Galapagos Wildlife Extension

Transfer to the airport this morning for your early flight to Baltra. You are greeted by the guides at the airport and transferred a short way to the harbor, where you board your yacht. After lunch, enjoy a walk on Santa Cruz Island at Dragon Hill. After a wet landing, walk to a hyper-salinic lagoon behind the beach, where observers often report seeing many Pink Flamingos. This area is a nesting site for a large number of reintroduced Land Iguanas, again thanks to the Charles Darwin Research Station. There is also a bizarre Scalesia tree forest. The trail then leads up to Dragon Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay. After a welcome and briefing on the yacht there is a cocktail and presentation by the crew. At this time, you will also practice the safety drill. (L,D)

Dry landing this morning at the dark red volcanic beach, frequented by sea lions. It is often considered the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most diversified volcanic rocks in all of the islands. Here a short trail leads to a saltwater lagoon, where you might find small colonies of Flamingos feeding. The brown pelican nests in the mangroves can found at the far side of the lagoon. Also to be found are boobies and nine species of Darwin’s Finches. Enjoy a panga ride by the reefs and an excellent opportunity for snorkeling.

A short navigation in the early afternoon brings you to Santiago Island, and you’ll visit the dark sand beach at Puerto Egas. Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows, and the surrounding area is prime for spotting and observing Hunting Herons, Great Blue Herons, Lava Herons, Oyster Catchers, and the Yellow Crowned Night Heron. Enjoy the sight of Marine Iguanas grazing upon algae beds at low tide and sharing space with Sally Light-Foot Crabs. There is a colony of Fur-Seals swimming in deep pools of cool water called “grottos”, and napping in the shade of the lava rocks. This is an excellent area for swimming and snorkeling in search of Octopuses, Sea Horses, Star Fish and other sea life caught in the small tidal pools. From a safe distance travelers can admire Moray Eels, Hammerhead Sharks, White Tip and Galapagos Sharks, Golden and White Spotted Eagle Rays, Jacks, Wahoo, Tuna, Groupers, Red-Tailed and Dog Snappers, Sea Lions, and Sea Turtles - all in the midst of cold and warm water corals, fans, and sponge. Enjoy a cocktail on the Sun Deck, and a briefing on the next day’s activities. (B,L,D)

After a dry landing at Punta Espinoza, you will catch sight of the largest colony of Marine Iguanas mingling with Sally Light Foot Crabs. You can also see the Flightless Cormorants nesting sites, the little Galapagos Penguins, Galapagos Hawks, and Sea Lions. Among the flora and volcanic formations observers will note Brachycereus Cactus, “pa-hoe-hoe” and other unusual lava formations, and view recent lava flows from a safe distance. Here, numerous mangrove beds extend into the sea, depicting a healthy and thriving eco-system.

At Punta Vicente Roca, there is no land excursion, but you’ll have the chance to enjoy snorkeling in the cool water with the possibility of up close encounters with Sea Lions, Fur Seals, the occasional Dolphin and Sea Turtles. Take a panga ride to observe the high cliffs with tuff stone, ash, and other lava formations, as well as caves and cliffs with Brown Noddies and Blue Footed Boobies. (B,L,D)

After lunch you arrive at Bartolome, an island that appears as though you are walking on the moon with its volcanic formations that include lava bombs, spatter and cinder cones. There is a steep hike to the summit aided by wooden steps, where you have impressive views of the islands including Pinnacle Rock, an eroded tuff cone. On your way to the top you have the possibility of admiring a large colony of Marine Iguanas and Lava Lizards. Among the flora you may find are the Red Mangroves, Tiquilla, and various cacti. Cool off near Pinnacle Rock, and enjoy some snorkeling where you might see Galapagos Penguins, Sea Turtles, and White Tipped Sharks from a safe distance.

This afternoon your ship will cruise a short distance to the north of Santa Cruz Island, where you’ll visit Black Turtle Cove. This excursion is a panga ride though the protected mangrove. The motor will be turned off to allow for the close observation of Sea Turtles, young White Tipped Reef Sharks, Spotted Eagle Rays, and Yellow Rays. (B,L,D)

In the morning, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora which is staffed with international scientists doing biological research and conservation projects. Here you can admire giant tortoises of the breeding program, including Lonesome George, the last living tortoise from Pinta Island. Admire the impressive giant prickly pear cactus forest and many land birds. The visit to the station takes about 40 minutes. Afterwards, you will have some free time to walk around town, shop for souvenirs or mail out your postcards before returning to the airport on Baltra for your flight back to the mainland. (B,L)

Cruise Costs:

Valid for 2006

Coral I:
$1505 Superior Cabin, Lower Deck/Bow
$1640 Moon Cabin, Lower Deck
$1970 Junior Cabin, Middle or Upper Deck

Coral II:
$1385 Standard Cabin, Lower Deck
$1505 Moon Cabin, Middle or Upper Deck

No single supplement if share is available; please inquire for single cabin rates.

Additional:
$100 National Park entry fee & $400 Quito/Galapagos airfare

Hotel packages:
$395: hotel 3 nights, transfers & city tour; or $250: hotel 2 nights and transfers