trip specifics

price

ALL-INCLUSIVE prices include 3 nights hotel, transfers, Quito tour, flights to Galapagos Islands, park fee and cruise.

 

2011
11 Day Package Rates
$4995   Main Deck Standard Twin
$5195   Upper Deck Standard Twin
$5495   Boat Deck Standard Twin
$5695   Boat Deck Standard Plus Twin

$5995   Boat Deck Superior Twin/Double
$6195   Boat Deck Junior Suite Twin
$6895   Boat Deck Master Suite Double
$8095   Boat Deck Standard Single

 

8 Day Package Rates
$3295   Main Deck Standard Twin
$3395   Upper Deck Standard Twin
$3695   Boat Deck Standard Twin
$3795   Boat Deck Standard Plus Twin

$3895   Boat Deck Superior Twin/Double
$3995   Boat Deck Junior Suite Twin
$4395   Boat Deck Master Suite Double

$5195   Boat Deck Standard Single

7 Day Package Rates
$2795   Main Deck Standard Twin
$2895   Upper Deck Standard Twin
$2995   Boat Deck Standard Twin
$3095   Boat Deck Standard Plus Twin

$3195   Boat Deck Superior Twin/Double

$3295   Boat Deck Junior Suite Twin
$3595   Boat Deck Master Suite Double

$4295   Boat Deck Standard Single

 

 

Fuel Surcharges May Apply 

 

Child Rate: 25% off for children under 12 when sharing with parents (1 child per adult paying fare)

 

High Season Surcharge:

Easter and Christmas Holiday: Add $130 per adult, $100 per child; April 4-14, Dec 19-Jan 5 

 

Single Supplement: Add 50% to double rate. Single supplements will be double rate for Holiday periods.

 

Share: No share program

 

Triples: Available for parents traveling with children under 12

 

The Santa Cruz is a 90-passenger small expedition ship designed and built exclusively for Galapagos cruises. A Galapagos Cruise aboard the Santa Cruz includes first class luxurious amenities, daily naturalist led hikes, snorkeling and a glass bottom boat. A wide variety of cabins, ample space on four decks and a “young pirates” program make the Santa Cruz a great option for family travel to the Galapagos.

Choose from 7, 8 or 11 day cruise packages that include your 3, 4 or 7 night cruise. Our Galapagos Santa Cruz cruise packages begin and end in colonial Quito, Ecuador and include three night’s accommodations, transfers and a tour in Quito. Also included are round trip flights to the Galapagos Islands and your Galapagos National Park entrance fees and tourist cards. Our inclusive packages take the guesswork out of planning your Galapagos Cruise aboard the Santa Cruz.

A Galapagos Cruise aboard the Santa Cruz combines a luxury small ship with the most talented naturalist guides and offers a range of activities designed to bring you into intimate contact with the unique creatures and ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands. Spend more time ashore hiking among nesting birds, more time snorkeling with sea lions, or perhaps just relaxing on a crescent beach.

Day 1 – SAT - Arrive Quito Ecuador

Begin your Galapagos Santa Cruz Cruise Package in Quito, Ecuador. Upon arrival at the Quito international airport you are met by our local representative. A transfer to your Quito hotel is included.

Accommodations: Hotel Patio Andaluz or similar
Included Meals: none

Day 2 - SUN - Colonial Quito

South America's oldest capitol city, Quito sits at 9,184-feet elevation. It has been amazingly preserved and is protected as a UNESCO world heritage site. Enjoy a three hour guided walking tour of Quito's colonial center including Independence Plaza, La Compania Church and San Francisco Cathedral. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy this lively city, rest or prepare for your Galapagos Cruise.

Accommodations: Hotel Patio Andaluz or similar
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 3 - MON - Quito to Baltra, Embark Cruise, Santa Cruz Island

This morning depart on a three-hour flight to the island of Baltra in the Galapagos. Upon arrival at the Baltra air strip you are greeted by the Expedition Leader from the Santa Cruz. Immediately transfer to the dock (five minutes) to board the M/V Santa Cruz. The crew will show you to your cabin and the naturalists and captain will offer and introduction to the cruise. Enjoy a delicious lunch as the vessel gets underway. Be ready for the required safety drill before this afternoon’s activity.

The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill). Dry landing and a walk that includes a brackish water lagoon frequented by birds including stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings and more. Further inland the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western area of the Galapagos Island Archipelago. This area is a natural nesting site for land iguanas which is constantly monitored and assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station. The arid-zone vegetation can be a rewarding location for bird watching where Darwin’s finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, the endemic Galapagos flycatcher and yellow warblers are regular sightings. Tonight the team of naturalists will review the interesting sites and expedition plan for the days ahead.

Accommodations: Santa Cruz
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 – TUE – Bartolome Island & Santiago Island: Puerto Egas

Disembark at Bartolome Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase and the view from the top is worth the effort. Enjoy a dinghy ride around the famous Pinnacle Rock. Take time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and snorkeling with your guides. Here at Barolome you may have a chance to snorkel with Galapagos Penguins. If conditions allow ride on the glass bottom boat for great views of the underwater world. Return to the Santa Cruz for lunch on board the Santa Cruz.

Afternoon wet landing at Puerto Egas, a great location to view shore birds and sea birds foraging just offshore the black lava beaches. The trail leads to a colony of endemic Galapagos fur seals. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon emerald green algae beds. Puerto Egas also offers outstanding snorkeling and swimming from the beach. This evening enjoy a naturalist briefing and weather permitting, stargazing on deck.

Accommodations: Santa Cruz
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 – WED - Rabida Island (Jervis) & North Seymour Island

Disembark at Rabida Island (wet landing) on a spectacular red sand beach. The red sand or Rabida is due to the unusually high concentration of iron in the volcanic rock. Join the naturalist guides for a gratifying stroll along the beach of this small island (1.9 sq. mi.). Along the way look for a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin's Finches. Very close to the beach, hidden behind a strip of green saltbush, is a salt pond where Greater Flamingos may be seen. Due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes Rabida Island is a great place to snorkel from the beach, both for beginners as well as for experienced snorkelers. Get underway and while the Santa Cruz is navigating to our next Galapagos Island stay on deck looking for dolphins.

The afternoon hike (dry landing) begins with a with great views of the coast and the interior of North Seymour Island, one of the few uplifted islands in Galapagos Archipelago. The trail leads guests to explore colonies of blue footed boobies, magnificent frigate birds, and swallow-tail gulls. The sandy shore teems with Galapagos sea lions and marine iguanas who are undisturbed by the presence of travelers. North Seymour's desert vegetation consists of cacti, Palo Santo trees and Salt Bushes.

Accommodations: Santa Cruz
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 – THU - Santa Cruz Highlands & Darwin Research Station

A morning bus ride will take guests to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island for a special opportunity to view the islands' most famous reptile: Giant Galapagos Tortoises in their wild habitat. What a privilege to see an endangered species roving in this lush environment! The vegetation of the area includes the Scalesia Forest (an endemic giant daisy tree) and birds such as the vermilion flycatcher, will delight everyone with its scarlet feathers against an emerald green forest. Look for Darwin's finches (most of them from the tree-finch group), particularly the famous Woodpecker Finch. Lunch in a charming restaurant in the lush high lands of Santa Cruz Island.

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the captive rearing program for Giant Galapagos Tortoises. Here we witness the scientific efforts and results of field work done in the Galapagos Islands. Impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds can be also seen at the Darwin Research Station. Then, a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora will allow you to see how local Galapaguenos live in this magical paradise. Browse in the many handcraft shops. Return aboard the Santa Cruz for dinner, tonight’s expedition plan and a preview of tomorrow’s adventure.

Please note that aside from our regular program, the day spent at Santa Cruz Island offers some optional multisport activities like sea kayaking, hiking to Tortuga Bay, beach combing at Finch Bay Hotel, scuba diving, as well as other options that can be taken at your own pace. Activity options are at an additional cost, and must be paid on site.

Accommodations: Santa Cruz
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 – FRI - San Cristobal Island: Pto Baquerizo Moreno, Cerro Brujo

Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This small attractive port is the provincial capital of the Galapagos Islands (population 4,000), along a crescent-shaped bay. This morning visit the breeding center for tortoises (La Galapaguera) at Cerro Colorado, including a 45-minute bus ride. Seeing the semi-saddle back shape of the tortoises can be a great way to understand adaptation to dry-tropical environments. The fauna of San Cristobal Island is not limited to giant tortoises and many island-specific endemic animals are found here including mockingbirds, lava lizards and the vermilion flycatcher. If time allows, a quick visit to El Junco Lagoon (the only permanent freshwater lagoon of the islands) could bring many surprises. Return to the MV Santa Cruz for lunch.

Passengers on 3 or 4 night cruises (7 or 8 day packages) disembark or embark at this time.

You may wish to forgo the official morning program at San Cristobal and instead visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Center at your own pace. The San Cristobal Interpretation Center is located in a natural setting where visitors can learn more about the Galapagos Islands with an emphasis on human history and conservation. Afterwards, stroll through Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where souvenir shops and internet cafes welcome world travelers who wish to catch up with the outside world or share with friends the many wonders witnessed so far. Return to the MV Santa Cruz for lunch.

A dinghy ride along shores of ruff-stone layers leads Cerro Brujo's white coral sand beach. (Wet landing) Cerro Brujo is a great place to view of seabirds like blue-footed boobies, nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, and some shore birds. Also look for Galapagos sea lions. The beach is a great open walking area, with rewarding bird watching. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird, Chatham Lava Lizard, both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. We may also spot Yellow Warblers, Galapagos flycatchers and with luck a Vermilion flycatcher (endemic subspecies to San Cristobal). These are the same shores that Charles Darwin first set foot upon the Galapagos Islands back in September 1835. Return to the MV Santa Cruz for a Captains Toast and dinner.

Accommodations: Santa Cruz
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 – SAT - Espanola: Punta Suarez & Floreana: Punta Cormorant

Morning outing at Punta Suarez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca (masked boobies), blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous blowhole. Among its land birds, the Hood island mockingbird, and three species of Darwin's finches are common highlights. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas and a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. Return to the small ship for lunch.

Disembark al Punta Cormorant (wet landing) at an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish water lagoon where bird species like Greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others may be observed. This outing also includes a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night for nesting (from December to May). Possibility of snorkeling front the beach, or join our Glass Bottom Boat or advanced snorkeling panga if conditions permit.

Accommodations: Santa Cruz
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 – SUN - Fernandina: Punta Espinosa & Isabela: Punta Vicente Roca

This morning brings us to the youngest island in the Galapagos, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile naturalist walk. Puma Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their island habitat with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, and hawks. Lava terrain on Fernandina Island calls for good walking shoes.

As we sail along the Bolivar Channel, astonishing views of the Galapagos' youngest volcanoes can be seen. The nutrient-rich waters of the west can also bring surprises like encountering sea birds feeding, dolphins, and possibly whales.

In the afternoon, depending on the conditions of the ocean, we will schedule a snorkeling excursion along the cliffs of the partly-sunken Ecuador Volcano, in the northern tip of lsabela Island. Since there is no landing site at this location, we will include a coastal exploration by dinghy, where our naturalist guides discuss the dramatic geology of lava flows and tuff stone layers. This is the nesting place for Flightless cormorants, the only marine birds in the world, other than penguins, that have become exclusively diving birds. Wildlife here also includes Sea lions, Galapagos Fur seals, Galapagos Penguins, Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies and noddy terns. This area has a very rich marine life, and is seasonally visited by green sea turtles.

Accommodations: Santa Cruz
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 – MON - Baltra / Return to Quito

Sail into Baltra and transfer by bus to the airport for the flight back to the mainland, arriving in the late afternoon. Upon arrival in Quito you are greeted by our local representative. A transfer to your Quito hotel is included.

Accommodations: Hotel Patio Andaluz or similar
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 11 – TUE - Depart Quito

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

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast


7 Day Galapagos Cruise Itinerary aboard the Santa Cruz:
Day 1 – WED - Arrive Quito
Day 2 – THU - Colonial Quito
Day 3 – FRI – Quito to San Cristobal Island, Cerro Brujo
Day 4 – SAT - Punta Suarez, Hood Island and Punta Cormorant
Day 5 – SUN - Punta Espinosa and Punta Vicente Roca
Day 6 – MON - Baltra / Return to Quito
Day 7 – TUE - Depart


8 Day Galapagos Cruise Itinerary aboard the Santa Cruz:
Day 1 – SAT - Arrive Quito
Day 2 – SUN - Colonial Quito
Day 3 – MON - Quito to Baltra, Embark Cruise, Santa Cruz Island
Day 4 – TUE - Bartolome Island and Peurto Egas, Santiago Island
Day 5 – WED - Rabida Island and North Seymour Island
Day 6 – THU - Santa Cruz Highlands and Darwin Research Station
Day 7 – FRI - San Cristobal Island return to Quito
Day 8 – SAT – Depart


11 Day Alternative Cruise Itinerary aboard the Santa Cruz
Day 1 – WED - Arrive Quito
Day 2 – THU - Colonial Quito
Day 3 – FRI – Quito to San Cristobal Island, Cerro Brujo
Day 4 – SAT - Punta Suarez, Hood Island and Punta Cormorant
Day 5 – SUN - Punta Espinosa and Punta Vicente Roca
Day 6 – MON – Baltra, Cerro Dragon, Santa Cruz Island
Day 7 – TUE - Bartolome Island and Peurto Egas, Santiago Island
Day 8 – WED - Rabida Island and North Seymour Island
Day 9 – THU - Santa Cruz Highlands and Darwin Research Station
Day 10 – FRI - San Cristobal Island return to Quito
Day 11 - SAT - Depart


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 Galapagos cruising unique.

Single Travelers: The Santa Cruz offers a few 'single' cabins, advance reservation is recommended. There are no 'Share Accommodations' or roommate match available.

Family Travelers: Children under 12 receive 25% off. Triple and rooms available for families traveling with children under 12. Minimum child age is 6 years old.

Land Cost Includes: Quito hotel accommodations with breakfast included, all airport/hotel transfers, round trip flight from Quito to the Galapagos Islands, Galapagos National Park entrance fees & taxes, Galapagos transit card, Galapagos cruise including all meals and activities while aboard, an experienced Galapagos Islands naturalist guide and snorkeling gear.

Not Included: Airfare from US to Quito; excess baggage charges; airport departure tax from Quito; tips to local staff and items of a personal nature such as soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, laundry fees and insurance of any kind.

Arrival and Departure: This trip begins and ends in Quito, Ecuador. Plan flights to arrive at any time on Day 1 and depart anytime on the last 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 Guayaquil, 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. When a trip cancellation is received inside of 70 days from departure, all trip costs are 100% non-refundable. 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 Santa Cruz can accommodate 90 guests. 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 includes: 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 drinks are available for purchase on board. Hairdryers are available on board by request.

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). It is compulsory to wear a life vest during al dinghy rides between the ship and shore. 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. Given the islands volcanic origin, and the fact that most walking is done over pristine and irregular volcanic terrain, guests must be in suitable physical condition. Two types of shore landings are planned in the Galapagos Islands. On Dry Landings guests will step from the dinghy directly onto rocks or a dock. On We Landings, as the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee deep water and wade ashore. 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 provided for the duration of the cruise. Shortie wet suits are available for rent and are recommended from June to December.

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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