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Overview
We’re delighted to have you on board for this journey of discovery to some of the most beautiful islands in the Galápagos.
This itinerary will take us to the true origins of the archipelago, to a world only recently created by the titanic tectonic upheavals of our Earth’s crust, whose volcanic hot spot formed the islands in a blink of an eye in geological time. Fernandina Island is regarded as one of the most pristine island environments anywhere in the world, where life has evolved in its natural state, far from the intervention of man. From the west, we venture back to the Central Islands, landing at the intriguing red beach of Rábida and seeking out the land iguanas of Cerro Dragón. On Santa Cruz, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and get up close to giant tortoises in their natural environment. In the south, we learn about the Galápagos very own “murder mystery”, spot flamingos and snorkel at one of the best sites in the archipelago: Champion Islet. Back in the Central Islands, we head back to Baltra Island for the flight back to the mainland. You will find all corners of the Galápagos stunning, and they will delight you in different ways.
Rest assured the crew aboard La Pinta will do their utmost to ensure your Galápagos experience is truly deeply moving and memorable.
Tour Itinerary – Western Galapagos – Friday to Thursday
Click in each day to see detailed itinerary
Notes:
Please remember that the exact route and programme may vary according to weather and ocean conditions and the wildlife we encounter. Our Expedition Team is in charge of planning the daily activities and logistics involved. It’s also subject to change without previous notice due mainly to readjustment of the National Park policies and regulations.
For accessing the different visitor sites, our skiffs will bring us ashore where two types of landing are expected:
- Dry landing: Guests step from the panga (dinghy/skiff) onto rocks or a small man-made jetty.
- Wet landing: As the skiff edges onto a sandy beach, guests gently step into small breakers and wade ashore.
Recommendations:
- All your luggage will be sent on board the ship straight to your cabin.
Includes
Accommodation, all meals, soft drinks*, island sightseeing, naturalist guides and lecture services in English/Spanish only, wet suit rental and snorkelling gear, Internet*, taxes and transfers in the islands. Transfer from main hotels in Quito (Casa Gangotena, Hilton Colón, Swissôtel, Marriott, Dann Carlton) and in Guayaquil (Hilton Colón, Oro Verde, Hampton Inn, Sheraton) to airport for flights to / from Galápagos are included in these rates. To coordinate these transfers we must have guest’s hotel contact.
* Please note: soft drinks include juices and carbonated drinks, not “virgin” cocktails. * Internet connections aboard consist of 2 computer stations in the library and Wi-Fi in the yacht’s social areas; due to the Galápagos’ remote location, internet connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth.
Not Included
Airfare to/from Galápagos, Galápagos National Park admission fee (US$ 100 subject to change without notice), transit Control Card for Galápagos (US$ 20 per person), alcoholic drinks, tips, gifts and additional items.
Packing Check List
1 Small backpack
Comfortable walking shoes
Sneakers with rubber soles
Shorts
Long pants
T-shirts
Long and short sleeved shirts
Wind breaker
Bathing suit – wetsuit for snorkelling in cold months (also available for on board rental)
Hat or cap
Toilette kit (biodegradable shampoo please)
Sun block SPF30 or higher
Sunglasses (polarized glasses recommended)
Binoculars (8 x 42 recommended)
Photo & video equipment
Any medicine you may be taking
Book / notebook