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GALAPAGOS
LAND AND SEA PROGRAM AT FINCH BAY 5D/4N
"The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.”
SAMPLE ITINERARY
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
FULL DAY LAND ACTIVITIES OPTIONS
Highlands giant tortoises with lunch (guided)
Depart the hotel towards the Highlands of Santa Cruz. From there a short drive across the farming area will lead us to El Manzanillo at the northern edge of the Giant Tortoise Reserve. El Manzanillo is located on the natural path tortoises take every year as they either migrate to higher moist locations during the garúa season (June-September), or when they descend to the warmer lowlands during the wet season. The Galapagos giant tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra) is the largest living tortoise species, weighing up to 250 kg (550 lb). It plays an important biological role as the top grazer in its habitat. In the wild, these gentle giants slowly barrel their way through the plant cover. The shape of their carapaces varies from island to island. On Santa Cruz, year-round, tortoises can be seen grazing on the surrounding vegetation, or wallowing in muddy banks or in a small red-coloured pond (impressively coloured by surface red pond-weeds).
The area is teeming with life: chirping vegetarian-, small-tree, large-tree and woodpecker mockingbirds and flycatchers, as well as ducks, herons and gallinules make this an exciting morning visit. On the return to Puerto Ayora, visit one of the island’s lava tunnels, significant geological formations that take us back in time and allow us to remember how lava flows formed the islands. Lunch at El Manzanillo.
Tortuga Bay and Charles Darwin Research Station with lunch (guided)
Tortuga Bay is located to the southwest of Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island. Its name means “turtle”, and the island received this moniker because it is sea turtles favourite place to lay their eggs. The stunning white sand beach is considered by many the most beautiful in the Galapagos archipelago. The beach is reached via a marked and cobbled two kilometre path that starts at the west end of Charles Binford Street; guests must sign in and out at the National Park control point at the beginning of the path– it is open from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM daily. There is excellent bird-watching along the path, with plenty of Darwin’s finches and other sea birds. And for active visitors, it is a great place to kayak, snorkel and surf!
The headquarters of the Galapagos National Park Service and The Charles Darwin Research Station are located side by side on the outskirts of Puerto Ayora. There is an interpretation center open to the public where you may also view the tortoise rearing program. Those guests who have not have the opportunity to explore the highlands of Santa Cruz and see tortoises in their natural habitat will have the chance to see tortoises here. And for those who have already seen them in the wild, a visit to the Center will expand their knowledge of this unique, iconic Galapagos animal.
ISLAND YACHT EXPLORATIONS OPTIONS
North Seymour Island
North Seymour was lifted from the ocean floor by a seismic event, and its origins as a seabed give the island its low, flat profile. Cliffs only a few meters high form the shoreline, where swallow-tailed gulls sit among the ledges and rocks. A tiny forest of silver-grey Palo Santo trees stands just above the landing, usually without leaves, waiting for the rains to burst into bloom. This island is teeming with life!
Bartolome Island
Bartolome is famous for Pinnacle Rock, a towering spearheaded obelisk that rises from the ocean’s edge and is the best-known landmark in the islands. Galapagos penguins—the only species of penguin found north of the equator—walk precariously along narrow volcanic ledges at its base. Sea lions snooze on rocky platforms, ready to slide into the water to play with passing snorkelers.
South Plaza Island
South Plaza is a small island full of fascinating wildlife, both along its shore and along its dramatic, wind-swept cliffs: sea lions, land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, Opuntia cacti and vegetation that changes colors according to the season. South Plaza is one of Galapagos’ most impressive visiting sites.
Santa Fe Island
Santa Fe offers one of the more beautiful and sheltered coves in the islands. Its turquoise lagoon is protected by a peninsula of tiny islets forming an ideal anchorage. The island lies to the southeast of Santa Cruz within sight of Puerto Ayora. Like North Seymour, Santa Fe has been uplifted seismically, and you can see underwater lava formations.
Pricing
PRICE PER PERSON:
- Please contact us to get a quote according to your preferences and activities.
- Price in Finch Bay Room. Upgrades to Finch Bay Suites available for an additional fee.
- 4-night accommodation in the selected room
- Meals metioned in the itinerary
- 2 full-day island yacht explorations (includes lunch on board)
- 1 full-day exploration (includes lunch )
- Snorkel equipment
- Ground transfers in/out in Galapagos (shared service
- Internet / Wi-Fi
- Air transportation (international and domestic) to/from Galapagos and airport taxes (subject to change without previous notice)
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee (USD 100 subject to change without previous notice)
- Transit control card fee (USD 20 subject to change without previous notice)
- Alcoholic beverages, gratuities/tips, laundry or valet services and additional items
- Optional activities with extra cost: kayaking, mountain biking, diving and surfing
- Travel insurance
- Laundry service
- Any item not mentioned previously
Local authorities manage the quarantine system of the Galapagos National Park in order to reduce the possibility of foreign species invading the archipelago. All cargo and luggage that arrives to Galapagos National Park or that is transferred from one island to another must be inspected. All aircrafts are disinfected with Permethrin before landing. To preserve human health and the native species of the Galapagos Islands, the following products may not be transferred to Galapagos: fresh vegetables and fruits, animal products and or their derivatives, dairy products, other live animals, pathological samples, dry coffee beans, genetically modified organisms, forest species or their disseminative parts, grass and its disseminative parts, fresh flowers, medicinal plants and their disseminative parts, banana tree leaves, micro-organisms (fungi, bacteria, etc.) soil and sand, and animal vaccines.
Trips considerations
PLEASE NOTE:
The island visited on the full day Yacht exploration on board the Sea Lion will depend on your travel dates and the approved itineraries by the Galapagos National Park Service.
Galapagos itineraries are subject to change due to weather conditions, logistical reasons, guests’ safety, or Galapagos National Park regulations
