Galapagos Islands Cruise

Galapagos Islands Cruise: Version A Itinerary:

• Day 1 Sunday: Arrive at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal, Galapagos

  Meet at the airport for an early morning flight to the Islands (via Guayaquil). Board your flight to the Galapagos either from Quito or Guayaquil. 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 Monday: Punta Pitt, Cerro Brujo

  This morning, we visit the northeast tip of San Cristobal, Punta Pitt, a tuff formation that serves as a nesting site for many sea birds including blue footed, Nazca and red-footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls and storm petrels. Punta Pitt is considered to be a first class site for birds and equal to Genovesa (Tower) Island. This afternoon we visit Cerro Brujo, a breathtaking white-powder sand beach and said to be one of the most spectacular in the Galapagos Islands. We'll have an opportunity to snorkel or kayak right from the beach.

• Day 3 Tuesday: Espanola

  Today's start begins with a dry landing at Punta Suarez, Espanola, where we witness the highest rate of endemic species in Galapagos. Sea lions noisily greet 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, performs its wild mating ritual. Colonies of blue-footed boobies engage in "sky-pointing" to show off for potential mates. Nazca 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 species of marine iguanas that are identified with traces of red and green colorings. Colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs crawl along the shoreline near to the famous "blow hole". In the afternoon, we have a wet landing on Gardner Bay, Espanola or also known as Hood Island. Walk along seemingly endless stretches of this white 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 mockingbirds. Swim with sea lions right from the beach, explore by kayak or just relax. There's an excellent snorkeling site off Gardner Islet with a colorful diversity of sea life near Tortuga Rock or explore caves covered with invertebrates.

• Day 4 Wednesday: Floreana, Post Office Bay

  This morning we step ashore at Punta Cormorant, Floreana one of the few populated islands in the Galapagos. Floreana presents a rich history with mystery and intrigue. Set foot on a black-sand beach alive with the sounds of sea lions. We'll follow a trail to a brackish lagoon, home of the pintail ducks, common stilts, and the pinkest flamingos in the world. Wind your way past a rich variety of plants including morning glory, cut leaf daisies, palo verdes and scalesia that lead to a beach with powder soft sand. Sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand dunes and rays swim in the shallow water. After the walk, we have an opportunity to snorkel at Devil's Crown or Champion, a shallow sunken crater colonized by a brilliant array of colorful fish and corral. This afternoon we visit Post Office Bay, not the most scenic, but probably the most famous site in the Galapagos. Here is where a post barrel was put into use in the late 18th century by English whaling vessels. You are invited to leave a post card and to pick up any mail from your home area.

• Day 5 Thursday: Isabela – Sierra Negra and Wall of Tears

  After breakfast, we visit a hidden gem on Isabela Island called Los Humedales and Muro de Lagrimas which translates to "wetlands" and "wall of tears". This area includes trails lined with all four species of mangroves, secluded beaches with rocky shores, lava tunnels and natural pools. View migratory birds including whimrels, short-billed dowitchers, Wilson's pharlarope, common tern, osprey, semi-palmated plovers as well as mating flamingos. The national park has released young tortoises from the breeding center in this area so you may encounter tortoises in the wild. Our visit will include a stop at the Wall of Tears. This wall was constructed during the years of 1946-1959 when Isabela was a penal colony. In the afternoon, we visit Sierra Negra Volcano, located in the Southwest portion of Isabela and considered the oldest and largest volcano on the island. From Puerto Villamil, we travel by motorized vehicle to Santo Tomas. From here, you can choose to continue by horseback or hike to the rim of the caldera, traversing a lava field through a series of craters and fumaroles until we reach Volcan Chico. Along the way, you can spot the vermillion flycatcher, Galapagos martins, whimbrels, egrets, Galapagos hawks and possibly the dark-billed cuckoo.

• Day 6 Friday: Bartolome

  This morning we visit Mosquera, a tiny islet between Baltra and North Seymour with a long narrow beach and large population of sea lions. After a wet landing, we will have time for swimming and snorkeling on this volcanically-formed islet. This afternoon we visit Bartolome, where 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. Crystal clear water is an invitation to snorkel from the beach or ride along in the zodiac with schools of tropical fish and Galapagos penguins.

• Day 7 Saturday: Santa Cruz Highlands

  This morning, we visit South Plaza, a small geological uplift with tall cliffs offering spectacular views. After a dry landing, the trails lead us through prickly pear cactus or opuntia and sesuvium. Here we can find the Galapagos land iguana feeding on the cactus leaves. Toward the end of the hill, we encounter a colony of bachelor sea lions. The dominant bulls are in various stages of recovery from battles lost over prime beach territory. We also find swallow tailed gulls, shearwaters and red-billed tropicbirds who build their nests along the cliffs. After lunch, we will 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 the Galapagos. Here, we visit the tortoise reserve at one of the private farms in the highlands where we encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat. 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 the Galapagos.

• Day 8 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 or Guayaquil between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
  
  Your adventure does not have to end here. Perhaps further adventures await you in a hacienda in Otovalo or a remote jungle lodge in the Amazon Basin. Call us for further information about visiting the jungle before or after your trip to the Galapagos.

Galapagos Islands Cruise: Version B Itinerary:

• Day 1 Sunday: Arrive at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal, Galapagos

  Meet at the airport for an early morning flight to the islands (via Guayaquil). Board your flight to the Galapagos either from Quito or Guayaquil. 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 travel by bus into the interior of San Cristobal to visit La Galapaguera Cerro Colorado, where the National Park has established a breeding program for the tortoises and set up an information center for visitors. Along the trail, we find the San Cristobal (Chatham) mockingbird and Calandrinia plant, both endemic to this island. Here, you will see the terrestrial tortoises living in their natural habitat but also learn about their origin, evolution and threats by introduced animals. All meals included when aboard ship.

• Day 2 Monday: Tower Island

  This morning, we have a dry landing at Prince Philip's Steps. Red-footed boobies nest here in Palo Santo trees and Nazca 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 the walk, our kayaks are available to paddle along the shoreline. Look for the beautiful red-billed tropic bird usually found in the crevices. This afternoon, we have a wet landing on Darwin Bay, a coral sand beach where swallow-tailed and lava gulls gather near the tide pools. Enter a forest of opuntia 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 wildlife. After the walk, we can swim and snorkel from the beach with sea lions in these northern warmer waters.

• Day 3 Tuesday: Las Bachas, 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. This afternoon, we have a dry landing at North Seymour, a small geological uplift. 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 the Galapagos. As we stroll along the beach, we find marine iguanas and sea lions body surf the northern swells. After the walk there is a snorkeling opportunity offered in deep water.

• Day 4 Wednesday: Fernandina, Isabela

  Today we begin with a semi-wet landing at Punta Espinoza, Fernandina, the youngest and most pristine island in the Galapagos. Recent lava flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast. Hundreds of marine iguanas, the largest colony in the 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. After lunch, we cross the Bolivar Chanel where we often spot whales and dolphins riding the bow wave. Our afternoon excursion is a zodiac ride in Elizabeth Bay, Isabela that begins with a visit to a secluded cove, lined with large red mangrove trees. Here, turtles, rays, and shore birds can be seen. We motor to the rocky islets known as "Las Marielas", where a colony of nesting penguins, flightless cormorants and giant marine iguanas are found.

• Day 5 Thursday: Isabela

  This morning we disembark at Urbina Bay Isabela, where we find four miles of its coastal seabed, with marine life exposed due to a dramatic uplift in 1954 when the volcano erupted. The marine remnants of coral skeletons, some of them waist-high, are visited after a wet landing on the beach. The brown pelicans and flightless cormorants nest here. Giant marine iguanas are seen along the coast. This afternoon, we have a dry landing at Tagus Cove, located on the western Island of Isabela. Six volcanoes flowed together and formed the largest island in the Galapagos. During the 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 1800s is written on the rocky cliffs. Explore the coves by Zodiac or kayak to find Galapagos penguins, boobies, pelicans and other seabirds. An excellent snorkeling opportunity is offered here after the walk. After dinner, a sky full of stars beckons to go out on deck and observe the galaxy.

• Day 6 Friday: Santiago, Rabida

  Today, we have a wet landing at Puerto Egas, Santiago (James). Stroll along the shoreline 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 and kayak opportunity. This afternoon, we disembark on Rabida Island (Jervis), located off James Island. Rabida sports the most diversified volcanic rocks of all the islands and is considered the geographic center of the Galapagos. The dark red sand beach originated from the erosion of volcanic stones. Follow a trail that leads to a salt water lagoon, and observe greater flamingos as they feed. Brown pelicans nest in the mangroves at the far side of the lagoon. After the walk, there is time for snorkeling.

• Day 7 Saturday: Santa Cruz, Santa Fe

  Today we will visit 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 see the pen of Lonesome George, the last surviving member of the Pinta Island subspecies. This afternoon, we set sail for Santa Fe (Barrington), a volcanic uplift, and we start with a wet landing at a beach with sea lions. Here, we can observe one of the few remaining land iguanas of the species endemic to Santa Fe Island. Some of these iguanas can be 5 feet long and have very pronounced spines along its back. We also find a forest of giant prickly pear cactus.

• Day 8 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 or Guayaquil between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
  
  Your adventure does not have to end here. Perhaps further adventures await you in a hacienda in Otovalo or a remote jungle lodge in the Amazon Basin. Call us for further information about visiting the jungle before or after your trip to the Galapagos.

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

REI Adventures shares non-exclusive departures with their Galapagos cruise partners.

Single cabins are assigned by the cruise company to the best cabin available at the time of sailing.

Share Basis for Single Travelers: If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, same share gender requests are available on the Iguana deck only. Shares that remain unmatched 60 days prior to departure are subject to pay the difference for a single rate. There is a maximum of one share confirmed per sailing. We cannot accept any share requests on cruises that fall over the holiday weeks.

The boat charter including all meals while aboard and an experienced Galapagos Islands naturalist guide. REI Adventures will arrange for your round trip flight to the Islands and your National Park fee payment.

Airfare from US to Quito and the Galapagos Islands; airport transfers; hotels and meals on the mainland; excess baggage charges; airport departure tax from Quito; Galapagos National Park entrance fee; tips to local staff and items of a personal nature such as soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, laundry fees and insurance of any kind.

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.

REI Adventures standard payment and cancellation policies do not apply to Galapagos cruises. A special cancellation policy applies to all Galapagos trips, which is stricter than the REI policy. A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person and $1,000 for singles is due at time of booking. Full payment for the Galapagos trip is due at 90 days before departure. When a trip cancellation is received 90+ days prior to departure, full deposit is non-refundable. When a trip cancellation is received inside of 90 days from departure, all trip costs are 100% non-refundable. Holiday weeks: Apr 1-8, Dec 23-30, Dec 30 - Jan 06, 2013. A deposit of $1,000 per person (double occupancy) and $2,000 (single occupancy) is required - $500 of that is non-refundable. Full payment is due 120 days prior to departure. Cancellations received; 179-90 days prior to departure, full deposit is non-refundable. When a trip cancellation is received inside of 90 days from departure, all trip costs are non-refundable. This policy is in accordance with the cruise company.

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 year-round are warm; shorts and a t-shirt are fine. Nights will often be cool aboard the ship. For extended snorkeling, a thin wet suit is recommended.

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 roundtrip 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.

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 Ecuador's 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.

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.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active 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. Try to bring only what is necessary—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 can be 90 degrees with night temperatures dipping into the 50s. The cold, deep waters of the Humbolt Current keep these equatorial Islands and waters cooler than one might expect. Quito is quite temperate with daytime highs in the 70s and average nighttime temperatures in the 40-50s.

Gear Checklist

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.
• 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 your hotel in Quito or Guayaquil.