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south america: galapagos

Cachalote - Isabela Galapagos Cruise 6 day/5 night

This Cachalote Isabela itinerary consists of a 6-day/5-night cruise with one hotel night in Puerto Moreno. On this short cruise, you will get a taste for the islands' fascinating flora and fauna as you tour Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago and North Seymour Islands.

The Isabela itinerary details are listed below, or click the following links to view the other Cachalote itinerary options.

Galapagos Hood 6 days/5 nights
Galapagos Tower 8 days/7 nights
Galapagos Fernandina 8 days/7 nights
Cachalote Galapagos Cruise Main Page

Day 1 - WED - Baltra, Charles Darwin Station

This morning, depart on a three-hour flight to the island of Baltra in the Galapagos. You will be picked up at the airport, and transferred to Puerto Ayora to board the ship. In the evening visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. This station is the working Galapagos based branch of the international, nonprofit Charles Darwin Foundation. Learn about natural history, issues concerning the islands and see the tortoise breeding and rearing project at work. After touring the station, there will be time at leisure in the small town of Puerto Ayora.

Accommodations: Cachalote
Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 2 - THR - South Plaza & Santa Fe Islands

Visiting South Plaza begins with a dry landing. The rocky trail circumnavigates the island displaying the combination of dry and coastal vegetation zone. The island is home to enormous prickly pear cactus and the endemic succulent sesuvian. South Plaza has one of the largest populations of land iguanas in the Galapagos. As your walk continues along the sea cliffs swallow-tailed gulls, frigatebirds, Audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, brown pelicans and blue-footed and masked boobies are frequently seen. Back at the beach, the opportunity to go for a swim is presented. Snorkeling in these waters can provide excellent views of the marine life including sea turtles, sharks, yellow mullets and other fish.

After lunch, head to Santa Fe Island to explore one of the most beautiful coves of all the visitor sites in the region - a turquoise lagoon protected by a peninsula of rocks and small islands that extends from the shore. Hike along the coastline and discover colorful flora and fauna. The Santa Fe species of iguana are more bright yellow and have uncommonly large spikes on their spine. Manta rays and sea turtles flit by as dark shadows against the sandy bottom of Santa Fe's beautiful anchorage. After a long hike, relax with a swim in the calm waters of the beautiful bay, or snorkel along in the company of sea lions at the base of the rocks.

Accommodations: Cachalote
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - FRI - Cerro Brujo, Galapaguera & El Junco

Today, begin at Cerro Brujo. This beach is located just up the coast on San Cristobal Island. Stretch your legs on the beach and perhaps go for a swim, while admiring a small population of sea lions and seabirds. Afterward, transfer to 'La Galapaguera,' which takes about 1.5 hours by road. This is a semi-captive roaming area on San Cristobal Island where you can observe the giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, explore El Junco Lagoon - one of the few permanent fresh-water lakes in the Galapagos. It is located at an altitude of 2,300 ft/700m, about a 45-minute bus ride from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. On your way to El Junco Lagoon you will pass different vegetation zones, before you reach the panoramic site, where the bird watching is exceptional as well as the view.

Accommodations: Cachalote
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - SAT - Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Spend your last morning in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galapagos and the second largest settlement area in the islands. Tour the Interpretation Center with its lush gardens and sweeping ocean views. Visitors to the Interpretation Center can learn about both the geological and human history of the islands, conservation issues, and natural history.

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.

Extend 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.

Itinerary Notes: Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itinerary 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 Galapagos cruising unique.

Included: Double accommodation in cabins, all meals, excursions and guides.

Exclusions: 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; bottled beverages on board; other personal expenses, medical services or insurance of any kind. Snorkel gear and wetsuits are available for rent. For 2013 Christmas and New Years weeks, a $130 holiday surcharge applies per person.

Room Configurations: There is a 50% surcharge for single occupancy. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, a Roommate Share Program will guarantee double occupancy rates for boat cabins even if we are unable to match you with a roommate.

Families & Children: Children under 12 years old receive a 40% discount when traveling with 1 adult. One child per adult at discounted rate. Not applicable over Christmas and New Years departures. There is no minimum age for children.

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:
Up to 61 days - 10% of total trip cost
60 to 0 days - 100% of total trip cost

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 (mask, snorkel, fins, floating vest and net bag) and wet suits are available to rent for a fee. Wet suits are recommended from June to December.

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.

Qualifications: The 6-day Cachalote Isabela Galapagos cruise will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com