The volcanic Galapagos Islands lie astride the equator, 800 miles West of South America. A unique laboratory for the study of evolution by natural selection since Charles Darwin visited in 1835, they are now an Ecuadorian National Park and World Heritage Site. The islands are one of the most pristine spots on earth. Underwater images of colorful fish, coral, rays, penguins and sea lions are easy to capture.
This is not a difficult trip. Wet landings involve stepping from the dinghy into 12-15" of water. Hikes are optional and the best photography is done along the beaches. Snorkeling with mask and fins (available for rent) is easy to learn and optional.
Our deluxe yacht, MY Coral II, sleeps 20 in cozy staterooms, with private facilities, serves excellent meals and has shaded deck space, a comfortable lounge, and small library. We cruise mostly at night and midday with morning and evening excursions ashore led by our top class Galapagos trained naturalist.
Our itinerary:
Days 1 & 2 (Feb. 27)
Don meets late evening arrivals in Quito - Ecuador’s historic capitol. A photo stroll around the plazas at 8500' will help you adjust to altitude and time change. Our Hotel is in the old colonial section of 16th C. Quito, simple but friendly. The Plazas de la Independencia and San Francisco offer vistas of the green hills punctuated by the towers and domes of a half dozen magnificent churches and cathedrals. Hotel San Francisco de Quito — 2 nights.
Day 3
Fly to Galapagos’ Baltra Airport to board our beautiful teak yacht, MY Coral II. Cruise to tiny Bartolomé Island, a relatively recent volcanic cone where iridescent Parrot Fish and Yellow-tail Surgeon Fish mug for the snorkelers and the evening view from the summit is spectacular.
Day 4
Isabela Island: Wet landing on the beach at Urbina Bay, and a short walk to discover giant tortoises and orange-yellow land iguanas. Snorklers may photograph sea turtles, marine iguanas, manta rays and sharks. Then a dry landing at Tagus Cove and short walks for scenic views. A dinghy ride along the shore reveals flightless cormorants, penguins, frigate birds, and other marine life.
Day 5
Dry landing at Espinosa Pt. on Fernandina Island. Here we photograph the large colony of marine iguanas and brilliant red Sally-lightfoot crabs, as well as penguins, hawks and sea lions. After lunch, a dry landing at Point Vicente Roca on Isabella, for a hike to the top of the volcano. Boobies, gulls and sea lions. Time to snorkel.
Day 6
Egas Port (Santiago) and Rabida (Jervis): Morning wet landing on the black sand beach to photograph great blue, lava and yellow-crowned night herons, oyster-catchers, and iguanas grazing on the algae. Fur-sea lions inhabit the grottos. Snorkelers with underwater cameras may capture sea-horses, moray eels, rays, turtles, and a great variety of fish. Afternoon visit to tiny red-sand Rabida where flamingos feed in the lagoon. Brown pelicans, boobies and nine species of Darwin’s Finches may be seen.
Day 7
Santa Cruz: We land at Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Station and Tortoise breeding program. Prickly-pear cactus forests, numerous land birds, lizards and flowers make this a photogenic as well as informative stop. Explore the colorful town. Evening cruise to southernmost point.
Day 8
Española: Dry landing at Suarez Point for colonies of sea lions, red-billed tropic-birds, and hooded mocking birds. The marine iguanas have green and red patches. Colonies of masked and blue-footed boobies are oblivious to portraits with your 50mm lens. 15,000 Waved albatross nest here. Blow holes spout 75 feet high. In the afternoon we make a wet landing on a white coral beach at Gardner Bay for great birding and snorkeling—many types of fish and curious sea lions.
Day 9
San Cristobal and Lobos: Morning walk and snorkel with the sea lions. At Puerto Baquerizo Moreno there is an Interpretation Center displaying both natural and human history. Explore the colorful town. In the afternoon we hike to Pitt Point for great views with nesting sites of blue, masked, and red-footed boobies, frigate birds and storm petrels. Back on board, cocktail and camera in hand we cruise through the Sleeping Lion Rocks—towering 500 feet above us. Boobies and frigates soar overhead.
Day 10
North Seymour: Photograph swallow-tail gulls, sea-lions, and magnificent frigate birds, plus marine and land iguanas. At the Baltra docks we say “Hasta luego” to our crew and are transferred to the airport to fly back to Quito this afternoon Hotel San Francisco de Quito — 1 night.
Day 11 (Thu., Mar. 9) - Taxis to airport for morning flights home.
Accommodation:
Twin occupancy standard cabins and hotel (3 nights Quito, 7 nights aboard ship), English speaking naturalist in Galapagos, photo guide throughout, all meals on ship, two shore trips per day, 6 airport transfers. Not included: Air fare to Quito, Quito-Baltra-Quito (approximately $389), Park entrance fee of $100, snorkeling gear for rent, and tips to guides and crew.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
* Not included is air fare to Quito or $389 airfare to islands.
* Park entrance fee is $100.
* Single passengers will be assigned a roommate.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Ecuador
Photography and Videography
Birdwatching
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