West
itinerary
DAY
1 – SATURDAY
First encounters
PM
After
arriving at Baltra airport we will be greeted by an Angermeyer Cruises
representant to then board a bus which will take us to Cerro Mesa, the first
visit on the islands. Cerro Mesa is a private ecological reserve located in
the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and dedicated to the conservation of the
natural ecosystem. During this visit, we will have the opportunity to walk
through the many forest paths, filled with endemic Galapagos vegetation, see
the impressive and deep crater, watch the Galapagos ducks and rails, stilts
and frigate birds usually present in the lagoon or closely follow the steps
of the Galapagos Tortoises, present most of the year (on certain months, the
tortoises go down to the coast to lay their eggs). The reserve is also a
great place for bird watching, as mockingbirds, flycatchers, warblers,
Galapagos doves and Darwin finches are usually present in the area.
DAY
2 – SUNDAY
The
Baroness’ domain
AM
We
spend the day on Floreana, legendary homestead of infamous Baroness Boise
Bosquet de Wagner Whereborn. Wet landing onto the olivine beaches of
Punta Cormorant; we will be seeking Greater Flamingos on our way to
another special beach with the finest sand you’ll set your foot on, a sea
turtle nesting ground where sharks and rays also visit regularly. We end the
outing on a short panga ride to Devil’s Crown, a key snorkeling site.
PM
After lunch we will visit Post Office Bay (wet landing), where
you can drop your postcards in the barrel as the whalers did centuries ago.
DAY
3 MONDAY
Volcanic craters and green forests
AM
Dry
landing at Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz Island. From here we will head to the
highlands to see its many attractions, which include lava tunnels, the
famous twin craters, impressive and deep, and the iconic Galapagos giant
tortoises, which inhabit these forests seasonally. Who would have expected
it to be so lush and green on these supposed arid islands?
PM
From
Puerto Ayora we will walk approximately 45 minutes along a stone paved road
which is surrounded by Galapagos coastal vegetation and its most eminent
representants: the prickly pear cactus and the holy stick tree. This road,
which also presents a very good opportunity to watch birds, especially
Darwin finches, will take us to a beautiful, white sand beach known as
Tortuga bay. From here it’s up to you to decide among the alternatives: swim
or snorkel with marine iguanas, explore the coves surrounded by mangrove
trees or simply lay back and relax while enjoying the magical landscape
DAY
4 – TUESDAY
An
initiation to the western islands
AM
We
travel to Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos. After breakfast, we
step ashore at Punta Moreno (dry landing) onto a superb pahoehoe lava
flow surrounded by giant shield volcanoes, some still active!
PM
Panga
ride in and around Elizabeth Bay, a salt-water lagoon surrounded by
the largest red mangroves of the Galapagos.
DAY
5 – WEDNESDAY
Marine
abundance
AM
We
disembark at Urbina Bay (wet landing) onto a black sand beach,
nesting site for Green Sea Turtle. We take a brief hike inland in search of
land iguanas and giant tortoises (seasonal) that migrate to and from the
highlands. At the beach, we will admire the remains of a geological uplift
exposing coral heads and marine fossils; a wonderful snorkeling site.
PM
We
cross Bolivar Channel to Fernandina Island, one of the world’s most unspoilt
sites, and disembark (dry landing) at Punta Espinosa. Strolling along
the shoreline, we will be on the look out for Flightless Cormorants,
Galapagos sea lions, sooty-coloured marine iguanas and bright red-orange
Sally Lightfoot Crabs.
DAY
6 - THURSDAY
Pirate’s abode
AM
Dry
landing near Tagus Cove, historic pirate hideaway where names
of countless ships are recorded for posterity on the cliff face. Hike
through beautiful Galapagos landscapes to Darwin Lake, a salt-water crater
lagoon surrounded by tuff stone.
PM
At
Punta Albemrarle (dry landing), Flightless Cormorant and the largest
marine iguanas of the Islands await to greet you at a site virtually
untouched by Man.
DAY
7 – FRIDAY
Grottos and fur seals
AM
After
three days exploring the fabulous western islands, we head to central
Santiago to disembark at Espumilla (wet landing), onto a
golden-coloured sand Green Sea Turtle nesting site. A forest trail will take
us through some of the largest specimens of Palo Santo on the islands to
observe Yellow Warblers, the unbelievably tame Galapagos Flycatcher and the
ever-intriguing Darwin’s finches.
PM
At
Puerto Egas (wet landing) we disembark on a dark sand volcanic beach
with an interesting history of human settlement. Sleepy Galapagos fur seals
lounge under arches of lava carved by the ocean and occasionally dip into
the crystalline pools, also known as “grottos”.
East
itinerary
DAY
8 – SATURDAY
PM
After
lunch, we will navigate a short distance to Black Turtle Cove, a
large mangrove lagoon on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. Pelicans and
herons roost on the branches, while marine dwellers such as Green Sea Turtle
or Golden Ray may cruise right next to the panga as it makes its way through
the mangroves.
DAY
9 - SUNDAY
Up
north
AM
We
travel to Genovesa Island and reach Darwin Bay (wet landing), a
unique site lined with red mangrove and soft-haired prickly pear cacti where
Red-footed Boobies and Great Frigatebirds perch tamely.
PM
At
Prince Philip Steps (dry landing), we climb the edge of a cliff where
Frigatebirds, Nazca Boobies, and Red-footed Boobies nest. We will be seeking
out the impressive Red-billed Tropicbird amidst Galapagos Storm Petrels.
DAY
10 – MONDAY
Contours of Sullivan Bay
AM
Dry
landing at Bartholomew to climb up the wooden steps and reach the
summit of this spatter cone for a most breathtaking panorama of the islands’
well photographed Pinnacle Rock, views of neighbouring Santiago and many
other central islands in the distance.
PM
We
head across to Sullivan Bay (dry landing) in Santiago to walk over a
recent lava flow, including very fresh pahoehoe lava formations, lava
bubbles containing crystallized minerals, and pioneer plants. Along the
shoreline, we may find Galapagos penguins and herons going after small fish.
DAY
11 - TUESDAY
Mars on Earth
AM
Wet
landing onto Rábida’s deep-red beaches to explore the red island’s
fascinating interior and saltwater lagoon. Darwin’s finches, Galapagos
mockingbirds, and yellow warblers feed off the vegetation; given the right
time of the year brown pelicans nesting on salt bushes that fringe the
beach.
PM
We
head across to Cerro Dragón on Santa Cruz’s north-west shore
(dry landing); we visit a saltwater lagoon, home to Greater Flamingos,
Black-necked Stilts, and White-cheeked Pintails. Further inland we find a
fantastic land iguana nesting site.
DAY
12 - WEDNESDAY
The
islets
AM
We
will step ashore (wet landing) onto a beautiful white coralline beach, on
Mosquera Islet, home to the largest Galapagos sea lion colony in the
archipelago. Here we will do a short hike to explore the surroundings before
snorkelling around the beach.
PM
After
a leisure lunch, we will hop on board our dinghy to do a panga ride around
Punta Carrión to take in the beautiful landscape and observe the wildlife.
We will then end the day with snorkelling in these shallow and colourful
waters.
DAY
13 - THURSDAY
Heading Eastward
AM
Dry
landing on one of the oldest docks of the Archipelago, colourful Plaza
Sur is home to vibrant green prickly pears, deep red Sesuvium and
coppery-orange land iguanas; impressive seaward cliffs are excellent for a
variety of coastal birds.
PM
Arrive
at Santa Fe (wet landing) where we will be looking for the
endemic species of land iguana, larger and yellower than land iguanas on
other islands. The largest prickly pear cacti in the Galapagos are also
found here.
DAY
14 – FRIDAY
From albatrosses to blowholes
AM
We
will spend the day in fantastic Española, starting with Gardner Bay (wet
landing), an outstanding beach with sea lions, marine iguanas, and the
intrepid Española Mockingbird.
PM
Punta Suárez (dry landing) is a spectacular walk into the intimacies of
life at sea, with nesting sites of Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies, as well as
the fascinating breeding rituals (April to December) of Waved Albatross.
Lined with neon-colored marine iguanas (January), and lazy Galapagos sea
lions, we walk up to an amazing viewpoint of the famous blowhole.
DAY
15 – SATURDAY
A
last goodbye with the tortoises
AM
The Fausto Llerena
breeding station, also known as the Charles Darwin Research Station was
created in 1964. Here, we will see tortoises from different islands,
including the most famous of them all, "Lonesome George", the last survivor
of the Pinta Island tortoises. The animals are found in large semi natural
pens for their protection, but also to ensure an easy view for the tourists.
The pens are divided according to four different stages: eggs, neonates,
juveniles (held here until they are mature enough to be "repatriated"), and
adults.
After this visit we will take a bus to Baltra airport for the flight to
mainland Ecuador.
In
addition to the land visits we offer a good balance of other activities such
as snorkeling, panga rides and kayaking.
| ITINERARY “A” SOUTHERN ISLANDS (6
DAYS) |
Walk along
pristine beaches amidst Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies and
marine iguanas!
Walk along
pristine beaches amidst Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies and
marine iguanas!
DAY 1- WEDNESDAY
Arrival and first taste of the Islands
PM
After boarding the ship and a welcome cocktail we will enjoy a delicious
lunch before heading to Punta Carrion, the first visit on the islands. Here,
we will do a panga (dinghy) ride to take in the surrounding landscape
followed by an introductory snorkelling in these shallow waters filled with
wildlife.
DAY
2 - THURSDAY
Heading Eastward
AM
Dry landing on one of the oldest docks of the Archipelago, colourful
Plaza Sur is home to vibrant green prickly pears, deep red Sesuvium
and coppery-orange land iguanas; impressive seaward cliffs are excellent
for a variety of coastal birds.
PM
Arrive at Santa Fe (wet landing) where we will be looking
for the endemic species of land iguana, larger and yellower than land
iguanas on other islands. The largest prickly pear cacti in the Galapagos
are also found here.
DAY
3 - FRIDAY
From albatrosses to blowholes
AM
We will spend the day in fantastic Española, starting with Gardner Bay
(wet landing), an outstanding beach with sea lions, marine iguanas, and the
intrepid Española Mockingbird.
PM
Punta Suárez (dry landing) is a spectacular walk into the intimacies of
life at sea, with nesting sites of Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies, as well as
the fascinating breeding rituals (April to December) of Waved Albatross.
Lined with neon-colored marine iguanas (January), and lazy Galapagos sea
lions, we walk up to an amazing viewpoint of the famous blowhole.
DAY
4 - SATURDAY
A day with the Tortoises
AM
The Fausto Llerena breeding station, also known as the Charles Darwin
Research Station was created in 1964. Here, we will see tortoises from
different islands, including the most famous of them all, "Lonesome George",
the last survivor of the Pinta Island tortoises. The animals are found in
large semi natural pens for their protection, but also to ensure an easy
view for the tourists. The pens are divided according to four different
stages: eggs, neonates, juveniles (held here until they are mature enough to
be "repatriated"), and adults.
PM
Cerro Mesa is a private ecological reserve located in the highlands of
Santa Cruz Island and dedicated to the conservation of the natural
ecosystem. During this visit, we will have the opportunity to walk through
the many forest paths, filled with endemic Galapagos vegetation, see the
impressive and deep crater, watch the Galapagos ducks and rails, stilts and
frigate birds usually present in the lagoon or closely follow the steps of
the Galapagos Tortoises, present most of the year (on certain months, the
tortoises go down to the coast to lay their eggs). The reserve is also a
great place for bird watching, as mockingbirds, flycatchers, warblers,
Galapagos doves and Darwin finches are usually present in the area.
DAY
5 - SUNDAY
The Baroness’ domain
AM
We spend the day on Floreana, legendary homestead of infamous Baroness
Boise Bosquet de Wagner Whereborn. Wet landing onto the olivine beaches of
Punta Cormorant; we will be seeking Greater Flamingos on our way to
another special beach with the finest sand you’ll set your foot on, a sea
turtle nesting ground where sharks and rays also visit regularly. We end the
outing on a short panga ride to Devil’s Crown, an key snorkelling
site.
PM
After lunch we will visit Post Office Bay (wet landing), where
you can drop your postcards in the barrel as the whalers did centuries ago.
DAY
6 - MONDAY
Tortoises in the Mist
AM
Dry landing at Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz Islands, from which we will
visit the wet forests of the highlands in hopes of finding giant tortoises
(seasonal). Who would have expected it to be so lush and green on these
supposed arid islands? Itinerary A comes to an end as we bus ride back to
Baltra airport.
NOTE: Passengers ending their trip on this day will be transported by
bus to the airport at Baltra. We offer additional tourist packages for
passengers who want to spend more time at Puerto Ayora. Passengers starting
their trip on this day will be transported from Baltra to Puerto Ayora by
bus. A certified guide will accompany passengers at all times.
In
addition to the land visits we offer a good balance of other activities such
as snorkeling, panga rides and kayaking.
| ITINERARY “B” WEST AND BEYOND (6
DAYS) |
Mythical reptiles: Giant
Tortoises, Marine Iguanas, Land Iguanas against an outstanding
volcanic background
MONDAY
Baltra Airport & Charles Darwin Research Station
PM: Arrival at Baltra airport
and bus transfer to Puerto Ayora. After getting acquainted with the Sagitta,
you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz): home of
Lonesome George, the most famous tortoise of Galapagos, last survivor of the
Pinta Island tortoise population. Learn about the conservation efforts to
restore giant tortoise populations to their original islands. Afterwards,
stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora, the largest settlement in the
Galapagos.
TUESDAY
Punta Moreno & Elizabeth Bay
AM: Punta Moreno (Isabela):
dry landing onto a superb pahoehoe lava flow, surrounded by giant shield
volcanoes –some still active! Flamingos, gallinules, and ducks in brackish
water ponds and lagoons, flanked by pioneer and endemic vegetation. Good
opportunity to spot our first cormorants and penguins. This will be followed
by a short panga ride or snorkelling at Punta Vicente Roca.
PM: Elizabeth Bay (Isabela):
enjoy a panga ride in a salt-water mangrove lagoon, where the largest red
mangrove trees in Galapagos grow. Green sea turtles’ heads will pop up here
and there, and Galapagos penguins will “fly” right next to you chasing fish.
WEDNESDAY
Urbina Bay & Punta Espinosa
AM: Urbina Bay (Isabela): wet
landing onto a dark sandy beach often used by green sea turtles as a nesting
site. We will walk over different terrains observing large land iguanas, a
variety of native and endemic plants, and sometimes giant tortoises in their
natural habitat. There are also the remains of a 50-year old uplift,
exposing coral heads and other marine fossils.
PM: Punta Espinosa
(Fernandina): one of the most unspoiled islands in the world! A true
highlight. Dry landing to stroll the shoreline where you have to decide
whether you are looking at lava or marine iguanas… flightless cormorants,
Galapagos sea lions, and colourful Sally Lightfoot crabs will keep you
company during your walk.
THURSDAY
Tagus Cove & Punta Albemarle
AM: Tagus Cove (Isabela):
long walk through a beautiful Galapagos landscape. Dry landing next to a
cove where early visitors carved graffiti of their boats’ names. Darwin
Lake, a salt-water crater lake, surrounded by tuff stone. At the end of the
trail, observe the vast lava flows that connect the volcanoes of Northern
Isabela.
PM: Punta Albemarle
(Isabela): one of the most pristine visitor sites within the Galapagos
National Park. Dry landing onto a pahoehoe lava flow, where huge marine
iguanas and flightless cormorants wait to greet you.
FRIDAY
Espumilla Bay & Sombrero Chino
AM: Espumilla (Santiago): wet
landing onto golden-coloured sand, where green sea turtles nest. A trail
will take you through a Palo Santo forest containing the largest specimens
in the islands. Lots of land birds: yellow warblers, Darwin’s finches,
Galapagos flycatchers…
PM: Sombrero Chino:
“Chinaman’s Hat” is the most scenic islet in the Galapagos! This volcanic
cone is separated from nearby Santiago Island by a turquoise water strait,
where Galapagos sea lions swim. Wet landing on a sandy coralline beach.
SATURDAY
North Seymour & Baltra Airport
AM: North Seymour: prior
leaving for the airport at Baltra, you will visit this small uplifted
island, which hosts the largest colony of magnificent frigatebirds, one of
the two species that nest in Galapagos. Male frigatebirds display their
large red throat pouch to attract a female, while on the ground, blue-footed
boobies step out in their courtship dance. Dry landing.
NOTE: On the
final day the yacht sails to the airport on Baltra to disembark passengers
ending their trip and to pick up new passengers.
In addition to the land
visits we offer a good balance of other activities such as snorkeling, panga
rides and kayaking.
| ITINERARY “C” CENTRAL AND NORTHERN
ISLANDS (5 DAYS) |
Sea lions, boobies and volcanic
features, while enjoying the most scenic islands in Galapagos!
SATURDAY
Baltra Airport & Black Turtle Cove (Caleta Tortuga Negra)
PM: Black Turtle Cove (Santa
Cruz): after leaving Baltra airport, the Mary Anne navigates the short
passage to Black Turtle Cove, a large mangrove lagoon on the north coast of
Santa Cruz, the second largest island in the Galapagos Archipelago. Pelicans
and herons roost on the mangrove branches, while green sea turtles cruise
right next to you as the panga smoothly make its way through the lagoon.
SUNDAY
Darwin Bay & Prince Phillips Steps
AM: Darwin Bay (Genovesa):
wet landing onto a coralline beach, one of the highlights of any trip in the
Galapagos Islands. Red mangroves and soft-haired prickly pear cacti used as
perching sites by red-footed boobies and great frigatebirds. And under the
salt bush, the elegant swallow-tailed gulls.
PM: Prince Philip Steps (Genovesa):
dry landing and cliff-climbing to reach a plateau where Nazca Boobies and
Great Frigatebirds nest. Red-footed Boobies perch at Palo Santos trees, and
hundreds of Galapagos Storm Petrels fly around effortlessly. Tower Island –
the birds’ island!
MONDAY
Bartolomew & Puerto Egas
AM: Bartholomew dry landing
to enjoy the most well-known, always breathtaking panorama in the Galapagos
Islands. After climbing some wooden steps, you reach the top of this spatter
cone to look out onto the Islands’ most famous icon: Pinnacle Rock, with
neighbouring Santiago Island and most of the central islands as well.
PM: Puerto Egas (Santiago):
wet landing onto a dark sandy volcanic beach. Once inhabited, Puerto Egas
offers you a magnificent stretch of coastline. Lava flows carved by the
ocean have produced grottos and arches that shelter the shy Galapagos fur
seal.
TUESDAY
Rabida & Cerro Dragon
AM: Rábida: the red island.
Wet landing to explore its fascinating maroon-tinted interior and saltwater
lagoon. Amazing scenery, lots of Darwin’s finches, Galapagos mockingbirds,
and yellow warblers. Given the right time of the year, brown pelicans nest
on the salt bush that fringes the beach.
PM: Cerro Dragón (Santa
Cruz): dry landing onto the north-west shore of Santa Cruz. White sand with
giant cacti and succulent sesuvium, and behind a saltwater lagoon inhabited
by greater flamingos, black-necked common stilts, and whitecheeked pintail
ducks. A walk inland leads to a nesting site of Galapagos land iguanas.
Day 5 WEDNESDAY
AM: Santa Cruz: A wet landing at Las Bachas onto a white sandy beach. Up a
sand dune, where green sea turtles nest, to a colourful salt–water lagoon
with greater flamingos. Look out for Marine iguanas and Darwin’s finches
along the way. We will then be transferred
to Baltra's airport to take the flight back to mainland Ecuador.
In addition to the land
visits we offer a good balance of other activities such as snorkeling, panga
rides and kayaking.
Accommodation: Ten air conditioned double
cabins, double lower and single upper berths, en suite bathroom with hot
and cold fresh water showers. Deck salon, dining area, conference and
video salon, deck cockpit
Crew: Captain, First Mate, Engineer, Two
Sailors, Cook and Assistant, Cabin Attendant, and Naturalist Guide
Equipment: Two SCANIA main engines 185 HP
each, two 40 KW generators 120V & 240V A/C 60 HZ and 12V & 24V
D/C. Foruno radar, GPS, VHS & SSB radios. Two tenders with outboard
motors. Two color TVs with video equipment and one computer.
Safety Equipment: Two 20 passengers life
rafts with all safety equipment. Emergency Position Indicating Radio
Beacon (EPIRB), Smoke and fire detector, Overhead Sprinkler Fire System.
Specifications:
Speed: 8 knots
Range: 3.000 miles
Sails: Bark Rig
Water: 5,000 gallons and water maker with a capacity of 1,500 gallons per
day
Galapagos Reservations
Galapagos
Islands Boats, Cruises and Yacht Charters
