Read a sampling of what our
clients said about their trips
We had the most amazing time and were very impressed with the number of tours that were included and how well organized everything was. It was excellent value for money, the tour guides were all very friendly and well informed and the tours were really interesting. In particular, we all loved the ... more Marilyn Warren
Note: The route and program may vary according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety reasons and wildlife encounters.
IGTOA's Traveler Funding Program
South American Vacations is an active member of IGTOA (International Galapagos Tour Operators Association). In support of IGTOA's Traveler Funding Program, we have added an optional contribution of $50 to the quoted price of this package. You'll travel knowing that you support the lasting protection of Galapagos, and you'll receive a year's Friend of Galapagos membership after you return.
Sixty percent of the funding of this program goes directly to the Charles Darwin Foundation for science, conservation, and education. Their work, carried out through the Charles Darwin Research Station and Galapagos National Park, is vital to the preservation of the islands. You can visit their web site to learn more http://www.darwinfoundation.org
. The remainder goes toward IGTOA's mission of creating a model of responsible and sustainable tourism.
Four Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Santa Cruz
Built exclusively for Galapagos Islands cruising, the M/V Santa Cruz accommodates 90 passengers in its 44 cabins. The ship is air conditioned throughout, and is recognized for its superb service, expert crew, and international and Ecuadorian cuisine. Each spacious cabin features twin or double beds, private bathrooms, and a safe. Four public decks offer a dining room, bar, library, sun deck, and Jacuzzi. Snorkeling equipment is provided free of charge, and wet suits can be rented for $15 for the four days.
Activities: Wildlife viewing, hiking, snorkeling, and glass bottom boating.
Dry Landing: guests step from the dinghy directly onto rocks or a dock. Wet Landing: as the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore.
Day 1: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno/Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal)
Arrival by plane to San Cristobal Island and transfer to the MV Santa Cruz, which will be anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galapagos Islands. Cabin assignment and lunch. After lunch, introductory welcome talk and boat drill.
A dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers will bring us to Cerro Brujo's white coraline beach. Wet landing. The area will show us good views of seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, and some shore birds. Also, look for Galapagos sea lions. The beach is a great open walking area, with rewarding birdwatching. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird, Chatham Lava Lizard; both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. We may also spot Yellow Warblers, Galapagos flycatchers and with luck a Vermillion flycatcher (endemic subspecies to San Cristobal). These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristobal was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos. Back on board for a briefing on the next day's activities, followed by a cocktail offered by the Captain and dinner. (L,D)
Day 2: Punta Suarez (Espanola)/Punta Cormorant (Floreana)
Morning outing at Punta Suarez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April-December), Nazca (masked boobies), blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous blowhole. Among its land birds, the Hood island mockingbird, and three species of Darwin's finches are common highlights. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas, and of course a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. Back on board for lunch.
Disembark at Punta Cormorant (wet landing) at an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish water lagoon where bird species like Greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others may be observed. This outing also includes a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night for nesting (December-May). Possibility of snorkeling from the beach, or join our Glass Bottom Boat or advanced snorkeling panga if conditions permit. Briefing and dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Punta Espinoza (Fernandina)/Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela)
This morning brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their island habitat with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, and hawks. Lava terrain calls for good walking shoes. Back on board for lunch. As we sail along the Bolivar Channel, astonishing views of the Galapagos' youngest volcanoes can be seen. The nutrient-rich waters of the west can also bring surprises like encountering sea birds feeding, dolphins, and possibly whales.
In the afternoon, depending on the conditions of the ocean, we will schedule a snorkeling outing along the cliffs of partly-sunken Ecuador Volcano, in the northern tip of Isabela Island. Since there is no landing site at this location, we will include a coastal exploration by dinghy, where our naturalist guides will commit to explaining the dramatic geology of the area with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. This is the nesting place for flightless cormorants, the only existing marine birds in the world other than penguins that have changed their condition of flying birds to diving birds. Wildlife here also includes Sea lions, Galapagos Fur seals, Galapagos Penguins, Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies and noddy terns. This area has a very rich marine life, and is seasonally visited by green sea turtles. Details about the next day's activities before dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Santa Cruz/Baltra
Visiting the famous Charles Darwin Research Station will be certainly a rewarding adventure for this morning's program. It will just require a different approach, in order to accomplish all our travel plans. This outing is an optional program and an early one. We arrive at the Itabaca Channel, between the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz and disembark at the public dock (dry landing) for a 30-minute bus ride along the highlands in route to Puerto Ayora where changes in vegetation can be witnessed. Upon arrival, we proceed to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the famous giant tortoises. Here we will get to understand the conservation efforts promoted by this institution, and stroll among an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest where endemic land birds can be seen. After an hour visit, return via the same route to cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry and take the bus to Baltra Island airport in time for the flight back to the continent. Guests not taking this optional excursion may stay on board for a later wake up call, and then disembark directly at Baltra Island and transfer to the airport. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Four Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Santa Cruz
First Child Free (up to 17 years old), Second Child 50% off (with One Full Paying Adult) for All July to September Departures. Call for Availability.
Single
Double
Triple
Main Deck Twin Standard
$2,559
$1,499
$1,379
Upper Deck Twin Standard
$2,689
$1,589
n/a
Boat Deck Twin Standard
$2,939
$1,729
$1,589
Boat Deck Standard Plus Twin
$3,079
$1,809
n/a
Boat Deck Single Standard
$2,609
n/a
n/a
Boat Deck Superior Twin/Double
$3,209
$1,889
n/a
Boat Deck Junior Suite Twin
$3,359
$1,979
$1,809
Boat Deck Master Suite Double
$4,139
$2,319
$2,169
All prices are in U.S. Dollars. Click here to see our prices in your currency.
NOTES:
Low Season prices are shown above. High Season prices are shown in the Detailed Itinerary.
The above prices are valid until January 2, 2011.
There is one cabin available for single use (Boat Deck Single Standard). Twin/Double cabins for single use have a surcharge of 70%.
Triple rates are based on one child under 12 sharing cabin with two adults paying full fare.
High Season: March 29-April 04, December 20-January 02.
Four Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Santa Cruz
The Price of This Tour Includes
South American Vacations' expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
Transfers in the islands, and transfers in and out from select hotels in Quito and Guayaquil to/from Galapagos on the date of the cruise..
Accommodations on board the M/V Santa Cruz.
All meals scheduled on board
Two daily excursions to the islands conducted by bi-lingual naturalist guides.
Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100/$50 child).
Transit control card ($10).
Gratuities to ship crew and guides.
Bar, gifts and personal items.
Travel insurance.
We will be happy to quote the cost of international and domestic airfare, hotels, land services, and travel insurance, and to make these arrangements for you.
Four Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Santa Cruz
Four Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Santa Cruz
