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Galapagos Naturalist Cruise 8 Days (Calipso)

Galapagos Naturalist Cruise 8 Days (Calipso)

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Description

The recently refurbished M/Y Calipso allows you to explore the Galapagos Islands in both Naturalist and Diving itineraries. Calipso boasts a spacious lounge, dining area, fantastic new dive deck, sundeck with a Jacuzzi, and 10 comfortable cabins to accommodate up to 16 passengers.

Trip Name
Galapagos Naturalist Cruise 8 Days (Calipso)
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Motor Yacht Length: 115 ft / 35 m Passenger Capacity: 16 Built / Rebuilt: 1991 / 2019 Calipso is the right choice to experience the Enchanted Islands in comfort, style and safety. Completely rebuilt, all systems and every inch of both the interior and exterior spaces are brand new. From accommodating dietary requests to crew member professionalism, we will stop at nothing in the pursuit of making your time onboard seamless and stress free. Calipso has 6 upper deck cabins and 2 main deck cabins, all doubles with the flexibility of 1 or 2 beds. We have 2 single cabins on the lower deck. Our cabins are fresh and modern with ensuite bathrooms. Each cabin has individual climate control, TV, hair dryer, 2 USB plugs and storage area.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Arrival in San Cristobal Airport and Transfer to the boat & San Cristobal: Witch Hill
Witch HillLocated on the northern coast, this eroded hill and its surroundings present one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos with its white powdery sand and the abundance of animals. Wildlife includes sea turtles, rays, and various types of booby birds. The clear water provides an excellent opportunity for enjoying swimming and snorkeling.
Day 2 - Day 2 Bartholomew Island: Bartholomew & Chinese Hat Islet
Bartholomew IslandHome of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. A trail of stairs leads to the summit of the volcano, boasting one of the best views of the islands. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos penguin.Chinese Hat IsletThis small islet is located near the southeast coast of Santiago Island. Its name comes from the distinct shape of the islet's summit. This small islet is a great location to view many geological formations such as lava tubes and lava flows.
Day 3 - Day 3 Fernandina: Espinosa Point & Isabela: Tagus Cove
Espinoza PointNo foreign species have ever invaded Fernandina Island, and therefore it is one of the world's most pristine island ecosystems. The volcano “La Cumbre” dominates the landspace with lava fields reaching the ocean. The island's highlight features the flightless cormorant nesting site. This area provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos hawk.Tagus CoveTagus Cove is located across from Fernandina Island near the Bolivar Channel dividing the two islands. This spot has been frequented by ships since the 1800s using the area as an anchorage site. Trails winding by Lake Darwin up to a ridge display wonderful views. Punta Tortuga, just north of Tagus Cove, is another lovely beach surrounded by mangroves.
Day 4 - Day 4 Isabela: Urbina Bay & Isabela: Moreno Point
Urbina BayUrbina Bay is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954 causing the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is also a great place for snorkeling.Moreno PointMoreno Point is located near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. The plethora of birds seen during a dinghy ride along the striking rocky shores or a hike along path through lava rock leading to tide pools and mangroves create a birdwatcher’s delight. In the tide pools, green sea turtles or white-tip sharks can be spotted.
Day 5 - Day 5 North Seymour Island & South Plaza Island
North Seymour IslandGalapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds are abundant on North Seymour Island. The island was formed by a series of submarine lava containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone.South Plaza IslandIn the morning, you will head to South Plaza Island. This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colorful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is Sesuvium. During the rainy season its color is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end of June through January) a bright red.
Day 6 - Day 6 Floreana Island: Post Office Bay / Baroness Viewing Point & Floreana Island: Cormorant Point
Post Office BayIn the 18th century whalers passing through the islands placed a wooden barrel on Floreana Island for use as an unofficial mail box. The tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home. Baroness Viewing PointBaroness Viewpoint is a fantastic place to absorb the environment of the Galapagos. Once inhabited by an indulgent baroness and her three lovers, the history of this island is intriguing. The legends about this baroness are associated with a fascinating murder mystery. There are easy trails in this area for exploring the flora and fauna of Floreana.Cormorant PointThis site hosts a large flamingo lagoon where other birds such as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails can also be seen. The beaches on this island are distinct: The “Green Beach” named so due to its green color, which comes from a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, and the “Four Sand Beach” composed of white coral.
Day 7 - Day 7 Santa Fe Island & Santa Cruz Island: Tortoise Breeding Center
Santa Fe IslandSanta Fe (Barrington) is home to the small picturesque bay and anchorage on the island’s northeast coast. The bay has two visitor trails, one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other spanning from a small beach to a tall prickly pear cactus forest. Charles Darwin Station / Fausto Llerena Breeding CenterThe Charles Darwin Research Station is home to turtles ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long. Subspecies of turtles interact with one another and many of the older turtles are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four years old and strong enough to survive on their own.
Day 8 - Day 8 San Cristobal: Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center & Transfer to the San Cristobal Airport
Gianni Arismendy Interpretation CenterThe Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center was opened in 1998 as a phase of the project “Interpretation and Environment Education Project.” Visitors enjoy expositions on natural history, human history, and conservation. The conservation efforts represent the movement to protect the wildlife and natural environment through means of population and tourist control. The Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center has an outdoor stadium, audio-visual equipment, and meeting rooms.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are unlikely to change significantly but are subject to change. Weather, wildlife breeding, safety concerns, instructions from the Galapagos National Park, specific abilities and interests of passengers as well as operational matters may cause your guide or captain to change the time or nature of visits. Your guide and captain will always endeavor to select the best itinerary within these limits.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • San Cristobal
    • Bartholomew
    • Santiago
    • Fernandina
    • Isabela
    • North Seymour
    • South Plaza
    • Floreana
    • Santa Fe
    • Santa Cruz

Map