Isabela, Fernandina & Central Islands 8 days A (Petrel)

Description

The Galapagos Islands were discovered by accident by the Bishop of Panama in 1535. For the next 300 years the main visitors were either whalers or English pirates hiding out in between plundering Spanish galleons laden with silver and gold.

The islands gained international recognition when Charles Darwin published his famous theory on “natural selection” following his visit to the islands in 1835 aboard the HMS Beagle. Darwin marvelled at the extraordinary animals on the islands. Fueled by the nutrient rich ocean currents and isolated from humans, the islands have developed unique, abundant wildlife that has no natural fear of Man. The islands’ importance was confirmed when the islands were declared the world’s first World Heritage Site in 1978 and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1984.

The Galapagos National Park protects 97% of the islands. Thanks to conservation efforts the Galapagos Islands are much as they were millions of years ago and visitors can see up close some of the planet’s most wonderful creatures and landscapes. It truly is like no place on earth. Imagine yourself walking amongst prehistoric-looking marine iguanas, albatross nesting colonies, lumbering giant tortoises, baby sea turtles hatching or flamingos. Swim and snorkel with playful sea lions, speedy penguins, sea turtles and a myriad of spectacularly colourful fish. We guarantee you an experience like no other you have ever known.

Additional Charges Apply – Easter, Christmas and New Year

Trip Name

Isabela, Fernandina & Central Islands 8 days A (Petrel)

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Power Motor Catamaran Length: 33 metres Passenger Capacity: 16 Built: 2015 The newest ship in Galapagos, the Petrel offers a first-class way to visit these magical islands. Named after a sea bird common to Galapagos, the Petrel is like its namesake: elegant, swift and silent at sea. A motorized catamaran, the Petrel is designed for comfort and stability and is outfitted with spacious cabins, a comfortable lounge, and Jacuzzi. On the Petrel, we emphasize the remarkable Natural History of Galapagos, selecting guides who are knowledgeable about biology and ecology in addition to having excellent language skills and client reviews. Key Features: Private balcony / Luxurious interiors / Ample social areas and Jacuzzi / Bilingual Naturalist Guide / The best visitor sites / The most stable / The sleekest and fastest. The newest ship in Galapagos, the Petrel offers a first-class way to visit these magical islands. Named after a sea bird common to Galapagos, the Petrel is like its namesake: elegant, swift and silent at sea. A motorized catamaran, the Petrel is designed for comfort and stability and is outfitted with spacious cabins, a comfortable lounge, and Jacuzzi. On the Petrel, we emphasize the remarkable Natural History of Galapagos, selecting guides who are knowledgeable about biology and ecology in addition to having excellent language skills and client reviews. Key Features: Private balcony Luxurious interiors Ample social areas and Jacuzzi Outstanding visitor sites Stable hull Sleek and swiftOriginally published by Haugan Cruises generated on the following link: http://www.haugancruises.com/petrel-galapagos-cruise/index.html#deck-plans. This content is copyright and may not be republished. Please contact us if you need more information about our products. HauganCruises.com The newest ship in Galapagos, the Petrel offers a first-class way to visit these magical islands. Named after a sea bird common to Galapagos, the Petrel is like its namesake: elegant, swift and silent at sea. A motorized catamaran, the Petrel is designed for comfort and stability and is outfitted with spacious cabins, a comfortable lounge, and Jacuzzi. On the Petrel, we emphasize the remarkable Natural History of Galapagos, selecting guides who are knowledgeable about biology and ecology in addition to having excellent language skills and client reviews. Key Features: Private balcony Luxurious interiors Ample social areas and Jacuzzi Outstanding visitor sites Stable hull Sleek and swiftOriginally published by Haugan Cruises generated on the following link: http://www.haugancruises.com/petrel-galapagos-cruise/index.html#deck-plans. This content is copyright and may not be republished. Please contact us if you need more information about our products. HauganCruises.com The newest ship in Galapagos, the Petrel offers a first-class way to visit these magical islands. Named after a sea bird common to Galapagos, the Petrel is like its namesake: elegant, swift and silent at sea. A motorized catamaran, the Petrel is designed for comfort and stability and is outfitted with spacious cabins, a comfortable lounge, and Jacuzzi. On the Petrel, we emphasize the remarkable Natural History of Galapagos, selecting guides who are knowledgeable about biology and ecology in addition to having excellent language skills and client reviews.Originally published by Haugan Cruises generated on the following link: http://www.haugancruises.com/petrel-galapagos-cruise/index.html#deck-plans. This content is copyright and may not be republished. Please contact us if you need more information about our products. HauganCruises.com The newest ship in Galapagos, the Petrel offers a first-class way to visit these magical islands. Named after a sea bird common to Galapagos, the Petrel is like its namesake: elegant, swift and silent at sea. A motorized catamaran, the Petrel is designed for comfort and stability and is outfitted with spacious cabins, a comfortable lounge, and Jacuzzi. On the Petrel, we emphasize the remarkable Natural History of Galapagos, selecting guides who are knowledgeable about biology and ecology in addition to having excellent language skills and client reviews.Originally published by Haugan Cruises generated on the following link: http://www.haugancruises.com/petrel-galapagos-cruise/index.html#deck-plans. This content is copyright and may not be republished. Please contact us if you need more information about our products. HauganCruises.com

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 - Baltra Island & North Seymour Island

am:Baltra Island: Arrival in Baltra airport and transfer to the boat. Briefing onboard about the boat and the island. pm:North Seymour Island: Explore the rocky coast, passing colonies of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds.

Day 2 - Day 2 - Isabela - Vicente Roca Point & Fernandina - Espinosa Point

am:Isabela - Vicente Roca Point: The remnants of an ancient volcano form two turquoise coves with a bay protected from ocean swells. pm:Fernandina - Espinosa Point: A narrow stretch of land where hundreds of marine iguanas gather largely on black lava rocks.

Day 3 - Day 3 - Isabela - Tagus Cove, Urbina Bay

am:Isabela - Tagus Cove: An opportunity to see penguins as well as marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs and sea lions. pm:Isabela - Urbina Bay: Its waters are a good place to see turtles and rays. Ashore you'll find a short trail leading to a coral reef.

Day 4 - Day 4 - Isabela - Elizabeth Bay, Moreno Point

am:Isabela - Elizabeth Bay: As you enter the bay, hawks soar overhead and schools of fish can be seen swimming beneath the surface. pm:Isabela - Moreno Point: Beautiful rocky shores where penguins and shore birds, including blue herons, are usually spotted.

Day 5 - Day 5 - Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano, Wetlands, The Wall of Tears

am:Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano: On the way up you can see lush vegetation and the summit offers a spectacular view of the lowlands. pm:Isabela - Wetlands: They consist of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves and are home to a variety of unique bird species. Isabela - The Wall of Tears: Isabela was a penal colony, where prisoners were forced to build a wall with huge blocks of lava as punishment.

Day 6 - Day 6 - Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Station, Los Gemelos

am:Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Station: An organization that provides scientific assistance to ensure the proper preservation of the Galápagos. pm:Santa Cruz - Los Gemelos: Spanish for The Twins, they are two volcanic depressions on the highest part of Santa Cruz.

Day 7 - Day 7 - South Plaza Island & Santa Fe Island

am:South Plaza Island: South Plaza has one of the largest populations of land iguanas in the Galápagos. pm:Santa Fe Island: A volcanic uplift that hosts a forest of Opuntia and Palo Santo. Endemic land iguanas are often seen.

Day 8 - Day 8 - San Cristobal - Isla Lobos

am:San Cristobal - Isla Lobos: This small island is named after the sea lions that rest and play on its rocky shores. Transfer to the Airport

Day 9 - Please Note:

These Galapagos cruise itineraries are provisional and are subject to change without previous notice due to weather conditions and National Park regulations. Itineraries of 8 or more days may be scheduled to stop at ports for various cruise logistic reasons and/or for embarking/disembarking passengers.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Vicente Roca Point: keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola-mola (sunfish)
Espinosa Point: after walking past a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions, we'll reach the island's highlight: the Flightless cormorant nesting site. This area also provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos Hawk
Elizabeth Bay: penguins and Blue-footed Boobies can be spotted on the rocky islets. With an abundance of marine life and clear water, the area is perfect for snorkeling and viewing schools of colorful fish, sea lions, and perhaps even sharks
The Wall of Tears: from 1945-1959, a penal colony hosted prisoners who were forced to build this wall, stone by stone, in isolation. This now historical site, towering at 65 feet (25m) high, took the lives of thousands during its construction. Locals claim to hear cries emanating from the heavy energy surrounding the site
Los Gemelos: walk along a path, observing the hills, ferns, volcanoes, and rich wildlife. This area is home to giant tortoises, forest, mockingbirds, Bahama ducklings, White-cheeked Pintail ducklings, Darwin finches, and many other species
South Plaza Island: it is home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colorful yellow and red land iguanas