Galapagos Cruise
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On board the luxury Ocean Spray “mega” catamaran (with its large staterooms and huge sundeck), you will experience nature’s greatest science laboratory: the Galapagos Islands. The unrivaled spaciousness of the catamaran’s design, also seen in the cabins and all other guest areas, is complemented by the equally unmatched stability and speed that only catamarans can provide. Built in 2011, the ultra-modern 16-passenger catamaran has three passenger decks with a total of 9 elegantly appointed and spacious double cabins, all with private facilities – including balconies. Indeed, her speed, comfort and stability make the Galapagos Ocean Spray a perfect choice for your Galapagos Islands cruise adventure. On this 6-day/5-night Galapagos luxury cruise of the archipelago’s western and central islands, you will discover a unique living museum that is a showcase of evolution, home to a dazzling array of birds, reptiles, fish and mammals that you won’t find anywhere else.
“My husband, daughter and I want to thank you again for making our trip to the Galapagos extremely awesome!”
AM: In the morning, you will fly from the Ecuadorian mainland to Baltra Island, in the heart of Galapagos archipelago. Upon arriving at the airport, you will need to pay the national park entrance fee, which goes to protecting both the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve. A member of the crew will then welcome you and accompany you to your ship.
PM: After lunch we will make a wet landing on Chinese Hat Island, located southeast of Santiago Island. Its name describes the shape of the island, which you will be able to appreciate from a distance. This island’s landscapes are dominated by volcanic formations and very fragile lava tubes lava. Because of this, it is very important to stay on the paths. Here you will encounter a small colony of sea lions and then proceed to hike through this dark, unyielding island of solid rock.
AM: This morning will take us to the largest landmass in the Galapagos archipelago: Isabela Island. With a surface of 1,770 sq. miles (4,588 sq. km.), the island constitutes more than the half of the land area of the entire Galapagos archipelago. Located at the “mouth” of the head of the sea horse which forms the northern part of Isabela Island is Punta Vicente Roca, an interesting rock formation. Here the remnants of an ancient volcano form two turquoise coves with a bay well-protected from the ocean swells. With a bit of luck you can see penguins. Masked and Blue-footed boobies as well as pelicans sit perched along the point and the sheer cliffs, while flightless cormorants inhabit the shoreline.
PM: Next we will head for Fernandina Island, which is not only the westernmost island but also the youngest and most pristine island in the Galapagos. The 2005 eruption of La Cumbre Volcano created huge fields of lava. This eruption was followed on April 11, 2009, when the volcano flared up again, forming a cloud of ash and steam while hot lava flowed down the slopes of the volcano into the ocean. Nonetheless, an abundance of wildlife call this island home, including the famous Flightless cormorants as well as penguins, pelicans, marine iguanas and sea lions. You can also find mangroves here on Fernandina Island. This afternoon we will visit Espinoza Point, one of Fernandina Island’s visitor points, is situated within fascinating scenery filled with lava cactuses and mangroves growing on the surface of the lava. Within this unique scenery you will encounter numerous animals; the highlights being sea lions, penguins, Flightless cormorants (especially in the spring and summer), and one of the largest iguana colonies in the Galapagos Islands. On the small strip of land that constitutes Espinoza Point, you can find literally hundreds of marine iguanas, which gather in large groups.
AM: After breakfast and a dry landing, we will visit the notorious Tagus Cove, which was historically used as an anchoring place for pirates, buccaneers and whalers. Around the deep blue bay you can observe a large number of Blue-footed boobies perched on the ledges of the cliffs, as well as marine iguanas, penguins, brown pelicans, brown noddy terns and swallow-tailed gulls. A steep trail passes through an area of dry vegetation and volcanic landscapes with scalesia woods and cactuses.
PM: After lunch, we will visit Urbina Bay. As a result of an especially violent eruption of the Alcedo Volcano in 1954, large sections of the Isabela Island coast were suddenly pushed up about four meters high, making the coral reefs visible here. These reefs are covered with poison apple and muyuyo trees. You can also observe land iguanas and the rare mangrove finch up close. From January to June, land turtles occasionally visit the bay from their higher mountain living environments.
AM: Today we will head to the mangrove area of Elizabeth Bay and visit the small islands offshore. Here you can see dwarf penguins as well as schools of manta rays, turtles and other giants of the ocean – possibly even surfacing whale sharks. The mangrove woods are also home to various species of seabirds and herons.
PM: In the afternoon we will visit Moreno Point, a young volcanic landscape with numerous fresh-water pools and lagoons. You should be able to see flamingos, Bahama ducks and other birds here.
AM: Located on Santa Cruz Island, on the outskirts of Puerto Ayora, the Charles Darwin Research Station is primarily an international scientific research station and one of the most visited spots in the islands. Here you will be taken to the visitor center to read about the geology, climate, natural history and the conservation of the archipelago. The highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center, where giant tortoises are hatched and raised until they can be safely returned to their island homes.
PM: Then we will visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island. The lush landscape is a welcome contrast to the arid scenery of the smaller, lower islands. On the way, we will cross through different vegetation zones – from the dry lower region full of cactuses, to the scalesia woods in the highlands. There are two small agricultural communities here which grow the famous organic Galapagos coffee.
AM: Today we will explore South Plaza Island, located east of Santa Cruz Island. On this life-filled island you will encounter colonies of sea lions and land iguanas; while on the steep banks you can see numbers of birds like nesting Tropic birds and Fork-tailed seagulls. But most of all, you will enjoy the extremely pleasurable experience and beautiful view from atop the steep banks or strolling along the base of the cliff. Opuntia cactuses grow on this island and the vegetation changes color throughout the year.
PM: Afterwards, we will take a bus to Itabaca Channel, which we will cross to reach the Baltra Island airport for your flight back to the mainland. Enjoy the last view of the “enchanted islands,” a unique paradise with fascinating natural highlights.
| Room | Charter | Golden Staterooms |
| 6 Days | US$ 88,790 PP | US$ 5,949 PP |
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“The trip was excellent from beginning to end. The Isabella II was a fine ship and the crew and guides were all of the highest quality. I would recommend them to others. For us, the ship was the perfect size – not too small and not too large.”