Discover Galapagos - A travel guide to Galapagos cruises, tours, boats and yacht charters

Galapagos Islands tours - fun for the whole family!



A travel guide to Galapagos tours, boats, cruises & yacht charters

Galapagos Cruises and Tours

Galapagos Explorer II

 

The M/V Galapagos Explorer II is a 293.14 feet ocean-going cruise ship.

The M/V Galapagos Explorer II is designed to provide comfort and scientific information to 100 passengers visiting the Galapagos National Park. Its operation is emphasized with interesting itineraries that offer the best of this pristine paradise. Expert naturalist guides will offer an environmentally friendly and educational cruise focused in the Natural History of the Galapagos.

Navigating the Galapagos Islands at a speed of 17 knots, the Explorer II enables passengers to see more of Galapagos in less time. It has capacity for 105 passengers, but due to the National Park regulations, it only carries 100 passengers. Six naturalist guides aboard lead daily shore excursions and offer nightly briefings to prepare passengers for the islands to be visited the next day. 

Enjoy fine dining aboard the Galapagos Explorer II
At the Captain's Table

"Dining aboard the Galapagos Explorer II
consists of both international and Ecuadorian specialties"

The ship provides all the facilities and services to make the cruises enjoyable and comfortable. Features aboard include Jacuzzi, solarium, spacious dining room, an electronic elevator, large conference room, lounge, three bar areas with music, Boutique and reading room. The ship has 50 air conditioned outside suites, each one with private bathroom and a small sitting area.

"The Galapagos Explorer II was bigger and a bit fancier than we had expected. The boat crew were friendly and very helpful on the Zodiac. Special note should be made of the steward who arranged our towels in different bird shapes. The naturalists guide both on board and on the tours were extremely knowledgeable and answered all our questions. You could tell that they really enjoyed what they were doing. We never felt rushed. One guide, Yvonne, had been doing this for 22 years and was by far the best.  She would notice something unusual along the path and would stop to talk to us about it." - Anonymous, USA

Rates

2008 Rates
All rates are per person, in US dollars and subject to change at any time

NEW FUEL SURCHARGE
$26 US per person per night

2008 Rates
50% discount for children under 12
* Some dates excluded
Children under 7 not allowed onboard
HIGH SEASON LOW SEASON
Jan 8-14, May 1-June 15 &
Nov 24-Dec 15
Type of Cabin / Deck 4 Days 5 days 8 Days 4 days 5 days 8 Days
Renaissance Suite
Explorer - Balcony
287 sq feet / 26.66 sq m

Erickson - Panoramic
284 sq ft / 26.38 sq m
$2035 $2715 $4500 $1840 $2455 $4075
De Luxe Suite
Erickson
215 sq ft / 19.97 sq m
$1910 $2540 $4220 $$1730 $2300 $3820
Premium Suite
Marco Polo
235 sq ft / 21.83 sq m
$1655 $2205 $3650 $1495 $1995 $3305
Classic Suite
Columbus
250 sq ft / 23.23 sq m
Magellan
240 sq ft / 22.30 sq m
$1500 $2000 $3325 $1355 $1810 $3010

Please Note: 
For departures between Dec 17-31 a 50% deposit is required to secure your reservations.

Single Accommodation
The rate for singles in any of the suites is the published rate multiplied by 1.8
.

Triple Accommodation
It is possible to accommodate three people in one suite for a 15% discount for the third person

Rates Include
All transfers in Galapagos, guided visits to islands, accommodation, & meals.

Not Included
Galapagos National Park Fee, Galapagos air, consumption from fridge-bar in each suite, and any other items not specifically mentioned.

2009 Rates
All rates are per person, in US dollars and subject to change at any time

FUEL SURCHARGE:
$26 US per person per night

2009 Rates
50% discount for children under 12
* Some dates excluded
Children under 7 not allowed onboard
HIGH SEASON LOW SEASON
Jan 8-14, May 1-June 15 &
Nov 24-Dec 15
Type of Cabin / Deck 4 Days 5 days 8 Days 4 days 5 days 8 Days
Renaissance Suite
Explorer - Balcony
287 sq feet / 26.66 sq m

Erickson - Panoramic
284 sq ft / 26.38 sq m
$2095 $2795 $4590 $1960 $2615 $4290
De Luxe Suite
Erickson
215 sq ft / 19.97 sq m
$1965 $2615 $4300 $1840 $2445 $4025
Premium Suite
Marco Polo
235 sq ft / 21.83 sq m
$1700 $2270 $3720 $1590 $2125 $3480
Classic Suite
Columbus
250 sq ft / 23.23 sq m
Magellan
240 sq ft / 22.30 sq m
$1545 $2060 $3385 $1445 $1925 $3165

Please Note: 
For departures between Dec 17-31 a 50% deposit is required to secure your reservations.

Single Accommodation
The rate for singles in any of the suites is the published rate multiplied by 1.8
.

Triple Accommodation
It is possible to accommodate three people in one suite for a 15% discount for the third person

Rates Include
All transfers in Galapagos, guided visits to islands, accommodation, & meals.

Not Included
Galapagos National Park Fee, Galapagos air, consumption from fridge-bar in each suite, and any other items not specifically mentioned.

 

Amenities & Services

The Naturalist Room
This room is designed for the wide-eyed ecotourist who is seriously interested in being part of the long-term research programs developed by the various research organizations. Here you can help and work together with our guides monitoring physical and biological process of the islands. Here you will also find a "Research Logbook", where you and the naturalist guides register uncommon sights. In addition, marine and land charts of the islands and mainland are available, as well as satellite images.

Conferences
In addition to the daily briefings, conferences on natural history and culture lectured by our guides are also offered. Please check schedules and themes on the information board in the main lobby.

Star gazing
Since Galapagos offers cloudless skies mostly of the year, astronomy is a must. Our crew offers nightly interpretation lectures on the top deck with visual aids to enhance the sightings.

Bridge and Engine Room Visits
The Galapagos Explorer II represents a state-of-the-art display of the latest marine technology meriting a visit to the neural areas of the ship, the bridge (located on the Marco Polo Deck) and the Engine Room. Please sign up at the front desk for the assigned schedule. Only guided visits permitted

Special food
In case you require vegetarian or a special meal, please report this information to the purser.

Snorkeling
The Marine Reserve offers a spectacular world worthwhile to explore. We offer this activity nearly every day. Snorkeling requires a certain degree of preparation that will be provided by your guide, but should be not attempted by people without swimming abilities. Snorkeling gear is available on board.

- Boutique
- Library
- Karaoke Bar
- Conference Room
- Restaurant
- Swimming Pool
- Solarium
- observatory deck
- 24 hours coffee and tea Station
- Medical Assistance
- Massage Suite
- Satellite communication.

 

Itinerary

Galapagos cruise aboard the Galapagos Explorer II

Itinerary:
8 day Saturday to Saturday or Wednesday to Wednesday
5 day Saturday to Wednesday
4 day Wednesday to Saturday

Saturday
A.M: Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz Island & Baltra Airport
P.M: Santa Cruz Island - Cerro Dragon
Sunday

AM: Bartholomew Island Visit
PM: Puerto Egas Visit,  Santiago Island
Monday

AM: Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island
PM: Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela Island
Tuesday

AM: Seymour Norte
PM: High Lands, Lava Tunnels and Wild Giant Tortoises, Santa Cruz Island 
Wednesday

AM: Lobería or  El Junco Visit, San Cristobal Island & Airport
PM: Cerro Brujo, San Cristobal
Thursday

AM: Punta Suarez, Española Island
PM: Gardner Bay, Española Island
Friday

AM: Charles Darwin Research Station & Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
PM: Rabida Island
Saturday

A.M: Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz Island & Baltra Airport
P.M: Santa Cruz Island - Cerro Dragon

* All itineraries are subject to change at any time for any reason

SCUBA: Please inquire if interested

Deck Plan

Galapagos Explorer II deck plan

Our suites average 250sq ft and offer:
Private bath with marble vanity (personal hair dryer) and refrigerator. Your suites are equipped with a tv set. We have an internal tv system that allows you to have 3 channels. Entertainment movies. Documentaries on the islands or natural history in general and the daily program, you will find these channels available every time you come back from your visits to the islands. Two twin beds or one queen bed and small sitting area. Telephone for national or international calls.

All suite accommodations:
  □ convertible double beds
  □ extra sofa bed for triple configurations
  □ mini-bar
  □ television
  □ marble bathroom
  □ private safety deposit box
  □ walk-in or large closets
  □ satellite communication
  □ 110/220 volt outlets
  □ hair dryer
  □ vanity dresser

Renaissance Balcony Suites Suites No. 601, 602, 603, 604
Renaissance Balcony Suite

Renaissance Balcony Suite

 

Explorer Deck - Renaissance Balcony Suites

Located on the Explorer Deck, they offer the ultimate amenity: a private veranda. They feature three full-length wardrobes.

Average suites size - 287 ft2 / 26.66 m2

Renaissance Panoramic Suites Suites No. 505, 506
Renaissance Panoramic Suite

 

 

Erickson Deck - Renaissance Panoramic Suites

Located on the Erickson Deck, they offer the ultimate amenity. They are spacious and have three panoramic windows that overlook the bow of the ship. They feature three full-length wardrobes.

Average suites size: 284 ft2 / 26.38 m2
 

Deluxe Suites Suites No. 507, 508, 509, 510, 511, 512, 514, 515, 516, 517, 518, 519
Deluxe Suite Erickson Deck - Deluxe Suites

Located on the Erickson Deck, they feature three picture windows and two full-length wardrobes.

Average suites size: 215 ft2 / 19.97 m2
 

Premium Suites Suites No. 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 431, 433
Premium Suite

Premium Suite

 

Marco Polo Deck - Premium Suites

Located on the Marco Polo Deck. They feature three picture windows and two full-length wardrobes.

Average suites size - 235 ft2 / 21.83 m2

 

Classic Suites Suites No. 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345
Classic Suite

Classic Suite

 

Columbus Deck - Classic Suites

Located on the Columbus Deck. They come with three large windows.

Average suites size - 250 ft2 / 23.23 m2

Classic Suites Suites No. 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252
Classic Suite

Classic Suite

 

Magellan Deck - Classic Suite

Located on the Magellan Deck. They feature a spacious walk-in closet and a courtain separating the sleeping and seating areas.

Average suites size:

suites No. 246, 247, 248, 249 - 240 ft2 / 22.30 m2

suites No. 250, 251, 252 - 210 ft2 / 19.51 m2

Specifications

Specifications:
I.M.O. No.8798660
GRT: 4077
Length Overall 89.35 m
Vessel delivered on July 1990
Designed speed 17 knots
Auxiliary Engine B&W

Equipment:
Bow Thruster : Brunvoll
C.P.P. : B&W
Radar : Racal Decca (10)
Arpa Radar : Racal Decca S 2690 BT
R.D.F. : Taiyo-Japanese
GPS : Navtrac 
Satelite navigator : Shipmate RS 6100
Echo Sounder : Simrad ED 161
Gyro Compass : Tenjford
Fire Alarm : Salwico 
Radio Station : Sailor HI202

Safety Certificate 1997:
SOLAS Safety passenger Vessel Certificate
Load Line
Marpol

Classification:
RINA Registro Italiano Navale

Ship’s Registry:
LIBERIAN

Reservations

Galapagos Islands Boats, Cruises and Yacht Charters

 
GALAPAGOS CRUISES

Galapagos Cruises and Tours
SCUBA Diving Cruises

Reservations

PRE-TRIP PLANNING

Frequently Asked Questions
Galapagos Map
A Brief Introduction
What to Bring
Travel Insurance

Hotels in Quito & Guayaquil

GALAPAGOS GUIDED TOUR

The Galapagos Archipelago
Baltra (Arrival)
Santa Cruz - Caleta Tortuga Negra
San Salvador - Sullivan Bay
Bartolome
Tower
San Salvador - James Bay
Fernandina - Punta Espinoza
Isabela - Tagus Cove
Isabela - Urvina Bay
Isabela - Elizabeth Bay
Santa Cruz - CDRS and Highlands
Floreana
Hood Island - Punta Saurez
Hood Island - Gardner Bay
Santa Fe
Plazas
Baltra (Departure)

FAMILY TRAVEL

Family Travel Planner
Adventures of Little Miss Chievous
Evan's Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia 2000
Evan's Ecuador 1998

Follow this link to Evan's Ecuador...
Evan with Galapagos Tortoise

INTI TRAVEL AND TOURS

INTI TRAVEL AND TOURS
Accommodation
Ecuador

Amazon
Andes
Coast
Galapagos

Hotels, Haciendas, & Jungle Lodges
Peru
Bolivia

Photo Journal

Follow the iguana to Hood Island...
Marine Iguana

 

 Discover Galapagos
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Box 1586 Banff, AB., Canada T1L 1C1

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