trip specifics

price

2010

The moment you step foot on your first island here you'll see that freedom and fearlessness are a way of life. Whether strolling the islands' pristine beaches, searching for the spectacular waved albatross, having a "chat" with a particularly friendly sea lion, or snorkeling with Galapagos penguins, a glorious feeling of freedom abounds. And, thanks to the legacy of Jacques Cousteau, we are able to keep that feeling alive as we make wide use of our fleet of nimble Zodiacs that can nose into landfalls and cruise along reefs, which afford us intimate views of "the action." Meanwhile, our expert naturalists are always there to point out particularly unusual wildlife behaviors and characteristics so that you may observe, inquire and react as it unfolds before your eyes. Their specialized knowledge and interests - marine biology, zoology, botany, and geology - will transform your experience into a biology class in real-time. Here in Darwin's natural laboratory, the animal world is your oyster.

Day 1 - Arrive Guayaquil, Ecuador

Depart the U.S. and arrive at Guayaquil, Ecuador by late evening. Miami has proven to be a convenient gateway for most, but other air alternatives are available. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, its a short drive to the Hotel Hilton Colon.

Accommodations: Hotel Hilton Colon
Included Meals: none

Day 2 - Fly to Galapagos & Embark Ship

This morning depart Guayaquil airport for the 1.5 hour flight to the Galapagos. Upon arrival, transfer to the port and immediately board the National Geographic Islander. Following a safety briefing and lunch, sail around Baltra Island for a magnificent introduction to the wildlife of Galapagos.


Accommodations: Islander
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Bartolome Island & Santiago Island

Bartolome Island offers the visitor an enchanting landscape where lava, mangroves and golden sand converge. Enjoy guided walks, gorgeous views and a chance to snorkel with penguins a tropical oxymoron. Later in the afternoon, a visit to Santiago provides guests with a chance to see the Galapagos fur seal, along with the opportunity to enjoy some of the Galapagos best �tide pooling."

Accommodations: Islander
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Santa Cruz Island: Darwin Research Center, Highlands

In Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, visit the epicenter of the Galapagos administration as well as the Charles Darwin Research Center to learn about the vital preservation work currently underway. Afterwards, head up into the Santa Cruz highlands to roam the moss-draped lush landscape where wild giant tortoises often forage.

Accommodations: Islander
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5-6 - Isabela Island: Puerto Villamil & Fernandina: Punta Espinosa

Anchor in the picturesque port of Puerto Villamil. Walk the streets of this small town, visit the nearby saltwater lagoons which are home to flamingos, or simply take a leisurely stroll along a beautiful beach. Visit the tortoise breeding center which is jointly administered by the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station. Take time to learn about and explore Isabela's caves and shoreline. Search the waters for dolphins, whales, sea turtles and the elusive ocean sunfish - the mola-mola. Afterwards motor on to Fernandina Island- the youngest island in Galapagos- to explore this unique and dramatic landscape teeming with wildlife. Marine iguanas, lava lizards, sea lions and sea turtles are all often seen here, with Isabela's volcanoes as a dramatic backdrop.

Accommodations: Islander
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Floreana Island

Arrive this morning at Champion Islet, just off the eastern shore of Floreana. This is a fabulous snorkel site and home to a large colony of sea lions. There is nothing more delightful than an hour or so spent in the clear waters with these creatures! While on Floreana Island, keep your eyes out for flamingos, pintail ducks and various shorebirds. Later on in the afternoon, take the opportunity to take a naturalist led hike to a lovely beach.

Accommodations: Islander
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Espanola Island

Arrive this morning at Espanola Island, also known as Hood Island, and visit two distinctly different areas. See blue-footed boobies, sea lions galore, Espanola marine iguanas which develop particularly vivid coloration and the Waved Albatross (mid-April through mid-December) exclusive to this island. In the afternoon, prepare to snorkel and/or take a stroll the island's lovely beaches.

Accommodations: Islander
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Disembark Vessel & Return to Guayaquil

This morning disembark the ship and fly to Guayaquil. The late afternoon and evening is free for you to explore the city and prepare for your journey home. If you would like to visit Quito, please inquire about our optional Quito extensions.

Accommodations: Hotel Hilton Colon
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 10 - Depart Guayaquil

Transportation will be provided to Guayaquil International Airport. Consider extending your Galapagos Cruise with an excursion into the Amazon Basin rainforest or Machu Picchu, Peru.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



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 cruising unique.

Single Travelers: Single cabins available at "Sole Occupancy" rate listed above. Single travelers willing to share accommodations may participate in our share program where we will match you with another same sex traveler and guarantee you the double occupancy rate - even if we are unable to find a same sex match by the time of departure. This share program is available in Cabin Categories 1 and 2 only.

Family Travelers: No minimum age for children. Children under 18 receive a $500 discount. Select triple cabins are available.

Land Cost Includes: Two hotel nights accommodations with breakfast included, all airport/ hotel transfers, Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100: adult, $50: child), Galapagos transit card, Galapagos cruise including all meals while aboard, Expedition Leader and experienced Galapagos Islands naturalist guides, use of snorkel equipment and wet suits.

Not Included: Airfare from US to Guayaquil; Roundtrip flight to Galapagos, excess baggage charges; airport departure tax from Quito; gratuities to Naturalist Staff and crew, items of a personal nature such as emails, alcoholic beverages, laundry fees and insurance of any kind.

Arrival and Departure: This trip begins and ends in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Plan flights to arrive at any time on Day 1 and depart anytime on the final day. Airport transfers are included for travelers arriving and departing on scheduled arrival/departure days. This trip can also be arranged to begin and end in Quito, Ecuador.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: We charge a higher deposit of $1000 for our Galapagos trips at the time of booking with the final payment due 90 days from departure. A special cancellation policy applies to all Galapagos trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. If you cancel your voyage:

-120 or more days out, you receive a refund of your deposit minus $250 which is given to you in the form of a travel certificate.
-between 119 and 90 days out, you forfeit your deposit amount.
-between 89 and 60 days out, you forfeit 25% of the total voyage cost.
-between 59 and 30 days out, you forfeit 50% of voyage cost.
-29 days or less, you forfeit the entire voyage cost. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with

Accommodations Aboard: The National Geographic Islander is owned and operated by our partners at Lindblad Expeditions. She accommodates 48 guests. Accommodations are in double cabins, each with toilet and shower. The crew includes: the captain, multilingual naturalist guides, barman/waiter, cook, engineer and deckhands. All meals are prepared and served by the crew on board. Alcoholic drinks and beer 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 zodiacs. 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 roundtrip 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.

Extending Your Trip: This trip combines well with our Peru, Machu Picchu 6 Day Explorer Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining trips to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations "Terms & 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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