Galapagos 5 Day Route B aboard Treasure of Galapagos

Description

Our classic 4-night route to the southeast Galapagos Islands anchors at the most paradisiacal bays and lovely beaches. Some of these oldest islands are true crown jewels where you can become an eye-witness of evolution. Several (sub) species have had enough time to transform into emblematic figureheads, which differ from island to island. Moreover, the open water passages take 4-6 hours instead of long overnight navigations; our stable catamaran mostly floats at sheltered anchorages, which helps you get a restful sleep.

Trip Name

Galapagos 5 Day Route B 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 - TUESDAY AM - Flight to San Cristobal Airport (SCY) & PM - Colorado Hill (San Cristobal)

Upon arrival at San Cristobal Airport, travelers 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 - Colorado Hill (San Cristobal) Colorado Hill Tortoises Protection and Growing Center, located at 40 minutes approximately by bus to the south east of the island. This center was built to improve the status of the population of the island tortoises. The center includes a large corral, a Visitors center, breeding center and an interpretative trail. Along this trail is possible to see different species of native and endemic plants as well birds as the San Cristobal Mockingbird, Yellow Warblers, and many species of finches and the Galapagos flycatcher.

Day 2 - DAY 2 - WEDNESDAY AM - Gardner Bay (Española) & PM - Suarez Point (Española)

On the northeast coast of Española Island, Gardner Bay is a wonderful place to cool off in the turquoise water and admire the myriad of colorful reef fish. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel with turtles or enjoy the proximity of playful sea lions. The white-sand beach is also an important breeding ground for green turtles, and its main attraction is the colony of Galapagos sea lions. PM - Suarez Point (Española) This rocky area is home to the most impressive and diverse seabirds in the archipelago. The Galápagos albatross returns to Española every year for the season. This allows visitors to admire their impressive courtship rituals. Blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, Galapagos gulls, and red-billed tropicbirds are also native to this island. Along the southern coast, huge ocean waves crash against basalt cliffs, forming a spectacular blowhole where water sprays meters high into the air with spectacular views of soaring birds.

Day 3 - DAY 3 - THURSDAY AM - Post Office Bay - Baroness lookout (Floreana) & PM - Cormorant Point - Champion Islet (Floreana)

Historically, this site is the location of a wooden barrel that was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. The letters found inside the barrel would be picked up and delivered by sailors returning home. There was no postage fee, and, surprisingly, this mailbox and its honor system are still in use today. Although the letters are no longer important messages from sailors to their loved ones, thousands of them are left by tourists nowadays and many of them still make it to their destination. Apart from being the Post Office Barrel, this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists. It is said that Baroness Eloisa von Wagner loved this place and spent several hours watching the horizon. Within walking distance (30 m) are the ruins of what is known as her house. You can also relax on the beach, where you might spot not only Galapagos sea lions, green turtles, and golden rays, but also Galapagos penguins. This is the only place in the southeastern archipelago where penguins reside. PM - Cormorant Point - Champion Islet (Floreana) This site offers probably the best Flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos; it is also one of the largest in the islands. It’s situated between two tuff lava cones that give the area a special atmosphere. There are various species of shorebirds to observe besides flamingos; the most frequent are common stilts, white-checked pintail ducks and other migratory birds. It is very interesting to see the two distinct beaches: “The Green Beach” (due to its high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand) and the “Flour Sand Beach” which is made up of coral.

Day 4 - DAY 4 - FRIDAY AM - Barrington Bay (Santa Fe) & AM - El Chato Reserve (Santa Cruz)

Located in the southeastern part of the Galapagos, this island was formed from an uplift instead than a volcanic origin, this is why is mostly flat. There are some theories which assure this could be the oldest island in the Archipelago. Santa Fe is the home of a number of endemic species like the Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats and one of the two species of lands Iguanas of the islands. After disembarkation in the beautiful and clear waters you will be in contact with one of the many sea lion colonies. Along the trail many salt bushes can be seen as well giant Prickly pear cactus, gigantism is a characteristic of oceanic islands. AM - El Chato Reserve (Santa Cruz) Santa Cruz also offers excellent opportunities for viewing wild tortoises, both roaming through pastures in the agricultural zone and in the Tortoise Reserve, which is accessible from Santa Rosa or Salasaca. Several farms serve food and allow visitors to explore their grounds in search of tortoises. Descending through the agricultural zone into the Transition Zone where the Tortoise Reserve is located, the introduced vegetation of the farmlands is replaced by native vegetation. The pond at El Chato is surrounded by forest where short-eared owls, Darwin’s finches, Vermilion Flycatchers, Yellow Warblers, Galapagos Rails, and Paint-billed Crakes can be seen. As the visitor walks into the forests overgrown with lichens, ferns, and other epiphytes, it is time to listen carefully for the sound of heavy footsteps and the sound of shrubs being slowly crushed as the tortoises make their way through the brush.

Day 5 - DAY 5 - SATURDAY AM - Twin Craters (Santa Cruz)

The Twin Craters are found on either side of the road leading to Puerto Ayora. These impressive formations are not really volcanic craters and were formed by magma domes, which hardened on the outside while the lava continued flowing inside, leaving huge and empty magma chambers that eventually collapsed, leaving two large holes. The craters lie within a lush scalesia cloud forest, a high-altitude plant species that are endemic to the Galapagos. This area is also home to the carpenter finch, which uses tools to search for food. There may also be opportunities to see the vermillion flycatcher, a small red-breasted bird. Transfer out to Baltra Airport (GPS) Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crewmembers, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra Airport, where we will take the shuttle back to the airport.

Day 6 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Virgin Fernandina & isolated west-coast of Isabela make you an eye-witness of evolution
Fur seal groats & a unique tidal channel with white-tip reef sharks & rays.
Flightless cormorants, largest marine iguanas and penguins near the equator.
The archipelago’s largest concentration of American flamingo in bird-rich wetlands.