trip specifics

price

2012 - 6 Day/5 Night Cruise Only

This itinerary is no longer available. View the Mary Anne Galapagos Cruise Main Page for current sailings.

Cruise aboard the S/S Mary Ann through the charismatic Southern Galapagos Islands. Encounter dramatic cliff edge landscapes teeming with seabirds, booby nesting sites that showcase in real life the everyday trials of the ‘survival of the fittest’. Experience the subtle differences in wildlife and geology that make each of the Southern islands in the Galapagos archipelago unique, from those with green sand to islands fringed in powdery white, from colonies of sooty-toned iguanas to those fire-red, from finches that in one site crush their food with heavy beaks to those that, only a brief sail’s distance away, delicately tap their narrow bill on wood to grab a bite.

At Española, you will be greeted by overly friendly mockingbirds, and flamingos of Floreana may honor you with a synchronized dance. Green prickly pear cacti, reddish sea portulaca, white coralline beaches and coppery-orange land iguanas will color your expeditions inland. Back on board the Mary Anne afternoon cocktails and empanadas, first-class dinners and the telling of mysterious island legends under the stars will wrap a day’s worth of adventure. Step out into the surf and wade ashore for a unique encounter with courting albatrosses, the one and only Santa Fe Land Iguana and the Green Sea Turtle’s epic nesting story. And don’t forget to mail your Galapagos postcards from Post Office Bay.

Mary Anne's Southern Islands Cruise can be combined with the Central & Northern Islands cruise, the West & Beyond Island Cruise or both to create trips of 10, 11 or 15 days in length. View the Southern Islands Cruise details below or click on the following links to view details of other Mary Anne Galapagos Cruises.

Central & Northern Galapagos Islands 5 day/4 night

West & Beyond Galapagos Islands 6 day/5 night

Mary Anne Galapagos Cruise Main Page

Day 1 - Baltra, Mosquera Islet & Punta Carrión

After boarding the ship and a welcome cocktail, enjoy a delicious lunch before heading to Punta Carrion, the first visit on the islands. Here, take a panga (dinghy) ride to take in the surrounding landscape followed by an introductory snorkelling in these shallow waters filled with wildlife.

Accommodations: Mary Anne
Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 2 – Plaza Sur & Santa Fe, Santa Cruz

Begin with a dry landing on one of the oldest docks of the Archipelago, colorful Plaza Sur is home to vibrant green prickly pears, deep red Sesuvium and coppery-orange land iguanas; impressive seaward cliffs are excellent for a variety of coastal birds. Later, arrive at Santa Fe (wet landing) to look for the endemic species of land iguana, larger and yellower than land iguanas on other islands. The largest prickly pear cacti in the Galapagos are also found here.

Accommodations: Mary Anne
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Gardner Bay & Punta Suárez, Española

Spend the day in fantastic Española, starting with a wet landing at Gardner Bay - an outstanding beach with sea lions, marine iguanas, and the intrepid Española Mockingbird.

Punta Suárez (dry landing) is a spectacular walk into the intimacies of life at sea, with nesting sites of Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies, as well as the fascinating breeding rituals (April to December) of Waved Albatross. Lined with neon-colored marine iguanas (January), and lazy Galapagos sea lions, walk up to an amazing viewpoint of the famous blowhole.

Accommodations: Mary Anne
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Charles Darwin Station & Cerro Mesa, Santa Cruz

The Charles Darwin Research Station was created in 1964. Here, see tortoises from different islands, including the most famous of them all, "Lonesome George", the last survivor of the Pinta Island tortoises. The animals are found in large semi natural pens for their protection, but also to ensure an easy view for the tourists. The pens are divided according to four different stages: eggs, neonates, juveniles (held here until they are mature enough to be "repatriated"), and adults.

Cerro Mesa is a private ecological reserve located in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and dedicated to the conservation of the natural ecosystem. During this visit, have the opportunity to walk through the many forest paths, filled with endemic Galapagos vegetation, see the impressive and deep crater, watch the Galapagos ducks and rails, stilts and frigate birds usually present in the lagoon or closely follow the steps of the Galapagos Tortoises, present most of the year (on certain months, the tortoises go down to the coast to lay their eggs). The reserve is also a great place for bird watching, as mockingbirds, flycatchers, warblers, Galapagos doves and Darwin finches are usually present in the area.

Accommodations: Mary Anne
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Punta Cormorant, Devil’s Crown & Post Office Bay

Spend the day on Floreana, legendary homestead of infamous Baroness Boise Bosquet de Wagner Whereborn. Wet landing onto the olivine beaches of Punta Cormorant; seek the Greater Flamingos on the way to another special beach with the finest sand you’ll set your foot on, a sea turtle nesting ground where sharks and rays also visit regularly. End the outing on a short panga ride to Devil’s Crown, an key snorkeling site. After lunch visit Post Office Bay (wet landing), where you can drop your postcards in the barrel as the whalers did centuries ago.

Accommodations: Mary Anne
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Puerto Ayora Return to Baltra

Dry landing at Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz Islands, from which we will visit the wet forests of the highlands in hopes of finding giant tortoises (seasonal). Who would have expected it to be so lush and green on these supposed arid islands? Itinerary A comes to an end as we bus ride back to Baltra airport for flights back to Quito.

Accommodations: Hotel Patio Andaluz or similar
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 9 - Depart Quito

Transportation will be provided to the airport for return flights home or for excursions into Ecuador's Highlands or Jungle or Peru's Machu Picchu.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

GALAPAGOS CRUISE INCLUSIVE PACKAGE: For your convenience we offer an Inclusive Package with three nights hotel accommodations in Quito, all airport/hotel transfers, Galapagos flights, Galapagos National Park entrance fees and taxes, Galapagos migration card and your Galapagos Coral cruise. View details of our Galapagos Cruise Inclusive Package.

Travelers not interested in our inclusive package must purchase Galapagos flights in conjunction with their Galapagos Cruise.

GALAPAGOS CRUISE CUSTOM PACKAGE: If you are booking a cruise only program our experts can assist with hotels, transfers, flights and tours. Call AdventureSmith Explorations about customizing your tour or the possibilities of combining this trip with our Mainland Ecuador and Peru: Machu Picchu extensions. We are Galapagos cruise and Ecuador travel experts and our staff can help you customize the perfect Galapagos Cruise or Ecuador Tour Package.

Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of adventure travel and cruising unique.

Single Travelers: Single cabins are available for single supplement of 30%. Single travelers willing to share with a same sex traveler at the time of booking are guaranteed the double rate, even if a roommate is not found.

Family Travelers: Children under 12 receive a discount when traveling with at least 1 adult (Not valid Christmas and New Years). The S/S Mary Anne features some rooms that can accommodate triples. An adult must accompany children under 18 years old. Children under 10 years of age are not allowed on board.

Cost Includes: All accommodations aboard, Galapagos cruise including all meals while aboard and an experienced Galapagos Islands naturalist guide, land and sea transportation, use of snorkeling equipment and kayaks.

Not Included aboard Mary Anne: International airfare; Airfare from mainland Ecuador; Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee (US $100 per adult, $50 for children under 12 years old. This can be paid directly by passengers [cash only] or it is included in our INCLUSIVE PACKAGE TOURS), Galapagos National Institute Migration Control Card (US $10 per person; departure tax ($40.80), Gratuities for guides, crew, drivers or local staff; alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages; other personal expenses; medical services or insurance of any kind.

Arrival and Departure: Most flights to the Galapagos will depart Quito or Guayaquil between 7:00am-9:00am on day 1 and return between 2:00pm-5:00pm on the final day. We highly recommend travelers arrive Ecuador 2 days prior to their Galapagos Cruise.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: A cruise deposit of $700 per person is required at the time of booking. For land packages a deposit of $300 per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions for cancellation fees.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Accommodations Aboard: The Mary Anne accommodate 16 guests in 10 double cabins, all with private bathrooms and air-conditioning. There is also a bar, interior dining room, and an open-air dining area. Life aboard a small boat requires some physical agility and a flexible and social nature. Accommodations are in double cabins, each with toilet and shower. The crew is comprised of the captain, multilingual naturalist guides, cook, barman/waiter, mechanic and two to four sailors. All meals are prepared and served by the crew on board. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on board.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in pangas (dinghies). Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours round trip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. There are numerous opportunities to swim and snorkel

Snorkeling: The underwater experience is an integral part of any Galapagos cruise. We encourage all travelers to try snorkeling. Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, floating vest and net bag) are available for free aboard Mary Anne. Shortie wet suits may be available for rent and are recommended from June to December. If interested, please advise your adventure coordinator upon booking.

Extending Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining this trip with our Mainland Ecuador and Peru: Machu Picchu extensions.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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