Galapagos Cruise - Explorer II

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Quito

Hotel Patio AndaluzArrive in Quito, Ecuador and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Quito at the Hotel Patio Andaluz, or similar hotel.

Day 2: Quito

Hotel Patio AndaluzToday is at your leisure. A variety of day tours are available for purchase. Overnight at the Hotel Patio Andaluz, or similar hotel.

Day 3: San Cristobal Island / Embark - Cruise Only Starts

Fly to the Galapagos to begin the cruise, arriving on San Cristobal, easternmost of the Galapagos Islands. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the capital of the Galapagos province and hosts the second largest concentration of human population in the archipelago, approximately 6,000 inhabitants. You’ll board ship and settle into your cabin. This afternoon, visit Cerro Brujo on San Cristobal.

Day 4: Espanola Island

Explore Punta Suarez, one of the most spectacular sites in the islands and is home to the only site in the Galapagos to spot the Galapagos Albatross (a seasonal sight). Look for sea lions, Marine iuanas, and further in land, Masked and Blue-footed Boobies. Hike a trail towards the cliffs to a blowhole, a fissure in the lava cliffs where seawater jets high in the air. In the afternoon, explore Bahia Gardner (Gardner Bay), on Espanola Island where you can snorkel, walk and relax on the beach that is among the most magnificent in all Galápagos. You may also visit the spectacular Gardner Rock by panga (Zodiac), which is home to white-tipped reef shark, cactus finch and other colorful sea dwellers.

Day 5: Santa Cruz Island / Rabida Island

This morning, visit Santa Cruz, the second largest island of the Archipelago. Visit Darwin Station to learn about the research activities conducted on the island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a Galapagos Giant Tortoise breeding and rearing center. Here, tortoises of different subspecies are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. Afterwards, you can stroll through Puerto Ayora. In the afternoon, visit Rabida Island, a small island covered by dry and coastal vegetation with a central volcano. This island contains the largest variety of lava types and a salt-water lagoon provides occasional sights of Flamingos. Sea lions, fur seals, penguins, pelicans, and Galapagos Hawks may be seen here. The island offers great snorkeling, and there's also a short walk to the top of the trail where you can take fabulous photos of the clear waters and volcanic peaks.

Day 6: Santa Cruz Island

Spend your morning at Las Bachas, a white sand beach ideal for swimming and snorkeling on the southwest side of Santa Cruz. This afternoon, visit Cerro Dragon, where two lagoons are home to flamingos, and a path takes you through cacti and palo santo trees, leading to a great view.

Day 7: Bartholomew Island / Santiago Island

Bartholomew is a tiny island providing spectacular views of the Archipelago. This islands is a also a must for the visitor interested in geology. The endemic Galapagos penguin is common in the bay area. Activities here include snorkeling, swimming and relaxing. Santiago Island is currently uninhabited. There are several species of land birds here, including 10 species of the Darwin Finches as well as the Galapagos Hawk. This is the best site in the Archipelago to observe the Galapagos Fur Seal. Snorkeling and swimming available.

Day 8: Fernandina Island / Isabela Island

Fernandina is the westernmost island of the Archipelago. The colossal shield of the still active volcano Fernandina reaches 1,494 m. The island has a nice variety of wildlife, including one of the largest communities of Marine Iguanas, as well as Californian Sea Lions and Galapagos Flightless Cormorants.On Isabela Island, visit Punta Vicente Roca by Zodiac. Reaching a rocky pile of large basalt, you will find colonies of fur seals, sea lions, and marine iguanas basking in the sun. You may also see Galapagos penguins, swallow-tailed gulls, masked boobies, and blue-footed boobies. If you choose to snorkel, keep your eyes peeled for Manta rays, sea turtles, sea lions, stingrays, and perhaps even dolphins and sunfish.

Day 9: North Seymour Island / Santa Cruz Island

At Seymor Norte, an uplifted island, you have a dry landing. You may walk the loop trail and keep an eye out for frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas swallow-tailed gulls, snakes, endemic Palo Santo, and the low shrubby-type Opuntia. In the afternoon, board a bus for a 45-minute ride through changing vegetation zones to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Here, about 40 giant tortoises live in the wild. By approaching quietly, you can find and observe a turtle on your own. You also hike to tunnels made by cooling lava.

Day 10: San Cristobal Island / Disembark / Quito - Cruise Only Ends

Hotel Patio AndaluzThis morning, visit Loberia or Isla Lobos or Tijeretas or El Junco, followed by a visit to the Interpretation Center on San Cristobal Island. Inaugurated in 1998, the Center is a state-of-the-art facility that offers complete education on both the islands and its human population. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the mainland. This afternoon is at your leisure. Overnight at the Hotel Patio Andaluz, or similar hotel.

Day 11: Quito / Home

This morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Trip Details

Ship	Galapagos Explorer II
Just Released Offer	Members of ExpeditionTrips.com save $665 - $730 per person on select dates.Applicable Dates: 8/25/2008, 8/30/2008, 9/1/2008, 9/4/2008Expiration Date: 7/30/2008Per Person Discounted Rates: (Package)Classic: $3,045Premium: $3,305Per Person Regular Rates:Cruise Only: (Package)Classic: $3,710Premium: $4,035New Reservations Only. Offers based on availability.
Highlights	This ship is perfect for those who want to travel on an upscale ship with a "lighter" natural history program. Families enjoy this ship.
Trip Notes	8-Day Itinerary for Thursday Departures: Day 1: Arrive QuitoDay 2: QuitoDay 3: Baltra Island / Embark / Santa Cruz Island - Cruise StartsDay 4: Bartholomew Island / Santiago IslandDay 5: Fernandina Island / Isabela IslandDay 6: Seymour Norte Island/ Santa Cruz IslandDay 7: San Cristobal Island Day 8: Espanola IslandDay 9: Santa Cruz Island / Rabida IslandDay 10: Santa Cruz Island / Disembark / Baltra - Cruise EndsDay 11: Quito / HomeHoliday Cruises: To confirm a Christmas or New Years cruise, the following amounts must be deposited:- 30% of cruise rate when reserving 240 days prior to departure- 50% of cruise rate when reserving 180 days prior to departureThis itinerary is subject to change. ExpeditionTrips.com is not responsible for itinerary changes.Included (Cruise Only): Cabin accommodations aboard ship; all meals aboard ship; all shore activities and excursions; guide and lecture services; transfers and baggage handling between island airport and ship. Not Included (Cruise Only): Hotel nights before/after cruise; transfers in Quito or Guayaquil; international airfare; airfare to/from Galapagos Islands; Galapagos National Park entrance fee, USD$100 (children under 12 subtract $50), subject to change without notice; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; Galapagos Transit Card ($10 per person), paid in cash upon arrival to airport; international airport departure tax, must be paid in cash; government taxes; charges and all items of a personal nature such laundry, consumption from the mini-bar located in suites; gratuities to ship staff is left to the discretion of the passenger; traveler’s insurance; wet suit shorty ($25 per person / 8 days, advanced reservation required); snorkeling equipment ($20 / 8 days); tour guide hearing system (optional, $30 / week); wireless Internet card ($15 / 1 hour, $25 / 2 hours); fuel surcharge ($26 per person per night, applies to cruises departing 5/31/2008 through 12/31/2009).Included (Package): Three hotel nights in Quito at the Patio Andaluz, or similar (hotel based on availability; hotel upgrades available at additional cost); four transfers in Quito; adult Galapagos National Park tax, USD$100 (Children under 12 subtract $50); cabin accommodations aboard ship; all meals aboard ship; all shore activities and excursions; guide and lecture services; transfers and baggage handling between island airport and ship. Not Included (Package): International airfare; airfare to/from Galapagos; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; Galapagos Transit Card ($10 per person), paid in cash upon arrival to airport; international airport departure tax, must be paid in cash; government taxes; charges and all items of a personal nature such laundry, consumption from the mini-bar located in suites; gratuities to ship staff is left to the discretion of the passenger; traveler’s insurance; wet suit shorty ($25 per person / 8 days, advanced reservation required); snorkeling gear ($20 / 8 days); tour guide hearing system (optional, $30 / 8 days); wireless Internet card ($15 / 1 hour, $25 / 2 hours); fuel surcharge ($26 per person per night, applies to cruises departing 5/31/2008 through 12/31/2009).If you are booking a cruise only program, we are happy to add hotels, air and land arrangements as required. You will be quoted for services requested. 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	Cruise Only - Starts Wednesdays & Saturdays (8 days)Package - Starts Mondays & Thursdays (11 days)
Payment Policy	A deposit of $500 per person is required to confirm your reservation. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Payment Methods Deposit: credit cards are accepted (VISA, MC, AmEx, Discover); Final payment: check or wire. WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS FOR FINAL PAYMENT.

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