Small Ship Cruising in the Galapagos Islands
Archipel I
• Tortoise Conservation Centre • Island excursions • Wildlife viewing • Swimming • Snorkelling
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$4,655
|
Days
8
|
Nights
7
|
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$4,655
|
Days
8
|
Nights
7
|
Introduction
The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands that are famed for their vast number of endemic species and the studies that contributed heavily to Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection.
The Galapagos Islands are today a UNESCO World Heritage site and Biosphere Reserve and are arguably a mecca for wildlife enthusiasts.
Your Ship: The M/C Archipel I gives you the opportunity to explore the Galapagos on a small ship, with a maximum of 16 guests onboard for a more intimate experience. The Archipel I is a stable, wide-bodied catamaran and with ample room to relax and enjoy privacy onboard while being well taken care of by the dedicated onboard crew.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Galapagos Islands
On arrival into Baltra Airport you will be met and transferred to te harbour to board your ship. Settle into your cabin followed by a welcome briefing and lunch.
This afternoon visit Bachas beach, a lovely bay with soft, white coral sand that is frequently visited by sea turtles to lay their eggs, so please, watch your step! After enjoying some leisure time at the beach, you could explore a small lagoon, where it is possible to observe flamingos, black-necked stilts, and whimbrels. You might also observe some rusty barges, which were abandoned here after WWII when the USA rented this island as a strategic
Day 2 : Genovesa, Galapagos Islands
Visit Prince Philip’s Steps on Genovesa, taking a dinghy ride along the eastern arm of the caldera. You will then have to hike and overcome the steep stairs from the landing dock. Enjoy panoramic views, a strong sea breeze and the amazing flying skills of countless seabirds. Following the exposed rim, you will first pass the Nazca boobies and finally reach the extensive storm petrel nesting places, where, if you’re lucky, you can spot the well-camouflaged short-eared owl hunting for food. In the afternoon visit Darwin Bay. The small area will surprise you, walking along a coral sand beach, crossing barren lava formations and creeks, passing tidal pools, shrubs and further ahead following the top of some cliffs.
Day 3 : Bartholomew, Galapagos Islands
The beautiful volcanic islet of Bartholomew is among the youngest of the islands and offers some of the wildest landscapes and best panoramas of the entire archipelago. To enjoy the postcard view of the idyllic “Pinnacle Bay” you will have to climb the stairs to the viewpoint on top of the island (114 m/375 ft). Enter a dramatic world of spatter cones, craters, and lightweight lava droplets that have been spewed out by fiery fountains. The arrival in Sullivan Bay is like a moon landing. The desolate, sprawling fields seem to be mostly lifeless, but this island, which is particularly popular among photographers, still offers a lot to see. Green sea turtles burrow in the small white sand beach, where you can also find crabs, blue herons and oystercatchers.
Day 4 : Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands
Visit the Twin Craters and El Chato Reserve on Santa Cruz. Search for Galapagos giant tortoises in their most authentic setting! Despite the interesting breeding centres there is nothing better than to observe them in their wild environment. It can be quite muddy so your visit may turn into an adventurous quest. The Twin Craters are impressive formations formed by magma domes, which hardened on the outside while the lava continued flowing inside, leaving huge, empty magma chambers that eventually collapsed, leaving two large holes. Visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre to learn about the breeding programme.
Day 5 : Cormorant Point, Galapagos Islands
Disembark at Cormorant Point where you will be welcomed by a colony of Galapagos sea lions. The beach here has green sand and contains a high percentage of glassy olivine crystals. You will then visit another beach on the other side of Floreana Island which has beautiful, fine white sand. This sand is made from coral that has been pulverised by Parrotfish. You will snorkel here and spot schools of stingrays. If you are lucky you may even see Pacific green turtles. Later visit Post Office Bay. You can bring your postcards and post them from the peculiar barrel shaped post box, located here in this historic site. The barrel commemorates an improvised mail service that was set up in the 16th century by whalers.
Day 6 : Gardner Bay, Galapagos Islands
Espanola Island awaits, and your first stop today is Gardner Bay, home to a large sea lion colony. Then cruise to Suarez Point where you can admire a natural phenomenon – a spectacular blowhole, where water sprays metres high into the air that has been created by huge ocean waves crashing into the basaltic cliffs over time. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare Galapagos owl here.
Day 7 : San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Islands
This morning stop at Pitt Point on San Cristobal Island, one of the most easterly points of the entire Galapagos archipelago. These cliffs were the first sight of land when the HMS Beagle and Charles Darwin arrived in 1835. Land on a small beach, where you will be welcomed by a group of barking sea lions. The colony here is a bachelor colony, filled with males who spend their time preparing for fighting and mating. Continue on to Witch Hill, where you can enjoy swimming and snorkelling from the shore. This site is one of the first visited by Charles Darwin and is home to an impressive landscape and several species of coastal and migratory birds, including pelicans, blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. You can also see sea lions and marine iguanas here.
Day 8 : San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Islands
The Lobos Islet on San Cristobal harbours a colony of Galapagos sea lions. Two other emblematic species breed here: male blue-footed boobies and great frigate birds who try to impress the females (and tourists) with clumsy dances, heaving their striking blue feet or blowing up their balloon-sized scarlet pouches. During the breeding season, the fluffy and hungry chicks cry for food, and when their wings get strong enough, they will learn to fly.
Disembark and transfer to the airport.
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Pricing
Pricing (per person), USD
TYPE |
TWIN from |
SINGLE from |
EXTRA from |
---|---|---|---|
2024 |
|||
1 – 22 Dec |
US$5,015 |
US$9,015 |
|
23 Dec |
US$5,645 |
US$10,145 |
|
Promotional dates |
US$4,495 |
US$8,075 |
|
2025 |
|||
6 Jan – 23 Jun; 21 Jul – 8 Dec |
US$5,170 |
US$9,290 |
|
7 Jul & 22 Dec Dec |
US$5,945 |
US$10,685 |
|
Promotional dates |
US$4,655 |
US$8,365 |
|
2024
1 – 22 Dec
Twin: from $5015
Single: from $ 9015
23 Dec
Twin: from $5645
Single: from $ 10145
Promotional dates
Twin: from $4495
Single: from $ 8075
2025
6 Jan – 23 Jun; 21 Jul – 8 Dec
Twin: from $5170
Single: from $ 9290
7 Jul & 22 Dec Dec
Twin: from $5945
Single: from $ 10685
Promotional dates
Twin: from $4655
Single: from $ 8365
Departs
2024 | 2025 |
23 Dec | 6, 20 Jan |
3, 17 Feb | |
3, 17, 31 Mar | |
14, 28 Apr | |
12, 26 May | |
09, 23 Jun | |
7, 21 Jul | |
4, 18 Aug | |
1, 15, 29 Sep | |
13, 27 Oct | |
10, 24 Nov | |
8, 22 Dec |
Included
- 7 nights’ accommodation onboard the M/C Archipel I
- All meals (B, L, D) onboard during your stay
- Water, coffee, and tea
- Meet & Greet at Baltra Galapagos Ecologic Airport
- Shared roundtrip airport transfers
- English-speaking naturalist guide/li>
- Shared excursions as per the itinerary
- Snorkelling gear (flippers, mask, and snorkel)
- INGALA Transit Control Card for the Galagapos Islands
Not Included
- Flights to/from mainland Ecuador
- A Galapagos National Park Fee currently US$200 per person, payable in cash on arrival in the Galapagos
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Fuel surcharge, if applicable
- Gratuities
Important Notes
- Please enquire about pricing for children (11 years and under)
- Solo travellers can book any twin cabin on a sharing basis, the cabin will be shared with another traveller of the same gender
- Promotional rates may apply to various departures throughout the year; please contact us for details
- The meet & greet and transfers are only included if arriving/departing on the cruise dates/corresponding flights
- Alternative cruise itineraries are available on various vessels with durations of 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, or 14-nights
Please refer to World Journeys terms & conditions