE DATES:
A complete listing of all of the dates that the Eastern Islands cruise itinerary will be operating.
PRE-CRUISE TOURS:
A sample of tours offered in Quito and surroundings o be offered in combination with this cruise. In addition, we can tailor additional Pre and Post cruise tours to adjust to your clients’ interests
GTEG-108 – GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE
M/V SANTA CRUZ II – EASTERN ISLANDS ITINERARY
SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS –FRIDAY TO THURSDAY
ICONIC SPECIES
Galapagos Albatrosses (From April to December) (BIG15), Blue Footed Boobies (BIG15), Nazca Boobies (BIG15), Red Footed Boobies (BIG15), Great & Magnificent Frigate birds (BIG15), Galapagos Hawks (BIG15), Land Iguanas (BIG15), Marine Iguanas (BIG15), Santa Fe Land Iguana (BIG15), Galapagos Sea Lion (BIG15), Galapagos Giant Tortoises (BIG15), Galapagos Fur Seal (BIG15), American Flamingo (BIG15), Galapagos Doves, Galapagos Mockingbirds, San Cristobal Mockingbirds, Española Mockingbirds, Darwin Finches, Brown Pelicans, Swallow-Tailed Gulls, Lava Gulls, Lava (striated) Herons
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Friday – Arrival in Galapagos Islands
Baltra Island
We arrive by plane at Baltra Island and transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz II where we receive our welcome introductory briefing and lunch.
Mosquera Islet
Only four nautical miles from Baltra, the island is a long and narrow sand bank surrounded by lava reefs. Our groups will approach the island from its western shore, a long shallow reef, the perfect rookery for young sea lions.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
DAY 2: Saturday – Galapagos Islands
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island)
After breakfast, we disembark (dry landing) at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the island’s capital, and drive 40 minutes to the island’s southern shore. At Cerro Colorado, we visit the breeding center for highly endangered giant tortoises.
Punta Pitt (San Cristobal Island)
In the afternoon, we disembark (wet landing) on the eastern tip of the island at Punta Pitt, an eroded tuff cone, whose trail provides spectacular views of the shoreline. This is the only site in the Galapagos where the three species of boobies can be found together.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 3: Sunday – Galapagos Islands
Santa Fe Island
After breakfast, we take the dinghy over to this idyllic sandy-white beach populated by many sea lions and land iguanas
South Plaza Island
Following lunch and a rest, we disembark (dry landing) in this channel, whose turquoise waters contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while frigates, swallow-tailed gulls and shearwaters glide, playing with the thermals.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 4: Monday – Galapagos Islands
Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
In the morning, we disembark for our visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station’s giant tortoise Breeding Centre within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation and conservation.
Santa Cruz Island
We have several options available for the afternoon, which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition Leader.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 5: Tuesday – Galapagos Islands
Punta Suarez (Española Island)
An exciting walk awaits at this site, where we enjoy its unique sea bird colonies, including Galapagos albatross (April-December), Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls.
Gardner Bay – Osborn Islet (Española Island)
In the afternoon, the picture-postcard white coral beach of Gardner Bay and the nearby islet of Osborn provides a beautiful setting for observing sea lions, mockingbirds, and finches as we relax.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 6: Wednesday – Galapagos Islands
Eden Islet (Santa Cruz Island)
After breakfast, a panga ride takes us to Eden Islet, a small islet located off the coast of Santa Cruz, where we can observe blue-footed boobies diving into the water, reef sharks and frigates. There’s a chance to snorkel and, if weather condition permits, ride in the glass-bottom boat and kayak.
North Seymour Island
North Seymour was lifted from the ocean floor by a volcanic event, and its origins as a seabed give the island its low, flat profile. This is a great introductory site to the islands and their wildlife, full of bird colonies of blue footed boobies, two species of frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls, as well as sea lions and marine iguanas.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 7: Thursday – Depart Galapagos Islands
Baltra Island
On our last day, we disembark at Baltra Island and transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Quito or Guayaquil and to your next destination.
Meals: Breakfast
2019 GROSS RATES PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY VALID THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2019
M/V SANTA CRUZ II | WESTERN ISLANDS THU-MON 5D/4N |
NORTHERN ISLANDS MON-FRI 5D/4N |
EASTERN ISLANDS FRI-THU 7D/6N |
Horizon Deck Explorer Family Cabin (2 Cabins) |
$3,678 | $3,678 | $5,372 |
Horizon Deck Explorer Cabin (23 Cabins) |
$3,910 | $3,910 | $5,714 |
Horizon Deck Voyager Cabin (2 Cabins) |
$4,510 | $4,510 | $6,590 |
Expedition Deck Explorer Cabin (17 Cabins) |
$4,070 | $4,070 | $5,942 |
Panorama Deck Explorer Cabin (3 Cabins) |
$4,186 | $4,186 | $6,116 |
Panorama Deck Darwin Suite (3 Cabins) |
$4,742 | $4,742 | $6,932 |
GTEG-108 – GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE
M/V SANTA CRUZ II – EASTERN ISLANDS ITINERARY
SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS –FRIDAY TO THURSDAY
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1: Friday – Arrival in Galapagos Islands
Baltra Island
We arrive by plane at Baltra Island and transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz II where we receive our welcome introductory briefing and lunch.
Mosquera Islet
After lunch and your introductory briefing on board, Santa Cruz II will relocate only four nautical miles from Baltra, next to Mosquera Islet, a small volcanic uplift between Baltra and North Seymour. The island is a long and narrow sand bank surrounded by lava reefs. Our groups will approach the island from its western shore, a long shallow reef, the perfect rookery for young sea lions. After a wet landing, our guides will lead you past the sea lion colonies, where you will learn more about the fragile marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Galapagos. The walk is easy as it is restricted to a few hundred meters of flat sandy dunes. This will also be a great opportunity for an introduction tosnorkeling.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
DAY 2: Saturday – Galapagos Islands
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island)
After breakfast, we disembark (dry landing) at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the island’s capital, and drive 40 minutes to the island’s southern shore. At Cerro Colorado, we visit the breeding center for highly endangered giant tortoises in the midst of a fantastic deciduous forest, home to dozens of bird species, including the San Cristobal mockingbird, and the San Cristobal lava lizard, both island endemics.
Punta Pitt (San Cristobal Island)
In the afternoon, we disembark (wet landing) on the eastern tip of the island at Punta Pitt, an eroded tuff cone, whose trail provides spectacular views of the shoreline. This is the only site in the Galapagos where the three species of boobies can be found together. We can walk or enjoy a panga ride along the coast. Opportunity for snorkeling, swimming and kayaking.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 3: Sunday – Galapagos Islands
Santa Fe Island
After breakfast, we take the dinghy over to this idyllic sandy-white beach populated by many sea lions (wet landing). The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the morning walk amid the giant prickly pear cactus. Snorkeling and swimming from the panga rounds off our rewarding experience, or if guests prefer, the glass bottom boat is available for non-snorkelers. Opportunity for kayaking.
South Plaza Island
Following lunch and a rest, we disembark (dry landing) in this channel, whose turquoise waters contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline. Beyond, a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-grey land iguanas sit beneath these, waiting patiently for pears to drop. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while frigates, swallow-tailed gulls and shearwaters glide, playing with the thermals.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 4: Monday – Galapagos Islands
Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
In the morning, we disembark (dry landing) for our visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station’s giant tortoise Breeding Centre within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Following our visit, we board our transport to enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem.
Santa Cruz Island
We have several options available for the afternoon, which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition Leader. At the end of the afternoon’s activities, we return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the Santa Cruz II.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 5: Tuesday – Galapagos Islands
Punta Suarez (Española Island)
(Dry landing) – An exciting walk awaits at this site, where we enjoy its unique sea bird colonies, including Galapagos albatross (April-December), Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls as well as a view of the Galapagos’ famous “blow-hole”. Also, look out for red-green-black marine iguanas. Back on board for lunch.
Gardner Bay – Osborn Islet (Española Island)
(Wet landing) In the afternoon, the picture-postcard white coral beach of Gardner Bay and the nearby islet of Osborn provides a beautiful setting for observing sea lions, mockingbirds, and finches as we relax. We can expect great snorkeling in this area. Opportunity for swimming and kayaking as well.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 6: Wednesday – Galapagos Islands
Eden Islet (Santa Cruz Island)
After breakfast, a panga ride takes us to Eden Islet, a small islet located off the coast of Santa Cruz, where we can observe blue-footed boobies diving into the water, reef sharks and frigates. There’s a chance to snorkel and, if weather condition permits, ride in the glass-bottom boat and kayak.
North Seymour Island
North Seymour was lifted from the ocean floor by a volcanic event, and its origins as a seabed give the island its low, flat profile. A tiny forest of silver-grey Palo Santo trees stands just above the landing (dry landing), usually without leaves, waiting for the rains to burst into bloom. This is a great introductory site to the islands and their wildlife, full of bird colonies of blue footed boobies, two species of frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls, as well as sea lions and marine iguanas.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 7: Thursday – Depart Galapagos Islands
Baltra Island
On our last day, we disembark at Baltra Island and transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Quito or Guayaquil and to your next destination.
Meals: Breakfast
2019 GROSS RATES PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY VALID THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2019
M/V SANTA CRUZ II |
WESTERN ISLANDS THU-MON 5D/4N |
NORTHERN ISLANDS MON-FRI 5D/4N |
EASTERN ISLANDS FRI-THU 7D/6N |
Horizon Deck Explorer Family Cabin (2 Cabins) |
$3,678 | $3,678 | $5,372 |
Horizon Deck Explorer Cabin (23 Cabins) |
$3,910 | $3,910 | $5,714 |
Horizon Deck Voyager Cabin (2 Cabins) |
$4,510 | $4,510 | $6,590 |
Expedition Deck Explorer Cabin (17 Cabins) |
$4,070 | $4,070 | $5,942 |
Panorama Deck Explorer Cabin (3 Cabins) |
$4,186 | $4,186 | $6,116 |
Panorama Deck Darwin Suite (3 Cabins) |
$4,742 | $4,742 | $6,932 |
2019 M/V SANTA CRUZ CRUISE DATES | 2020 M/V SANTA CRUZ CRUISE DATES | |||
EASTER ISLANDS ITINERARY | EASTER ISLANDS ITINERARY | |||
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS – FRIDAY TO THURSDAY | 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS – FRIDAY TO THURSDAY | |||
START | END | START | END | |
BALTRA | BALTRA | BALTRA | BALTRA | |
Friday, January 11, 19 | Thursday, January 17, 19 | Friday, January 10, 20 | Thursday, January 16, 20 | |
Friday, January 25, 19 | Thursday, January 31, 19 | Friday, January 24, 20 | Thursday, January 30, 20 | |
Friday, February 8, 19 | Thursday, February 14, 19 | Friday, February 7, 20 | Thursday, February 13, 20 | |
Friday, February 22, 19 | Thursday, February 28, 19 | Friday, February 21, 20 | Thursday, February 27, 20 | |
Friday, March 8, 19 | Thursday, March 14, 19 | Friday, March 6, 20 | Thursday, March 12, 20 | |
Friday, March 22, 19 | Thursday, March 28, 19 | Friday, March 20, 20 | Thursday, March 26, 20 | |
Friday, April 5, 19 | Thursday, April 11, 19 | Friday, April 3, 20 | Thursday, April 9, 20 | |
Friday, April 19, 19 | Thursday, April 25, 19 | Friday, April 17, 20 | Thursday, April 23, 20 | |
Friday, May 3, 19 | Thursday, May 9, 19 | Friday, May 1, 20 | Thursday, May 7, 20 | |
Friday, May 17, 19 | Thursday, May 23, 19 | Friday, May 15, 20 | Thursday, May 21, 20 | |
Friday, May 31, 19 | Thursday, June 6, 19 | Friday, May 29, 20 | Thursday, June 4, 20 | |
Friday, June 14, 19 | Thursday, June 20, 19 | Friday, June 12, 20 | Thursday, June 18, 20 | |
Friday, June 28, 19 | Thursday, July 4, 19 | Friday, June 26, 20 | Thursday, July 2, 20 | |
Friday, July 12, 19 | Thursday, July 18, 19 | Friday, July 10, 20 | Thursday, July 16, 20 | |
Friday, July 26, 19 | Thursday, August 1, 19 | Friday, July 24, 20 | Thursday, July 30, 20 | |
Friday, August 9, 19 | Thursday, August 15, 19 | Friday, August 7, 20 | Thursday, August 13, 20 | |
Friday, August 23, 19 | Thursday, August 29, 19 | Friday, August 21, 20 | Thursday, August 27, 20 | |
Friday, September 6, 19 | Thursday, September 12, 19 | Friday, September 4, 20 | Thursday, September 10, 20 | |
Friday, September 20, 19 | Thursday, September 26, 19 | Friday, September 18, 20 | Thursday, September 24, 20 | |
Friday, October 4, 19 | Thursday, October 10, 19 | Friday, October 2, 20 | Thursday, October 8, 20 | |
Friday, October 18, 19 | Thursday, October 24, 19 | Friday, October 16, 20 | Thursday, October 22, 20 | |
Friday, November 1, 19 | Thursday, November 7, 19 | Friday, October 30, 20 | Thursday, November 5, 20 | |
Friday, November 15, 19 | Thursday, November 21, 19 | |||
Friday, November 29, 19 | Thursday, December 5, 19 | |||
Friday, December 13, 19 | Thursday, December 19, 19 | Friday, December 11, 20 | Thursday, December 17, 20 | |
Friday, December 27, 19 | Thursday, January 2, 20 | Friday, December 25, 20 | Thursday, December 31, 20 |
2019 GROSS RATES PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY VALID THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2019
M/V SANTA CRUZ II |
WESTERN ISLANDS THU-MON 5D/4N |
NORTHERN ISLANDS MON-FRI 5D/4N |
EASTERN ISLANDS FRI-THU 7D/6N |
Horizon Deck Explorer Family Cabin (2 Cabins) |
$3,678 | $3,678 | $5,372 |
Horizon Deck Explorer Cabin (23 Cabins) |
$3,910 | $3,910 | $5,714 |
Horizon Deck Voyager Cabin (2 Cabins) |
$4,510 | $4,510 | $6,590 |
Expedition Deck Explorer Cabin (17 Cabins) |
$4,070 | $4,070 | $5,942 |
Panorama Deck Explorer Cabin (3 Cabins) |
$4,186 | $4,186 | $6,116 |
Panorama Deck Darwin Suite (3 Cabins) |
$4,742 | $4,742 | $6,932 |
CRUISE RATE INCLUDES:
Daily island tours as per itinerary fully escorted by English speaking naturalists guides. Island sightseeing. Lecture services. All meals during the cruise. Transfers between airport and cruise. Snorkeling gear.
NOT INCLUDED:
Air tickets to/from Galapagos. Galapagos National Park admission fee (US $100 subject to change without notice), transit Control Card for Galapagos (US$ 20 per person), wet suits, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage, tips, gifts, internet* and additional items.
GT-05A – QUITO SERIES
Two Days / One Night
DAY 1: Arrival in Quito
Assistance and private transfer airport to hotel
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel
DAY 2: Transfer out
Private transfer hotel to airport for flight to Galapagos
Meals: Breakfast
GT-05B – QUITO SERIES
Three Days / Two Nights
DAY 1: Arrival in Quito
Assistance and private transfer airport to hotel
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel
DAY 2: Quito
Private fully escorted combined tour of city and Middle of the World
English speaking guide
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Transfer out
Private transfer hotel to airport for flight to Galapagos
Meals: Breakfast
GT-05C – QUITO SERIES
Four Days / Three Nights
DAY 1: Arrival in Quito
Assistance and private transfer airport to hotel
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel
DAY 2: Quito
Private fully escorted combined tour of city and Middle of the World
English speaking guide
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Otavalo and surroundings
Full day Otavalo tour based on private or semi-private basis with lunch
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4: Transfer out
Private transfer hotel to airport for flight to Galapagos
Meals: Breakfast