MC Nina - Galapagos Islands Cruise (8 days)
8 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.
Nina is the first of the brand new Kat-700 luxury catamaran series and is the most modern vessel in the Galapagos Islands. Her speed, comfort, luxurious interiors and excellent itinerary make Nina perfect for your Galapagos Cruise Adventure. All cabins boast the luxury of a private balcony and the new stability system ensures the smoothest of rides. The new design of the MC Nina surpasses all rivals. She is the fastest, sleekest, longest and most stable catamaran cruising the Islands.
| Day 1 |
Tuesday |
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Arrive San Cristobal Island |
Upon arrival on San Cristobal Island, you are transferred to the pier to board MC Nina for your seven-night cruise of this remarkable archipelago.
In the afternoon, we visit La Galapaguera or the Interpretation Centre. The Galapaguera allows you to see the Giant tortoise in its natural environment. You can see baby tortoises and well as the large adults. A visit to the Interpretation Centre in San Cristobal is also possible. (LD)
| Day 2 |
Wednesday |
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Espanola Island |
Often listed as a Galapagos favorite visitor site, Suarez Point on Espanola Island, you'll have the chance to see blue-footed boobies and waved albatross as well as the famous “blowhole” spurt water high into the air. The landscape is great for photography.
Espanola Island is the breeding site of nearly all of the world's 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. Gardner Bay has a lovely white sanded beach where you will see a sea lion colony. It is a good place for snorkelling or just relaxing on the beach. (BLD)
| Day 3 |
Thursday |
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Floreana Island |
Disembarking at Cormorant Point on Floreana Island, the trail take us along the beach where sea lions are basking on the sand. Further ahead, behind white and black mangroves we will reach a vast brackish water lagoon where flamingos can be seen. We will carry on until we reach a look out point and then to the white sand beach which is a sea turtle nesting ground. The nearby Champion Islet is widely considered to be one of the best snorkelling and diving sites in the Galapagos.
At Post Office Bay, 18th century whalers used a barrel as an unofficial mail drop. In those times ships could often be away from home for 2 years or more. Ships on their outward journey would leave letters and ships returning home would collect them and mail them in their homeland. The custom continues to this day between Galapagos visitors. (BLD)
| Day 4 |
Friday |
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Santa Cruz Island / Plazas Island
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Our visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station allows you to learn about the giant tortoise breeding and repatriation program and the eradication of introduced species. You will be able to walk among the giant tortoises. The station is also home to the world´s rarest animal. There is only one Pinta Island giant tortoise remaining on this planet. He is known as Lonesome George. Afterwards you will have an opportunity to look around Puerto Ayora for some souvenir shopping.
In the afternoon, we travel to Plazas Island. This island is a very special place for the Galapagos; you will find a big colony of Sea Lions, land iguanas, several birds species, a beautiful view to the ocean from a cliff and a forest of Opuntia Cacti. (BLD)
| Day 5 |
Saturday |
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North Seymour Island / Bartolome Island
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North Seymour is a very low-lying island and has a very large population of blue footed-boobies. It is also home to the largest colony of the magnificent frigate birds in Galapagos. The large red pouch of the males makes for quite a spectacle. The first half of the trail is sandy but the second half is rocky (be sure to bring good walking shoes).
Bartolome Island is the home to the Pinnacle Rock, one of the most famous vistas in the Galapagos. You may also get a chance to swim with the Galapagos Penguin. Climbing to the top of this island rewards visitors with panoramic views of varied lava formations, volcanic peaks and a moon-like landscape. (BLD)
| Day 6 |
Sunday |
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Isabela Island / Fernandina Island
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The largest and one of the most volcanically active islands, Isabela provides habitat for five subspecies of giant tortoise - one for each of its five volcanoes. We will visit Punta Vicente Roca which has beautiful volcanic scenery, with amazing lava intrusions as well as a huge sea cliff.
No foreign species have ever invaded Fernandina Island, and, as a result, it claims to be one of the most pristine ecosystems in Galapagos. Fernandina is the youngest island in Galapagos. The La Cumbre volcano with its lava fields spreading out to the ocean dominates the landscape. We land at Punta Espinosa, and after walking past a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions, visitors arrive at the island's highlight - the flightless cormorant nesting site. (BLD)
| Day 7 |
Monday |
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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 snorkelling off the beach with a broad array of marine life to be seen.
Rabida Island (also called Jervis) is a bird-watcher's delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance, such as 9 varieties of finches, large billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans. The trail starts along the red sand beach and then to the top of a hill where you will have a great view of the surrounding landscape. (BLD)
| Day 8 |
Tuesday |
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Depart 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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