Galapagos Explorer II, ex Puerto Ayora to San Cristobal

[Ship: Galapagos Explorer II]

4 Night Cruise sailing from Puerto Ayora to San Cristobal aboard Galapagos Explorer II.

Duration & Cruise Type:

4 day

4 Night Cruise sailing from Puerto Ayora to San Cristobal 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:

Friday:
PM: Puerto Ayora and Charles Darwin Station, Santa Cruz Island
The "Charles Darwin Research Station" was inaugurated in 1964. It is located next to the Galapagos National Park administration. Both work together developing conservation programs for indigenous and endemic species to the archipelago. The Park Service is the state entity responsible for management and administration of both the land area of the Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Marine Reserve. The Park Service has to manage and implement programs of protection and conservation of endangered species and work to maintain the ecological integrity of the Park in general. There is a souvenir kiosk, the CDRS, the funds raised support conservation and research programs. Here you can see tortoises from different islands, including the most famous "Lonesome George", the last survivor of the Pinta Island tortoises. These species are found in large semi natural pens for protection and easy to see - divided into four stages: eggs, neonates, juveniles (at the age of being "repatriated"), and adults. It is an excellent place to see finches of several species as well as some xerophytic vegetation.

Puerto Ayora, is the most populated village of the island and with the largest port in the archipelago. It offers different activities, restaurants and other amenities. The iguanas rest on the load at the dock, while boobies and pelicans dive into the turquoise waters of Academy Bay.

Saturday:
AM: Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz Island
Baltra played an important role in the history of these islands. It was used by the U.S. Air Force during the Second 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: Puerto Egas, Santiago Island
Puerto Egas is a black sand beach located on the west side of James Bay in the northwest of Santiago Island. It was named Puerto Egas because the last holding of salt was made by the company of Hector Egas, which failed, the ruins can be seen during the visit. In the south of the beach is located the Sugarloaf volcano, which has deposits of volcanic tuff, which favored the formation of the black sand beach. The crater located north of this site has a saltwater lagoon that dries in summer and becomes a salt mine. Sea lions, iguanas, finches, mockingbirds, lizards and herons are some of the species to see in this site.

Sunday:
AM: El Barranco, Genovesa Island
Known as the bird Island, Genovesa is a small island, just 14 square kilometers located northeast of the Galapagos Archipelago. It has a single volcano that emerged only 76 m above the sea surface. The crater located in the center of the island contains a lagoon. Some of the birds to see are: frigates, masked boobies, gulls, hawks, red-footed boobies and the exceptional herons and gulls of the lava. The visit to Barranco includes a walk along a beautiful white coral beach and a mangrove forest; a nesting site for red-footed boobies and frigates. In the afternoon we will take a bay trip in a panga and go up the stairs of Prince Philip, named in honor of Prince Philip who visited Genovesa Island during the 60's. Frigate birds are abundant. It is the best place to watch swallows, finches, red-footed and masked boobies, tropical birds and Galapagos gulls; the only nocturnal gulls in the world indeed. Marine fauna around this island include sea lions and the smallest marine iguanas in the Galapagos Islands.

PM: Bahia Darwin, Genovesa Island

Monday:
AM: Seymour Norte Island
North Seymour Island is a spectacular place to hike, swim, enjoy snorkeling and diving. There is a circular path or trail that crosses the interior of the island and takes you to explore the rocky coast. This trail takes you through some of the largest colonies of seabirds. It was formed by the removal of underwater volcanic lavas. In 1932 and 1933, about 72 land iguanas from Baltra to North Seymour were brought by Captain Alan Hancock and his crew, with the intention that these animals could survive in better condition than in Baltra, where goats were introduced. The vegetation is shrub and hosts the largest nesting colony of the true Galapagos frigate. One of the best experiences is to look at frigate birds with their huge red gular sac hanging from their necks. They inflate their red gular sac when trying to attract or draw the attention of a female couple, These birds are also known to steal food from the blue-footed boobies.

PM: Punta Carrion - El Chato, Santa Cruz Island
At the top of this island, giant tortoises can be seen roaming freely around the El Chato lagoon. They share the habitat with ducks and gallinules and sometimes with frigates bathing in the lagoon. Tortoises use to immerse themselves in water and mud. There are some theories about it: is believed to be for thermoregulation (for heating or cooling depending on conditions) or a mechanism to kill ticks and protect themselves against mosquitoes. Tortoises also walk through some farms in the area. Our tour includes a visit to the lava tubes that were the product of a lava flow when the lava cooled outside while the inside was still flowing. They are really impressive in size and length, and give the feeling of being inside a volcano. You can hike and visit the farm to see the lava tunnels and submerged craters. The main part of the tunnel is lit. The largest tunnel is 420m (1380 feet) in length and the smallest is 50m (165 feet). The road to the reserve is one of the best places to watch land birds. Tree and ground finches, vermilion flycatchers, cattle egrets and herons inhabit the area; and occasionally been Pachay (Galapagos rail) has been seen.

Tuesday:
AM: Interpretation Center, San Cristobal Island
The Interpretation Center of San Cristobal is one of the components of the project "Interpretation and Education Plan for the Galapagos Islands Environment", financed by the government of Spain through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECI), in coordination with the Galapagos National Park and the support of the Charles Darwin Foundation. It was opened by the Prince of Asturias, Felipe de Borbon, in August 1998 who enjoyed a cruise aboard the M/V Galapagos Explorer II. The tour offered by the facility takes us through the history of the islands, in their natural, human and conservation contexts. The Hall of Natural History explains a series of natural circumstances such as the origin of these volcanic islands, their remoteness from the continent, its currents, its special climate, the arrival of different species and their establishment, among others. The Hall of Human History tells in chronological order the most significant events related to the discovery and colonization of the Galapagos. In the second stage presents the reality of today's Galapagos: the problem and the struggle of several institutions and individuals to conserve Galapagos. The environmental education office of PNG is located on this site. Then have free time to stroll along the seaside in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, shopping in small stores, enjoy the local cuisine or simply relax and enjoy the surroundings.

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

Cruise Enquiry & Cruise Booking form

Your Details

Email: *

First Name: *

Last Name: *

Daytime Telephone No: *

Suburb: *

City/Town: *

Please keep me updated with your latest cruise specials

Do not include me into your latest specials update

Cruise Information

Cruise Name:

Cruise Destination:

Cruise Length: nights

Ship Name:

Depart Date:

Cruise Details

Cabin Preference:

Please include the number of cabins you would like, eg. if there are 6 travellers do you want 3 x two person cabins or 2 x 3 person cabins. Also include the type of cabins you would prefer: Inside, Outside, Balcony Cabin or Suite

Number of Adults:

Number of Children
(3-12 years old):

Number of Infants
(under 3 years old):

Number of Cabins:

Other Comments:

Number Of People:

Please include total number of people travelling, how many are adults, how many are children and the childrens ages.

Ready to book? Click here

Names of ALL passengers travelling (as per passport)

Passenger 1 Full Name:

Date of Birth:

Passport Nationality:

Passenger 2 Full Name:

Date of Birth:

Passport Nationality:

Passenger 3 Full Name:

Date of Birth:

Passport Nationality:

Passenger 4 Full Name:

Date of Birth:

Passport Nationality:

Passenger 5 Full Name:

Date of Birth:

Passport Nationality:

Passenger 6 Full Name:

Date of Birth:

Passport Nationality:

Cruise Information

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

  _   _   ___   _  _   ___      _   _____ 
 | | | | | _ \ | \| | / __|  _ | | |_   _|
 | |_| | |   / | .` | \__ \ | || |   | |  
  \___/  |_|_\ |_|\_| |___/  \__/    |_|

Please type the above characters into this box: *