Economic Galapagos Islands Travel Packages

History

HISTORY In 1535 Tomas de Berlanga discovered these Islands by accident, when his ship drifted by the islands as he was sailing from Panama to Peru. They called the Islands "Galapagos" because of the similarity of the tortoise's shell on a Spanish saddle.

In 1835 the young naturalist Charles Darwin arrived to Galapagos on the "Beagle" as part of a trip around the world. Over a 5 week stay Darwin collected various sample of wildlife. His observations of these unique species of flora and fauna led to his well- known theory of "natural selection" that explains how the species on the earth have evolved from a simple, singled-celled ancestor.

In 1959, on the one hundredth anniversary of publication of The Origin of Species , the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands was incorporated in Belgium. In 1960 it began operations in the islands inaugurateing the "Charles Darwin Station".

Also in this year on July 4th, the Ecuadorian government declared the Galapagos Islands a National Park and took measures for the conservation of the animals. Later, the ocean surrounding the islands was declared a Marine Reserve and placed under the park's jurisdiction as well. In 1978 the UNESCO declared the Islands the world's first World Heritage Site for its scientific prestige

Location

LOCATION

The Galapagos Islands are located under the equator 1,000km or 600 nautical miles from the Ecuadorian coast in South America, They consist of 61 islands and islets, with 13 main islands. The total land area is 7,882 square kilometers within a marine reserve of 45,000 square kilometers. The 13 main islands are Baltra, Espanola, Fernandina, Floreana, Genovesa, Isabela, Marchena, Pinta, Pinzon, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santiago.

The Galapagos sprouted out of the Pacific from a sub oceanic lava vent on the ocean floor. This same process created the Hawaiian Islands, and it continues today in both island groups.

Geologically these Islands are situated on one of the most active volcanic regions on earth: the Nazca Plate. Geographically even though they are in the tropic, the islands are fortunate, since, they are not in the path of big storms or phenomena like that.

The Galapagos experience offers world travelers a way to step back in time, visiting a quite untouched place on earth. This paradise is ideal for those who want to go away from all, and enjoy natural history and wildlife.

Climate

CLIMATE The climate of the Galapagos Islands is subtropical that, even though these islands are placed under the equator, the climate is far from being excessively hot, since it is regulated by the cold "Humboldt" current and the warm "El Niño" current, creating microclimates on the islands influencing the particular flora and fauna habitats found on each island.

The weather varies from season to season. From June to November is known the dry (garua) season. The b Antarctic Humboldt Current, coming from the south, affects the climate at this time of year. When the winds blow in a southeasterly direction, the islands are bathed in cool waters, chilling the air and creating unusually cold conditions for equatorial islands.

The period between December to May is considered the "hot season." The southeast trade wind diminishes in strength and warmer water from "El Niño" current flow through the islands. During this season, the Galapagos' climate is more tropical with daily rain and cloudier skies. Also, the ocean temperature is warmer for swimming and snorkeling.

Natural Events

NATURAL EVENTS JANUARY
- The rainy season begins.
- Ideal time for snorkeling.
- Land birds start to nest, usually after the first rains.
- The temperature of the air and the water rises and it stays warm until June.
- On Española Island: adult marine iguanas become nicely colored.
- The green sea turtles arrive on beaches to lay eggs.
- Land iguanas begin to breed on Isabela Island.

FEBRUARY
- Nesting season for the Galapagos dove reaches its highest point.
- On Floreana Island the greater flamingos start to nest.
- Masked boobies on Hood are at the end of their nesting season.
- The water reaches it highest temperature of 25C (77F). This temperature remains constant until April.
- Several penguins are seen on Bartolome Island.
- Marine iguanas nest on Santa Cruz Island.

MARCH
- Marine iguanas nest on Fernandina.
- Wet landing can be a challenge at places like Puerto Egas, Gardner Bay and Bartolome.
- The rainy season reaches its highest pointy (not necessarily means that rains all day).
- Snorkeling can be done for longer periods due to the water temperatures.
- The air temperature can rise up to 30C (86F). Humidity is high.
- Around mid-march is the beginning of summer time and marks the arrival of the waved albatross on Española.

APRIL
- Green sea turtles’ eggs begin to hatch.
- Good visibility under water while snorkeling.
- Massive arrival of the waved albatross on Española.
- One of the best months in Galapagos due to its weather, water temperature and wildlife.
- End of the breeding season of the giant tortoises.
- Eggs of land-iguanas start to hatch on Isabela.
- The rain season end, but the islands stay green.
- One of the best months in Galapagos due to its weather, water temperature and wildlife.
- Water begins to get colder by mid-may.
- Waved albatrosses on Española start to lay their eggs.
- North Seymour's blue-footed boobies start their breeding season.
- Sea turtles are still breeding on Gardner Bay and Punta Cormorant.
- The Palo Santo trees start to lose their leaves.

JUNE
- Southern migrants have started their journey to the North. Galapagos is a resting place for such birds. Some cetaceans follow the same patron.
- Currents become stronger. The seas are wilder with bigger waves.
- Beginning of the “garua” season (intermittent rains).
- Giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island migrate from the highlands to the lowlands looking for the best places for their nests.
- Many red pouches of great male frigate birds are seen on North Seymour.
- Some groups of humpback whales that migrate to the equator along the coasts of Ecuador can reach Galapagos.
- Clouds begin forming on the mayor Islands.

JULY
- Water temperature does not pass 21c (68F).
- Seabirds are very active (breeding), especially the blue-footed boobies on Española.
- “Cetaceans” (whales & dolphins) are seen more often, especially at the West coast of Isabela.
- Cormorants show marvellous mating rituals on Fernandina.
- Lava lizards start with their mating rituals until November.
- Great month to see the four stages of the nesting of the Blue-footed boobies: eggs, chicks, juveniles and sub-adults.

AUGUST
- Migrating coastal birds begin to arrive and stay on the island.
- The “popping” season (birth) of the sea lions starts, especially on the Western and Central Islands.
- Galapagos hawks mate on Española and Santiago (James).
- Giant tortoises return to the highlands of Santa Cruz after nesting.
- Masked boobies and Swallow-tailed gulls nest on Genovesa Island.
- The temperature of the ocean drops to 18C (64F).
- Oceans are quite unpredictable; currents are at their strongest

SEPTEMBER
- Most seabirds stay quite active on their nesting places.
- The air temperature reaches its lowest points (19C-66F).
- Galapagos penguins show remarkable activity on Bartolome.
- Swimmers on Bartolome can enjoy the penguins swimming around them.
- The highest point of the cold season.
- Sea lions are very active. Females have reached the estrus stage and because of this males are constantly barking and fighting.

OCTOBER
- Giant Tortoises are still laying eggs.
- Blue-footed boobies raise their chicks on Española and Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela).
- Lava herons start to nest until March.
- The Galapagos sea lions begin their mating period.
- Sunrises can be very beautiful after the garua covers several locations of the Western volcanoes.
- Days are not always sunny. Garua can be expected at most of the locations, except for the Western Islands where the days start foggy but after a couple of hours the sun takes over.
- The summits are clear, but low hanging haze covers the

NOVEMBER
- In general great weather because of the transition of one season to another.

The birth of young sea lions is still happening.
- Sea lions are sexually active on the Eastern part of the Archipelago.
- ‘Band-rumped storm petrels’ start their second nesting period.
- Seas are calm. The temperature of the water rises slowly.
- Good visibility under water for snorkeling.
- The young sea lions (especially on Champion Islet) play aqua-aerobics next to the snorkelers.
- Some types of jellyfish can be seen around the islands. The ‘genus Physalia’ is generally seen floating around Gardner and Tortuga Islets.

DECEMBER
- The first waved albatrosses are raised.
- The eggs of the giant tortoises start to hatch.
- Great weather conditions.
- The rainy season starts, all plants of the dry zone start to produce leaves.
- Galapagos becomes greenish.

National Park Regulations

NATIONAL PARK REGULATIONS - Do not remove or disturb any plant, rock or animal on the islands.
- Be careful not to transport any organic material to the islands or from island to island.
Each Island sustains unique species and cross-invasions may alter that uniqueness.
- Check your clothing for seeds and insects before disembarking the ship from the shore.
- Do not touch the animals.
- Do not feed the animals.
- Always remain on the path where designated.
- Always remain with your guide where required.
- Do not startle or chase any animal from its nest or resting place. Be extremely careful in and around breeding colonies.
- Do not litter on land or from the vessel whilst at sea.
- Do not buy any souvenirs made from any native animal part, coral or plant.
- Do not write graffiti or deface rocks and plants on the islands.
- Do not hesitate to show your conservationist attitude and explain the rules to others.

What is included?

WHATS INCLUDED AND NOT INCLUDED When you travel onboard the Galapagos Boats following services are included:
Airport transfers in Galapagos; Lodging in Twin/Matrimonial cabin as confirmed (Single travelers will have to share their cabin with another person of the same gender or pay the single supplement); All meals during your stay on board the Galapagos Voyager; Snorkel equipment; All excursions lead by an English speaking naturalist Guide.
Not Included:
Airfare to and from Galapagos (at the moment of booking the Galapagos Voyager your flight space to the Galapagos is automatically guaranteed); Entrance fee for the Galapagos National Park (currently USD 110 per person, which consists of a USD 100 park fee and USD 10 transit card fee, both amounts have to be paid in cash); Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks on board (to be paid in cash); Optional wetsuit hire (for this we need to know your length befor your travel to Galapagos), Personal travel insurance; Tips and other items of personal nature.

*Please note that the entrance fee for the Galapagos National Park is subject to change.

How to get there

HOW TO GET THERE The only way to get to the Galapagos is by air. Galapagos flight booking is warranty with your cruise confirmation. All international connections are from mainland Ecuador . There are flights from Quito (stop over in Guayaquil ) and Guayaquil to Baltra or San Cristobal where your cruise will begin. Your flight will take 30 minutes to get from Quito to Guayaquil and about one and a half hours from Guayaquil to Galápagos - Baltra or San Cristobal.

The airlines have established low and high season for the flights as follows:
- High Season: Nov 01 - Apr 30 + Jun 15 - Sep 14
- Low Season: May 01 - Jun 14 + Sep 15 - Oct 31

What to bring?

WHAT TO BRING? Clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals with thongs or Tevas for wet landings
- Light cotton socks
- Long-sleeved cotton shirts and T-shirts
- Light cotton scarf to protect your neck
- Shorts
- Lightweight long pants or skirt / dress
- Light rain jacket or wind breaker
- Sweatshirt, Sweater, light jacket: the early morning/late evenings can get cool, often with a breeze
- Wide-brim hat
- Bathing suits

Equipment
- Sun block lotion
- PABA sunscreen (at least # 15)
- Lip salve
- Sunglasses with a strap
- Extra eye glasses/ contact lenses
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication
- Self-sealing bags for electronic equipment
- Camera
- Underwater cameras to take photos of the animal life while snorkeling
- Camera gear
- Film and more film or enough flash memory to download pictures.
- Binoculars in case you want to get a more detailed look at unique animals in Galapagos.
- Extra batteries for cameras
- Plastic Bags

Money and Security
- Passport
- Copy of passport
- US Cash mostly low denomination bills ($5 to $20)
- Travel Insurance

Motion Sickness
- Salted Crackers
- Candied Ginger or ginger tablets
- Patch

First Aid
- Pepto Bismol or Kaopectate for stomach upset and mild diarrhea.
- Immodium or Lomotil for more severe diarrhea
- Band - Aids
- Anti-biotic cream
- Aloe Vera cream or gel for sunburn
- Tylenol or other mild pain relief.