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The 4-day M/V Galapagos Explorer II Eastern Galapagos Cruise features the southeastern islands of San Cristobal, Espanola, Santa Cruz and Plaza. Beginning in San Cristobal and ending in Baltra, this cruise shows passengers some of the best of the Galapagos east! On Espanola Island, visit the stunning Gardner Bay white-sand beach and head to Gardner or Osborne Islets to view Galapagos hawks, marine iguanas, sea lions finches and sea turtles. Punta Suarez offers a terrific walk to view albatross, nazca and blue-footed boobies, sea lions, colorful iguanas and a spectacular blow hole. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora and view diverse wildlife at Plazas Island.

The small ship Galapagos Explorer II operates three itineraries: one 8-day/6-night, one 5-day/4-night and one 4-day/5-night, with no repeated landing sites. The Eastern Islands Itinerary details are listed below. Click the following links to view the other itinerary options.

Galapagos Western Islands 8 day/7 night

Galapagos Northern Islands 5 day/4 night

Explorer II Main Page

Day 1 - WED - Tijereta Hill

Upon arrival at San Cristobal, transfer to the Explorer II for introductions and briefing. After lunch make your first island visit at Tijereta, or Frigatebird, Hill. Find spectacular views of the white beaches and an opportunity to snorkel on one side and the town of Puerto Baquerizo on the other. The hill is often visited by frigatebirds, both magnificent and great, hence its name. It is one of the only places where you can see the two frigates species nesting in the same colony.

Accommodations: Explorer II
Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 2 - THU - Gardner Bay & Punta Suarez

Prepare to experience one of the most beautiful beaches in the world: Gardner Bay on Espanola Island. Nowhere else you can see a beach of fine white sand combined with a sea lion colony to complement an extraordinary natural portrait. In the bay there are some islets ideal for snorkeling and a beautiful beach to relax and watch the sea lions. After a short walk accompanied by your guide, there will be time for snorkeling in the bay or next the Osborn and Gardners Islets, where you will find sharks, sea turtles, stingrays and a variety of tropical and subtropical fish for those looking for more daring adventures.

After lunch, head to Punta Suarez located at the south of the archipelago. Here marvel at the sea lions surfing the waves that majestically hit the natural slopes. Take a stroll to observe boobies in their nests with eggs or chicks, as well as marine iguanas in full swing digging their nests, fighting for their territory or in the process of thermoregulation. You can also observe tropical birds in their caves, bifurcated tail gulls and masked boobies. There is also the “blowhole” that ejects water to up to 2025 meters above the sea level when the waves are big and the tide is high.

Accommodations: Explorer II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - FRI - Charles Darwin Station & South Plazas

Begin the day at Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. This is next to the Galapagos National Park headquarters and they work together developing conservation programs for the native and endemic species of the archipelago. Here one can easily appreciate the work of some programs and see tortoises living in semi-natural pens for protection. It is an excellent place to see several species of finches to their surroundings, like varied vegetation Xerophytes. Next, head to Puerto Ayora, the most inhabited part of the island with the most important harbor in the archipelago. Even though some tourists come for just a few hours to see the Charles Darwin Station, the different activities available, restaurants and other services make this an unforgettable place. Iguanas rest over the cargo that is placed on the dock while boobies and pelicans plunge into the turquoise water of Academy Bay.

Spend the evening at South Plazas mingling with the sea lion colonies and abundant land iguanas. Despite its small size, it is home to a large number of species and is famous for its extraordinary flora. On the steep banks, you may see a large number of birds such as swallow-tailed gulls. Enjoy the beautiful view from atop the steep banks, or stroll along the cliff base. Depending on the season, the vegetation changes color from bright green in the rainy season, orange and purple in the dry season. The flora of South Plaza includes cactus of genus Opuntia and Sesuvium, forming a red carpet on the lava formations.

Accommodations: Explorer II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - SAT - Disembark Baltra

Enjoy breakfast onboard the Explorer II and take in the last views of island and sea before disembarking for the Baltra airport.

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 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.

Itinerary Notes: Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation or at the captain's discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Included: Accommodations, all meals, island sightseeing and guided visits to the islands. 2013 Mandatory Surcharge for Add-Ons Includes: Cruise's fuel surcharge, Galapagos National Park fee, Transit Control Card, tips for guides and crew, selected wines, spirits, cocktails, beers, coffees, tea, as well as bottled water, juices and soft drinks are complimentary in all bars and lounges (not included: premium champagne, wine and spirit selection, whiskies, cognacs, brandies and beers of selected brands, and caviar).

Elite Program in Renaissance Balcony & Majestic Balcony Suites Includes: Butler service (24-hour assistance), bottle of champagne in suite upon arrival, assistance for unpacking your luggage (upon request), luxurious bathrobes, linens and towels, room service (available all day up to 22:00), soft beverages from the mini bar, afternoon canapés served at your suite, exotic amenities for the bathroom, fresh fruit and local handmade chocolates in suite, selections of a variety of pillows, environmentally friendly beach bag, cloth drying and shoe shine service through the cruise, personalized stationery at your suite, exclusive cruise documents and online check-in process. Each suite is equipped with a 32" flat TV, blue Ray disc player with a special selection of movies, new elegant linens and special towel selection, Bose Sound Dock Series II digital music system.

Exclusions: Transfers from the Hotel to the Airport to take the flight to the Galapagos Islands. Roundtrip airfare from Guayaquil or Quito to the Galapagos Islands and ticketing fee. Government taxes. Consumption from the frigobar located in the suites are payable by the guest and at the rate indicated on the menu. (Elite program include soft beverages from minibar).

Room Configurations: The supplement for single occupancy is 80% over the double rate. There is no single share program aboard the Galapagos Explorer II. Single and triple occupancy rates in Renaissance, Majestic, De Luxe or Classic Suites are available upon request. A discount of 20% is applied to the third person in a triple cabin.

Families & Children: Children under 12 years old at the time of sailing receive 50% off when accompanied by an adult. Minimum child age is 7 years old. Holiday cruises children under the age of 12 pay 75% of the rate accompanied by an adult in the same cabin. One discount applies per cabin. Dedicated Galapagos Family Cruises are available, call for details.

Arrival & 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 & Cancellation: 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. A Reservation Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
90 days or more - no penalty
89 to 60 days - $200 per passenger service charge
59 to 26 days - 50% of the total cruise rate
25 to 0 days - 100% of the cruise rate

Terms & Conditions: 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 and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

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. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Activities: There are numerous opportunities to swim and snorkel. The underwater experience is an integral part of any Galapagos cruise. We encourage all travelers to try snorkeling. Snorkeling gear is included for the duration of the cruise. Shortie wet suits are also available for rent and are recommended from June to December.

Qualifications: The 4-day Eastern Galapagos Islands cruise aboard Explorer II 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.


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