Galapagos Aboard the Alta & Parranda

Additional Information

About the Ships

Alta is one of the most beautiful yachts in the Galapagos; she is ideal for travelers who seek exclusivity and uniqueness. Alta is a Three Masted Staysail Schooner, a very stylish yacht that has that special charm of a sailing ship. She is 46 m/140 ft long and capable of 10 knots under power and 14 knots under sail. Alta is fitted with 8 tastefully decorated cabins that accommodate up to 16 passengers. All cabins have ample hanging locker and drawer space. Each cabin has private facilities with fresh, hot and cold water showers. The main salon is very elegant and inviting. A curving banquet and coffee table stand opposite a cabinet holding the TV/Video system. At mealtimes, there are two alternatives: inside, in the dining salon, which seats sixteen in four tables, or "al fresco," on the foredeck. The gourmet galley is equipped to prepare the finest dishes. Alta offers many spots for relaxing or sunning, including a sundeck with lounge chairs just forward of the bridge, and another with cushions on the bow of the yacht. When the conditions are appropriate, the sails will be hoisted and Alta will become the most beautiful yacht in the Galapagos.

View the Alta deck plan, photos, virtual tour, and more.

Note: The romance of the Alta comes from being a single hulled sailing vessel. The interesting architecture of her cabins makes the most of the available space, providing an authentic, yet comfortable experience. Even with all the amenities, individual cabin space aboard a sailing vessel can feel limited. If you require something more spacious we recommend taking a look at the larger cabins and suites on our other yachts so we can find the best fit for your needs.

Parranda is an elegant, spacious Motor Yacht. She is great for travelers who want to experience the Galapagos in comfort and refinement. Fitted with stabilizers to make cruising more comfortable, she is fast, allowing for less travel time between the islands and more time on visits. The salon is ample and elegantly decorated, with large windows that allow the guests to have a scenic view of the outside. Equipped with TV, VCR and Stereo, this is the place to enjoy our video and CD collection. Aft of the salon is the dining area, which is very pleasant because it is open towards the stern of the yacht. It also has a roof and windows on its sides, so that guests receive fresh air but are protected from the sun. The galley is fully fitted out to enable the chef to maintain the highest standards in cuisine and its presentation. The outside deck is extraordinary. Long and spacious, it has comfortable lounge chairs to read, sleep or relax, and is entirely covered by a canopy to offer protection from the sun.

View the Parranda deck plan, photos, virtual tour, and more.

Cruise Costs:
Prices are per person, for 8-day Cruise only.
Please see below for additional costs.

2009 Prices:

Alta: $4,650 Cabins 1- 2, Twin or Double on Naturalist Departure
$4,450 Cabins 3-8, Twin or Double on Naturalist Departure

Parranda: $5,250 Cabin 7 Double or Twin on Naturalist Departure
$4,450 Cabins 1-6 & 8, Twin or Double on Naturalist Departure

Additional:

$110 National Park entry fee & tourist card
$410 Quito/Galapagos/Quito approximate airfare

Single Supplement: additional 75% of cabin cost; no single supplement if willing to share

Children under 12 receive a 30% discount on cruise (1 discount per cabin; does not apply on holiday departures)

Hotel packages: hotel 3 nights, transfers & city tour; or hotel 2 nights and transfers; please inquire for costs

International airfare estimate: $700-$900

Fuel Surcharges may apply

Detailed Trip Information

Dates	Thursday weekly departures (cruise starts on Saturday).
Duration	11 days 8 days in Galapagos
Land Cost	$3,950-$4,800 please see below for full cost details
Single Supplement	$6,913-$8,400 Additional 75% of cabin cost; No single supplement if willing to share
Lodging	comfortable yachts
Grade	I-II regular walking over some rough terrain
Group Size	16

Trip Terms & Conditions

Please note that this trip operates under different payment and cancellation policies than those described in our Terms and Conditions as noted in our Global Expedition Catalog, on our website and elsewhere. Please request these if you do not have them before advancing a deposit.

Included in costs: Meals as noted, each night in double occupancy accommodations, English speaking guides, surface transport, equipment other than personal gear, government tax, airport transfer assistance, in-country ticket reconfirmation & check-in assistance (where permitted), complete pre-departure packet, toll-free pre-departure phone assistance.

Not included in costs: Meals not noted as included, gratuities, beverages (except tea or coffee at meals), park or site entry fees, transit card, international or domestic airfare unless specified, airport departure taxes not included with air tickets, visas, itinerary changes after confirmation, any services not included in itinerary, any costs incurred due to canceled or delayed flights, fuel surcharges, acts of nature or other happenings beyond our control, or other costs as are more fully described in JOURNEYS Terms & Conditions.

Deposit and payment schedule: For reservations requiring 1-2 cabins, a deposit of 30% of the cabin cost is due per person. Balance is due 90 days prior to departure. For reservations requiring 3 or more cabins, a deposit of 30% of the cabin cost is due per person. A second deposit of 30% of the cabin cost is due per person 180 days prior to departure and final payment for is due 90 days prior to departure. All payments are NON-REFUNDABLE. All payments are subject to cancellation if payments are not received by the due dates. Airlines require full payment when tickets are issued. All payments may be made by Visa, Master Card, American Express, or check, and the Reservation Form may be submitted by fax, mail or via our website.  *HOLIDAY departures require an increased deposit of 40% from the regular terms and conditions.

Insurance: When you make your application, we strongly recommend the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance in case of emergency situations. Please contact us for a recommended policy.

Airfares: JOURNEYS can make complete air arrangements applicable to your trip as noted in this itinerary. If you wish to redeem frequent flyer mileage or arrange flights directly with the airline, you may do so on your own at no penalty. If you do, please consult with us on exact arrival and departure dates and times before having your tickets issued to avoid errors.

Itinerary Change Fee: There will be a $40 fee for changes once an itinerary has been confirmed and approved. Additional cancellation penalties or change fees may apply as per our terms and conditions. The passenger is responsible for such fees.

JOURNEYS Resources

• Galapagos Aboard the Alta & Parranda Photo Gallery
• Charles Darwin Research Station
• Isabela
• Fernandina
• Bartolome
• Baltra
• Floreana
• Santa Cruz
• Puerto Ayora
• Espanola
• Santiago Island

Browse More Tours

• Exploration Cruises

Internet Resources

• Center for Disease Control
• Consular Information Sheet
• Detailed Facts About Ecuador
• Galapagos Reading List
• Yachts: Eric/Flamingo/Letty
• Yachts: Alta, Parranda, Lammer Law, Evolution
• Yachts: Coral I & II
• Yachts: Eclipse
• Galapagos Climate
• Galapagos Conservation News