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The Galapagos Islands offer a unique interaction with nature and their name is synonymous with survival and the celebration of the diversity of species on earth. Situated 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the archipelago consists of nineteen islands and more than forty islets. These were created six million years ago when they emerged from the Pacific in a flurry of volcanic activity. Today we are lucky to have the opportunity to visit some of those amazing islands thanks to the protection given to the islands in 1978, when UNESCO declared them a World Heritage Site.

For those looking for a stylish Galapagos adventure cruise, the 16-passenger Athala II provides a cozy small yacht atmosphere, comfortable accommodations, personalized service, a dedicated cruise director, and fabulous cuisine.

This Motor Catamaran was specifically designed and built to cruise the Islands providing comfort and excellent stability. Her size and speed allows us to travel further and visit more islands. From albatrosses, tortoises and pelicans to iguanas, cormorants, sea lions, turtles, flamingos, sharks and whales, there is stunning wildlife to be seen at every site.

Galapagos Athala II Cruise Itineraries

There are two unique 8 day/7 night Athala II Galapagos itineraries to choose from. When combined consecutively these two 8 day intineraries equal a 15 day/14 night all encompassing cruise with no repeated landing sites. There is also the option of excluding the last two cruise days of the Genovesa or Espanola itineraries to create a 6 day/5 night shorter excursion ending with the Charles Darwin Research Station.

For your assistance we have put together a handy guide: How to choose your Galapagos Cruise

Yacht descriptions, deck plans Athala II

Espanola Galapagos Cruise 8 days/7 nights

Day 1 - SATURDAY - Baltra Airport & Sombrero Chino
Day 2 - SUNDAY - Cerro Dragon & Rabida Island (Santa Cruz)
Day 3 - MONDAY - Port Villamil & Wall of Tears (Isabela)
Day 4 - TUESDAY - Post Office Bay & Punta Cormorant (Floreana)
Day 5 - WEDNESDAY - Cerro Brujo & Isla Lobos (San Cristobal)
Day 6 - THURSDAY - Charles Darwin Station & Highlands (Santa Cruz)
Day 7 - FRIDAY - Punta Suarez & Gardner Bay (Espanola)
Day 8 - SATURDAY - Daphne Major, return to Baltra
Days 1-6 available as 6 day/5 night cruise.
Espanola Itinerary Details

Genovesa Galapagos Cruise 8 days/7 nights

Day 1 - SATURDAY - Baltra Airport & Mosquera Islet
Day 2 - SUNDAY - Sullivan Bay & Bartolome Island
Day 3 - MONDAY - Urbina Bay & Tagus Cove (Isabela)
Day 4 - TUESDAY - Punta Espinoza & Punta Vicente Roca (Fernandina)
Day 5 - WEDNESDAY - Puerto Egas & Espumilla Beach (Santiago)
Day 6 - THURSDAY - Charles Darwin Station & Highlands (Santa Cruz)
Day 7 - FRIDAY - El Barranco & Darwin Bay (Genovesa)
Day 8 - SATURDAY - North Seymour, Return to Quito
Days 1-6 available as 6 day/5 night cruise.
Genovesa Itinerary Details

For yacht descriptions and deck plans visit Athala II

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: Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itinerary may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation, or at the captains discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of Galapagos cruising unique.

Single Travelers: Travelers can book a double room at 1.5X the double rate for Staterooms aboard Athala II.

Triple Cabins: There are no triple cabins available at the moment; coming soon.

Family Travelers: Minimum child age is 8 years old. Children under 12 receive a discount of 25% (not available on holiday departures). Families traveling with children under 12 can be accommodated in selected cabins. These cabins have a sofa that can be converted into a comfortable bed.

Included aboard the Athala II: Cruises include accommodations aboard the Athala II, all shore excursions with English speaking guides, soft drinks and juices on board, VIP lounge at Baltra airport on outbound flight from Galapagos, complimentary use of snorkel equipment, complimentary use of 3mm "shorty" wet suits, complimentary one time fully stocked mini bar in Deluxe Staterooms, shared transfers between airport and the Galapagos dock.

Not Included aboard the Athala II: Fuel Surcharge $200 USD per passenger; 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 beverages; other personal expenses; medical services or insurance of any kind. *For 6 Day cruise: Private transfer from Puerto Ayora to the Airport on Thursday - 1 pax $160, 2-3 pax $80, 4-7 pax $50, 8-14 pax $30 per person.

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
Cancellations made 121 days or more before departure: deposit will be refunded, minus $200 service charge per person.
120 to 61 days prior to departure: All deposits are non-refundable.
60 days or less prior to departure: Full payment will be applied as the cancellation penalty. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

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 Athala is equipped with eight double staterooms each with well appointed private bathroom facilities, air conditioning, ample storage space, wall to wall carpeting. Large view windows (not portholes) and either a queen or twin bed configuration. Four staterooms located on the main deck have a private balcony. Staterooms are roomy compared to other yachts of this size. There is a comfortable forward lounge with forward facing windows and comfortable furnishings, complete with plasma TVs, lap tops (No internet service), DVD player, stereo and library. Naturalist talks may be presented in the lounge, dining room or on deck. Yacht descriptions, deck plans Athala II

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 to rent for the duration of the cruise. Shortie wet suits are also available for rent and are recommended from June to December.

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.

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

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