Itinerary / Map
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| DAY |
AM VISITS |
ISLAND |
PM VISITS |
ISLAND |
| Friday |
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno |
San Cristóbal
|
Cerro Brujo
|
San Cristóbal
|
| Saturday |
Natural Galapaguera |
San Cristóbal
|
Punta Pitt
|
San Cristóbal
|
| Sunday |
Punta Suarez |
Española (Hood)
|
Gardner Bay |
Española
|
| Monday |
Charles Darwin Research Station
|
Santa Cruz Island |
Highlands
|
Santa Cruz |
| Tuesday |
Bahía Ballena - Whale Bay |
Santa Cruz |
Sombrero Chino Islet |
San Salvador |
| Wednesday |
Pinnacle Rock |
Bartolomé |
Sullivan Bay
|
James |
| Thursday |
Darwin Bay |
Tower/Genovesa |
Prince Philip's Steps |
Tower/Genovesa |
| Friday |
Airport |
Baltra |
|
|
Included
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Island sightseeing
- Naturalists and lecture services
- Snorkeling gear and transfers
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)
- Wet suits
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverage, gratuities, gifts and additional items
Itinerary Description
FRIDAY
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal Island)
Arrival by plane to San Cristóbal Island and transfer to Yacht La Pinta for cabin assignment, introductory briefing and lunch.
Cerro Brujo (San Cristóbal Island)
A dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers takes guests to Cerro Brujo's white coraline beach (wet landing). The beach is a large expanse, great for walking, with rewarding birdwatching with good views of seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, and more shore birds. Also, look out for Galápagos sea lions. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristóbal) mockingbird, Chatham lava lizard; both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in the Galápagos. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristóbal was the first island where he set foot in the Galápagos. Evening Cocktail, briefing and dinner.
SATURDAY
Natural Galapaguera (San Cristóbal Island)
Early disembarkation (wet landing) for what is the longest hike on the itinerary (4 miles). The trail goes up the slopes of San Cristóbal's well eroded shield volcano. The trail takes guests through the arid zone, a great place to see Darwin's finches and other land birds including the endemic Chatham mockingbirds. Along the way, one can spot some of the last individuals of the San Cristóbal giant tortoise population, living in the wild -- tortoises here were almost hunted to extinction during the late 19th century by local colonizers. After the invigorating hike, enjoy a swim to cool off before returning back on board for lunch.
Punta Pitt (San Cristóbal Island)
Afternoon disembarkation (wet landing) on the eastern tip of the island. Pitt Point is an eroded tuff cone; the trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline. This is the only site in the Galápagos where the three species of boobies can be found together, as well as the two frigate species, plus a colony of bachelor sea lions along the beach. After the walk, if conditions are favourable, there is a chance to swim from the beach. Expedition plan for the next day and dinner
.
SUNDAY
Punta Suarez (Española (Hood) Island)
Morning outing at Punta Suarez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca (masked) boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous blowhole. Among its land birds, the Hood island mockingbird, and three species of Darwin's finches are common highlights. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas. Back on board for lunch.
Gardner Bay (Española Island)
In the afternoon, disembark (wet landing) at a white coral beach for a short walk to observe the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkelling in this area ( snorkelling equipment is available for guests at no extra cost), kayak or ride the glass-bottom boat. Briefing and dinner.
MONDAY
Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
Morning disembarkation (dry landing) to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the 'rearing in captivity' programme for the giant tortoises. Here guests witness the efforts and results of all the field work done in the name of science. An impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds can be also seen.
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.
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 – 7 night Galapagos Expedition (Friday/Friday) (Eastern & Northern Islands) in a larger map
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.
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