Galapagos 5 Day Route A aboard Treasure of Galapagos

Description

Our shortest routes give an excellent impression of this unique ‘laboratory of evolution’ in case you have little time, or if you are on a limited budget. However, you must understand that it would be impossible to see all the highlights in just a few days, although you will probably only visit the Galapagos once in a lifetime. Each island is distinctive and well worth a visit, with different landscapes and an ever-changing spectrum of adapted species.

Trip Name

Galapagos 5 Day Route A aboard Treasure of Galapagos

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Motor Catamaran Passenger Capacity: 16 Length: 31.6 m Built: 2009 Welcome to the Galapagos aboard our stable motor catamaran Our stable seaworthy catamaran is considered one of most intimate cruise options at present for the Galapagos Islands. It is the perfect choice if you appreciate private comfort or if you dread seasickness; whether travelling on your own or for your romantic getaway! The inviting ambience of your comfortable cabin with inspiring sea views, and a maximum number of only 16 international guests, may turn your naturalist cruise into a personal experience. Bringing nature even more to life Without doubt your on-board naturalist guide is the crucial pivot for your experience in the Galapagos. Being a first-class yacht, Treasure of Galapagos contracts only the best National Park certified guides (Class III or II). Our experts use their extensive experience to lead the excursions, to search and identify species and point out interesting details; besides taking care of your safety and compliance of indispensable conservation rules. Above all our guides share their knowledge, love and respect for the Galapagos’ stunning ecosystem. Their inspiring explanations (in English and Spanish) and fascinating stories about animal behaviour, intriguing ecosystems and survival strategies can bring nature even more to life; not only in the field, but also during lectures or daily briefings aboard. Of course you can consult your guide for personal questions or just to share your curiosity. Enjoy a more intimate nature experience Small groups definitely make your nature and cruise experience more intimate and profound. Thanks to a maximum number of only 16 passengers aboard M/C Treasure of Galapagos, your naturalist guide can easily respond to different individual interests. You can also hear him/her loud and clear in the field. Both our smaller inflatable dinghies (‘Zodiacs’ for only 8 passengers each) make boarding and disembarking our catamaran much faster, and increases your chances to spot wildlife during dinghy-rides. On larger expedition vessels different groups have to keep a certain distance, and lose flexibility and valuable excursion time on the islands. Specially designed for First Class Galapagos cruising This modern First Class yacht was built in 2009 and is well maintained (dry dock every second year). It is equipped with two powerful engines that give a cruising speed of 9 knots (over 22 km/h; 13.5 mp/h). The crew’s quarters, kitchen and engines are hidden inside both hulls (Lower Deck). All this makes Treasure of Galapagos not too large to become impersonal, and not too small to feel trapped without comfort. Leisure time in an inviting private ambience Your impressive cabin resembles a floating hotel room with an ample bathroom, private balcony, sitting area, ample storing space, soft carpeting and regular beds. This inviting private ambiance with inspiring sea views is an ideal place to withdraw for a while, after another impressive excursion (in contrary to common cramped and dark cabins with just a porthole and berths/bunk beds). You may easily forget the cosy living room and deck terraces with comfortable deck chairs and our hot tub! Delicious food: to make your mouth water Our professional cook and kitchen staff will treat you to a substantial breakfast, and mouth-watering warm lunches and dinners, all served in abundant buffet style. The galley (kitchen) will keep surprising you with a varied menu of local and international dishes with at least two choices (usually fish, chicken or meat), rice/potatoes/pasta and various vegetables and salads. Our food is healthy and delicious; special meals (vegetarian or other dietary requirements) are available upon previous request at no extra cost. Snacks and juices are served in-between meals. Meanwhile our captain navigates safely to the next destination Whilst carelessly enjoying the leisure ambience on-board, you can be rest assured that the captain and his competent crew continuously look after your safety on-board. They are always there to help you in and out safely when boarding and disembarking, or driving the inflatable dinghies (‘Zodiacs’) carefully. Many zones of the Galapagos are near the end of the world and request self-sufficiency. As a matter of course all crew-members have first-aid knowledge. Your naturalist guide and captain are trained to deal with eventual medical or other emergencies aboard. The bridge always maintains radio contact with the outside world.

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 1 - FRIDAY AM - Flight to Baltra Airport (GPS) & PM - Chato Reserve (Santa Cruz)

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, as well as to pay the park entrance fee of $100 (unless it has been prepaid). A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor. PM - Chato Reserve (Santa Cruz) On your first excursion, you will disembark at the Itabaca Channel and be driven to the highlands of Santa Cruz island, where you will visit an area populated by Galapagos giant tortoises. Because these magnificent reptiles don’t stop their migration patterns at the official limits of the National Park, dozens of them also roam the island’s agricultural properties and humid forests, enjoying muddy baths, devouring fallen fruits, and carrying birds on their backs. After sharing the company of these modern-day dinosaurs in their natural habitat, you will return on board for dinner, entertainment, and relaxation.

Day 2 - DAY 2 - SATURDAY AM - Sullivan Bay (Santiago) & PM - Bartholomew

The arrival in Sullivan Bay is like a moon landing. The desolate, sprawling fields seem to be mostly lifeless, but this island, which is particularly popular among photographers, still offers a lot to see. There is even some life! Green sea turtles burrow in the small white sand beach, where you can also find crabs, blue herons and oystercatchers. In the lava flow, only sparse pioneer vegetation, such as lava cacti and mollugos, can grow. PM - Bartholomew The island of Bartholomew rises 114m above Sullivan Bay. Climb the steps of the Bartolomé Peak Trail and you will be rewarded with panoramic views over volcanic peaks, lunar craters and lava fields. Afterwards you can refresh yourself at the foot of the famous "Pinnacle Rock" and explore the underwater world in the shallow water while snorkelling. Although there is little vegetation on this island, it has two breathtaking beaches, where sea turtles live. At the foot of the mountain you can also discover a small colony of Galapagos penguins.

Day 3 - DAY 3 - SUNDAY AM - North Seymour & PM - South Plaza

Seymour is an uplifted (as opposed to volcanic) island and therefore is generally flat and strewn with boulders. There are good nesting sites here for a large population of magnificent frigate birds. Blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance in the more open areas and swallow-tailed gulls perch on the cliff edges. Despite the tremendous surf that can pound the outer shore, sea lions haul out onto the beach and can be found bodysurfing. Do watch your step as the boobies don’t worry much about where they nest, and you might just step on one. The trees are dotted with male frigate birds trying to attract the attention of the ladies by inflating their bright red skin flaps. They sometimes fly in the air to call more attention to themselves. There’s a circular path that takes you through the island to a beautiful, rocky shore where the waves crash a silvery-blue. PM - South Plaza This afternoon's excursion will be on the South Plaza Islet. While landing there, a barking Galapagos sea lion bull may block the jetty for a loud welcome to his beach and rookery. Overall, this islet breaths a unique Jurassic ambiance, with its psychedelic reddish flora and giant Opuntia cacti covering the landscape and providing food and shelter for thousands of endemic marine and Barrington iguanas. During this visit, you will also have the opportunity to swim over a reef of boulders that attracts an amazing variety of marine life, such as sea turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and sea lions.

Day 4 - DAY 4 - MONDAY AM - Pitt Islet and Pitt Point (San Cristobal) & PM - Witch Hill (San Cristobal)

The wind-sculpted cliffs of Pitt Point were the first sight of land when Charles Darwin arrived in the Galapagos aboard the HMS Beagle on September 15, 1835. Today you will disembark to that very same small green sand beach, where you will first be greeted by a group of barking sea lions. Behind this dreamy beach, crossing some thorny bushes, begins a trail that will take you to the top of the cliff through a ravine. While you ascend, marvel at the landscapes of this geological wonder, where its possible to find three species of boobies breeding and playing: blue-footed, red-footed and Nazca. Two species of frigate birds can be found as well (Great and Magnificent) Do not miss the chance to snorkel or kayak around these far-away, dreamlike shores. PM - Witch Hill (San Cristobal) Witch Hill (Cerro Brujo in Spanish) is the remains of a tuff cone, and its primary attraction is a coral sand beach that opens into a tranquil bay. Snorkeling here leads to a rich habitat for marine iguanas, stingrays, white-tipped sharks, eagle rays, turtles, morays, garden eels, and many kinds of reef fishes. Behind the sand dunes of the beach, there is a dry dark lava flow with salty ponds, which serve as a refreshment spot for iguanas, as well as a strategic place to observe coastal and migratory birds, including pelicans, blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls.

Day 5 - DAY 5 - TUESDAY AM – Interpretation Center (San Cristobal)

The Galapagos National Park Visitor Center lies close to the port town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The center explains a series of natural circumstances such as the volcanic origins of the islands, their remoteness from the continent, its ocean currents, its special climate, the arrival of different species, and their establishment, among others. Transfer to San Cristobal airport It has been a pleasure accompanying you on this unique trip and we hope to see you again very soon!

Day 6 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

The archipelago’s largest concentration of American flamingo in bird-rich wetlands.
Fur seal groats & a unique tidal channel with white-tip reef sharks & rays.
Flightless cormorants, large marine iguanas and penguins.