Galapagos by Luxury Catamaran

Single Supplement: 75% of per person price

2010 Dates: Departs weekly (contact us for exact day - based on month of travel)

Six hundred miles from the Ecuadorian coast, lies the wonder of the Galapagos Islands. The desert-like volcanic islands seem to promise little of interest at first glance, but then a giant tortoise weighing more than 400 pound lumbers by. A few feet away, a flock of birds with bright blue feet stare curiously back at visitors in plastic sandals and bright colored shorts. In a nearby bay, a sea lion playfully pulls on a snorkeler's flipper.

One of the world's great treasures, the memory of the Galapagos stays in the minds of visitors long after they have returned home. A Galapagos tour aboard the brand new yacht,'Journey I,' makes for a once in a lifetime experience.

Day 1 : Arrive Quito

Day 2 : Fly Baltra – South Plaza
This small steep-cliffed island was formed by uplifted lava and is covered by opuntia cactuses - a tree like cactus endemic to Galapagos. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies. Also, on South Plaza, you will find the lazy but colorful yellow and red land iguana.

Day 3 : San Cristobal - Lobos
San Cristobal is the Eastern most island in the Galapagos. The cloudforest in the highlands is perfect habitat for giant tortoises. Frigatebird Hill is a short distance walk from the Interpretation Center. Here you can see Magnificent Frigatebirds and Great Frigatebirds in the same colony, which offers great opportunities for studying and learning to distinguish the two species. About 1 hour travel across a small channel, will take you to Isla Lobos. The name means Sea Lion Island, which is certainly appropriate since many sea lions frolic, leap and make their homes here. This island is also a great place for snorkeling opportunities as well as to view blue-footed boobies. Kicker Rock (or Leon Dormido) is an enormous rock, located off the north west coast of San Cristobal, that rises 500 feet straight up from the ocean. It has the shape of a sleeping lion, and a split with towering verticals on either side, forming a narrow channel.

Day 4 : Espanola
This is southernmost island, and it is the breeding site of nearly all of the world's 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. Espanola teems with mockingbirds, blue-footed and masked boobies, Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, hawks, red and green marine iguanas, and sea lions. Punta Suarez trail along the island will take you towards the cliffs and the blowhole, which is a fissure in the lava where water spurts high in the air like a geyser.

Day 5 : Floreana
Floreana was the earliest islands to be inhabited. At Punta Cormorant more than 50 volcanic cones rise in an 80-mile area. Pink flamingos, clear water and interesting coral growths make this a perfect spot for snorkeling.

Day 6 : Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galapagos. Santa Cruz is also the only island where six different vegetation zones can be seen: Coastal, Arid, Transition, Scalesia, Miconia and Pampa zones. Santa Cruz is home to the Charles Darwin Station, where visitors can observe tortoise research and breeding programs.

Day 7 : Chinese Hat – Santiago
The Chinese Hat (Sombrero Chino) is a miniature volcano that is shaped like a Chinese hat (hence its amusing name). You will be greeted by colorful Sally Lightfoot Crabs fleeing from the crushing waves on the shore, and flabbergasted by underwater schools of fish, Manta Rays and sharks.

Day 8 : Santiago – Bartolome
Santiago island was once home to a salt mining enterprise and its remains can still be seen if you walk from the black beach where you land, and continue along the coast. At the Bartolome beach, if you come in the right season, you can see nesting sea turtles resting in the sand or wading in the shallow water. You might also spot a white-tipped reef shark patrolling the close to the shore.

Day 9 : Bachas Beach – Baltra – Fly Quito

Day 10 : Return Home

Included:

• 2 nights accommodation in Quito
• 8 day Galapagos cruise aboard the Journey I
• Meals while in the Galapagos
• Breakfast in Quito
• Domestic transfers
• Naturalist guide while on yacht

Not Included:

• International airfare
• Domestic airfare (Quito/Gal/Quito)
• Airport taxes
• International transfers
• Lunch and dinner while in towns or cities
• $100 entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities