|
|
La Pinta Galapagos Cruise Itineraries
FRIDAY TO FRIDAY 8 Days 7 Night
FRIDAY
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal [Chatham] Island)
Morning arrival at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the small and cozy
capital of Galapagos. This attractive port is the provincial capital
of the Galápagos Islands (population ca 4,000), along a
crescent-shaped bay. Transfer to board Y/LA PINTA. Welcome
introductory briefing, and lunch. Boat Drill and other activities
will be explained by the staff.
Isla Lobos and Playa Ochoa (San Cristobal [Chatham] Island)
A zodiac ride along the rocky shoreline of Isla Lobos: a rugged
satellite islet of San Cristobal, home of Galapagos sea lions, brown
pelicans, and marine iguanas. A small colony of frigate birds, trees
and stunning vistas of nearby kicker Rock. A wet landing on a
coralline beach (Playa Ochoa) will offer the first opportunity to
swim or snorkel. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San
Cristobal) Mockingbird, Chatham Lava Lizard; both species are
endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. We may
also spot Yellow Warblers, Galapagos flycatchers etc. These are the
same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835,
as San Cristobal was the first island where he set foot in the
Galapagos. Back on board, join us at the bar saloon for a cocktail
offered by the Captain, enjoy the expedition plan for the next day
followed by dinner.
SATURDAY
North Seymour Island
Morning disembarkation (dry landing) for a walk along the coast and
the interior of the island, observing bird colonies of blue footed
boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls and also sea lions and
marine iguanas. An opportunity for snorkeling or coastal
exploration. Lunch on board.
Cerro Dragón (Santa Cruz Island)
Explore the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island, at Cerro Dragon,
where an important project to save the endemic land iguanas was
successful in protecting these reptiles against introduced
predators. Today the iguana population is booming again, and
individuals may be seen basking in the sun or feeding on the opuntia
cacti. To reach this “Dragon Hill” we pass a small lagoon, feeding
ground for colorful waders like stilts and greater flamingoes. Back
on board, our expedition plan will reveal the details of next day’s
activities.
SUNDAY
Post Office Bay, Champion Islet (Floreana [Charles] Island)
Wet landing at the historic barrel that served as a post office, to
learn about the human side of the islands, its early inhabitants and
the adventures of pirates and whalers. Possibility to snorkel from
the zodiacs around Champion Islet or a ride on the glass-bottom
boat. A zodiac ride along Champion islet may show the rarest land
bird in Galápagos: the Charles Mockingbird. Lunch on board.
Punta Cormorant (Floreana [Charles] Island)
Disembark at Punta Cormorant (wet landing) for an easy walk to see
the flamingos that inhabit a brackish-water lagoon, and other birds
like stilts and sandpipers. Return to the beach and possibility to
swim; there is great snorkeling at this site or kayak from the
beach. Next day’s expedition plan and dinner
MONDAY
Punta Moreno (Isabela [Albemarle] Island)
Dry landing over a young lava field. A dramatic scenery of pahoe-hoe
lava that stretches to the foot of some of the most active volcanoes
in Galápagos (Cerro Azul and Santo Tomás a.k.a. Sierra Negra). The
landscape will be briefly interrupted by small scattered brackish
lagoons. Lush vegetation and brightly colored birds are a striking
contrast with the surrounding jet black lava. A panga ride along the
shore will reveal mangrove tenants like rays, young sharks, nesting
pelicans and flightless birds like penguins and the endemic
cormorant. Swimming or snorkeling.Lunch on board.
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina [Narborough] Island)
The afternoon brings us to the jewel of the Galapagos National Park,
and youngest island, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a
one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of
barrenness with much wildlife. Having no introduced mammals,
Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of
marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, sally-light foot
crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant. Expedition plan
and dinner.
TUESDAY
Highlands of Santa Cruz [Indefatigable] Island
After breakfast, disembark (dry landing) to visit the highlands of
Santa Cruz Island, an Scalesia forest and the twin pit craters
geology formation, Los Gemelos. From December to mid-April a visit
to see the giant tortoises in the wild may be included, if weather
conditions are good. Return to Puerto Ayora for lunch at the
poolside of the Finch Bay Eco Hotel.
Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station
Afternoon visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant
tortoise pens, including tortoise celebrities like “Lonesome George”
within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many
land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation,
conservation and the National Park administration. Late afternoon
stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking on
Yacht LA PINTA. Next day’s expedition plan and dinner.
WEDNESDAY
Bartolomé Island
A small satellite island of the neighboring Santiago Island,
Bartolomé is a landmark of Galápagos. Broken volcanic material
reveals some of the most striking volcanic landscapes: the Pinnacle
rock. After a dry landing, the short, yet somewhat steep trail will
unfold virtually every volcanic feature expected to be found in
Galápagos. Lava flows, tuff, cinder and spatter cones. To reach the
summit a wooden staircase was build to minimize erosion on the
island´s slopes. The vista is the prize: The Pinnacle Rock next to
golden beaches and turquoise waters. This is the introduction to the
next activity: swimming and snorkeling along the north beach of
Bartolomé. Lunch on board.
Rábida Island
Only a short sailing distance from Bartolomé is the colorful island
of Rábida. Aquatic activities will include swarms of reef fish, sea
lions and often large rays. Glass Bottom boat is an option for
non-snorkeler. The day can end with a rewarding stroll along the
trail up to the viewing rocks over the red beach. A deciduous forest
of palo santo trees, home to Darwin finches and Galápagos doves.
Expedition plan and dinner. Weather permitting, stargazing from the
outer deck at night.
THURSDAY
Gardner Bay (Española [Hood] Island)
After breakfast, disembark (wet landing) at a white coral beach
where you can take a short walk and watch the sea lions, Hood
mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkeling
in this area (snorkeling equipment is available for guests at no
extra cost), kayak or ride the glass-bottom boat. Lunch on board.
Punta Suárez (Española [Hood] Island)
Afternoon dry landing for an exciting walk on lava terrain to visit
its unique sea bird colonies, including the Waved Albatrosses (May -
December), colonies of Nazca- and blue footed boobies, swallow
tailed gulls and the famous blowhole. Departure briefing and dinner.
FRIDAY
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal [Chatham] Island)
Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Bus ride to see the emblematic
reptile of Galápagos at la Galapaguera. Deciduos forest, land birds,
endemic plants, etc. Return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and transfer
to the airport to take the flight back to the continent.
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
Bar
Gifts and items of personal nature
IMPORTANT NOTES:
The itineraries and program are subject to change without prior
notice, due mainly to adjustments in the policies and regulations of
the Galapagos 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
RECOMMENDATIONS
-
Bring a Medical or Travel insurance
-
Luggage: We suggest taking a 20 kg suitcase and a carry-on bag since
these are allowed by the airline. You must remember that the trip in
Galapagos in the open and include hikes, swimming, scuba diving and other
physical activities that require comfortable, lightweight, informal clothing
good for any kind of weather.
-
Clothing: For the hot months (December – May) we recommend a bathing
suit, T-shirts, shorts, sunglasses, cap or hat, insect repellent, sunscreen,
sport shoes good for walking in lava and through rocks, and sandals. For the
cooler months (June- November), a waterproof jacket or poncho and
lightweight pants are necessary. Other important items are lip balm, eye
drops, plastic bags for electronic equipment, binoculars, patches or pills
for seasickness, a photo or video camera and sufficient film, and medicine
normally taken.
|
|
Yacht La Pinta Photography
|