Galapagos 6
 

7 night Española cruise

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Day 1

SATURDAY - ARRIVAL IN GALAPAGOS

Arrive at the airport in Baltra & be transferred to the dock. Check-in to your cabin before attending an introductory briefing & saftey drill. After lunch take a panga ride to Sombrero Chino Island. Sombrero Chino's name translated means 'Chinese Hat', which makes perfect sense as soon as you take a look at its unusual shape. There are various marine species to observe such as very colourful sally lightfoot crabs and sea lions. Darwin's finches can also be spotted on Sombrero Chino. Return on board for a welcome cocktail and dinner.

Overnight: Athala II

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Day 2

SUNDAY - SANTA CRUZ & RABIDA ISLANDS

Start the day at Cerro Dragon, Santa Cruz Island where a hike takes you to a salt water lagoon behind the beach. A short walk up the hill leads you to a land iguana nesting site, with breathtaking views of the bay. You will have the chance to go swimming after the walk. After lunch visit Rábida Island, a small island with red volcanic rocks surrounding a beautiful red sand beach, where there is a colony of sea lions and a pelican nesting site. The trail leads to a salt water lagoon where shore birds can be seen. Rábida is considered to be one of the best snorkeling sites in the Galapagos Islands, and you will also have the opportunity to go kayaking or on a panga ride.

Overnight: Athala II

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Day 3

MONDAY - ISABELA ISLAND

Visit Port Villamil, Isabela Island for various activity choices including an excursion to the wetlands, snorkelling, kayaking, visit to the tortoise rearing centre and the "Wall of Tears" and relaxing at the beach. The Wetlands of Isabela Island consist of large lagoons, swamps, and mangroves and are home to a variety of unique bird species. The Wall of Tears was built by prisoners who were then told to tear it down again and start over. This now historical site towering at 65 feet (25m) took the lives of thousands during its construction and remains as a vivid reminder of the past.

Overnight: Athala II

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Day 4

TUESDAY - FLOREANA ISLAND

Disembark at Floreana island to visit the Baroness's outlook point and Post Office followed by snorkeling or kayak before lunch on board. The unoffical mailbox tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home. For the more adventurous guests, there is an option for a visit inside a lava tunnel. In the afternoon go snorkeling at Champion Islet followed by an excursion to Punta Cormorant. Cormorant Point has a large lagoon where everything from Flamingos to Stilts and Pintail Ducks tend to roam.

Overnight: Athala II

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Day 5

WEDNESDAY - SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND

Visit Cerro Brujo for beach activities and snorkelling and a panga ride. Cerro Brujo's gorgeous beach is also home to many sea lions and it's also the first coast where Charles Darwin first stepped foot on in the Archipelago! After lunch visit Isla Lobos, and on the way sail by Kicker Rock Islet before dinner on board. On Isla Lobos visitors usually have close encounters with sea lion pups, especially while snorkelling. Try and get a glimpse at the second type of sea lion species found in Galapagos, the Fur Sea Lion.

Overnight: Athala II

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Day 6

THURSDAY - SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

Disembark for your transfer from the yacht to Puerto Ayora and visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station accompanied by a guide. On your visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station you will gain insight into the huge efforts being made by scientists, guides, rangers and park managers to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see the famous Galapagos tortoises that are the islands' namesake. Afterwards take a bus ride to the highlands of Santa Cruz to see wild giant tortoises. Return on board for lunch followed by an afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Athala II

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Day 7

FRIDAY - ESPAÑOLA ISLAND

After breakfast visit Punta Suarez, Española Island. Further inland, Nazca and blue-footed boobies nest near the trail and the trail continues towards a blowhole, which is a fissure in the lava where water spurts high into the air like a geyser. Visit Gardner Bay on Española Island for swimming and snorkelling or kayaking. Gardner Bay offers the chance to enjoy a wonderful white sandy beach. It is home to one of the most important colonies of sea lions, and it is also a nesting site for sea turtles. Return to the boat for a farewell cocktail and dinner.

Overnight: Athala II

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Day 8

SATURDAY - DAPHNE ISLAND & DEPARTURE

There is an option to wake up early for a circumference ride around Daphne Major with a briefing by your guides from the M.C. Athala's deck. Daphne Major is a spectacular bird-watching as well as scientific research site. Your guide will point out the bird-life as well as explain some of the important research carried out on the islands from the vantage point of the yacht's deck, as visitors are not allowed to walk on these islands due to their very fragile nature. After breakfast take your luggage out and vacate cabins before snacks in the al fresco dining area. Disembark for airport transfer.

Overnight: Depart the Galapagos