M/Y Galapagos Voyager

4 days Departures on Saturdays

This first class motor yacht offers a cozy and pleasant small group atmosphere for maximum 16 passengers, with the highest standards in safety and service, truly one of the most comfortable ways to explore the Galapagos Islands!
Cabins: 8 of which 6 are Twin cabins with lower beds and 2 are Matrimonial cabins with lower double bed. All cabins of the Galapagos Voyager are situated on the yacht´s main and upper deck and feature a large window which can be individually opened. All cabins have a private bathroom with hot and cold water and high pressure flush toilet, air conditioning, telephone, individual background music.  Crew: 8 plus 1 expert bilingual Naturalist guide

This first class motor yacht offers a cozy and pleasant small group atmosphere for maximum 16 passengers, with the highest standards in safety and service, truly one of the most comfortable ways to explore the Galapagos Islands!
Cabins: 8 of which 6 are Twin cabins with lower beds and 2 are Matrimonial cabins with lower double bed. All cabins of the Galapagos Voyager are situated on the yacht´s main and upper deck and feature a large window, which can be individually opened. All cabins have a private bathroom with hot and cold water and high pressure flush toilet, air conditioning, telephone, individual background music.  Crew: 8 plus 1 expert bilingual Naturalist guide

DAY 1: SATURDAY

QUITO – GALAPAGOS – SANTA CRUZ

Tortoise Farm - Primicia Ranch

Upon arrival in Baltra airport our guide will be waiting for us to cross the Itabaca Channel and travel by private transportation from the northern side of Santa Cruz towards Puerto Ayora. The first stretch is a very dry area, but as soon as we get to the highlands, the vegetation changes completely. Here we can observe giant bamboo trees and dense Miconia vegetation. Arrive to Primicias Ranch, located next to the Reserve. Take a rain jacket as it can get muddy and misty. At the ranch we will observe the giant Galapagos tortoises in a natural environment; stroll around the compound and watch and learn about this magnificent endangered specie and their habitat. At the ranch we will de able to observe the giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat, crawling through the low vegetation and immersing themselves in muddy pools.

Charles Darwin Research Station

This research laboratory is located near to the town of Puerto Ayora and is directed by scientists from several countries, who are involved in the study and protection of fauna and flora of the islands. The evolution that the islands have undergone since the formation can be seen here too. It also shows the animals that have been introduced to the different areas and possible solutions to protect ‘the authentic species’ against extinction. Raising the Galapagos Giant Tortoises in captivity is the most important project the Galapagos National Park is involved with; this program has enabled the return of many tortoises into their natural habitat. The Charles Darwin Station is also home of several adult giant tortoises, which have been found in other parts of the world these individuals are too old and will stay here. D.

DAY 2: SUNDAY

South Plaza & Santa Fe

The plaza islands are small but have a great variety of flora and fauna. Only South Plaza is open for visitors. On this southern island we will find the smallest species of land iguanas, but also nests of gulls, boobies, frigate birds, tropicbirds, marine iguanas, lava lizards. It can be difficult to get on land because of the sea lions lying on the dock. Often the guides have to shoo them away by clapping their hands. Offshore we can spot shearwaters, terns, mullet and surgeonfish. Farther out dolphins, mantas and killer whales have been seen. The island itself is an uplifted piece of sea floor. The island is only a kilometre long and a little wider than 100 meters. A big part of the island is dry with platforms of polished lava, parts without any trees, but many yellow flowers. The cliff is very steep and windy. From here we can observe the birds we described above perfectly.

Santa Fe

The arrival here is truly impressive: to a great white beach with colourful turquoise water; a forest of Opuntia cactus covers the Island. The walk is easy and short and on the trails we can find land-iguanas chewing on the fallen cactus pads. These iguanas are different from the ones we find on the South Plaza Islands, these iguanas are bigger. Other animals that can be found here are sea lions, yellow-tailed surgeonfish, sergeant majors, damsel- and parrotfish, stingrays, white-tipped reef sharks, rodents, Galapagos doves and snakes. The beach side is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. B.L.D.

DAY 3: MONDAY

ESPAÑOLA (HOOD)

Suarez Point

The trail runs round in a loop and the arrival on the rocks lead us to an open area where blue footed boobies nest in their hundreds. Virtually everywhere are nesting birds or young boobies being fed. Further on is a similar place where waved albatrosses are nesting, again on the ground. It is said that the total world population of waved albatrosses can be found here from March to December every year. Near here is a high cliff where the young launch themselves for their first flight. Further along the trail is a blowhole. Waves coming up against the cliff come up through a hole and produce a noisy spout of spray approaching 100 feet high.

Gardner Bay

Located at approximately 45 minutes from Punta Suarez, Gardner Bay has a brilliant white sandy beach with sometimes hundreds of barking sea lions. This place is perfect for relaxing and snorkeling. There are 3 species of finches on this part of the island and other animals that we can find here are turtles, martins, small wading birds, surgeonfish and white-tipped reef sharks.  B.L.D.

DAY 4: TUESDAY

SAN CRISTOBAL (CHATHAM) – BALTRA – QUITO

Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock)
Kicker Rock is also known as the Sleeping Lion because of its resemblance. It is located off the coast of San Cristobal, and you can find the remnants of a vertical tuff stone conformation eroded by the ties. What is left are two vertical rocks rising aprox. 500 feet (150 m.) above the ocean, separated by a small channel. Make sure to have binoculars and cameras in reach while we navigate around the rock, because there are many chances to observe hundreds of nazca- and blue footed boobies standing in their little caves, as well as red-billed tropicbirds. Further away, observe the frigate birds in the bushes of the coast side, when it is courting season we will be able to see a wonderful show of their brilliant red pouches.

Interpretation Center, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

This town, the official capital of the Archipelago, is home to one of the two main airports in the Galapagos region. It is known as a sleepy town overlooking the harbour with a truly relaxed attitude. We will visit the Interpretation Center, which was built with the cooperation of the Spanish Science Centre, and it gives a very good introduction to the Galapagos Islands, its marine and land life, fauna and flora. There is also an interesting display of the turbulent history of the archipelago. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Quito. B