Galapagos Cruise - Polaris

Itinerary

Day 1: Home City / Guayaquil, Ecuador

Depart your home city and arrive Guayaquil by late evening. If you choose to take the non-stop group flight from Miami, we depart in the early evening with a flying time of approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, it’s a short drive to the Hotel Hilton Colón.

Day 2: Guayaquil / Galápagos / Santa Cruz / Embark Ship

This morning fly to Baltra Island in the Galápagos. Flying time is approximately 1½ hours; upon arrival immediately board ship. During lunch you’ll sail to Santa Cruz Island for a magnificent introduction to the wildlife. Spend the afternoon exploring mangrove-flanked channels and the shoreline of Cerro Dragon, looking for land iguanas, sea lions, a variety of birds and schools of golden rays.

Days 3-8: Exploring the Galapagos Islands

While your exact routing depends on the Galápagos National Park Service, you may visit the following islands: Santa Cruz, Española, Floreana, Fernandina, Isabela, Bartolomé and Santiago. Here is a brief description of what each island offers.Bartolomé: This is an enchanting landscape where lava, mangroves and golden sand converge. Great walks, views and a chance to snorkel with penguins — a tropical oxymoron.Santiago: Santiago provides you a chance to see the Galápagos fur seal, along with the opportunity to enjoy the best “tide pooling.” Santa Cruz: The epicenter of Galápagos administration as well as the Charles Darwin Research Center where you learn about their vital preservation work. Head up into the highlands to roam the moss-draped lush landscape where wild giant tortoises often forage.Isabela: Anchor off the picturesque port of Puerto Villamil. Walk the streets of this small town, visit the nearby saltwater lagoons, home to flamingos or simply stroll along a beautiful beach. Visit the tortoise breeding center which is jointly administered by the Galápagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station. Explore Isabela’s caves and shoreline and search the waters for dolphins, whales, sea turtles and the elusive ocean sunfish — the mola-mola.Fernandina: Investigate Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island — the youngest island in Galápagos. It’s marine iguana heaven, with Isabela’s volcanoes as a dramatic backdrop.Floreana: Champion Islet, just off the eastern shore of Floreana, is a fabulous snorkel site and home to a large colony of sea lions. There is nothing more delightful than an hour spent in the clear waters with these creatures! On Floreana, you may find flamingos, pintail ducks and various shorebirds. Hike to a lovely white sand beach, a favorite nesting site for sea turtles.Española: Visit two distinctly different parts of the same island. See blue-footed boobies, sea lions galore, Española marine iguanas which develop particularly vivid coloration, and waved albatross (mid-April through mid-December) exclusive to this island. Snorkel and stroll the island’s lovely beaches.

Day 9: Galápagos / Disembark Ship / Guayaquil

This morning disembark the ship and fly to Guayaquil. The late afternoon and evening free to explore the city and prepare for your journey home. If you would to visit Quito, please inquire about optional Quito extensions.

Day 10: Guayaquil / Home

This morning fly home.

Trip Details

Ship	Polaris
Just Released Offer	Members of ExpeditionTrips.com receive a $500 per person airfare credit! Subject to availability.Applicable Dates: 9/5/2008, 10/3/2008New reservations only.
Highlights	This older expedition ship offers the best naturalist guides and overall educational program in the Galapagos. Great for families.
Trip Notes	This itinerary is subject to change. ExpeditionTrips.com is not responsible for itinerary changes.Photo Expeditions: 5/16/2008, 5/23/2008, 12/5/2008, 12/12/2008Created by photographers for photographers, Photo Expeditions are designed to give you more time for your photography. You’ll cruise for composition, either by ship or by Zodiac, to get the best angle on a subject. Special sunrise and sunset landings offer the best light. Walks devoted to photography let you take advantage of coaching in the field. Back onboard, enjoy an array of instructional presentations, often from leading nature photographers. Included (Package):Seven nights shipboard accommodations in the Galapagos; two nights’ accommodations on mainland (Quito & Guayaquil) at a fine hotel with private facilities; all meals and soft drinks aboard the vessel; Glass bottom boat aboard Polaris; Galapagos National Park entry fee; use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits; services of the ship physician, Expedition Leader, Naturalist staff and expert guides; all port charges and service taxes; transfers; gratuities to local guides; Galapagos Transit Card.Not Included (Package):Airfare Miami/Guayaquil/Galapagos/Guayaquil/Miami; one dinner in Quito; extensions; passport expenses; baggage/accident/cancellation insurance; items of a personal nature, such as laundry, alcoholic beverages and emails; gratuities to Naturalist staff and ship crew; fuel surcharge ($150 per person, per trip, effective 6/1/2008, subject to change).Airfare between Quito/Guayaquil and the Galapagos Islands:Approximate cost: $375-$450 per adult; $225-$275 per child under 12 (copy of passport required). Prices vary based on shipping company and departure dates. Please note, ExpeditionTrips.com charges a $25 per person service charge to issue these air tickets.
Departure Notes	Package - Starts Fridays
Payment Policy	The deposit amount required to confirm your reservation varies by itinerary (see trip brochure). Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.** Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure for the following sailings: 1/5/2009, 1/16/2009, 1/27/2009.Payment MethodsCredit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover).

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