Galapagos Cruise - Eric/Flamingo/Letty

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Quito

Deluxe Hotel or Premium Upgrade HotelArrive in Quito, Ecuador and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Quito.

Day 2: Quito

Deluxe Hotel or Premium Upgrade HotelToday is at your leisure. A variety of day tours are available for purchase. Overnight in Quito.

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

Arrive at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island, where your crew meets you at the airport and escorts you to your anchored yacht. This afternoon, visit Playa Ochoa, where you enjoy a subtle introduction to the Galapagos with a beautiful, white, powder-sand beach. As the sun sets, you cruise around Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido), a vertical tuff cone formation that abruptly juts up almost 500 feet out of the ocean. Watch sea lions, blue-footed boobies, masked boobies and magnificent frigate birds on the cliffs.

Day 4: Genovesa Island

Spend the entire day on Genovesa Island, one of the most spectacular Islands in Galapagos. At Prince Philip’s Steps, find storm petrels and the elusive short-eared owl, watch the famous red-footed boobies nesting in Palo Santo trees, and enjoy exploration by kayak. Then, head to Darwin Bay’s coral beach for an afternoon of snorkeling. You may also wind your way past tide pools where swallow-tailed and lava gulls gather and check out the forest of mangroves where colonies of great frigate birds nest. The males inflate their red-throated pouches to attract females that fly overhead.

Day 5: Isabela Island / Fernandina Island

This morning, disembark at Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island, the youngest and most pristine island found in Galapagos. Hundreds of marine iguanas, the largest colony in Galapagos, bask in the sun along the shoreline. Observe sea lion harems with resident bulls carefully guarding their territory, as well as Flightless Cormorants and Galapagos Hawks.This afternoon, you visit Tagus Cove, Isabela. Six volcanoes flowed together and formed Isabela, the largest Island in Galapagos. On a nature walk, discover a salt-water lagoon, a scenic overlook, and a spectacular view of lava fields, volcanic formations and the ocean. Note graffiti dating back to the 1800's is written on the rocky cliffs. Explore Tagus Cove in pangas, sea kayaks and/or snorkeling and find Galapagos penguins and other seabirds.

Day 6: Santiago Island / Sombreo Chino

This morning, stroll along the shore at Puerto Egas looking for octopus, starfish and other sea life caught in the tide pools. Catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as they feed on exposed green algae. Watch for great blue herons, lava herons, oystercatchers and yellow-crowned night herons. Your walk ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water where you encounter fur sea lions once on the verge of extinction.Less than a quarter of a square kilometer in size, the tiny island of Sombrero Chino, resembling a Chinese hat, sits just off the southeastern tip of Isla San Salvador. Due to strict National Park restrictions, few people have the chance to explore this island. (Only multi-day cruises with 12 passengers or less are allowed to land here!) You may visit the tiny sea lion colony on the north shore, or you may follow the crescent-shaped white sandy beach to soak in the wonderful landscapes.

Day 7: Bartolome Island / North Seymour Island

On Bartolome, which seems like the moon, is inhospitable to most plants and animals. After a dry landing, climb 30 minutes up a steep slope to the summit of a once active volcano. Pause along the way to marvel at lava bombs, spatter cones and cinder cones. From the top, gaze out across a panoramic view which includes the famous "Pinnacle Rock," an eroded tuff cone.This afternoon, you disembark on North Seymour, also a small geological uplift. After a dry landing, you follow a trail that leads us to sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls and blue-footed boobies. Visit the largest colony of magnificent frigate birds found in Galapagos. As you stroll along the beach, watch for sea lions body surfing the northern swells.

Day 8: Santa Cruz Island

Board a bus and take an excursion to the highlands. Watch the scenery change as you wind your way through all seven vegetation zones found in Galapagos. From June to January you can find giant tortoises on a private farm in the highlands. The rest of the year, travelers visit Los Gemelos "The Twins," a pair of large pit craters where you find the bright red male vermilion flycatcher. Afterwards, you head to "the tunnels," the largest lava tubes found in Galapagos.This afternoon, you visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Scientists from all over the globe work at the station and conduct biological research from anatomy to zoology. Observe year-old tortoises and learn about the captive-breeding program. Next, stroll through the town of Puerto Ayora (population: 10,000)—the largest town in the Galapagos.

Day 9: Espanola Island

This morning, disembark at Punta Suarez to witness the highest rate of “endemicism” in the Galapagos. Sea lions noisily greet you as you land on their beach. From April to November waved albatross perform their wild mating rituals only on Espanola. You will also likely find colonies of Blue-footed Boobies, Swallow-tailed Gulls and Red-billed Tropicbirds. Observe a unique species of marine iguana identified with traces of red and green colorings. Colorful Sally Light-foot crabs crawl along the shoreline near the famous "blow hole."This afternoon, step onto Gardner Bay. Walk along seemingly endless stretches of sandy beach where you’ll find colonies of sea lions. Swim and snorkel with the sea lions and enjoy the colorful diversity of sea life near Gardner Islet. You may also take the kayaks out to explore the coastline.

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

Deluxe Hotel or Premium Upgrade HotelIf time permits, you visit the Interpretation Center which opened in 1999. Here, you gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Islands. After your visit, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Quito. This afternoon is at your leisure. Overnight in Quito.

Day 11: Quito / Home

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

Trip Details

Ship	Eric/Flamingo/Letty
Just Released Offer	Book an 8-day Galapagos cruise on select dates and receive complimentary pre/post-cruise land arrangements in Quito from ExpeditionTrips.Applicable Dates (11 days total): 8/22/2008, 8/29/2008- Two pre-cruise nights at a boutique hotel in Quito - One post-cruise night at a boutique hotel in Quito - Four airport/hotel transfers in Quito Not Included: Airfare; gratuities; Galapagos National Park tax; travel insurance. Offer subject to availability and applicable only to the following departures. ---Solo Traveler Promo:Members of ExpeditionTrips.com, traveling alone, save $845 off the regular single rate. (Iguana Deck only, subject to availability)Applicable Dates: 8/8/2008, 9/5/2008Per Person Discounted Rates: (Package)Iguana Deck: $3,835Per Person Regular Rates:Iguana Deck: $4,680New Reservations Only
Highlights	Comfortable vessel with two good naturalist guides. Perfect for families or couples who want a smaller vessel that is not too fancy.
Trip Notes	This itinerary is subject to change. ExpeditionTrips.com is not responsible for itinerary changes.Scuba Diving Options:Passengers who are certified, experienced divers can choose to purchase dives on Thursday and Friday during the cruise. Experience levels include Beginner, Intermediate, and Intermediate to Advanced (minimum of three divers on Thursday and two divers on Fridays; maximum of eight divers on both days). Please inquire for full details.Included: Divemaster, filled tanks, weight belt and weights, BCD, regulator, wetsuit, boots, fins and hood, and snacks, water and sodas following dives.Note: Galapagos is not suitable for infrequent divers due to strong currents, sea swells, surges, cool waters, upwellings, poor visibility (at times), and large animals including the harmless Galapagos shark. All divers must be open-water certified and should be experienced with adequate skills, have excellent buoyancy control, and be totally self-sufficient to handle all gear. All dives are dependent upon weather conditions and the skill level of all the divers. 2008 Family Departures: 7/25/2008, 8/1/2008, 8/8/2008, 8/15/2008, 8/22/2008These departures are offered throughout the year (generally over US school breaks) for families with children ages seven and up, these departures feature age-appropriate activities depending on the ages and number of children or teenagers on board: visit the bridge and learn about astronomy; navigational charts and tie nautical knots with the Captain; movies and popcorn night; games with prizes; costume party; board games/books/DVDs. Also, snorkeling equipment, life vests and wet suits are available onboard in child sizes and kid-friendly meals are served.Child Discounts:Children 11 years and under at time of sailing: 25% off, plus 50% off the airfare and park tax with photocopy of child's passport showing date of birth. Children ages 12-14 years: 15% offOnly one child discount per every full fare paying adult. Discounts applied to Iguana Deck cabins unless not otherwise available. No child discounts are permitted on holiday departures over the Christmas, New Year and Easter holidays.Age Restrictions: Children under 7 years of age are not accepted unless the parents or legal guardians sign a hold harmless release. Children age 11 and younger are only permitted on a designated family departure. Contact ExpeditionTrips for more details.Included (Cruise Only):Cabin accommodations aboard ship; all meals aboard ship; all non-alcoholic beverages; all shore activities and excursions; guide and lecture services; transfers and baggage handling between island airport and ship; use of snorkeling gear, wet suits (but no guarantee there will be one available in your size unless you reserve) and kayaks, first come first serve basis (one double, one single); beach towels.Not Included (Cruise Only):Hotel nights before/after cruise; transfers in Quito or Guayaquil; Galapagos National Park entrance fee, USD$100 (children under 12 subtract $50), subject to change without notice; international airfare; airfare to/from Galapagos Islands; Galapagos Transit Card ($10 per person), paid in cash upon arrival to airport; international airport departure tax, must be paid in cash; gratuities are left to the discretion of the passenger; traveler’s insurance; wetsuit reservation ($25 per person / 8 days); fuel surcharge ($125 per person; $2,500 per charter).Included (Package): Three hotel nights in Quito in either a Deluxe Hotel, or Premium Upgrade hotel for an additional $150 per person (hotel based on availability); 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 non-alcoholic beverages; all shore activities and excursions; guide and lecture services; transfers and baggage handling between island airport and ship; use of snorkeling gear, wet suits (but no guarantee there will be one available in your size unless you reserve) and kayaks, first come first serve basis (one double, one single); beach towels.Not Included (Package): International airfare; airfare to/from Galapagos Islands; Galapagos Transit Card ($10 per person), paid in cash upon arrival to airport; international airport departure tax, must be paid in cash; gratuities are left to the discretion of the passenger; traveler’s insurance; wetsuit reservation ($25 per person / 8 days); fuel surcharge ($125 per person; $2,500 per charter.)If you are booking a cruise only program, we are happy to add hotels, air and land arrangements as requested, and you will be quoted for services.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 Sundays (8 days)Package - Starts Fridays (11 days)Ship in Dry Dock: Eric: Nov 2-7, 2008 / Letty: Aug 31 - Oct 5, 2008 / Flamingo: Sep 27 - Nov 1, 2009
Payment Policy	2008 Policy:A deposit of $500 per person is required to confirm your reservation. For single cabins, a deposit of $700.00 is required. 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.2009 Policy:A deposit of $500 per person is required to confirm your reservation. For single cabins, a deposit of $1,000 is required (and $2,000 for singles on Holiday weeks). 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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