Galapagos Islands Family Cruise

Trip Details
Gear List
Trip Reviews
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Highlights

Trip Dates:

2009

Jun 28 – Jul 5

More Galapagos Family adventures: Amazon Basin – Galapagos Islands Family Adventure.

Price:

2009
REI Member: Cabins starting from: $2,925

Per person, double occupancy, and boat dependent

Additional Fees:

Galapagos airfare: $415
National park fee/tax: $100
Transit control card: $10
Single supplement: Very limited availability.

Child Discounts:
Children 11 and under: 25% off cabin price, plus internal flight and park discounts.
Children 12-14: 15% off cabin price

Minimum age is 5 years old.

Total Days: 8

Group Size: 20

Activity Level:

Activities:

Wildlife Viewing
Walking
Snorkeling

More Trips Like This:

For more wildlife cruises, check out our Heart of the Amazon Voyage, our Antarctica expeditions, and our Glacier Bay Cruise.

Accommodations:

Comfortable 2-berth cabins with private bathroom and shower

Galapagos Islands Family Cruise

This trip is not available at this time. Be sure to check out our other trips. 10/16/2009

Join REI Adventures for a special family-oriented departure of our popular Galapagos Islands cruise. This ecosystem located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador is among the most unique and prolific in the world. The giant tortoise, penguin, flamingo and iguana are but a few of the exotic species that enjoy full protection on the Galapagos. It was in the Galapagos, in 1853, that Charles Darwin caught the first glimmer of his earth-shaking theory of evolution. We'll follow in his footsteps, with unparalleled opportunities for observation and photography. Highlights of the trip include snorkeling with sea lions and observing the huge Galapagos tortoises roam the landscape as freely as they did thousands of years ago. We'll explore the islands by day, while living aboard a comfortable, spacious yacht by night. Naturalist guides accompany our journey.

This cruise is geared towards families who prefer to travel with other families. Age-appropriate activities are scheduled for teens and younger children, from kayaking and snorkeling instruction to learning about astronomy, navigational charts and knot tying. Kid-friendly meals are also offered on the menu.

This cruise is a private sailing for REI members only.

Important Notice: We recommend that all passengers allow two nights in mainland Ecuador prior to their cruise. This is particularly important for passengers traveling during the summer when flights tend to be very full.

SAMPLE ITINERARY (Please note that trip itinerary is subject to change)

Galapagos Islands Family Cruise Itinerary:

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Day 1 July 13 Sunday: Arrive at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal, Galapagos
Your trip begins today in Quito, Ecuador. Meet at the airport for an early morning flight to the Islands (via Guayaquil). Board your flight to the Galapagos from Quito. Upon arrival to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL Island, airport travelers pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands and to pay the park entrance fee of $100 (REI Adventures will collect this fee from you and pre pay it). Here, the boat crew is waiting to escort you to your anchored yacht. After the welcome briefing and safety drill we set sail for Playa Ochoa, where we have a chance to test our snorkeling equipment and at the same time swim with a small colony of sea lions. Behind the beach, there is a tidal lagoon where birds can be spotted including the rare Chatham mockingbird. At sunset, we cruise around Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido), a vertical tuff cone formation that abruptly juts up almost 500 feet out of the ocean. On the cliffs, we find blue-footed boobies, masked boobies and magnificent frigate birds.

All meals included when aboard ship.
Day 2 July 14 Monday: Tower (Genovesa) Island—Prince Philip's Steps
We spend the entire day on TOWER (Genovesa), considered to be one of the most spectacular Islands in Galapagos for bird species. This morning, we have a dry landing at Prince Philip's Steps. Red-footed boobies nest here in Palo Santo trees and Nazca (formerly masked) boobies nest near the trail. In an open lava field, we find storm petrels in large numbers. If you are lucky, we will see the elusive short-eared owl.

After lunch, sea kayaks are available to paddle along the shoreline. Look for the beautiful red-billed tropic bird usually seen in a crevice. A snorkeling opportunity is offered along the inner rim of the volcanic crater. We land on Darwin Bay, a coral sand beach where swallow-tailed and lava gulls gather near the tide pools. Enter a forest of Optuntia cactus and mangroves where colonies of great frigate birds nest. The males inflate their red-throated pouches to attract females as they fly overhead. The trail leads through a rich inter tidal zone where we find a wide diversity of animal life. Swim from the beach with sea lions.
Day 3 July 15 Tuesday: Bachas Beach / North Seymour
This morning, we visit Las Bachas, which is the Spanish translation for "barges". There is a long stretch of a soft white-sand beach and interior lagoons where we find the Greater Flamingo. There is also a wonderful chance to snorkel here from the beach. Remnants of the U.S. presence from World War II – a floating pier – is found here.

This afternoon, we disembark on North Seymour, a small geological uplift. After a dry landing, we follow a trail that leads us to swallow-tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies and the endemic land iguanas. Visit the largest colony of magnificent frigate birds found in Galapagos. As we stroll along the beach, sea lions body surfing the northern swells.

The upwelling of coldwater currents in this part of the Galapagos, give rise to an abundance of marine life which, in combination with the protection of the coves, make Punta Vicente Roca one of the archipelago's sough after dive spots.

One cove is only accessible from the sea by way of an underwater passage. The passage opens to calm waters of the hidden cove where sea lions like to laze on the beach having traveled along the underwater route. The entire area of Punta Vicente Roca lies on the flank of 2,600 foot Volcano Ecuador. This is the island's sixth largest volcano. Half of Volcano Ecuador slid into the ocean leaving a spectacular cutaway view of the volcanic caldera.
Day 4 July 16 Wednesday: Tagus Cover, Isabela / Punta Espinoza, Fernandina
This morning, we visit Tagus Cove, located on the western Island of ISABELA. Six volcanoes flowed together and formed the largest Island in Galapagos. On our walk, we discover a salt-water lagoon, a scenic overlook with a spectacular view of the ocean, lava fields and volcanic formations. Graffiti dating back to the 1800's is written on the rocky cliffs. Explore the Cove in pangas or sea kayaks to find Galapagos penguins, boobies, pelicans and other seabirds. After lunch, we cross the Bolivar Canal. Be on the look out for whales and dolphins riding the bow wave.

We disembark at Punta Espinoza, FERNANDINA, the youngest and most pristine Island found in Galapagos. Hundreds of marine iguanas, the largest colony in Galapagos, bask in the sun along the rugged shoreline. Observe sea lion harems with resident bulls carefully guarding their territory. Flightless Cormorants build their nest on the point and Galapagos Hawks fly overhead. Recent lava flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast. A snorkel here provides opportunities to see many sea turtles.
Day 5 July 17 Thursday: Puerto Egas, Santiago / Bartolome
This morning, stroll along the shore at Puerto Egas, SANTIAGO (James) looking for octopus, starfish and other sea life caught in the tide pools. At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as they feed on exposed green algae. Watch for great blue herons, lava herons, American oystercatchers and yellow-crowned night herons. Our walk ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water where we encounter fur sea lions once on the verge of extinction. Before returning to the yacht, there is a snorkeling opportunity with loads of tropical fish.

On Bartolome, it seems like we are walking on the moon. This young Island is inhospitable to most plants and animals. After a dry landing, climb 30 minutes up stairs leading to the summit of a once active volcano. Along the way, we pause to marvel at lava bombs, spatter cones and cinder cones. From the top of the wooden stairs, we can gaze out across the island for a panoramic view of the island and "Pinnacle Rock", an eroded tuff cone. Down below, crystal clear water is an invitation to snorkel with schools of tropical fish and Galapagos Penguins. On the other side of the Island, encounter sea turtles and white-tipped sharks.
Day 6 July 18 Friday: Darwin Station / Highlands, Santa Cruz
Friday is feeding day at the tortoise corals at the Charles Darwin Research Station. We visit all three tortoise corals and the breeding center with new hatchlings and miniature tortoises not yet ready to be repatriated. Scientists from all over the globe work at the station and conduct biological research from anatomy to zoology. We also visit the Van Straelen Hall where there are exhibits and a short video presentation. Visitors can now see the pen of Lonesome George, the last surviving member of the Pinta Island subspecies.

After lunch on board, we travel by bus to the highlands of SANTA CRUZ Island. The scenery gradually changes as we wind our way through all seven vegetation zones found in Galapagos. From June to January, we can find giant tortoises on a private farm in the highlands.

We visit Los Gemelos, Spanish for "The Twins", a pair of large pit craters where we find the bright red male vermilion flycatcher. We stop at "the tunnels", the largest lava tubes found in Galapagos. Stroll through the town of Puerto Ayora (population: 15,000) the largest town in the Galapagos. Buy souvenirs, mail postcards or kick back at an internet cafe in the social heart of the Islands.
Day 7 July 19 Saturday: Gardner Bay / Punta Suarez, Espanola (Hood)
This morning, step onto GardnerBay, ESPANOLA (HOOD). Walk along seemingly endless stretches of sandy beach where you'll find large colonies of sea lions. There is no trail to follow so this is a chance to explore and you may find a Galapagos Hawk, Darwin's Finches or Hood Mockingbird. Swim with sea lions from the beach. There's an excellent snorkeling site off Gardner Islet with a colorful diversity of sea life near Gardner Islet and Tortuga Rock with caves covered with invertebrates.

This afternoon, we disembark at Punta Suarez, ESPANOLA, where we witness the highest rate of endemic species in Galapagos. Sea lions noisily green us as we land on their beach. Curious Hood mockingbirds peck at our shoelaces. From April to November, the waved albatross, found only on Espanola, perform their wild mating ritual. Colonies of blue-footed boobies engage in "sky-pointing" to show off for potential mates. Nazca (formerly masked) boobies busily care for their young. Stunning swallow-tailed gulls are the only nocturnal gulls in the world. Red-billed tropicbirds take shelter under the cliffs. We also find Darwin's Finches, Galapagos Doves and Galapagos Hawks. Observe a unique specie of marine iguana identified with traces of red and green colorings. Colorful sally light-foot crabs crawl along the shoreline near to the famous "blow hole". This is the scene most people envision when they decide to visit Galapagos and is a glorious finale to your Galapagos cruise.
Day 8 July 20 Sunday: San Cristobal Island—Interpretation Center - Departure
This morning, we drop anchor in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL. We visit the Interpretation Center opened in 1999. Here we gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Islands. Afterwards, we head straight to the airport for our flight back to the mainland. Arrive in Quito between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Your adventure does not have to end here. Perhaps further adventures await you in Otavalo or the AmazonBasin and a remote jungle lodge. Call us for more information about visiting the jungle before or after your trip to the Galapagos.

Galapagos Islands Family Cruise Itinerary:

+ Show Details

Day 1 July 13 Sunday: Arrive at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal, Galapagos
Day 2 July 14 Monday: Tower (Genovesa) Island—Prince Philip's Steps
Day 3 July 15 Tuesday: Bachas Beach / North Seymour
Day 4 July 16 Wednesday: Tagus Cover, Isabela / Punta Espinoza, Fernandina
Day 5 July 17 Thursday: Puerto Egas, Santiago / Bartolome
Day 6 July 18 Friday: Darwin Station / Highlands, Santa Cruz
Day 7 July 19 Saturday: Gardner Bay / Punta Suarez, Espanola (Hood)
Day 8 July 20 Sunday: San Cristobal Island—Interpretation Center - Departure

Note on Itinerary:

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Single Travelers:

Due to this special sailing, single cabins will not be available.

Price Includes:

Cruise, all meals while on board and an experienced Galapagos Island naturalist guide. REI will arrange for your round trip flight to the Islands and your National Park fee payment.

Not Included:

Airfare from U.S. to Ecuador and the Galapagos Island. Meals on the mainland; hotel nights in Quito, excess baggage charges; airport departure tax from Quito; tips to local staff and items of a personal nature such alcoholic beverages, laundry fees and insurance of any kind.

Rates:

Park fees and the price of fuel sometimes increase the cost of cruise arrangements significantly, and we reserve the right to alter our prices or introduce surcharges accordingly, even if payment has been received in full.

Payment and Cancellation Policy:

REI Adventures standard payment and cancellation policies do not apply to Galapagos cruises. At time of sign-up, a deposit of $500 per person is required. 200 days prior to departure, a second deposit of $800 per person is required. Full payment for the Galapagos cruise is due at 100 days before departure. Please note: Cancellations made 191 days or more prior to departure, 50% of the deposit is non refundable; 190 - 91 days or more before departure, 100% of deposit is non-refundable. Cancellations made 90 days or less before departure, all trip costs are 100% non-refundable. This policy is in accordance with the cruise company. We highly recommend the purchase of trip insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of initial trip deposit, the 'pre-existing conditions exclusion' is waived.

Delays:

If any trip must be delayed due to bad weather, canceled or delayed transportation, sickness or any other situation for which REI Adventures cannot make provisions, all costs incurred during such delays must be borne by trip members. Again, we recommend that all passengers allow two nights in mainland Ecuador prior to their cruise. This is particularly important for passengers traveling during the summer when flights tend to be very full.

Deck Descriptions:

Dolphin Deck--
* Cabins 1, 3 & 4 have two twin lower beds and picture windows (beds can be configured into doubles).
* Cabin 2 has one double bed and picture window.
(cabins average 95 square feet)

Booby Deck --
* Cabins 5 & 6 have one double bed and picture windows.
(cabins average 90 square feet)

Iguana Deck --
* Cabins 7 & 8 have two twin lower beds and port lights.
* Cabins 9 & 10 have two twin lower beds and one upper berth with port lights and are best for triples.
(cabins average 110 square feet)

Life Aboard Ship:

Life aboard a small boat requires some physical agility and a flexible and social nature. The crew is comprised of the captain, multilingual naturalist guide, cook, barman/waiter, mechanic and two to four sailors. All delicious meals are prepared and served by the crew on board. Juices, water, soft drinks are complementary. Beer and wine are available for purchase on board.

Weather:

Although Ecuador lies on the equator, the country has a wide range of climates due to the varying altitudes. The city of Quito, located at 9,350', has an average temperature of 55 to 75 degrees. The cold Humboldt Current flowing from the Antarctic modifies the Galapagos Islands weather. Fall and winter months tend to be drier with cooler water. Summer months tend to have more chance of warm water and some rain. Days are warm year-round, so shorts and a t-shirt are fine. Nights are often cool aboard the ship. For extended snorkeling, a thin wet suit is recommended.

Qualifications:

This trip is rated Easy Active [2]. Anyone who is in good health and leads an active life will enjoy this trip. Daily excursions from the boat to the islands are made in pangas (dinghies), and many landings are "wet," requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. Trip members hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings is typically a couple of hours with lots of time to stop and study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna.

Extending Your Trip:

The Galapagos cruise can be combined with several opportunities to see more of Ecuador and possibly Peru. Many travelers enjoy a few extra days in Ecuador, visiting places like the famous market town Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park or the Equatorial Monument. A real highlight is visiting Ecuadorian Amazon Basin. It's a great place to see exotic birds and wildlife while spending the nights in a rustic but comfortable lodge. Feel free to contact REI Adventures for further information on timing, travel logistics and details about any of these great opportunities.

General Information:

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

Galapagos Islands Family Cruise

The key to staying comfortable during this trip is layering. To obtain maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose your clothing and gear for this trip. Bring only what is necessary, as this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

Weather in the Galapagos and Quito, despite a 9000-foot elevation difference, are not so different. Both experience warm days and cool evenings. In the Galapagos, year-round daytime temperatures can be 90 degrees with cool 50s at night. The cold deep water of the Humbolt Current keeps these equatorial islands and waters not as hot as one might expect. Quito is quite temperate with 75 degrees during the day and cool 40s at night possible, though 50s are more common at night.

Gear Checklist

Official Papers

Valid passport

Airline tickets

Luggage

Duffel bag—sturdy and large enough to hold all of your gear

Small daypack for day hikes (to carry water bottle, light jacket, etc.)

Passport pouch or money belt

Luggage tags and luggage locks

Clothing

Lightweight, easily washable items for city and boat wear - casual and comfortable clothes are recommended

Walking or hiking shorts

T-shirts

Long-sleeve shirt for cool evenings and sun protection

Walking or hiking pants

Clothing Accessories

Sun hat - this is essential!

Bandanna

Swimsuit(s) and on-deck cover-up

Lightweight 2- or 3-mm neoprene wetsuit if you prefer to use your own (also available for use on boat)

Outerwear

Lightweight fleece or pile sweater

Lightweight rain / wind shell

Footwear

Comfortable running or hiking shoes

Watersport sandals or booties

Travel Accessories

Mask and snorkel (fins, mask & snorkel are available on board)

Water bottle - this is essential!

Small, personal first-aid kit

Toilet kit

Sunglasses and retainer strap

Sunscreen and lip balm, high SPF rating and water-repellent

Flashlight or headlamp and spare batteries

Plastic bags to keep your gear dry inside your daypack, and to separate wet/dirty items from dry/clean items

Optional

Guide books to the Galapagos Islands for identification of species

Stuff sacks, various sizes for organizing clothing and gear inside duffel

Camera, film and spare batteries

Disposable underwater camera

Binoculars - highly recommended

Small dry bag for camera gear while on ship-to-shore rides

Reading and writing materials

Watch with alarm or travel alarm

Insect repellent

Things to Consider

Always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, medications and one set of spare clothes in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
A sweater and wind shell are often needed, as evenings are usually cool in temperature and from breezes. Note: You’ll need the sweater if you want to spend the night up on deck, under a very bright, star-studded sky.
Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. Quick-dry items are advisable, since laundry facilities are not available. Clothes should be casual and loose fitting. Long and short sleeve shirts are recommended.
All bedding and towels are provided on the boats.
New FAA-certified scanning equipment may fog any unprocessed camera film that passes through the checked-baggage scanner. Don't place single-use cameras or unprocessed film in any luggage that will be checked onto any flights. This includes cameras that still have film in them. Put all unprocessed film into your carry-on luggage or ask for a hand inspection at passenger screening.
The sun is particularly strong on the equator, so a good sun hat and a long-sleeved, light-colored shirt are important. Bring plenty of water-resistant sunscreen.
Bring a spare duffel bag, as extra luggage can be stored at the hotel in Quito.
Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The Expert Advice section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

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