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GALAPAGOS ISLANDS EXTENSION TOURS
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| M/V Santa Cruz The 47-cabin M/V SANTA CRUZ, the only ship built exclusively for Galapagos Islands cruising, was completely renovated in 1998, having been redesigned and refurbished inside and out. Its capacity is for ninety guests, and is fully air-conditioned. Our Expedition Team consists of a Chief Naturalist and five Naturalists. All will delight guests with diverse natural history explanations, superb on-deck talks, and eye-catching lectures regarding natural history issues. Their multimedia presentations and recaps will complement the day's activities. Together with the Captain, they will plan the day's program. They are masters of Galapagos' knowledge. The Sun Deck features a bar and Jacuzzi, along with the observation platform for dolphin and whale watching. The dining room, lounge and bar are elegantly appointed, as is the well-stocked library/reading room. As an alternative to snorkeling, the glass-bottom boat offers another opportunity to observe the marine life. |
  Specifications Length: 237.3 feet; Beam: 38.86 feet; Speed: 13 knots; Crew: 52 + 6 guides Class: Luxury Passengers: 90 persons Accommodation 47 cabins with private baths |
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6 Day Itinerary
SUNDAY
Fly into Quito Airport. PM Transfer to San Jorge Eco-Lodge. Overnight
Lodging.
MONDAY
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island)
AM Transfer to Quito Airport. Afternoon arrival by plane to San Cristobal
Island and transfer to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the
Galapagos Islands. Visit the Interpretation Center for a better understanding
of the natural processes that have made Galapagos a unique place in
the world. Then board the MV SANTA CRUZ, which will be anchored at
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Cabin assignment, introductory welcome talk
and Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by
a welcome cocktail offered by the Captain and dinner.
TUESDAY
Bartholome Island
Early, before breakfast, disembark at Bartholome Island (dry landing)
for a hike to the summit. Great way to start the day. This is a steep
climb aided by a wooden staircase; the view from the top is worth
the effort. Return to the MV SANTA CRUZ for breakfast. Panga ride
around colossal Pinnacle Rock, time to enjoy the beach (wet landing)
and snorkeling. Chance to snorkel next to Galapagos Penguins. There
is also the possibility to disembark at Bartholome (dry landing) after
breakfast for a later walk to the summit or a ride on the glass bottom
boat. Navigation to Puerto Egas. Lunch on board.
Puerto Egas (James Island)
Afternoon mid-length walk at Puerto Egas (wet landing). This is a
great opportunity to see land and marine birds and to observe a fur-sea
lion colony. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds.
Outstanding snorkeling or swimming from the beach after the walk.
Recaps and briefing before dinner. Weather permitting, stargazing
on deck.
WEDNESDAY
Darwin Bay (Tower Island)
Early morning cruise into Darwin Bay before breakfast; optional wake-up
call. Later, a wet landing for an easy stroll observing hundreds of
birds, mainly Great frigate birds, red footed and Nazca (masked) boobies,
gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. If you wish you can continue
walking over sharp lava and uneven terrain, or return to the beach
to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbor.
Those more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs and look for Hammerhead
Sharks. Lunch on board. During navigation, spend some time on deck
looking for dolphins or possibly whales.
North Seymour Island
North Seymour is an uplifted island. In previous times, this was the
ocean's bed. Afternoon outing at North Seymour (dry landing) for a
walk along the coast and the interior of the island observing bird
colonies of blue footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls
and also sea lions and marine iguanas. A shorter walk is also available.
Evening recaps, briefing, and dinner.
THURSDAY
Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) / Baltra Island
After breakfast, disembark (dry landing) to visit the Charles Darwin
Research Station and the giant tortoise pens, an impressive giant
prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds. Santa Cruz Island
alone has 8 species of Darwin's Finches! Then, overland transfer through
the lush beautiful highlands of Santa Cruz into Baltra airport for
the flight back to Quito Airport. Transfer to San Jorge. Overnight
Lodging.
FRIDAY
AM Transfer to Quito Airport- Fly Home.
9 Day Itinerary
SUNDAY
Fly into Quito Airport. PM Transfer to San Jorge Eco-Lodge. Overnight
Lodging.
MONDAY
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island)
AM Transfer to Quito Airport. Afternoon arrival by plane to San Cristobal
Island and transfer to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the
Galapagos Islands. Visit the Interpretation Center for a better understanding
of the natural processes that have made Galapagos a unique place in
the world. Then board the MV SANTA CRUZ, which will be anchored at
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Cabin assignment, introductory welcome talk
and Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by
a welcome cocktail offered by the Captain and dinner.
TUESDAY
Bartholome Island
Early, before breakfast, disembark at Bartholome Island (dry landing)
for a hike to the summit. Great way to start the day. This is a steep
climb aided by a wooden staircase; the view from the top is worth
the effort. Return to the MV SANTA CRUZ for breakfast. Panga ride
around colossal Pinnacle Rock, time to enjoy the beach (wet landing)
and snorkeling. Chance to snorkel next to Galapagos Penguins. There
is also the possibility to disembark at Bartholome (dry landing) after
breakfast for a later walk to the summit or a ride on the glass bottom
boat. Scenic navigation to Puerto Egas. Lunch on board.
Puerto Egas (James Island)
Afternoon mid-length walk at Puerto Egas (wet landing). This is a
great opportunity to see land and marine birds and to observe a fur-sea
lion colony. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds.
Outstanding snorkeling or swimming from the beach after the walk.
Recaps and briefing before dinner. Weather permitting, stargazing
on deck.
WEDNESDAY
Darwin Bay (Tower Island)
Early morning cruise into Darwin Bay before breakfast; optional wake-up
call. Later, a wet landing for an easy stroll observing hundreds of
birds, mainly Great frigate birds, red footed and Nazca (masked) boobies,
gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. If you wish you can continue
walking over sharp lava and uneven terrain, or return to the beach
to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbor.
Those more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs and look for Hammerhead
Sharks. Lunch on board. During navigation, spend some time on deck
looking for dolphins or possibly whales.
North Seymour Island
North Seymour is an uplifted island. In previous times, this was the
ocean's bed. Afternoon outing at North Seymour (dry landing) for a
walk along the coast and the interior of the island observing bird
colonies of blue footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls
and also sea lions and marine iguanas. A shorter walk is also available.
Evening recaps, briefing, and dinner.
THURSDAY
Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island)
After breakfast, disembark (dry landing) to visit the Charles Darwin
Research Station and the giant tortoise pens, an impressive giant
prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds. Santa Cruz Island
alone has 8 species of Darwin's Finches! Then, a stroll along the
main street of Puerto Ayora. Lunch at the Hotel Delfin. Afternoon
in the lush highlands, visiting the Scalesia forest and the twin pit
craters Los Gemelos. The vermilion flycatcher will delight all participants
with its scarlet feathers against an emerald green forest. Naturalist's
briefing and dinner.
FRIDAY
Tagus Cove (Isabela Island)
Early cruise into the Bolivar Channel where the cool waters will give
Galapagos a not-so-tropical landscape. This can be rewarded with the
possibility of observing dolphins or whales. The colossal young volcanoes
are just breath taking. Morning disembarkation at Tagus Cove, a protected
natural harbor. A walk uphill takes you around Darwin's salt-water
crater lake for a superb view. There is also the possibility of a
dinghy ride along the shoreline to see the unique fauna of the largest
island in the Archipelago. Galapagos Penguins along the shore are
always a highlight. Possibility for swimming and snorkeling. Lunch
on board.
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
The afternoon brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina. First,
a dinghy ride to observe penguins, as well as flightless cormorants
and then disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza
has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. Having
no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with
the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea
lions, sally-light foot crabs, and hawks. Lava terrain calls for good
walking shoes. There is a possibility for snorkeling. Recap and briefing
before dinner.
SATURDAY
Urbina Bay (Isabela Island)
Before breakfast, scenic cruise along BolÃvar Channel
and possible observation of whales and/or dolphins. Breakfast and
disembarkation (wet landing) for a medium-length walk at Urbina Bay
to look for giant tortoises and land iguanas. This place went through
a volcanic uplifting event back in 1954 leaving gaunt marine skeletons,
which make the walk remarkably interesting. Those who wish may take
either only a short walk along the beach, or a longer walk towards
the interior of the island. Swimming and snorkeling depending on local
conditions. Back on board for lunch.
Punta Moreno (Isabela Island)
The forces of the Galapagos volcanoes can be easily witnessed here.
Afternoon outing (dry landing) for a medium length walk at Punta Moreno
(west of Isabela Island) to observe unique lava flows and small lagoons
with bird life. Those who do not wish to take the shore excursion
may enjoy a panga ride along the shoreline to observe birds and marine
iguanas. Evening conference and dinner. Weather permitting, stargazing
on deck.
SUNDAY
Gardner Bay (Hood Island)
After breakfast, disembark at Gardner Bay (wet landing) for a short
walk along the cleanest white coral beach you can imagine. You can
either take a short walk and watch the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches,
enjoy the beach, snorkel and swim from the beach, or ride the glass-bottom
boat around Gardner and Tortuga islets. Great snorkeling at these
locations.
Punta Suarez (Hood Island)
Afternoon excursion at Punta Suarez (dry landing) for an exciting
walk on lava terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including
the waved albatrosses (April - December) and the famous blowhole.
Great hike for blue-footed boobies, swallowtail gulls, the Hood Island
mockingbird, red-green-black marine iguanas, and of course a rookery
of sea lions right at the landing site. A shorter walk is also available.
For those not planning to walk at all, there will be a dinghy ride
along the coastline of Punta Suarez. Farewell dinner. Farewell cocktail
and instructions for departure.
MONDAY
Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island)
After breakfast, a boat ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers
and then disembark at a white coraline beach at Cerro Brujo (wet landing).
There is opportunity for swimming and observing seabirds and shore
birds, as well as Galapagos sea lions. Then go back on board and navigate
right by Kicker Rock, a small islet whose cliffs are home to many
sea birds, including frigate birds. Great landscape photography. After
lunch, disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and transfer to the airport
to take the flight back to Quito Airport. Transfer to San Jorge. Overnight
Lodging.
TUESDAY
AM Transfer to Quito Airport- Fly Home.
Optional Tours at San Jorge Eco-Lodge
