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Eight luxuriously cozy cabins
Expert naturalists
Outstanding variety of birdlife
Menus inspired by Celebrity Cruises’ Michelin-starred chef
Complimentary use of snorkel equipment
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos.
Upon arrival at Baltra airport (Santa Cruz), you will clear immigration and be met by your guide, who will escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor. A motorized dinghy will then transfer you to the M/C Athala II, where the captain and crew will welcome you aboard.
Sombrero Chino Island
Sombrero Chino means “Chinese Hat”, a name that makes perfect sense as soon as you take a look at its unique shape. There are several interesting geographical formations that are ideal for scenic photos, and these are home to various marine species, such as Sally Lightfoot crabs and sea lions. Keep an eye out for different species of Darwin’s finches as well.
Difficulty level: Easy
As the name implies, Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) is known for its healthy population of land iguanas. Other locals include common stilts, pintail ducks and occasionally flamingos. A short walk up the hill leads you to a land iguana nesting site, with breathtaking views of the bay. You will have the chance to go snorkeling after the walk. Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
Rábida Island
Rábida is a small island with red volcanic rocks surrounding a beautiful red sand beach, where there is a colony of sea lions and a pelican nesting site. The trail leads to a salt-water lagoon where shore birds can be seen. Activities include snorkeling, swimming, kayaking or dinghy ride.
Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
There are many unique and exciting opportunities on your visit to Puerto Villamil and its spectacular surrounding areas. Hike up to Sierra Negra Volcano, visit the tortoise breeding center, the wetlands or the infamous “Wall of Tears”. You can stroll through town and mingle with the locals, or just lie on the beautiful beach and do nothing at all. Difficulty level: Easy
Floreana Island – Post Office Bay & Baroness’ Viewing Point
Post Office Bay is home to a unique “post office” inspired by 18th century pirates and buccaneers who used a wooden barrel as an unofficial mailbox. The tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home. The Baroness’ Viewing Point is the ideal place to take in the unique scenery that defines Floreana. Difficulty level: Easy
Floreana Island – Champion Islet & Cormorant Point
After snorkeling at Champion Islet, you will visit Cormorant Point, where there is a beautiful lagoon that is home to flamingos, stilts and pintail ducks. A great site for bird-watching. Difficulty level: Easy
San Cristobal Island – Cerro Brujo & Leon Dormido
In addition to the magnificent scenery, there is wonderful swimming and a dinghy ride at this visitor site. Cerro Brujo’s spectacular beach is home to a large colony of sea lions, and it is famous for being the first place in the archipelago that Charles Darwin visited. Later, you will sail by Leon Dormido, a 500 ft high rock formation that is a hangout for many bird species. Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
Lobos Island
Visitors may have close encounters with sea lion pups, especially while snorkeling. However, this small islet offers much more, including blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and even a glimpse at the second type of sea lion species found in the Galapagos: the fur sea lion. Difficulty level: Easy
Santa Cruz Island – Puerto Ayora & Highlands
On your visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station you will gain insight into the extensive efforts underway to preserve the Galapagos Islands. You will also encounter the famous Galapagos tortoises that are the islands’ namesake. After the visit we will drive to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz to search for giant tortoises in their natural surroundings. In the afternoon you will have free time for shopping or mingling with the locals, or you can simply relax on board. Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
Española Island – Punta Suarez
Punta Suarez is home to large populations of Nazca and blue-footed boobies, as well as the beautiful waved albatross (seasonally). The 10,000 to 12,000 pairs of albatross on Española represent the entire population of this species on the planet. They perform one of the most spectacular courtship rituals of the animal world. Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult
Española Island – Gardner Bay
Gardner Bay offers the chance to enjoy a pristine white sandy beach. In addition to being a nesting site for sea turtles, it is home to one of the most important colonies of sea lions in the archipelago. Activities include swimming snorkeling and kayaking. Difficulty level: Easy
Daphne Island
Visitors are not allowed on this island due to its fragile ecosystem, but your guide will point out the island’s birdlife from the vantage point of the yacht’s deck and explain the important research that is underway. Continue to Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises in the wild, followed by a transfer to Baltra airport for your flight back to to Quito, connection with your flight back home.
Cabin accommodation, all meals and snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, purified water, guided shore excursions, use of wet suits, snorkel equipment and sea kayaks, transfers in the Islands between the airport and dock.
Please contact: jen@heritagesafaris.com
Upper Deck US$ 6,050 per person sharing
Main deck with Balcony Deck US$ 6,300 per person sharing
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