7 night Galapagos Expedition (Friday/Friday) Western Islands

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Price from:
6,003.00 US$
per person

On this Galapagos Islands tour, explorers can enjoy a unique expedition adventure, with comfort and safety, aboard the 48-guest, La Pinta Yacht around The Galapagos Islands.

The tour includes daily outings to explore the wonders of the islands on nature hikes and glass-bottom boat trips around the Galapagos Islands. Tours include swimming and snorkeling activities, whale and dolphin watching, and many wildlife sightseeing opportunities.

The most modern equipment available will be in place on your vessel to enhance your voyage and ensure your Galapagos Islands tour is rewarding and fun.

Itinerary / Map

Click here for a interactive map

DAY	AM VISITS	ISLAND	PM VISITS	ISLAND
Friday	Baltra Airport	Baltra	North Seymour	North Seymour
Saturday	Punta Vicente Roca	Isabela	Punta Espinoza	Fernandina
Sunday	Urbina Bay	Isabela	Tagus Cove	Isabela
Monday	Red Beach	Rábida	Cerro Dragón	Santa Cruz
Tuesday	Charles Darwin Research Station	Santa Cruz	Twin Craters	Santa Cruz
Wednesday	Post Office Bay & Baroness Cove	Floreana	Punta Cormorant & Champion Islet	Floreana
Thursday	Santa Fe Island	Santa Fe	South Plaza	South Plaza
Friday	Puerto Baquerizo Moreno & Airport	San Cristóbal

Included

• Accommodation
• All meals
• Island sightseeing
• Snorkeling gear
• Naturalist guides and lecture services in English/Spanish only
• Taxes and transfers in the islands.
• Transfer from main hotels in Quito (Casa Gangotena, Hilton Colon, Swissôtel, Marriott, Dann Carlton) and in Guayaquil (Hilton Colon, Oro Verde, Hampton Inn, Sheraton) to airport for flights to / from Galápagos are included in these rates.  To coordinate these transfers we must have guest's hotel contact.

Not Included

• Air transportation to/from Galapagos
• Galapagos National Park admission fee (US $100 subject to change without notice)
• Transit Control Card for Galapagos (US$ 10 per person)
• Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverage, gratuities, gifts and additional items
• Wet Suits available for rent,  NET rate $ 30 + VAT per guest for 8-day expeditions
• Wet Suits available for rent,  NET rate $ 15 + VAT per guest for 4 or 5 days expeditions
• Migration Control Card (US $ 10 subject to change without previous notice).
• Internet / Wi-Fi

Itinerary Description

FRIDAY

Baltra Island

Morning arrival to Baltra Island and immediate transfer to the dock to board Yacht La Pinta.  Welcome introductory briefing and lunch.

North Seymour Island

Afternoon disembarkation (dry landing) for a walk along the coast and the interior of the island, observing bird colonies of blue footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls and also sea lions and marine iguanas. Opportunity for snorkelling or coastal exploration. Evening briefing, welcome cocktail and dinner.

SATURDAY

Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)

Since there is no landing site at this location, the coastal exploration is by dinghy, while the naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of the area with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. This is the nesting place for flightless cormorants, the only existing marine birds in the world other than penguins that have changed their condition of flying birds to diving birds. Wildlife here also includes sea lions, Galápagos fur seals, Galápagos penguins, blue-footed and Nazca boobies and noddy terns. Depending on the conditions of the ocean, it will be possible to schedule a snorkelling outing along the cliffs of partly-sunken Ecuador Volcano, near the northern tip of Isabela Island. This area has a very rich marine life, and is seasonally visited by green sea turtles. Lunch on board.

Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)

Afternoon visit to the youngest island of the archipelago, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk over dark lava. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness and a lot of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina boasts a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant. Snorkelling is possible.  Evening briefing and dinner.

SUNDAY

Urbina Bay (Isabela Island)

After breakfast (wet landing) disembark at Urbina Bay, located at the foot of volcanoes Alcedo and Darwin, west of Isabela Island, the result of an uplifting of the ocean in 1954. Here you can find corals, shells, and many other calcareous organisms exposed above water. This area is also home to large and very colourful Galápagos land iguanas, giant tortoises (occasionally); a good spot to observe Darwin’s finches. Along the shoreline, after the hike, guests may encounter flightless cormorants and see penguins while snorkelling in this beautiful cove. Lunch on board.

Tagus Cove (Isabela Island)

On the northwest of Isabela, secluded Tagus Cove provided a favourite anchorage for pirates and whalers over the centuries. Old graffiti is still found carved on its walls. The vegetation in the area includes the fragrant palo santo trees. These white-barked trees are leafless and look dead most of the year. They leaf and spring back to life in the wet season.

An uphill hike takes guests to the back of Darwin Crater, filled with salt water. The view at the end of the trail is worth the climb. Darwin is one of Isabela’s six volcanoes, a remarkable contrast to the lower islands to the east of the archipelago. Possibilities to swim, snorkel or ride kayaks. There is no beach in the area, so these activities are done from the pangas. Briefing and dinner.

MONDAY

Rábida Island (Jervis)

Disembark at Rábida Island (wet landing) on a red-coloured beach, due to the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. A gratifying stroll along the beach of this small island (1.9 sq. mi.) allows the observation of a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches. Very close to the beach, hidden behind a strip of green saltbush, is a salt pond where at times greater flamingos migrate. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach, both for beginners as well as for experienced snorkelers, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. During navigation to our next island, dolphins are often spotted. Lunch on board.

Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) (Santa Cruz Island)

The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). Dry landing and a walk that includes a brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, including stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings, and more. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago. This area is a natural nesting site for land iguanas, constantly monitored and assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station. The arid-zone vegetation can be a rewarding location for bird watching, where Darwin’s finches, Galápagos mockingbirds, the endemic Galápagos flycatcher, and yellow warblers are regular sightings. Tonight our expedition plan will reveal the interesting sites of the day ahead. Dinner.

TUESDAY

Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station

Morning disembarkation (dry landing) to visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens, including tortoise celebrities like “Lonesome George” within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Lunch at the poolside of the Finch Bay Eco Hotel.

Highlands of Santa Cruz Island

After lunch, visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, with their impressive Scalesia forest and the geological formation of the twin pit craters known Los Gemelos.  From December to mid-April a visit to see the giant tortoises in the wild may be included, if weather conditions are good. Next day’s expedition plan and dinner.

WEDNESDAY

Baroness Cove & Post Office Bay (Floreana Island)

After Breakfast, a wet landing at the Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has been serving as  a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries, to learn about the human side of the islands, its early inhabitants and the adventures of pirates and whalers. Panga ride along the maze of channels in the north shore of Floreana, see the Sea Lion colonies, marine turtles in shallow waters, rays and occasionally penguins. Wet Landing on Baroness Cove and a short walk up to the observation tower to enjoy breath taking views of Floreana and its nearby islets. Snorkelling and/or kayaking is possible. Back on board for lunch.

Punta Cormorant (Cormorant Point, Floreana Island)

Disembark at Punta Cormorant (wet landing) at an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish water lagoon where bird species like greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others may be observed. This outing also includes a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest (from December to May). Possibility of snorkelling from the beach; a ride in our glass-bottom boat; or for advanced snorkelers, “The Devil’s Crown”, if conditions permit. Briefing and dinner.

THURSDAY

Santa Fe Island

After breakfast, a wet landing on a sandy white beach with many sea lion harems. Bulls vie for the right of “Beach Master”, while smaller males masking as females make stealthy mating moves. Galápagos hawks are often easily observed, perched atop salt bushes. The giant prickly pear cactus found here live up to their name with tree-sized trunks! The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the afternoon walk. Snorkelling and swimming from the beach rounds off the rewarding experience. Lunch on board.

South Plaza Island

Disembark (dry landing) in the channel between North and South Plaza Islands, where the island tilts toward the water, the approach makes for a lavishly colourful sight! The turquoise waters of the channel contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline. The rocks have grown thick with green seaweed in places, speckled with bright orange ‘Sally Lightfoot’ crabs. Further up the shore a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-gray land iguanas sit beneath these, waiting patiently for pears to drop. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while frigates, swallow-tailed gulls and shearwaters glide playing with the thermals that form along the cliffs of this small but amazing island. Briefing and dinner.

FRIDAY

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal  (Chatham) Island)

After breakfast, departure to the port and airport for flight back to the mainland.

Important Facts

• Dry landing: guests step from the dinghy onto rocks or a dock.
• Wet landing: as the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore.

 PACKING CHECK LIST

• 1 Small backpack (waterproof)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sneakers with rubber soles
• Shorts
• Long pants
• T-shirts
• Long and Short sleeved shirts
• Wind breaker
• Bathing suit -wetsuit for snorkeling in cold months
• Socks
• Underwear
• Hat or cap
• Toilette kit (biodegradable shampoo please)
• Sun block
• Sunglasses
• Binoculars
• Camera & camcorder
• Any medicine you may be taking
• Book/ Notebook

WESTERN GALÁPAGOS

• Baltra
• North Seymour
• Isabela
• Fernandina
• Rábida
• Santa Cruz
• Floreana
• Santa Fe
• South Plaza
• San Cristóbal

ICON SPECIES

• Galápagos sea lion
• Galápagos fur seal
• Giant tortoises
• Santa fe land iguana
• Galápagos land iguana
• Marine iguanas
• Hybrid iguana
• Blue-footed boobies
• Nazca boobies
• Galápagos doves,
• Galápagos mockingbirds
• Chatham mockingbirds
• Floreana mockingbirds
• Darwin finches
• Greater flamingoes
• Galápagos hawks
• Brown pelicans
• Greater frigates
• Magnificent frigates
• Flightless cormorants,
• Galápagos penguins
• Swallow-tailed gulls
• Lava gulls, lava (striated) heronsGalápagos martins

HIGHLIGHT SITES

• Post Office Bay
• Darwin Lake
• Urbina´s Upheaval
• Charles Darwin Research Station
• Baroness Tower

Notes:

• Please remember that the exact route and programme may vary according to weather and ocean conditions and the wildlife we encounter.
• Itineraries and programme are subject to change without previous notice due mainly to readjustment of the National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes or safety reasons.

Map

View Tour 2012 - 7 night Galapagos Expedition (Friday/Friday) Western Islands in a larger map

Information Rates per Person (US$) Twin/double suite 6,003.00

2013

	RATES 2013
Accommodation	Prices per person
Twin / Double	6003.00
Single *	8802.00

Peack season dates  2013:

2013
To	From
Mar 25	Mar 29
Mar 22	Mar 29
Mar 29	Apr 1
Mar 29	Apr 5
Dec 20	Dec 27
Dec 23	Dec 27
Dec 27	Jan 03
Dec 30	Jan 03

• There will be a GROSS surcharge of US$ 200.00 per adult and US$ 130.00 per child
• No discounts apply
• Twin / Double Cabins for single use have a surcharge of 100% of the price.

Children Policy:

• Children under 12 sharing cabin with parents, 25% off. (Applies only to one child per adult paying full fare)
• Minimum age 6 years old

Important notes

It is possible to extend your trip aboard this yacht.

*Only 3 cabins are available for single use
Twin / Double Cabins for single use have a surcharge of 50% of the price.

NOTE:  For combined itineraries 2013, some discounts will be offered. Please contact us.

Yacht La Pinta

Luxury, pleasure & comfort. Yacht La Pinta, is the ultimate luxurious expedition adventure in the Galapagos Islands.  The 63-meter (207-foot) yacht accommodates 48 guests.

A full week discovery trip to the Galapagos Islands aboard La Pinta allows encounters with unique fauna, like the famous giant Galapagos tortoises, land and marine iguanas, flamingos, penguins, blue-footed boobies and the unique Darwin’s finches. For intense days of wildlife exploration, yacht La Pinta provides a haven of relaxation and tranquility with tastefully appointed accommodations and all the facilities for a stylish yet informal ambiance.

Guests will also enjoy the Galapagos Marine Reserve – the second largest in the world – including swimming and snorkeling outings as well as whale and dolphin watching during inter-island cruising.

La Pinta guests will experience all aspects of a voyage to Galapagos: discovery, adventure, environmental interpretation, aquatic activities, relaxation, superb service and great dining. Naturalist Guides enhance their interpretative skills with the use of state-of-the-art-expedition equipment.  Our staff embraces a spirit of adventure, while at the same time ensures that you always travel in comfort and safety.

Technical Specifications

• Owner:    ETICA / Metropolitan Touring
• Reconstructed and refitted in Callao, Peru in 2007
• Type of Vessel:   Motor Yacht
• Engines:   2 DEUTZ model SBA 8M 1275 HP
• Length:    63 meters (207 feet)
• Beam:      12 meters (39.37 feet)
• Gross Tonnage: 1541
• Speed:  12 knots
• Electricity:  110-220 Volts 50Hz
• Navigation Equipment:   Gyrocompass, Automatic Pilot, radar, and GPS 
• Safety Certificates:   (SOLAS, STCW, MARPOL, ISM COD 12)
• Fire Detector:   Automatic with control from the bridge
• Life Jackets:   In each cabin
• Inflatable life raft 2 x 50 persons and 6 x 50 persons
• Landing Craft:   3 Pumar inflatable landing craft + glass bottom boat
• Capacity:  48 guests
• Cabins:  24 outside cabins, in the same deck with twin or queen-size beds.
• Double Cabin size:  16 square meters (175 square feet).
• Triple Cabin size:  22 square meters (236 square feet) with sofa bed.
• Decks:  (Sun deck, Cabin deck, Main deck) Three public decks include an ample bar-salon, dining room, natural history library, sky bar and sundeck.
• Wellness:  Jacuzzi, Gym
• Crew:   24
• Naturalists:   4
• Medical Officer:   Permanently on board

Other Services

• Central air conditioning with individual controls in each cabin.
• In-room safe deposit box
• Telephone with direct international dialing
• Closet and luggage storage space
• Multi-channel sound system for closed circuit music and connection for personal iPods, MP3, MP4 
• Conference room with latest A/V equipment
• Boutique
• Satellite Internet connection (three stations) and wireless in designated areas: Bar Lounge, Natural Histoy Library and Solarium (at additional cost)

Expedition Features

• Daily briefings and natural history lectures
• Stargazing programs and equipment
• Communication between naturalists and guests via wireless receiver and earphone
• Snorkeling equipment: masks, snorkels, flotation vests.
• Shortie wet suits (used between June and December)
• Glass-bottom boat
• Sea Kayaks 
• Wellness
• Gym with last generation cardio-vascular equipment
• Jacuzzi, whirlpool  & Hydro massage
• A Medical Doctor is permanently on board
• Infirmary with advanced technology

Boat Deck

Spacious public areas in the Boat Deck include a large Observation Lounge and Bar, which can be used for ‘al fresco’ dining; a smaller outside Sky Bar towards the stern, fore and aft observation decks, sun chairs, a small gym, Jacuzzi and a well-stocked Natural History Library-Conference Room with the most up to date audio visual equipment.

Upper Deck

The Upper Deck occupies the middle of the vessel, with 24 comfortable staterooms, 20 double cabins and 4 triple cabins, all double or twin-bedded, with ocean view, private facilities, personal safe, individually controlled AC, fine linens and duvets and the added touches of a luxurious contemporary decoration.

Main Deck

At the Main Deck are a window-lined Dining Room, with open seating and no formal dress requirements; the Reception Area, Boutique and Doctor’s Office.  The Galley and crew quarters are also located in the Main Deck.