* Discover the beauty of these mysterious islands and the extraordinary flora & fauna made famous by Charles Darwin *
Escape to the Galapagos Islands and experience the adventure of a lifetime. Join us for a sample one-week cruise and discover the beauty of these mysterious islands.
Days will be free the observe the extraordinary variety of flora and fauna Charles Darwin used to postulate his theory of evolution.
Accompanied by naturalists trained and certified by the Darwin Research Station, you will explore in depth the extraordinary natural history of these fascinating isles. Due to the absence of predators, animals show little fear of humans, providing unique photography opportunities.
DAY 1, U.S. to QUITO: Depart your hometown for Miami and a connecting flight to Quito, Equador. Upon a late evening arrival you will be met by your guide and transferred to the Hilton Hotel.
DAY 2, QUITO: A morning of sightseeing reveals the beauty of this colonial era city, located high in the majestic Andes mountains, at the foot of a volcano. The old section still retains its Spanish cobblestone streets and much outstanding architecture from the colonial era. The afternoon will be at leisure. B
DAY 3 TO 9, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: In the morning, board your flight to Baltra or San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands. Transfer to your yacht and immediately begin your cruise among these magical isles.
Most cruising between islands takes place at night or in the early hours, leaving days free for exploration. The islands you visit will vary slightly, depending on the itinerary of the yacht you choose to sail on.
Espanola (Hood) Island: Two outstanding sites are visited; Punta Suarez, noted as the sole nesting site of the Waved Albatross; and Gardner Bay, home to Galapagos Hawks and finches. Excellent swimming.
Santa Cruz: Principle features are the Darwin Research Station with its small museum documenting the natural and human history of the islands, and the lush Scalesia and grassy "pampa" zones of the highlands.
North Seymour: A large colony of Magnificent Frigatebirds is found here, plus Land Iguanas, sea lions, Blue-footed Boobies and herons.
Tower: Darwin Bay offers a profusion of bird life, such as Great Frigatebirds, Masked Boobies, Red-footed Boobies, Swallow-tailed Gulls, Lava Gulls, finches and Galapagos Doves.
Santiago (James) & Bartolome: An eerie landscape of lava flows less than 100 years old with sparsely scattered pioneer plants, such as Mollugo, dominated Sullivan Bay.
Situated in Sullivan Bay is Bartolome Island with its prominent volcanic pinnacle. A short hike to the island's summit offers an excellent view of its volcanic cones, and of Santiago's cones and lava flows.
South Plaza: A diverse population of Land Iguanas, Marine Iguanas, Red-billed Tropicbirds, sea lions and pelicans inhabit a landscape of Opuntia cactus and succulents.
Santa Fe: The island has impressive Opuntia Cactus and Palo Santo forests, and is home to the largest of the Land Iguanas. Excellent snorkeling is available in the anchorage cove.
Hiking provides unsurpassed views of the brilliant display of bird and marine life. Our schedule allows for a leisurely and in-depth learning experience. In addition to twice-daily guided hikes, there will be abundant time for beach walks, sunning and snorkeling. B,L,D
DAY 10, GALAPAGOS TO QUITO: Today you depart the islands by air, arriving at Quito in the afternoon. B
DAY 11, QUITO TO U.S.: This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight homeward, with arrival usually in the early evening. B