Few places in the world can rival the Galapagos Islands as a wildlife destination. This archipelago of untamed beauty is a naturalists paradise with more than 875 species of plants and 289 types of fish; but it is the uninhibited birds, sea lion, giant tortoise, land and marine iguana, fur seal, penguin and lava lizards that are the islands most compelling attractions.

You can choose between an 8 day/7 night cruise aboard the comfortable, well equipped Beluga or Cachalote vessels. Both offer excellent opportunities for exploration of the islands, while traveling as part of a small group of no more than 16 people, ensuring a unique and personal insight into this natural wonderland.

An experienced naturalist guide accompanies all cruises, bringing to life the surrounding islands and the amazing creatures that inhabit them in a truly inspiring way. Accommodation onboard is in well appointed twin cabins, each equipped with private facilities. All meals while cruising are included in the trip cost and are prepared by our onboard cook. The vessels are air conditioned and carry all necessary safety equipment to ensure a secure and comfortable journey.

For the more adventurous, snorkelling equipment is available for hire on all cruises. You can join from Cusco or Guayaquil in mainland Ecuador. Your cruise cost includes the return airfare from either city to Baltra, from where the cruise will commence. Let your soul be stirred by the natural world of the Galapagos.

BRIEF ITINERARY

The itinerary starts in the city of Quito in the highlands of Ecuador just south of the equator (alternatively you may fly from Guayaquil). This lovely colonial town is famous for its markets and churches and excellent museums.

The archipelago consists of 13 major and 6 minor islands plus 42 islets, which all possess an untamed beauty and enchantment giving the impression that you are on another planet. Rising from the floor of the Pacific Ocean up to 1,700 metres, the islands are a naturalist's paradise, with more than 875 species or varieties of plants and a fish population of 289 species from 88 families, many of them unique to the area.

You are able to enjoy swimming with Galapagos fur seals, and revel in the sights of breeding colonies of sea lions, land and marine iguanas, lava lizards, penguins (the most northerly in the world), pelicans and flamingos. There are just 8 different land mammals but due to the isolation of the islands and the lack of hunting and predatory animals these few are unafraid of man. Birdwatchers get a special treat in being able to see at remarkably close range up to 89 species of birds. We also see Swallow tailed gulls, blue & red footed boobies, frigate birds, Darwin's finches, warblers, mockingbirds flycatchers and the strange flightless cormorant.

During the next few days you cruise to, among others, the islands of Espanola, Santa Cruz (including the Darwin Research Station), North Seymour, Isabela, Sombrero Chino, Rabida, Bartolome and Santiago.

Every day we are woken early for breakfast on board before taking the dinghy to walk along the beaches or onto the well marked trails on the islands. We are accompanied at all times by our onboard naturalist guides who also give us comprehensive lectures and debriefings after each day's cruise and island visits. Distances between the islands varies greatly. Some days we could be motoring for no more than 2 hours whereas on other days we will cover greater distances and 5 or 6 hours of cruising (sometimes at night - depending on sea conditions).

The itineraries are designed to make maximum use of the generally smaller vessels we use and therefore the advantage of a shallow draught and the greater accessibility this allows to some of the smaller islands and coves.

On the eighth day (or fourth or fifth depending on your itinerary) we head back to either the airport at Baltra or San Cristobal islands for the flight back to Quito or Guayaquil on the mainland, where we have a free day for exploring and shopping before ending the trip.

Itineraries are flexible and may vary according to weather and local conditions.

INCLUSIONS

• 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners
• Internal flights approx US$345- $395
• Professional naturalist guide and support staff
• transport to and from cruise
• group medical kit

TRIP DATES

8 day/7 night Cruise:

Departs weekly all year every Friday

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