fbpx

Naturalist Galapagos 8 Day Calipso Cruise

Naturalist Galapagos 8 Day Calipso Cruise

LKTRG
Call for Price

Description

Small ship cruising in the Galapagos Islands offers a unique and immersive experience for travelers. Unlike larger cruise ships, small ships typically carry fewer passengers, providing a more intimate and personalized experience. This allows passengers to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the islands, with the opportunity to explore remote locations and encounter wildlife up close. Additionally, smaller ships can access areas that larger vessels cannot, providing a more comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the Galapagos. Small ship cruising also provides a more sustainable and eco-friendly way to explore the Galapagos. The islands are a delicate ecosystem, and larger ships can have a negative impact on the environment. By choosing a small ship, travelers can enjoy the beauty of the islands without leaving a significant footprint.

Trip Name
Naturalist Galapagos 8 Day Calipso Cruise
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Motor Yacht Length: 115 ft / 35 m Passenger Capacity: 16 Built / refurbished: 1991 / 2019 On Calipso, travelers will enjoy the best of both worlds that the Galapagos Islands have to offer: the land and sea. Upgraded and modernized in 2019, this ship is perfect for all kinds of adventurers. With 8 spacious cabins that can hold up to 16 passengers, a professional crew, expert naturalist and diving guides, open dining and social areas, and free WiFi, travelers can enjoy any of the 4, 5, and 8-day tours in comfort. All itineraries are perfect for any adventurer as Calipso provides both excellent naturalist itineraries that cover the islands and the best diving itineraires that explore more of the depths of the ocean.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Thursday SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
Arrival in San Cristobal Airport and Transfer to the boat Witch Hill Located 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: Friday BARTHOLOMEW AND SANTIAGO ISLANDS
Bartholomew Island Home 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 Islet This 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: Saturday FERNANDINA AND ISABELA ISLANDS
Espinoza Point No 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 Cove Tagus 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: Sunday ISABELA ISLAND
Urbina Bay Urbina 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 Point Moreno 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: Monday NORTH SEYMOUR AND SOUTH PLAZA ISLANDS
North Seymour Island Galapagos 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 Island In 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: Tuesday FLOREANA ISLAND
Post Office Bay In 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 Point Baroness 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 Point This 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: Wednesday SANTA FE AND SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS
Santa Fe Island Santa 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 Center The 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: Thursday SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center The 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. Transfer to the San Cristobal Airport
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

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

Map