4 night Galapagos Expedition (Monday/Friday) Northern Islands

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Price from:
3,430.00 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 view a interactive Map

DAY	AM VISITS	ISLAND	PM VISITS	ISLAND
Monday	Baltra	Baltra	El Chato Tortoise Reserve	Santa Cruz
Tuesday	Bahía Ballena	Santa Cruz	Sombrero Chino Islet	Chinese Hat Islet
Wednesday	Bartolomé Island	Bartolomé	Sullivan Bay	Santiago
Thursday	Darwin Bay	Genovesa	Prince Phillip Steps	Genovesa
Friday	Baltra & Airport	Baltra

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

MONDAY
Baltra Airport
Morning arrival at Baltra Airport, transfer to the Itabaca Channel. A small ferry will take us across the Channel to the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. We board our bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where guests will learn about the unique montane ecosystems and biodiversity. Lunch at a local restaurant.

El Chato (Santa Cruz Island)
After lunch, travel by bus to El Chato Reserve, one of the best places in the archipelago to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The tortoises are easy to spot, lumbering around, eating grass and leaves and wallowing in the small pools that are common in the reserve. You may also spot some highland birds, like cattle egrets, mockingbirds, finches or flycatchers. There are several lava tunnels in the reserve, a great place to spot the barn owl. There is also a small lagoon covered in red algae where gallinules and Galápagos pintails can be found. Bus ride to Puerto Ayora to board Yacht La Pinta. Introductory Briefing including the expedition plan for Tuesday, welcome Cocktail and dinner.

TUESDAY
Bahía Ballena - Whale Bay (Santa Cruz Island)
After breakfast disembark (wet landing) at a beautiful olivine beach (a volcanic crystal that forms in fast-cooling lava). The area has historical relevance since a small community lived in this area in the late 1900s, collecting lichen (Rosella Tictoria), used in the textile industry. The trail leads guests to an old water hole used by the former settlers. There are also boobies, land birds and beautiful views of the northwest side of Santa Cruz Island to enjoy. Several activities are possible after the walk, such as snorkelling or a panga ride along the shoreline. Back on board for lunch.

Sombrero Chino Islet
Less than a quarter-of-a-square-kilometre in size, the tiny island of Sombrero Chino gets its name from its appearance: a Chinese hat. Lying just off the southeastern tip of San Salvador Island (James), this islet, only formed fairly recently, makes a beautiful visit as one explores along its 400-metre long trail, which begins at a crescent-shaped white sandy beach. Several species of shore birds can be spotted, along with marine iguanas, lava lizards, Galápagos penguins and sally lightfoot crabs. The cove offers excellent swimming and snorkelling opportunities with white-tipped reef sharks and tropical fish. Briefing and dinner.

WEDNESDAY
Bartolomé Island
Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. A great way to start the day! This is a steep climb up a wooden staircase with handrails and several resting and observation stops; the view from the top is worth the effort. Following the walk, a dinghy ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, is rewarding, followed by time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and some snorkelling, with possible Galápagos penguin sightings. Guests can also ride on the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world. Lunch on board.

Sullivan Bay (James Island)
After lunch, board the panga for the short ride to the landing site at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago. Wet landing on a white coral sand beach and a walk over lava that flowed here less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galápagos.

The last major eruption on Santiago was probably in the early 1900's. One observer aboard a sailing vessel reported that the ship approached the lava flow so closely that the pine tar used to seal the hull of the ship began to soften, and the captain had to hurry the ship away from the bay. Briefing and dinner.

THURSDAY
Darwin Bay (Tower/Genovesa Island)
In the morning, a wet landing for an easy stroll observing thousands of birds, mainly frigate birds, red footed and masked boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. Optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or else return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkelling at this beautiful natural harbour. The more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs or paddle sea kayaks. Lunch on board.

Prince Philip's Steps (Tower/Genovesa Island)
The afternoon starts with a very interesting panga ride along the cliffs and then disembark (dry landing) on rocks for a steep climb (90 feet) up some stairs. Once at the top of the stairs, the land is flat, allowing for a stimulating walk of about a mile to the other side of this small island, observing large colonies of masked boobies, frigate birds and storm petrels. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer panga ride along the cliffs (depending on weather conditions). Farewell Cocktail, departure briefing and dinner.

FRIDAY
Baltra Island
Disembark on Baltra Island. Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.

Important Facts

The itineraries and programme are subject to change without prior notice, due mainly to adjustments in the policies and regulations of the Galápagos National Park, weather conditions, seasonal changes and safety reasons.

• 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

Map

View Tour 2012 - 4 night Galapagos Expedition (Monday/Friday) Northern Islands in a larger map

Information Rates per Person (US$) Twin/double suite 3,430.00

2013

	RATES 2013
Accommodation	Prices per person
Twin / Double	3430.00
Single *	5030.00

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.