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Estrella del Mar - Galapagos Islands Cruise (4 days)

4 days duration

These enchanting islands are a paradise of many species of flora and fauna and lie on the Equator 1,000 km from Ecuador. An archipelago of 13 large islands, 6 small ones and 40 rocky islets, they were created by violent eruptions of submerged volcanoes. The archipelago is the most famous National Park in the world and takes its name from its symbol, the tortoise.


The Estrella del Mar is a first-class Galapagos Island cruise vessel. All 8 cabins have windows, air-conditioning and a private bathroom. The yacht features wide sun-decks, bar and comfortable dining / lounge areas.

 
Day 1
Friday
  Arrive Baltra Island / Santa Cruz Island
 

Upon arrival on Baltra Island, you are picked up at the airport by our guides and taken to the pier to board the Estrella del Mar for your three-night cruise of this remarkable archipelago.

Santa Cruz is t
he central island in the Galapagos and home to the main port, Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station. The largest town in Galapagos hosts numerous hotels, restaurants, shops, a post office, a small supermarket and two diving companies.

A 2.5 km walk will bring you to one of the best beaches in the Galapagos, Tortuga Bay. Trips can be made to the "Parte Alta", or the high ground behind Puerto Ayora to visit the incredible lava tunnels, the tortoise reserve at Bellavista and the Gemelos, two twin craters
. (LD)

 
Day 6
Saturday
  North Seymour Island / Bartolome Island
 
Located directly to the north of Baltra Island, North Seymour Island is famous for its colony of Frigates found on the south west side of this small island. Also found on this island are Blue Footed Boobies, Land Iguanas, Swallow-tailed Gulls, pelicans and Red-billed Tropic Birds.

Bartolome Island is probably the most photographed island in the Galapagos due to its 350 feet high summit and fabulous 360° views, which is reached after a 60m hike. Subject to weather conditions, the following islands may be seen from here: Santiago, Santa Cruz, Baltra, North Seymour and Rábida. The best view is from the Pinnacle Rock, rising 70m from the cove below where your yacht will probably anchor.

The main attractions are a small colony of the indigenous Galapagos penguin and a colony of sea lions, both found in the cove where you will make a wet landing. Behind the beach it can be found the red and white mangrove, salt bushes, morning glory and the prickly pear cactuses. Other animals that may be seen here are the Great Blue Heron and possibly sea turtles as they lay their eggs from January to March. (BLD)
 
Day 7
Sunday
  Plazas Island / Santa Fe Island
 
Plazas Island is the smallest of the large islands at 1km by 130m. After a dry landing your hike will take you from the shore, which is usually covered in sea lions, to the other side of the island to see the Land Iguanas. On your return, you may see various Sea Iguanas.

Santa Fe Island may well be the oldest island in the Galapagos. The ship will anchor at one of the most beautiful and most sheltered bays in the archipelago. Some of the best snorkelling is here due to crystal clear and shallow waters. Certainly one of the best locations for swimming with sea lions and for a glimpse of the Galapagos White-tipped Shark and a sea turtle. After a wet landing you will walk up to a nearby cliff to see the land iguanas through an area of Opuntia Cactus. Other animals present are the Galapagos Hawk, owls, Frigates, Pelicans, Manta Rays and mockingbirds. (BLD)
 
Day 8
Monday
  Depart San Cristobal Island
 
On approach to Puerto Baquerizo on San Cristobal Island, it is not unusual to see a school of dolphins swimming alongside your yacht. Here we visit the Interpretation Centre which explains the natural processes that have made the Galápagos such a unique place, delineates efforts to protect and preserve the islands, and serves as an education centre for park personnel and naturalist guides.

Your cruise comes to an end and you will journey to the airport for your flight back to Guayaquil or Quito.
(BL)

 

Inca Tours does not own any of the hotels, lodges or service providers utilised in making up the tours. As a result Inca Tours is only acting as an agent for the operators and as such does not accept responsibility for any negligence, omissions, errors or differences in standard experienced by passengers when utilising the operators' products or services. Please Note: for full booking terms and conditions please see the back of our booking form.


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Map - hover to enlarge

  • MapMap
 

 

TOUR DATES
  • Contact us for latest cruise departure dates aboard Estrella de Mar.

 

COUNTRIES VISITED
  • Ecuador

  

COMFORT LEVEL
  • Superior

  

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
  • Local English speaking Expert Guide
  • Unique flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands
  • Baltra Island
  • Santa Cruz Island
  • North Seymour Island
  • Bartolome Island
  • Plazas Island
  • Santa Fe Island
  • San Cristobal Island
  • Snorkelling opportunities
  • Pristine beaches and unique scenery

 

ITINERARY IN BRIEF
  • Galapagos Islands Cruise (3 nights)

It is possible to add nights before or after the cruise in Quito or Guayaquil, at an extra cost.

  

TOUR INCLUSIONS
  • Economy-class group airfares as described in the tour.
  • Accommodation in Superior or Tourist-class hotels or lodges & private facilities.
  • All tours and excursions with English speaking specialist local guides.
  • All admission fees on such tours.
  • Mostly private transfers and tours.
  • Meals throughout as indicated (B = Breakfast  L =  Lunch  D = Dinner).
  • All transportation as described.

  

NOT INCLUDED
  • Airfares to the starting point and from the ending point of the tours.
  • Departure & entry taxes.
  • Items of a personal nature.
  • Passport and visa fees.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Excess baggage.
  • Porterage.
  • Tipping.