Galápagos — South & Central Islands - Peregrine Travel Centre

Description

Encounter the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first weighed anchor off its shores. Spend seven nights exploring the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos archipelago in the company of an expert Naturalist Guide. In the evenings, return to the Xavier III to reflect on the day’s adventures. Retire to air-conditioned cabins with exclusive lower berths and private bathrooms. As one of the region’s largest operators, we understand the importance of controlling the onboard experience – that’s why you’ll never end up on another operator’s ship.

Trip Name

Galápagos — South & Central Islands

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Cruising Length: 25.5m Passenger Capacity: 16 Built: 1998 When it comes to our stellar fleet of Galápagos vessels, the Xavier III is made for both great value and great service. Imagine all the luxury of fresh and tasty local and international cuisine, daily excursions to explore the islands, and picturesque views of the area from the top deck – all this with an unbelievable price to boot. Get on board! Cabins: 4 lower deck double-occupancy cabins with port hole, 4 upper deck double-occupancy cabins with window, air conditioning, private facilities, TV & DVD player in lounge area Boat layout: Very spacious indoor-outdoor seating areas and sun chairs. Interior dining room with coffee, tea and water service on the main deck. Large lounge and bar area with TV and DVD player for daily briefings. Crew: The Xavier III carries a team of seven crew members and one CEO Naturalist Guide well-versed in the local wildlife, vegetation and geology and certified by the Galápagos National Park Service. Amenities: Snorkelling equipment, wetsuits and beach towels included at no extra charge. Comprehensive breakfast and gourmet Ecuadorian and international cuisine prepared fresh daily. All meals on board included.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 Quito

Arrive at any time.There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and enjoy the city. Please look for notices in the hotel lobby for a time and location of the welcome meeting.

Day 2 - Day 2 Quito/Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Fly to San Cristóbal Island. Meet the guide and transfer to the boat. Visit Isla Lobos in the afternoon.In the afternoon, transfer to the boat. Continue to Lobos Island and be welcomed by frolicking sea lions. While snorkelling in the calm clear waters, keep an eye out for a chance to see swimming sea lions underwater.Flights from Quito to Baltra depart between 6:40am and 9:40am depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into the Galápagos between 9:30am and 12:30pm with a short refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane). You will generally arrive onto the boat in time for lunch on Day 2 before the afternoon activity.Please note: The National Park charges a visitor fee of USD100, payable on arrival, which funds park maintenance and supervision in the Galápagos, as well as ecological study, conservation, and infrastructure development in Ecuador's other National Parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the national park system are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage.

Day 3 - Day 3 North Seymour/Mosquera Island

Explore two tiny islands that are big on wildlife. North Seymour offers great views of nesting seabirds, including frigatebirds and Mosquera is home to large colonies of sea lions.

Day 4 - Day 4 Isla Santiago/Isla Bartolomé

Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness the giant lava formations contrasting the white-coral sand beach. Continue to Bartolomé Island for a guided tour to see the dramatic volcanic features before hiking to a panoramic viewpoint.

Day 5 - Day 5 Puerto Ayora

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galápagos tortoises and go on an excursion to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Free time for shopping or exploration of Puerto Ayora.In the morning, arrive in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz is the second biggest island in the Galápagos, and has the largest population. Puerto Ayora is its main town. In the afternoon, there may be the opportunity to visit the highlands and see giant land tortoises in the wild.

Day 6 - Day 6 Isla Rábida/Bachas Beach

Land at Rábida Island for a visit to a saltwater lagoon and sea lion colony. Afternoon excursion to Bachas Beach for walks to observe the bird and wildlife as well as free time for swimming and snorkelling.In the morning, go on an excursion to Rábida Island, and land on a red sand beach.Afternoon excursion to Bachas Beach to see the sea lions and plentiful bird life.

Day 7 - Day 7 Floreana Island

Land at Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island. Guided walks to observe the bird and wildlife and learn about the natural history. Visit Post Office Bay in the afternoon. Snorkelling excusion at the Corona del Diablo.Morning visit to Punta Cormorant on the northern part of Floreana. This is a perfect spot to go snorkelling from the boat, as the waters are home to a multitude of colourful fish and sea lions. Please be sure you are a comfortable swimmer. Despite the protection from the open sea provided by the "crown," the water here can be rough and the currents are strong.In the afternoon, visit Post Office Bay, which has an older and less mysterious history. A short hike up past the post barrel takes you to an interesting lava cave.

Day 8 - Day 8 Punta Suárez/Bahía Gardner

Visit Punta Suárez and Gardner Bay on Española Island. Enjoy guided walks to observe wildlife and free time for swimming or snorkelling.

Day 9 - Day 9 Puerto Baquerizo Moreno/Quito

Visit the Interpretation Centre on San Cristóbal Island before flying back to Quito.Reach San Cristóbal in the morning. Disembark after breakfast then visit the Interpretation Centre, and transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito. Transfer to the group hotel upon arrival, and enjoy one last night on the town.Flights from San Cristobal to Quito depart between 11:30am and 1:30pm depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into Quito between 4:00pm and 5:40pm with a refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane). You will arrive back at the hotel in the early evening in time for dinner.

Day 10 - Day 10 Quito

Depart at any time.

Day 11 - Please Note:

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Come face-to-face with large colonies blue-footed boobies
Encounter flamingos and galapagos penguins
Gain a deeper understanding of the ecology of the Galápagos at the Charles Darwin Research Station
Choose to hike along or simple relax on the white-sand beaches of Española
Hike over the dramatic volcanic flows to a viewpoint on Bartolomé