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Galapagos Odyssey

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 Prices for - Galapagos Adventures

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Galapagos Odyssey itineraries

 

7 night / 8 day Cruise

ITINERARY

1 SUNDAY
 PM – Bachas (Santa Cruz)
2 MONDAY
 AM - Bartolome
 PM – Sullivan Bay (Santiago)
3 TUESDAY
 AM – Sierra Negra Volcano (Isabela)
 PM – White Tipped Reef Shark Canal (Isabela)
4 WEDNESDAY
 AM – Highlands (Santa Cruz)
 PM – Charles Darwin Station (Santa Cruz)
5 THURSDAY
 AM - Leon Dormido - Interpretation Center (San Cristobal)
 PM – Loberia (San Cristobal)
6 FRIDAY
 AM – Gardner Bay (Espanola)
 PM – Punta Suarez (Espanola)
7 SATURDAY
 AM – Punta Cormorant (Floreana)
 PM – Post office bay (Floreana)
8 SUNDAY
 AM – North Seymour - tour ends
 
IMPORTANT NOTES 
1: Itinerary subject to change. 

4 night / 5 day cruise

ITINERARY

1 SUNDAY
 PM – Bachas (Santa Cruz)
2 MONDAY
 AM - Bartolome
 PM – Sullivan Bay (Santiago)
3 TUESDAY
 AM – Sierra Negra Volcano (Isabela)
 PM – White Tipped Reef Shark Canal (Isabela)
4 WEDNESDAY
 AM – Highlands (Santa Cruz)
 PM – Charles Darwin Station (Santa Cruz)
5 THURSDAY
 AM - Leon Dormido (San Cristobal) - tour ends
 
IMPORTANT NOTES 
1: Itinerary subject to change. 

3 night / 4 day cruise

ITINERARY

1 THURSDAY
 PM – Interpretation Center - Loberia
2 FRIDAY
 AM – Gardner Bay (Espanola)
 PM – Punta Suarez (Espanola)
3 SATURDAY
 AM – Punta Cormorant (Floreana)
 PM – Post office bay (Floreana)
4 SUNDAY
 AM – North Seymour - tour ends
 
IMPORTANT NOTES 
 1: Itinerary subject to change

 

Yacht specifications:
  • Permit for 16 passengers, capacity for 20
  • Mono hull of steel
  • 10 Cabins for passengers, all with lower berths. Four twin cabins are located on the upper deck, two twin cabins and two matrimonial cabins are located on the main deck. Two additional cabins are matrimonial/single cabins located on the lower deck and can be made available for tour leaders and/or single passengers. All cabins have private facilities, individually controlled air conditioning, a small desk and sofa. All the 8 main and upper deck cabins feature large windows which can be individually opened.
  • 41 mts long & 8 mts wide
  • 4 passenger decks (sun deck, top deck, main deck, lower deck).
  • 12 knots cruise speed. 
  • The highest deck is a sun deck with comfortable loungers and a jacuzzi.
  • The top deck offers a shaded area and a cocktail bar.
  • Besides a spacious lounge, dining area, bar and library on the main deck, there is a shaded outside space for al fresco dining.

How to get here?

First you must arrive in Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil), there are several commercial flights arriving into Ecuador everyday.

The only time efficient way to get to the Galapagos from mainlaind Ecuador is by air. Galapagos flight booking is warranty with your cruise confirmation. All international connections are from mainland Ecuador . There are flights from Quito (stop over in Guayaquil ) and Guayaquil to Baltra or San Cristobal where your cruise will begin. Your flight will take 30 minutes to get from Quito to Guayaquil and about one and a half hours from Guayaquil to Galápagos - Baltra or San Cristobal .

The airlines have established low and high season for the flights as follows:
High Season: Nov 01 - Apr 30 + Jun 15 - Sep 14
Low Season: May 01 - Jun 14 + Sep 15 - Oct 31

What to bring?

Clothing

    * Comfortable walking shoes
    * Sandals with thongs or Tevas for wet landings
    * Light cotton socks
    * Long-sleeved cotton shirts and T-shirts
    * Light cotton scarf to protect your neck
    * Shorts
    * Lightweight long pants or skirt / dress
    * Light rain jacket or wind breaker
    * Sweatshirt, Sweater, light jacket: the early morning/late evenings can get cool, often with a breeze
    * Wide-brim hat
    * Bathing suits

Equipment 

    * Sun block lotion
    * PABA sunscreen (at least # 15)
    * Lip salve
    * Sunglasses with a strap
    * Extra eye glasses/ contact lenses
    * Insect repellent
    * Personal medication
    * Self-sealing bags for electronic equipment
    * Camera
    * Underwater cameras to take photos of the animal life while snorkeling
    * Camera gear
    * Film and more film or enough flash memory to download pictures.
    * Binoculars in case you want to get a more detailed look at unique animals in Galapagos.
    * Extra batteries for cameras
    * Plastic Bags

  Money and Security

    * Passport
    * Copy of passport
    * US Cash mostly low denomination bills ($5 to $20)
    * Travel Insurance

  Motion Sickness

    * Salted Crackers
    * Candied Ginger or ginger tablets
    * Patch

First Aid 

    * Pepto Bismol or Kaopectate for stomach upset and mild diarrhea.
    * Immodium or Lomotil for more severe diarrhea
    * Band - Aids
    * Anti-biotic cream
    * Aloe Vera cream or gel for sunburn
    * Tylenol or other mild pain relief.

FAQS

What does my cruise rate include?
All shore excursions and activities throughout the cruise vacation by Zodiacs and trails, accommodation in double cabin, all meals on board the ship, ground transportation in the islands and baggage handling between the island airports and the ship, guided excursions.

What is not included?
Galapagos flights, Galapagos Entrance Fee (currently $100 US payable in cash to the national park authorities in Baltra), tips (it is customary to tip the guide, and crew) soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and any other extras not specifically mentioned.

Can I pay the Galapagos National Park fee with my credit card or travel checks?
Unfortunately the payment can only be in cash.

Where does my entrance fee go?
The Park entry fee collected upon a visitor’s arrival to Galapagos is used to help fund Park management and community and conservation projects in the islands. The beneficiaries are as follows: Galapagos National Park Service (40%), Municipal Governments (20%), the Galapagos Provincial Board (10%), Galapagos Marine Reserve (5%), the National System for Protected Areas (5%), the National Galapagos Institute (10%), the Quarantine and Inspection System (5%), and the Ecuadorian Navy (5%).

Is the cruise itinerary subject to change?
On occasions, the ship's captain may find it necessary to vary the itinerary due to Galapagos National Park regulations or for safety reasons.

What are the land visits like?
Most visits last one hour and half to three hours. They are in our small boats or pangas, and either are dry or wet landings. A guide will be always with you frequently making stops to explain or show things, the pace is gentle and never rushed.

How can I pay my expenses on board?
Incidental expenses on board can be paid in cash US Dollars.

How far in advance should I book?
We recommend that you book your trip at least 6 months prior to your planned date of departure and 12 months prior to booking for holiday seasons.

Do I cruise between islands in the daytime or at night?
The days are normally spent anchored at one of the islands. Although there are times when you will sail short distances between islands during the day, longer distances are cruised at night to maximize daytime explorations and wildlife observations

Is the air ticket fare included?
No, it is not included, but we can issue the tickets. The airfare is subject to change; we will provide you with the rate the moment you book.

Do I need a passport or visa to go to Galapagos?
A passport is required. Your travel agency can advise you of any visa requirements when travelling to Ecuador.

Are there any luggage restrictions?
Domestic airline regulations permit 20 kilos per person for your luggage not including small carry-on flight bags.

What time zone is used in Galapagos?
Ecuador is in the Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5 in the mainland). Galapagos is one hour behind mainland Ecuador.

How long does the flight from Quito or Guayaquil take to Galapagos?
The flight from Quito to Guayaquil takes thirty minutes, from Guayaquil to Galapagos takes an hour and thirty minutes

Does Galapagos Odyssey offer special food if I have any food restriction?
Yes, in case you require vegetarian food or special meal please let us know at least 6 weeks in advance so we can take care of it.

What is the physical condition required the cruise?
Elderly or disabled people may have problems in the difficult trails. We recommend that passengers be in reasonably good physical condition as some trails are difficult to pass through.

Will I encounter rough seas or bad weather?
Due to strong currents, there will be moderate movement of the vessel while navigating. Most passengers are not affected, however, if you are prone to seasickness we recommend you to bring some type of medication to prevent motion sickness.

What is the best season to take the cruise?
No matter what time of year you visit the islands, you will always find the wildlife activity.
During the "hot" season the islands are generally much greener and the land birds most active. It is also during this period that the ocean temperature is warmer for swimming and snorkeling. During the "cool" season the land birds and sea mammals are most active. This is the best time for observing courtship displays in the sea birds.

 

 

WHAT TO SEE ON THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS?

San Cristobal Island:

Interpretation Center: This was built with the cooperation of the Spanish Science Centre. It gives a very good introduction to the Galapagos islands, its marine and land life, fauna and flora. It is located in the outskirts of the small city of Pto. Baquerizo Moreno, which is the capital of the Galapagos Province.

Cerro Tijeretas (Frigate Bird Hill): The trip to the Hill takes approximately 20-40 minutes. Once there, visitors are treated to a spectacular view of the white beaches on one side and the roofs of Puerto Baquerizo on the other. The hill is often visited by Frigate birds, giving it its name. Here it is possible to see Magnificent Frigate birds and Great Frigate birds in the same colony. This is the perfect place to compare and learn to distinguish them.

This site offers some safe snorkeling without strong currents. It is great for beginners. You can find sting rays, barber fish and butterfly fish.

Lobos island(Sea Lion Islet): this small islet, located only an hour by boat from Pto. Baquerizo Moreno is separated from the main Island by a narrow stretch of calm water. Upon its rocky shores blue-footed boobies nest and sea lions rest. The atmosphere is one of tranquility and primitive beauty. This shows a very typical Galapagos environment.

Española Island:

Gardner Bay: Located on the northeastern coast of Hood, Gardner Bay provides an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming and an opportunity to observe sea lions. Here we can also observe sharks on the crystalline waters of the ocean

Punta Suarez: This rocky point of land sustains one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in the Galapagos. Along its southern shore, high cliffs rise up from the sea affording the visitor spectacular views of soaring birds and of the blow whole, where water spouts up to 50-75 feet into the air according to the intensity of the surf.

Floreana Island:

Post office bay: Historically, this site is the location of a wooden barrel that was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used since this time by mariners and tourists as a post office. The idea is to carry letters or postcards to their destination by hand. Apart from being the Post Office Barrel, this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists.

Punta Cormorant (Charles Island). This site probably, offers one of the largest and the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos. It is situated between two tuff cones that give the area a special atmosphere. There are various species of shorebirds to be seen besides flamingoes, the most frequent are common stilts, white-checked pintail ducks and other migratories. This is a unique zone due to the high percentage of endemism in the plant life. Is also very interesting the two distinct beaches: the "green beach (due to high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand) and the "Flour sand beach" made up of coral.

Santa Cruz Island:

Charles Darwin Interpretation Center: Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders, it is also interesting to learn how the protection and conservation of the islands are carried out. One of the principal attractions are National Park information center, Van Straelen Exhibition Hall, Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises, Lonesome George (tortoise from Pinta), adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity.

The Bachas Beaches: These two small beaches are found to the West of Turtle Cove. Their sand is made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft, making it a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind one of the beaches there is a small brackish water lagoon, where occasionally is possible to observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels. The other beach is longer, but it has two old barges that were abandoned during the Second World War, when the USA used Baltra Island as a strategically point to protect the Panama Channel. (The metal is rusty and sharp, so it is not a good place for swimming).

Highlands of Santa Cruz Island: The trail to the highlands leaves from Bellavista and passes through the agricultural zone, near the National Park boundary, the Miconia Zone and then goes to the Fern and Sedge zone. With clear weather (unpredictable) this area affords beautiful scenes of rolling hills and extinct volcanic cones covered with grass and lush greenery all year round.

Tortuga Bay: The path is good for birdwatching, it is easy to spot several species of finches as you walk along the path. The sunsets here are excellent. The west cove offers a nice snorkeling and swimming area and a nice spot for relaxing. The white sand beach is considered by many the nicest of the archipelago. It name comes from the sea turtles that go there to lay their eggs. Other species can be found, including pelicans, flamingos and marine iguanas.

Bartolome Island:

A small barren island, located in Sullivan Bay off James Island, Bartholomew has two visitors’ sites. At one of them it is possible to climb to the summit of the island, from where visitors can observe a variety of volcanic formations, spatter and tuff cones, lava flows and lava tubes. The moon like landscape provides the most scenic panorama in the archipelago. At the other site, the visitor may swim and snorkel from a beautiful beach or walk across the isthmus to another beach that faces south, where swimming is prohibited. Multi –colored fish and occasionally penguins may be seen at the base of the tall pinnacle rock, which dominates Bartholomew’s landscape.

Plazas Island:

These are two small islets that were uplifted a short distance from the East Coast of Santa Cruz. The unusual vegetation and location of the island create an interesting landscape in which the fauna and flora of Galapagos are enhanced. Moreover despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the archipelago occur here. It is possible to guarantee the observation of land iguanas that often are in the shade of a cactus. Nesting on the rugged southern cliffs, are usually swallow –tailed gulls, which seen along with various other sea birds. The protected rocky seashore is a prime habitat for a large colony of noisy sea lions. The principal attraction of Plazas is the land iguanas, the sea lions and the swallow – tailed gulls. Also we can see yellow – tailed mullets, Audubon’s shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds, and brown pelicans gliding past the cliff.

Santiago Island:

Puerto Egas: Wet Landing. James Bay at the western end. Puerto Egas with its black sand beaches was the site of small salt mining industry in the 1960s. A hike inland to the salt crater is an excellent opportunity to sight land birds such as finches, doves, and hawks. A walk down the rugged shoreline, especially at low tide, will turn up many marine species. Iguanas bask on the rocks and sea lions laze in the tide pools. At the end of the trail there is a series of grottoes or sea caves where fur seals and night herons are found resting on shady ledges.

The wet landing on the dark sands of Puerto Egas, James Bay leads to one of the more rewarding visits in the Galapagos. First, a trail leads inland to the remains of a salt mining operation, one of several largely unsuccessful attempts to commercialize the Galapagos. Some groups will make the 1 hour round trip to the Sugarloaf Volcano (about 1000 ft elevation). But it is the Fur Seal Grotto that produces the most pleasure for visitors. Here one can get very close views of both fur seals and sea lions in a series of rocky pools. For many, this is the only opportunity to see the Galapagos fur seal, once thought to be on the verge of extinction. In addition to the fur seals. James Bay offers the best opportunity for tide-pooling in the Galapagos.

Sullivan Bay: This visitor site provides a unique opportunity to view a recent lava flow of approximately 100 years old. The East Side of James Island is known to have barren volcanic landscapes, dominated by black pahoehoe (ropy) lava flows of very young age. On the surface of the lava is possible to observe some tree that was carried down by the flow of the fresh lava. It is also interesting to see how some Mollugo plants are starting to colonize the small lava fissures.

Chinese Hat: Chinese hat is a tiny Island just off the southeastern tip of Santiago Island is less than a quarter of 1 sq km in size. It is a fairly recent volcanic cone, which accounts for its descriptive name, it has the shape of a down-facing Chinese hat. The hat shape is best appreciated from the north side. Opposite Sombrero Chino, on the rocky shoreline of nearby Santiago, Galapagos penguins are often seen.

A 400 m. trail goes around the cove and through a sea lion colony - marine iguanas cover the landscape. The volcanic scenery is attractive, and there are good views of the cone. There are snorkeling and swimming opportunities in the cove.

Yacht Operation:

Arrival from Quito or Guayaquil in Galapagos normally occurs at 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. local time. After airport check out and payment of entrance fees and taxes, passengers will be welcomed by crew and our guide and transferred to the yacht (or to town) and followed by guide explanations and first day tour.

Next days normally the boat starts to sail at about 2 a.m. in its way to the next island. Arriving at about 6 a.m. Breakfast is served at about 7 a.m. followed by a disembark (wet or dry) at the shores of the island where the excursion will last for about 2 – 3 hours followed by swimming time. Return to the boat is at about 1 p.m. followed by lunch. In the afternoon navigation towards the next point of visit with swimming and snorkeling activities also.

Prices for - Galapagos Adventures

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Registered Office 5 Malham Drive, Lincoln, LN6 0XD, UK.  Tel + 44 (0) 1522 804929 Fax + 44 (0) 1522 306156

Out of hours emergency contact +44 (0) 1522306148. Preferred method of contact is by email. 
 Footprint Adventures Ltd is a limited liability Company Registered in England registration no 2363685, VAT number 619307049
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Travel Trust Association Member R704x

Last Updated 25/02/2010

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