GALAPAGOS ISLANDS BY LAND AND SEA
CRISTOBAL - ESPAÑOLA - SANTA CRUZ
6D/5N
"The Galapagos Islands provide a window on time. In a geologic sense, the islands are young, yet they appear ancient"
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Day 1 San Cristobal
INCLUDED: Transfer out Quito, and Transfer in at the Galapagos, Galapagos certified naturalist guide, all excursions and activities, lunch, accommodation w/breakfast.
DAY 2
Day 2 Kicker Rocks
INCLUDED: Galapagos certified naturalist guide, all excursions and activities, snorkeling gear, lunch, accommodation w/breakfast.
DAY 3
Day 3 Española
INCLUDED: Galapagos certified naturalist guide, all excursions and activities, snorkeling gear, lunch, accommodation w/breakfast.
DAY 4
Day 4 Santa Cruz
Highlands and lava tunnels option: Upon arrival to Puerto Ayora, the largest town of the Islands, our guide will greet you at the main passenger dock and later you’ll check in at our hotel. Santa Cruz is the only island having a road that crosses its interior running from Puerto Ayora in the south to the Itabaca Channel crossing in the north, thus providing the opportunity to see the interior and higher elevations of this marvelous island. You will have a guided tour to the highlands where we’ll be delighted by the island’s variety of life zones and geology and see giant tortoises in their natural state! Then we’ll visit a giant lava tunnel: underground tunnels dug by hot lava twist that turn and intertwine providing an exciting opportunity to view the immense effect of volcanic activity.
Tortuga Bay option: A 45 minute walk through an amazing trail leading us to Tortuga Bay, considered by the majority of visitors one of the most beautiful beaches in Galapagos. Here you can snorkel in the beautiful calm water inlet that reveals the full richness of the Galapagos marine life. You can see colorful reef fish, white-tip sharks, rays and sea turtles. We’ll also take time to walk through the marine iguana sanctuary where you might also catch a glimpse of blue-footed boobies, lava herons and frigate birds along the shore.
INCLUDED: Galapagos certified naturalist guide, transfer to Santa Cruz in shared service speedboat, all excursions and activities, snorkeling gear, lunch, accommodation w/breakfast.
DAY 5
Day 5 Navigable tour
DAY 6
Day 6 Santa Cruz - baltra - quito
INCLUDED: Breakfast, Ground transfers out in Galapagos (shared service).
Navigable tour options for day 5
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.
INCLUDED: Galapagos certified naturalist guide, all excursions and activities, snorkeling gear, lunch and lodging at Angermeyer Waterfront Inn or Similar Premium class hotel w/breakfast.
Pricing
- Accommodations in double or triple occupancy with private bathroom: USD$2350
- Single traveler applies a supplement
- 5-night accommodation in the selected room
- Meals listed in included section in the itinerary
- All excursions and activities listed in itinerary
- Snorkeling gear
- Ground transfers in/out in Galapagos (shared service)
- Internet / Wi-Fi at Opuntia and Angermeyer Waterfront in
- Air transportation (international and domestic) to/from Galapagos. We can assist you with the flight reservation and purchase.
- 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)
- Dinners
- Alcoholic beverages, gratuities/tips, laundry or valet services and additional items
- Optional activities with extra cost: kayaking, mountain biking, diving and surfing
- Travel insurance
- Wet suit
- 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.
Trip considerations
PLEASE NOTE:
This is a sample itinerary subject to change due to weather conditions, safety, National Park regulations and particular interests of guests. Changes and additions are made in order to maximize your experience, wilderness enjoyment.
The price listed below is based on the accommodations listed in the itinerary which can be modified according to your preferences and budget.
