Galapagos Islands Expedition
8-Night Land & Sea Adventure in Ecuador, Galapagos and Santa Cruz Island with Airfare for 2
Valued at $14,928; bids begin at $12,200
This Experience Includes
Hilton Colon Quito
Enjoy a 1-night stay in a deluxe room including buffet breakfast prior to your flight to the Galapagos Islands and a 1-night stay including buffet breakfast upon your return from the Galapagos Islands. The Hilton Colon Quito Hotel located on the main financial, commercial and tourist area of the city, with easy access to downtown historical district - a valuable urban expression - declared World Heritage by the UNESCO in 1978.
Cruise - M/V Santa Cruz
Enjoy a 4-night (Monday-Friday) Northern Islands cruise for two people in an outside main deck double-twin cabin, all meals (excluding alcoholic beverages and gratuities), andexcursions with an English- speaking naturalist guide. The only ship built exclusively for Galapagos Islands cruising. The M/V Santa Cruz is a luxury vessel offering superb service, a highly experienced crew, including on-board naturalists. Cruisers must be at least 6 years of age.
Note: Those desiring to cruise during March 25-April 3 or December 20-January 4 will need to pay an additional $130 per person.
Cruise Itinerary:
Monday:
Baltra Island
Morning arrival to Baltra Island by plane and immediate transfer to the dock to board the MV Santa Cruz. Welcome introductory briefing and lunch.
Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
After WWII, US military barges were beached and abandoned here. Locals referred to the beach as the barges beach, a name that morphed to “Bachas”. Today it is an important nesting area for the east Pacific green sea turtle. Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, it is a glorious white beach (wet landing), with several brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with snorkeling gear and techniques. Welcome cocktail, expedition plan for Tuesday and dinner.
Tuesday:
Buccaneer Cove (James Island)
After breakfast, enjoy a coastal exploration along the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove. Learn about the history of Santiago Island, its relevance for the whalers, pirates and early researchers including Darwin’s epic voyage in 1835, and conservation projects. Today the island is free of feral goats, and the cove is home to a large number of marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms. Enjoy fantastic natural formations such as the “Elephant Rock”, “The Bishop” and an impressive natural cave. This is a great site for snorkeling too. Lunch on board.
Puerto Egas (James Island)
Afternoon mid-length walk at Puerto Egas (wet landing). This is a great opportunity to see land and marine birds and to observe a fur-sea lion colony. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds. Opportunity for snorkeling or swimming from the beach after the walk. Recaps and briefing before dinner.
Wednesday:
Rábida Island (Jervis)
Disembark at Rábida Island (wet landing) on a red-colored beach, due to the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. A stroll along the beach of this small island allows observation of a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches. Very close to the beach is a salt pond where greater flamingos migrate. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach, both for beginners and experienced snorkelers, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. Non-snorkelers will enjoy a ride on the glass-bottom boat. During navigation to the next island, dolphins are often spotted. Lunch on board.
Bartolomé Island
Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. This is a moderately steep climb aided by a wooden staircase resting platforms and handrails; the view from the top is worth the effort. Dinghy ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, then time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and snorkeling, possibly with Galápagos penguins. There is also the possibility to ride on the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world. Expedition plan for Thursday and dinner.
Thursday:
Prince Philip’s Steps (Tower/Genovesa Island)
The morning starts with an interesting panga ride along the cliffs and then disembark (dry landing) on rocks for a steep climb (90 feet) up some stairs. Once at the top, the land is flat, allowing for a stimulating one-mile walk to the other side of this small island. Observe large colonies of Nazca boobies, red footed boobies, great frigate birds and storm petrels. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer panga ride along the cliffs (depending on weather conditions). Lunch on board.
Darwin Bay (Tower/Genovesa Island)
In the afternoon, a wet landing for an easy stroll observing hundreds of birds, mainly Great frigate birds, red footed and Nazca (masked) boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. Optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain, or return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbor. Farewell cocktail, departure briefing and dinner.
Friday:
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal - Chatham Island)
After breakfast, optional departure to see the breeding program of giant tortoises at Cerro Colorado. Learn about this endangered species, and its promising recovery. This site is 45 minutes by bus, on the south shore of San Cristóbal Island. Return to town and transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.
Finch Bay Hotel (Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands)
Enjoy a 2-night stay including daily buffet breakfast at the charming Finch Bay Hotel, named after the famous Darwin's Finches abundant in the surroundings. Located just steps from the beach on a private seaside location, surrounded by mangroves. Here guests can cherish the privacy, natural surroundings and superb service offered by the Finch Bay. Located on Santa Cruz Island at Punta Estrada, across the bay from the town of Puerto Ayora, the hotel is situated in a quiet location, with only pedestrian and bicycle circulation - there are no cars in the neighborhood. Finch Bay Hotel accommodates 42 guests with 21 twin-bedded rooms, each with private facilities, air conditioning and unlimited water supply, as the hotel has its own desalinization plant.
International Airfare:
American Airlines - This package includes round-trip coach class service for two from any American Airlines destination in the 48 contiguous United States to Quito, Ecuador,subject to availability. For those flying from a Canadian city, the cost will be approximately $300 extra per person. A Saturday night stay is required. Flights will not accrue AAdvantage miles. Miles cannot be utilized to upgrade these coach class certificates to a higher level of service. The following blackout dates apply:
2013: Mar 29-Apr 1; Jun 28-Jul 14; Nov 22-27; Nov 30-Dec 2; Dec 20-31.
2014: Jan 1-12; Feb 5-17; Mar 21-23; Mar 28-Apr 1; Jun 27-Jul 13; Nov 21-26; Nov 29-Dec 1; Dec 19-31.
Domestic Airfare:
This package includes round-trip coach class airfare for two from Quito to Galapagos Islands (Baltra).
Airfare will expire one year from the date of purchase. Any airport departure taxes, fees or fuel surcharges (if charged) are the responsibility of the purchaser.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Must be booked a minimum of 60 days in advance. Reservations are subject to availability. Flights may not be upgraded with miles. Certificates cannot be replaced if lost stolen or destroyed. All packages are non-refundable. Packages cannot be resold. Suggested retail value is calculated using tariff air rates and rack room rates. Ground transportation is not included in this package unless where specified.
8-Night Land & Sea Adventure in Ecuador, Galapagos and Santa Cruz Island with Airfare for 2
Valued at $14,928; bids begin at $12,200
This Experience Includes
- A total of 2 nights at the Hilton Colon Quito Hotel in Ecuador, including daily breakfast
- 4-night stay (Monday-Friday) aboard the M/V Santa Cruz cruise ship in the northern Galapagos Islands, including all on-board meals
- 2-night stay at the Finch Bay Hotel on Santa Cruz Island/Galapagos, including daily breakfast
- All ground transfers between airports, hotels and cruise port
- Round-trip domestic airfare between Quito and the Galapagos Islands (Baltra)
- Round-trip international airfare from any American Airlines destination in the 48 contiguous United States to Quito, Ecuador
- Complimentary booking
Hilton Colon Quito
Enjoy a 1-night stay in a deluxe room including buffet breakfast prior to your flight to the Galapagos Islands and a 1-night stay including buffet breakfast upon your return from the Galapagos Islands. The Hilton Colon Quito Hotel located on the main financial, commercial and tourist area of the city, with easy access to downtown historical district - a valuable urban expression - declared World Heritage by the UNESCO in 1978.
Cruise - M/V Santa Cruz
Enjoy a 4-night (Monday-Friday) Northern Islands cruise for two people in an outside main deck double-twin cabin, all meals (excluding alcoholic beverages and gratuities), andexcursions with an English- speaking naturalist guide. The only ship built exclusively for Galapagos Islands cruising. The M/V Santa Cruz is a luxury vessel offering superb service, a highly experienced crew, including on-board naturalists. Cruisers must be at least 6 years of age.
Note: Those desiring to cruise during March 25-April 3 or December 20-January 4 will need to pay an additional $130 per person.
Cruise Itinerary:
Monday:
Baltra Island
Morning arrival to Baltra Island by plane and immediate transfer to the dock to board the MV Santa Cruz. Welcome introductory briefing and lunch.
Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
After WWII, US military barges were beached and abandoned here. Locals referred to the beach as the barges beach, a name that morphed to “Bachas”. Today it is an important nesting area for the east Pacific green sea turtle. Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, it is a glorious white beach (wet landing), with several brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with snorkeling gear and techniques. Welcome cocktail, expedition plan for Tuesday and dinner.
Tuesday:
Buccaneer Cove (James Island)
After breakfast, enjoy a coastal exploration along the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove. Learn about the history of Santiago Island, its relevance for the whalers, pirates and early researchers including Darwin’s epic voyage in 1835, and conservation projects. Today the island is free of feral goats, and the cove is home to a large number of marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms. Enjoy fantastic natural formations such as the “Elephant Rock”, “The Bishop” and an impressive natural cave. This is a great site for snorkeling too. Lunch on board.
Puerto Egas (James Island)
Afternoon mid-length walk at Puerto Egas (wet landing). This is a great opportunity to see land and marine birds and to observe a fur-sea lion colony. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds. Opportunity for snorkeling or swimming from the beach after the walk. Recaps and briefing before dinner.
Wednesday:
Rábida Island (Jervis)
Disembark at Rábida Island (wet landing) on a red-colored beach, due to the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. A stroll along the beach of this small island allows observation of a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches. Very close to the beach is a salt pond where greater flamingos migrate. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach, both for beginners and experienced snorkelers, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. Non-snorkelers will enjoy a ride on the glass-bottom boat. During navigation to the next island, dolphins are often spotted. Lunch on board.
Bartolomé Island
Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. This is a moderately steep climb aided by a wooden staircase resting platforms and handrails; the view from the top is worth the effort. Dinghy ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, then time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and snorkeling, possibly with Galápagos penguins. There is also the possibility to ride on the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world. Expedition plan for Thursday and dinner.
Thursday:
Prince Philip’s Steps (Tower/Genovesa Island)
The morning starts with an interesting panga ride along the cliffs and then disembark (dry landing) on rocks for a steep climb (90 feet) up some stairs. Once at the top, the land is flat, allowing for a stimulating one-mile walk to the other side of this small island. Observe large colonies of Nazca boobies, red footed boobies, great frigate birds and storm petrels. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer panga ride along the cliffs (depending on weather conditions). Lunch on board.
Darwin Bay (Tower/Genovesa Island)
In the afternoon, a wet landing for an easy stroll observing hundreds of birds, mainly Great frigate birds, red footed and Nazca (masked) boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. Optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain, or return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbor. Farewell cocktail, departure briefing and dinner.
Friday:
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal - Chatham Island)
After breakfast, optional departure to see the breeding program of giant tortoises at Cerro Colorado. Learn about this endangered species, and its promising recovery. This site is 45 minutes by bus, on the south shore of San Cristóbal Island. Return to town and transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.
Finch Bay Hotel (Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands)
Enjoy a 2-night stay including daily buffet breakfast at the charming Finch Bay Hotel, named after the famous Darwin's Finches abundant in the surroundings. Located just steps from the beach on a private seaside location, surrounded by mangroves. Here guests can cherish the privacy, natural surroundings and superb service offered by the Finch Bay. Located on Santa Cruz Island at Punta Estrada, across the bay from the town of Puerto Ayora, the hotel is situated in a quiet location, with only pedestrian and bicycle circulation - there are no cars in the neighborhood. Finch Bay Hotel accommodates 42 guests with 21 twin-bedded rooms, each with private facilities, air conditioning and unlimited water supply, as the hotel has its own desalinization plant.
International Airfare:
American Airlines - This package includes round-trip coach class service for two from any American Airlines destination in the 48 contiguous United States to Quito, Ecuador,subject to availability. For those flying from a Canadian city, the cost will be approximately $300 extra per person. A Saturday night stay is required. Flights will not accrue AAdvantage miles. Miles cannot be utilized to upgrade these coach class certificates to a higher level of service. The following blackout dates apply:
2013: Mar 29-Apr 1; Jun 28-Jul 14; Nov 22-27; Nov 30-Dec 2; Dec 20-31.
2014: Jan 1-12; Feb 5-17; Mar 21-23; Mar 28-Apr 1; Jun 27-Jul 13; Nov 21-26; Nov 29-Dec 1; Dec 19-31.
Domestic Airfare:
This package includes round-trip coach class airfare for two from Quito to Galapagos Islands (Baltra).
Airfare will expire one year from the date of purchase. Any airport departure taxes, fees or fuel surcharges (if charged) are the responsibility of the purchaser.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Must be booked a minimum of 60 days in advance. Reservations are subject to availability. Flights may not be upgraded with miles. Certificates cannot be replaced if lost stolen or destroyed. All packages are non-refundable. Packages cannot be resold. Suggested retail value is calculated using tariff air rates and rack room rates. Ground transportation is not included in this package unless where specified.