Galapagos Explorer II, ex Baltra to Santa Cruz

[Ship: Galapagos Explorer II]

6 Night Cruise sailing from Baltra to Santa Cruz aboard Galapagos Explorer II.

Duration & Cruise Type:

6 day

Package Departs::

Baltra, Galapagos Is

6 Night Cruise sailing from Baltra to Santa Cruz aboard Galapagos Explorer II.

Built in 1990, with an overall length of 89.35 m and reaching 17 knots, the M/V Galapagos Explorer II is the most elegant of the vessels cruising the Galapagos' waters. Designed to provide both comfort and scientific information to 100 passengers visiting the Galapagos National Park, this vessel travels up to the remotest islands of the Archipelago.

Detailed Itinerary:

Saturday:
AM: Baltra Island
Baltra played an important role in the history of these islands. It was used by the U.S. Air Force during theSecond World War; many U.S. Navy and crews of the submarines were stationed here to patrol the Pacific Ocean and protect the Panama Canal. Baltra is a flat and dry island surrounded by reefs and few beaches. It has some vegetation such as cacti Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus) and other small trees. You will have the opportunity to see some ground finches, pelicans, frigate birds and the sea lions "your Galapagos hosts" will be upon arrival at the dock to welcome you.

PM: Bahia Sullivan, Santiago Island
This site of great geological interest is located south-east of Santiago Island. Anyone interested in volcanology and geology is delighted with the incredible lava formations of Sullivan Bay. The area is covered by lava flows pahohoe type (lava solidified in a corrugated or accordion fashion). Sullivan lava formed in 1897, is geologically a very young flow. The magma formed is flat, butthe movement of underground lava, the rapid cooling and other eruptions led to the break in many places. One can observe marine and terrestrial birds, a colony of Galapagos fur seals and black marine iguanas adapted very well to this environment.

Sunday:
AM: Bartholomew Island
In this island is located pinnacle rock, one of the most known landscapes of the Galapagos Islands. The island has an area of 1.2 km2 and is an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, green, black and bright soils, bright volcanic formations and recent volcanic cones. Species to meet in the way include brown pelican, Galapagos penguins, tintorera sharks and sea turtles. Its landscape is unique, presents scenarios that could be compared with photographs taken on the moon. For this visit, you need a good physical condition as there is a stairway with 360 steps up to the top of the island and see this beautiful place. On this visit you can decide between hiking or stay on the beach for snorkeling.

PM: Playa Espumilla, Santiago Island
Espumilla is located on the northern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay. The main attractions of this place are a palo santo (saint wood) forest, beach and landscape. The beach is an important site for sea turtles nesting; watch your step in the high dunes because those are favorite nesting places. It offers a beautiful white sand beach that has been popular with visitors since the time of the whalers and pirates, to carry fresh water. During the last El Niño one of the two lagoons in this site underwent a process of sedimentation, causing that an important colony of flamingos disappeared. This beautiful beach is a great place for swimming and snorkeling.

Monday:
AM: Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela Island
If you want an adventure in this marine reserve cannot miss snorkeling when visiting this area. In this privileged place is located a Galapagos fur seals colony, an endemic species to the islands. Punta Vicente Roca is on Isabela Island, the largest island of the archipelago and with more active volcanoes. Swimming with sea turtles and see a variety of fish are activities that only this marine reserve can offer. Then we invite you to take a tour to enjoy a majestic landscape made of volcanic lava intrusions and a sheer cliff, accompanied by Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions, masked boobies, blue footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, frigate birds and flightless cormorants.

PM: Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island
Fernandina is the third largest island and one of the youngest in the archipelago. You can find different types of lava flows, being the pahoehoe lava the one that will call more your attention. You can see the first colonization of plants and animals. It is a mangrove area where you can appreciate the geological differences that only Galapagos offers. The predominant species in this place is the endemic flightless cormorant. You will also find the largest colony of marine iguanas, as well as the Galapagos snake, Galapagos hawk, marine iguanas, lava lizards, Galapagos fur seals and Galapagos penguins. In this island is found the volcano La Cumbre that erupted last time in 2009.

Tuesday:
AM: Caleta Tagus, Isabela Island
Tagus Cove is located west of Darwin volcano on Isabela Island. It was a favorite place for pirates and whalers and where a tradition has continued since that time: the registration of ships' names. This is a place that records the history of the islands. Its name originated from a British warship that went through the islands in 1814 looking for Galapagos tortoises for food. The trail leads inland; along Lake Darwin several terrestrial birds can be watched, as well as the characteristic vegetation of this arid zone. Finally, we observe the lava fields of the Darwin volcano. Darwin Lake contains salt water and its depth is approximately 9m. It has no fish or other special life. The lake lies within a cone of tuff.

PM: Bahia Elizabeth, Isabela Island
This is a bay formed by the union of volcanoes Sierra Negra and Alcedo in the narrowest part of Isabela Island. There is a small cove within the bay with protected and calm water and surrounded by high and colorful mangrove trees that contrast with the lava, creating an appropriate place for sea turtles. Landing is not allowed at this point, however, a trip around the bay in zodiac is possible where you can see the turtle's pond. On the small islands of the bay it is possible to see penguins, marine iguanas, blue footed boobies, masked boobies and gulls, rays, sharks, pelicans, boobies, many fish, sea lions, flightless cormorants, penguins, among other wildlife. From June to September you can see some whales.

Wednesday:
AM: Post Office, Floreana Island
This island has an area of 170 km². During the early 20th century, the island became a kind of promised land for many Norwegians who arrived in search of better days. It has a colorful history of buccaneers, whalers and settlers. Post Office or Post Office Bay is a historic site that reminds us the days of the whalers, when they came to Galapagos for tortoises and fresh water. At Post Office Bay we found also remains of a Norwegians settlement. The visit lasts an hour. Besides the historic part you will see species such as yellow warbler, singer finch, Galapagos sea lion and brown pelican.

PM: options: a. Punta Cormorant, b. Corona del diablo, c. Champion, Floreana Island
On this visit you will have the opportunity to choose between walking to the pond to see one of the largest colony of flamingos in the Galapagos Islands or go snorkeling. In this island with volcanic craters there are reefs such as Devil's Crown or Champion, one of the best places for swimming or snorkeling. The site Punta Cormorant is on the north coast of Floreana. The trail distance is approximate 720 meters and passes through a pond, gazebo, a fine sand beach of different colors and a sea turtles nesting area.

Thursday:
AM: Galapaguera - Cerro Colorado, San Cristobal Island
It is located in the South East of San Cristobal Island in the vicinity of Cerro Colorado, one of the few places where you can see Calandrinia galapagosa, an endemic plant to San Cristobal in danger of extinction. The access is by land. The site was built in 2002 to increase the population of the giant tortoise population also endemic to San Cristobal, one of the 11 populations of Galapagos land tortoises (Geochelone Chathamensi). It includes 12 hectares (120,000 square meters) of dry forest in the area of Cerro Verde. Because the fertility of captivity breeders, this program has yielded its first results in 2005-2006 after the arrival of 11 new members. These tortoises have their corrals at the entrance of the Galapaguera. There is also a small interpretation center where visitors learn about these reptiles and the conservation and breeding programs. Along the trail you can observe different birds such as mocking birds, yellow warblers and small ground finch, tree finch and flycatchers.

PM: Ochoa Beach, San Cristobal Island
A small white sandy beach made of coral with a length of 160 meters, surrounded by shrubs such as mountain savory, manzanillo, shawls and carob. It is also home for blue-footed boobies, frigates, pelicans and gulls. In the sea it is possible to see rays, turtles, sea lions and tropical fish. It was one of the beaches where Charles Darwin walked in September 1835, as San Cristobal was the first island of the Galapagos where he landed. Near the beach there is a seasonal pond, coastal and migratory birds are regularly seen. It is one of the sites to find the endemic to San Cristobal mockingbird. There is an important colony of Galapagos sea lions in the area. One of the outstanding flora species in this site is matazarno, a species highly prized for its hardness and durability. Ghosts and hermits crabs are common species in this site as well.

Friday:
AM: Gemelos, Santa Cruz Island
The Twins are, geologically speaking, considered as craters despite they were not directly formed due to volcanic activity. They are subsidence craters formed by a series of eruptions when the islands were still active. Twins craters are the only place on the island where the Scalesia forest grows. Some species of Galapagos finches and often the beautiful vermilion flycatcher can be seen here. The vermilion flycatcher is the most prominent land bird in the upper parts of almost every island; the Twins is perhaps the best place for its observation since they occur in large numbers in the Scalesia forest. Flycatchers are curious and usually pretty tame. They feed on insects, often caught with the peak in mid-flight. Another plant that draws attention in the Twins is the guayabillo tree, which has a clean and smooth bark.

Classic Suite (Columbus Deck)

Located on the Columbus Deck. They come with three large windows. Average suites size - 250 ft2/23.23 m2 All suite accommodations: □ convertible double beds □ extra sofa bed for triple configurations □ mini-bar □ television □ marble bathroom □ private safety deposit box □ walk-in or large closets □ satellite communication □ 110/220 volt outlets □ hair dryer □ vanity dresser

Classic Suite (Magellan Deck)

Located on the Magellan Deck. They feature a spacious walk-in closet and a courtain separating the sleeping and seating areas. Average suites size: □ suites No. 246, 247, 248, 249 - 240 ft2/22.30 m2 □ suites No. 250, 251, 252 - 210 ft2/19.51 m2 All suite accommodations: □ convertible double beds □ extra sofa bed for triple configurations □ mini-bar □ television □ marble bathroom □ private safety deposit box □ walk-in or large closets □ satellite communication □ 110/220 volt outlets □ hair dryer □ vanity dresser □ 250 ft2/23.23 m2

De Luxe Suite

Located on the Erickson Deck, they feature three picture windows and two full-length wardrobes. Average suites size: 215 ft2/19.97 m2 All suite accommodations: □ convertible double beds □ extra sofa bed for triple configurations □ mini-bar □ television □ marble bathroom □ private safety deposit box □ walk-in or large closets □ satellite communication □ 110/220 volt outlets □ hair dryer □ vanity dresser

Premium Suite

Located on the Marco Polo Deck. They feature three picture windows and two full-length wardrobes. Average suites size - 235 ft2/21.83 m2 All suite accommodations: □ convertible double beds □ extra sofa bed for triple configurations □ mini-bar □ television □ marble bathroom □ private safety deposit box □ walk-in or large closets □ satellite communication □ 110/220 volt outlets □ hair dryer □ vanity dresser

Renaissance Balcony Suite

Located on the Explorer Deck, they offer the ultimate amenity: a private verandah. They feature three full-length wardrobes. Average suites size - 287 ft2/26.66 m2 All suite accommodations: □ convertible double beds □ extra sofa bed for triple configurations □ mini-bar □ television □ marble bathroom □ private safety deposit box □ walk-in or large closets □ satellite communication □ 110/220 volt outlets □ hair dryer □ vanity dresser

Renaissance Panoramic Suite

Located on the Erickson Deck, they offer the ultimate amenity. They are spacious and have three panoramic windows that overlook the bow of the ship. They feature three full-length wardrobes. Average suites size: 284 ft2/26.38 m2 All suite accommodations: □ convertible double beds □ extra sofa bed for triple configurations □ mini-bar □ television □ marble bathroom □ private safety deposit box □ walk-in or large closets □ satellite communication □ 110/220 volt outlets □ hair dryer □ vanity dresser

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