Odyssey Galapagos Cruise Itinerary C
Islands visited: Baltra, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, San Cristobal (map below)
Activities: Wildlife/snorkeling/kayaking/bird watching/hiking
Price Range: From $4000 – $5000 USD
Duration: 6 days
Start & Finish: Baltra, Ecuador
Tour Code: EGCOC
Pricing
- Double/twin cabin $4000 USD per person sharing
- Single cabin $5000 USD per person
Included
- 5 nights cabin accommodation with private facilities
- All meals, water, coffee and tea
- All shore excursions with an English speaking naturalist guide
- Snorkeling gear and use of kayaks at allowed sites
Not Included
- $100 Galapagos National Park entrance fee
- $20 Transit Control Card
- us
- Airport transfers in Galapagos unless flights booked through us
- Wet suit rentals
- Bottled beverages, alcoholic drinks
ITINERARY C
Thursday to Tuesday 5 Days/5 nights (every 15 days)
Day 1 – (Thursday)
AM – Baltra: Assistance will be provided upon your arrival by an Odyssey Galapagos representative after passing through immigration and baggage claim. When ready, you will be transferred to the yacht. You will then be shown to your cabin where you will have some time to settle in before the welcome briefing and lunch.
PM – Charles Darwin Station, Santa Cruz Island : 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 main attractions are the National Park information center, the Van Straelen Exhibition Hall, the Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises, baby tortoises from different islands, and adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity.
Day 2 – (Friday)
AM – White Tipped Reef Shark Canal, Isabela Island: This is a delightful place reached by zodiac. Small islands called “Tintoreras” are situated along the Puerto Villamil coast. White-tipped reef sharks are called Tintorera in Spanish, and they are always found here resting in the shallow waters, hence the name. Lava Heron can be found on mangrove branches at the lookout, and Galapagos Penguin and sea lion often pop out onto the shore.
PM – Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela Island: Isabela Island is the largest and one of the youngest islands in the Galapagos archipelago. We land in Puerto Villamil, which has the second smallest population in Galapagos with approximately 3000 inhabitants. We head up to the highlands to Sierra Negra slope, and later hike on uneven terrain to the Sierra Negra volcano rim. Sierra Negra is the second largest volcanic crater in the world. From this viewpoint, you have fantastic views of the 7.2 x 9.3 km wide crater, other volcanoes, and Perry Isthmus, a 12 km wide lava field. From here we can hike to Chico Volcano to watch the striking lava formations, examples of the geological occurrences that have created the Galapagos Islands.
Day 3 – (Saturday)
AM – Punta Moreno, Isabela Island: Punta Moreno is located on the north coast of Isabela Island between the volcano Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcano. The trail runs along a lava flow Pahohoe (solidified lava in corrugated form or like an accordion) into a complex of coastal lagoons. Its main attraction are several species of birds which can be found around the lakes and mangroves.
PM – Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island: This is a marine visitor site and our excursion is carried out in a zodiac with no landing point. We begin with a visit to the Marielas islets where there is the largest and most important penguin colony in the Galapagos Islands. We continue into the cove that is surrounded by red mangroves. Here you are able to observe sea turtles, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans and sea lions. Frequently, visitors have been able to see Galapagos Hawks soaring overhead whilst schools of Pompano and Dorado fish swim below.
Day 4 – (Sunday)
AM – Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island: Fernandina is the third largest island in the archipelago and has a single visitor site, Punta Espinoza, located at the northeastern tip of the island. Some unique species of The Galapagos can be seen here. Marine iguanas conglomerate in groups larger than in any other island. They bask around in the sand, swim near the shore and at times block the way to the landing dock. Among the unique species found here is the Flightless Cormorant. Their wings, tails and feet have progressively adapted for swimming. To see these birds, is to witness evolution happening right in front of you.
PM – Tagus Cove, Isabela Island: A tour along the cliffs in a zodiac will provide a good chance to see the Galapagos penguin, the flightless cormorant and other sea birds. From the landing dock, it is about a 30-minute hike along the trail up to the top of the cliff from where you can view Darwin Lake, an uplifted ultra-saline lake, saltier than the sea. You can also see several volcanoes from this location. Look carefully at the graffiti on the surrounding cliffs of the cove, as it has been written by pirates, whalers and buccaneers from past centuries.
Day 5: (Monday)
AM – Espumilla Beach, Santiago Island: Espumilla beach is located on the northern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay. During the last presence of the El Niño phenomenon, one of the two lagoons in this site underwent a process of sedimentation, thus causing the disappearance of a colony of flamingos. The main attractions are the Palo Santo forest and the beach is an important site for nesting marine turtles.
PM – Puerto Egas, Santiago Island: Its black beach is located at the west side of the island and is the main attraction of the island. Their volcanic tuff deposits have favored the formation of this special black sand beach. This site is called Puerto Egas, because of an attempt at forming a salt company by a man named Hector Egas. The business failed because the price of salt in the continent was very cheap, and did not justify its exploitation in Galapagos. The project was abandoned and the infrastructure remains.
Day 6: (Tuesday)
AM – Isla Lobos, San Cristobal: This little island is reached after approximately 1 hour by panga boat from Port Baquerizo Moreno. A trail will lead across a dry vegetation zone, substrate of volcanic rocks and sandy areas. There is a small population of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds which nest in this site. At the beach, you will see a large colony of sea lions. It is common to see shorebirds as well.
Transfer to Baltra Airport: Your cruise officially ends. You will be transferred to your scheduled departure from Baltra Airport to the mainland. We hope you will take home fantastic memories of your Odyssey Galapagos Cruise.
Note – Itineraries and activities are subject to change without prior notice depending on weather conditions, water currents, and sea conditions.
