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MC Athala - 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 luxury Catamaran Athala was specifically designed and built to cruise the Galapagos Islands in style. The elegant design provides more comfort, superior speed, excellent stability and meets all the latest safety standards. The Athala is unrivalled in offering the generous, comfortable accommodation and amenities of a larger boat while still preserving the relaxed exclusivity of a smaller vessel. All cabins on board are deluxe, with well-appointed private bathroom, water, air conditioning and wall to wall carpeting. All have ocean views with large portrait windows (not portholes).

 
Day 1 Saturday
  Arrive Baltra Island / Bartholomew Island
 
Upon arrival on Baltra Island, you are transferred to the pier to board MC Athala for your three-night cruise of this remarkable archipelago.

Bartholomew Island is the home to the Pinnacle Rock, one of the most famous vistas in the Galapagos. Climbing to the top of this island rewards visitors with panoramic views of varied lava formations, volcanic peaks and a moon-like landscape. You may also get the chance to swim with the Galapagos Penguin. (LD)
 
Day 2 Sunday
  Isabela Island / Fernandina Island

The seahorse shaped Isabela Island is the largest and also one of the youngest and most volcanically active islands in the archipelago. Punta Vicente Roca is comprised of two separate coves; this site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles and the strange, yet fascinating, Mola Mola (or Sun Fish).

Fernandina Island is scheduled in the afternoon. There has been no invasion of foreign species here and as such, it is one of the world's most pristine island ecosystems and the most protected by the Galapagos National Park. Across the channel that divides Isabela Island from Fernandina is Punta Espinosa. The walking trail starts at a large marine iguana colony and leads to the amazing flightless cormorant nesting sites with much to observe and enjoy in between. (BLD)
 
Day 3 Monday
  Santiago Island / Rabida Island

 

Puerto Egas (also called South James Bay) is on the northwest side of Santiago Island. The lava and black sand beaches make for great photography. Puerto Egas is one of the few places in Galapagos where you can see Galapagos “Fur seals”. We start with an easy walk along the beach.  Here you will also find good snorkeling off the beach with a broad array of marine life to be seen.

Rábida Island (also called Jervis) is a bird-watcher's delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance here, such as 9 varieties of finches, large billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans. The trail starts along the red sand beach and continues to the top of a hill where you will have a great view of the surrounding landscape. (BLD)
 

Day 4 Tuesday
  Depart San Cristobal Island


In the morning we anchor at Isla Lobos on San Cristobal Island. The name “Isla Lobos” means Sea Lion Island, which is certainly appropriate since many sea lions frolic, leap and make their homes here. This island is also a great place for snorkelling (and if we’re lucky with the sea lions as well).

Later you are transferred 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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Vessel Information

 

Map - hover to enlarge

  • MapMap
 

 

TOUR DATES
  • Contact us for latest cruise departure dates aboard MC Athala.

 

COUNTRIES VISITED
  • Ecuador

  

COMFORT LEVEL
  • Luxury Catamaran

  

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
  • Local English speaking Expert Guide
  • Unique flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands
  • Baltra Island
  • Bartholomew Island
  • Isabela Island
  • Fenandina Island
  • Santiago Island
  • Rabida 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.