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south america: galapagos

Grand Odyssey - Central Galapagos Islands 6 day/5 night

The Grand Odyssey Central Islands Galapagos Cruise is a 6-day/5-night cruise that explores the central islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristobal and more. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. Explore Sierra Negra, the second widest crater in the world. Witness Galapagos penguins and sea lions on Isabela Island. Fernandina Island is home to numerous birds and iguanas while Santiago Island has a beautiful black sand beach. The Central Islands Galapagos Cruise visits many of the Galapagos Islands' most popular sites.

The Grand 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 Grand Odyssey Galapagos cruises.

Northern Galapagos Islands 5 day/4 night

Eastern Galapagos Islands 6 day/5 night

Galapagos Grand Odyssey Main Page

Day 1 - THR - San Cristobal to Charles Darwin Station

This morning fly to Galapagos from Quito/Guayaquil Airport. Upon arrival at San Cristobal meet your Expedition Leader, transfer to the M/Y Grand Odyssey and settle into your new home. Begin your Grand Odyssey Central Galapagos Islands Cruise. 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. One of the main attractions are the National Park information center, the Van Staelen Exhibition Hall, and the Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises.

Accommodations: Grand 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. Explore the Tintoreras - small islands in front of Puerto Villamil coast. View Heron looking out from mangrove branches among the lava. 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 in Puerto Villamil, which has the second smallest population in Galapagos with approximately 3000 residents. Head up to the highlands from Puerto Villamil to Sierra Negra slope until we arrive 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: Grand Odyssey
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

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

Begin the day with a hike along Punta Moreno is located on the north coast of Isabela Island between the volcano Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcano. 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 attraction are several species of birds which can be found around this lakes and mangroves.

Head to Elizabeth Bay for scenic zodiac rides. This is a marine visitor site with no landing point so the excursion is carried out by 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 a 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 whilst schools of Pompano and Dorado fish swim below.

Accommodations: Grand 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 conglomerate in larger groups than on any other island. They bask around in the sand, swim near the shore and some time block the way of the landing dock. Among the unique species found here, is the flightless cormorant. This afternoon explore 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 a trail to the top of the cliff. From here you can view Darwin Lake, an uplifted ultra-saline lake saltier than the sea. You will also see several volcanoes 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: Grand 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 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 beach is an important site for nesting marine turtles. This evening will be spent at Puerto Egas. Its black beach is located at the west side of the island and is the main attraction of the island. Their 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 remains behind.

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

Day 6 - TUE - Isla Lobos, San Cristobal

Spend the morning on Isla Lobos. This little island is reached by panga from Port Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of San Cristobal Island. The trail leads across a dry vegetation zone, volcanic rocks and sandy areas. There is a small population of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds nesting at this site. The beach is home to a large colony of sea lions. It is also common to see shorebirds. After your visit to Isla Lobos conclude the Grand Odyssey Central Islands Cruise with a 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: All cabins on the Grand Odyssey can be made 'single' for a 100% supplement. All cabins can be converted to triples as well, with a rollaway bed. 3 travelers each pay the same price.

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 - $200
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