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south america: galapagos

Odyssey - Central Galapagos Islands 6 day/5 night

The Galapagos Odyssey Central Island cruise itinerary explores the Eastern Islands, taking you from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz Island with stops at all the famous visitor sites on Isabela, Fernandina and Santiago. With this itinerary you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, hike the Sierra Negra Volcano, explore Punta Moreno and Elizabeth Bay on Isabela Island, view the flightless cormorant at Punta Espinosa and Tagus Bay on Fernandina Island, look for nesting sea turtles at Espumilla Beach and walk on the black-sand beach of Puerto Eggas.

The Odyssey Central Islands Cruise can be combined with the Eastern or Northern Islands Cruise to create either a 10-day/9-night itinerary, a 11-day/10-night itinerary or both for a comprehensive 15-day/14-night cruise. View the Central Islands Cruise details below or click on the following links to view details of the other Odyssey Galapagos cruises.

Northern Galapagos Islands 5 day/4 night

Eastern Galapagos Islands 6 day/5 night

Galapagos Odyssey Main Page

Day 1 - THR - Baltra to Charles Darwin Station

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, travelers pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, as well as to pay the park entrance fee of $100 (unless it has been prepaid). A representative of M/Y Odyssey will meet you, help you collect your luggage and escort you on a bus ride to the Itabaca Channel and then transfer to Puerto Ayora.

After departure and lunch, the first island excursion is made at Charles Darwin Station for some educational background on the islands. Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders, it is also interesting to learn how the protection and conservation of the islands are carried out. The main attractions are the National Park information center, the Van Staelen Exhibition Hall, the Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises and adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity.

Accommodations: Galapagos Odyssey
Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 2 - FRI - White-Tipped Reef Shark Canal & Sierra Negra Volcano

Begin with a nice zodiac ride through White-Tipped Reef Shark Canal, Las Tintoreras, a group of small islands in front of Puerto Villamil coast. There is Heron lava on the lookout on mangrove branch, and Galapagos penguins and sea lions often pop out on shore. White-tipped reef sharks are fairly common in the archipelago. Their name in Spanish is Tintorera, thus the name of this site as they are always found here resting in the shallow waters.

After lunch, land on Isabela Island's Puerto Villamil, which has the second smallest population in Galapagos with approximately 3000 habitants. Head up to the highlands from Puerto Villamil to Sierra Negra slope arriving to the Sierra Negra volcano rim. Sierra Negra is the second widest crater in the world. From this viewpoint, you have fantastic sights and the option to hike to Chico Volcano to watch the striking lava formations, examples of the geological occurrences that have created the Galapagos Islands.

Accommodations: Galapagos Odyssey
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - SAT - Punta Moreno & Elizabeth Bay, Isabela

Begin the day with a hike along Punta Moreno, located on the north coast of Isabela Island between Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanos. The trail runs along a lava flow Pahohoe (solidified lava in the form of corrugated or an accordion) into a complex of coastal lagoons; its main attractions are several species of birds that can be found around these lakes and mangroves.

Head to Isabela's Elizabeth Bay for scenic zodiac rides. This is a marine visitor site with no landing point so the excursion is carried out in a zodiac. Your zodiac ride starts with a visit to the Marielas islets where there is the largest and most important penguin colony in the Galapagos Islands. The excursion continues into the cove that is surrounded by red mangroves where you can admire their red roots and green leafs. It is here that you are able to observe sea turtles, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans and sea lions. Frequently, visitors have been able to see Galapagos hawks soaring overhead while schools of Pompano and Dorado fish swim below.

Accommodations: Galapagos Odyssey
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - SUN - Punta Espinoza & Tagus Cove, Fernandina

Punta Espinoza is the only visitor site located on Fernandina Island, the third largest island in the archipelago. Here some of the unique species of Galapagos can be seen. Marine iguanas gather in larger groups than in any other island. They bask around in the sand, swimm near the shore and some time block the way at the landing dock. Among the unique species found here is the flightless comorant, a bird that due to the lack of predators had to adjust its way of survival and perfect its skills of finding food in the ocean. Its wings, tails and feet progressively adapted for swimming. To see these birds is to witness evolution happening right in front of you. Be sure to stay within 2m of the cormorants and penguins.

The afternoon excursion will be at Tagus Cove. Tour along the cliffs in a zodiac for a good chance to see the Galapagos penguin, the flightless cormorant and other sea birds. From the landing dock, enjoy a 30-minute hike along the trail up to the top of the cliff from where you can view Darwin Lake, an uplifted ultrasaline lake saltier than the sea. You can also see several volcanos from this location. Look carefully at the graffiti on the surrounding cliffs of the cove; it has been written by pirates, whalers and buccaneers in past centuries.

Accommodations: Galapagos Odyssey
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - MON - Espumilla Beach & Puerto Egas, Santiago

Espumilla Beach is located in northern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay. During the last presence of the El Niño phenomenon, one of the two lagoons in this site underwent a process of sedimentation, thus causing the disappearance of a representative colony of flamingos. The main attractions are the Palo Santo forest and the beach, an important site for nesting marine turtles.

This evening will be spent at Puerto Egas, Santiago Island's main attraction for its black beach. Volcanic tuff deposits have favored the formation of this special black sand beach. This site is called Puerto Egas because there was an attempt of company of Hector Egas to start the exploitation of salt, which failed because the price of salt in the continent was very cheap, and did not justify its exploitation in Galapagos. The project was abandoned and they left their infrastructure.

Accommodations: Galapagos Odyssey
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - TUE - Isla Lobos to San Cristobal

Spend the morning on Isla Lobos. This little island is reach at approx 1 hour by panga from Port Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Island. The trail will lead across a dry vegetation zone, substrate of volcanic rocks and sandy areas. There is a small population of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds, which nest in this site. At the beach you will see a large colony of sea lions, and it's common to see shorebirds. After your visit to Isla Lobos, transfer to the airport in San Cristobal and fly back to Quito or Guayaquil.

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: Galapagos cruise including all meals and activities while aboard, matrimonial/twin accommodation with private facilities, all transfers in Galapagos, water, coffee, tea, an experienced English-speaking Galapagos Islands naturalist guide, snorkeling and kayak equipment.

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; alcoholic and soft drink beverages; wet suit rental; other personal expenses; medical services or insurance of any kind.

Room Configurations: The Galapagos Odyssey offers two designated 'single' cabins. Advance reservations are highly recommended. A roommate match program is also available for single travelers. Based upon availability, this program will attempt to match same sex single travelers together and place them in a double occupancy room at a double occupancy rate. Single supplement is 100% on Main and Upper Decks, 30% on Lower Deck.

Families & Children: Children under 12 receive a discount; call AdventureSmith Explorations for details. Families traveling with children under 12 can be accommodated in cabins on the upper and main decks. These cabins have a sofa that can be converted into a comfortable bed. Minimum child age is 4 years old.

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. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. 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 121 days - $100
120 to 61 days - 20% 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, kayak and snorkel. The underwater experience is an integral part of any Galapagos cruise, so we encourage all travelers to try snorkeling. Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, floating vest and net bag) and kayaks are available for the duration of the cruise. Shortie wet suits are available for rent and are recommended from June to December.

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.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

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