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We just returned from a September, 2007 trip to Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. We had been referred to South American Vacations by another person who had used them for her trip and was very pleased with the results. We were very happy with all of the arrangements. All of the flights ... more Jill and Harley Hurt
Five Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Galapagos Odyssey
Day 1
Baltra/Bachas (Santa Cruz)
Day 2
Bartholomew/Sullivan Bay (Santiago)
Day 3
Sierra Negra Volcano (Isabela)/Tintoreras Canal
Day 4
Highlands/Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz)
Day 5
Kicker Rock (San Cristobal)/Baltra
Free Quito-Galapagos Airfare on All August Departures. Call for Availability.
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 contribute $50 for each passenger that we send to the Galapagos Islands. You'll travel knowing that you support the lasting protection of Galapagos Islands.
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.
Five Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Galapagos Odyssey
Galapagos Odyssey is a brand new 135 ft. luxury yacht that accommodates 16 passengers on four decks. All of her ten cabins are air conditioned and have either queen or twin lower beds, a small desk, sofa, mini-bar and closet, and private bathroom. Amenities on board include a Jacuzzi, al fresco dining area, spa service, and spacious sun and shade decks.
Activities: Wildlife viewing, hiking, snorkeling and diving (purchased separately).
Day 1: Baltra/Bachas (Santa Cruz)
Upon arrival at Baltra, you will pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands. Guides will meet you, collect your luggage and escort you on the short bus ride to the harbor. You will be transported by motorized rafts, called 'Pangas' across Itabaca Channel, then by bus to Puerto Ayora to the M/V Galapagos Odyssey, where the crew will welcome you onboard. After departure and lunch, the first island visit is made.
Bachas. These two small beaches are found to the West of Turtle Cove. Their sand is made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft, making it a favourite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind one of the beaches there is a small brackish water lagoon, where you can occasionally observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels. The other beach is longer, but it has two old barges that were abandoned during the Second World War, when the USA used Baltra Island as a strategic point to protect the Panama Canal. (L,D)
Day 2: Bartholomew/Sullivan Bay (Santiago)
Bartholomew Island is situated across Sullivan Bay. It has an altitude of 374 ft. and you can observe some of the most beautiful scenes of the Galapagos Islands, such as: volcanic cones, lunar-like craters, lava fields and the famous pinnacle formed of Toba eroded by the sea. There is very little vegetation on this island. It has two breathtaking beaches where marine turtles exist and at the base of the pinnacle, is a very small colony of Galapagos penguins.
Sullivan Bay (Santiago). Santiago, also called James, or San Salvador Island, is located in the west central part of the Galapagos archipelago. It is the fourth largest island in the archipelago (following Isabela, Fernandina and Santa Cruz). With the exception of some of the large western volcanoes of Isabela and Fernandina, it is the also most volcanically active, with many young flows and cones to be seen, particularly along the south, west, and east coasts. These may even be seen from the summit of Darwin Volcano and from space. A number of historic eruptions have been reported over the last 2 centuries. Santiago actually consists of two coalesced volcanoes: a typical shield volcano on the northwest end and a low, linear fissure volcano on the southeast end. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Sierra Negra Volcano (Isabela)/Tintoreras Canal
Sierra Negra Volcano (Isabela). Isabela is the largest and one of the youngest islands in the Galapagos. You will land in Puerto Villamil, which has the second smallest population in Galapagos with around 3,000 inhabitants. From there, you will head up to the highlands by either horseback or car to Sierra Negra slope for a hike on uneven terrain until you arrive at the Sierra Negra Volcano rim. Sierra Negra is the second widest crater in the world. From this viewpoint you will have fantastic sights of the 6 x 5 mile-wide crater, the rest of the volcanoes, and the Perry Isthmus. You can also hike to Chico Volcano to watch the striking lava formations, which are examples of the geological occurrences that have created the Galapagos Islands.
White Tipped Reef Shark Canal (Tintoreras Canal). You will take a zodiac ride to this site, which is located off the coast of Puerto Villamil coast. Its name is derived from the white-tipped reef sharks, or tintoreras in Spanish, which are found here resting in the shallow waters. You may also see Heron on lookout on mangrove branches and Galapagos Penguins and sea lion pups on shore. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Highlands/Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz)
The trail to the Highlands leaves from Bellavista and passes through the agricultural zone, near the National Park boundary, the Miconia Zone, and then goes to the Fern and Sedge zones. With clear weather (unpredictable) this area affords beautiful scenes of rolling hills and extinct volcanic cones covered with grass and lush greenery all year round.
Charles Darwin Research Station. Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders, it is also interesting to learn how the protection and conservation of the islands are carried out. One of the principal attractions are the National Park Information Center, Van Staelen Exhibition Hall, the Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises, Lonesome George (tortoise from Pinta), and adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Kicker Rock (San Cristobal)/Baltra
In the morning you will visit Kicker Rock, also known as Leon Dormido because of its resemblance to a sleeping lion, located off the coast of San Cristobal. It consists of a lava cone eroded by the sea into two vertical rocks, which rise 500 feet from the ocean and form a small channel that is navigable by small boats. This Galapagos Islands natural monument has become a favorite sight for cruises due to the many Tropicbirds, Frigates, and boobies that fill the surrounding air. Beneath the sea, the nearly crystal waters offer a show of colorful tropical fish and invertebrates.
Transfer to the airport in Baltra for your flight back to Quito or Guayaquil. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Five Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Galapagos Odyssey
Free Quito-Galapagos Airfare on All August Departures. Call for Availability.
Single
Double
Triple
Lower Deck
$2,939
$2,259
n/a
Main Deck
$4,519
$2,259
n/a
Upper Deck
$4,519
$2,259
n/a
All prices are in U.S. Dollars. Click here to see our prices in your currency.
The above prices are valid until December 31, 2010.
Five Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Galapagos Odyssey
The Price of This Tour Includes
South American Vacations' expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
Transfers in the islands between the airport and dock on the date of the cruise.
Accommodations on board the M/V Galapagos Odyssey.
All meals, water, coffee, and tea.
Two daily excursions to the islands conducted by English speaking naturalist guides.
