Description
The Galapagos Islands, located 600 miles west of Ecuador, are justifiably one of the World’s great wildlife destinations. Made famous as the islands that formed the basis of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and his book On the Origin of Species, these Enchanted Isles are home to an amazing variety of exotic animals and birds.
Quite remarkably, the diverse range of species that live on these islands have no fear of man enabling us fabulously close encounters with many wonderful animals and colourful birds including Marine Iguanas, Giant Tortoises, Sea Lions, Magnificent Frigatebirds, Blue-footed Boobies, Waved Albatrosses, Land Iguanas and Galapagos Penguins.
Our adventure begins with a flight from London to Quito, Ecuador’s Capital city. Here we are met and transferred to our hotel for two nights giving time to relax after our flight and explore this wonderful city.
We fly to Baltra where we board The Samba, our home for the next eight days as we cruise around the Galapagos Islands. Sailing mainly during the night makes best use of the daylight hours, allowing us to visit more of these unique islands while gaining plenty of time for exploring on foot for photography, peaceful observation, swimming and snorkelling … perhaps with Sea Lion pups or Pacific Green Turtles! At this time of year the waters are generally calm and clear, and the weather good and we may enjoy the sight of schools of Bottle-nosed Dolphins following our boat or possibly whales.
Our past experience of sailing on The Samba and working with her guide and crew gives us the freedom to explore the islands at times to suit us and our photography. Each day we will visit one or two islands, with landings in the morning and afternoon, and we will usually have time for snorkelling. Each island has a unique character and variety of species. The highlights for many will be the Land Iguanas on Santa Fe, the Waved Albatrosses on Espanola, the stunning colonies of seabirds throughout the islands, as well as numerous Marine Iguanas, Galapagos Sealions and much more.
As well as the animals and birds, many endemic to the islands, we will also have the opportunity to photograph unusual plants and stunning landscapes. The geological, botanical and zoological charm of these Enchanted Isles are as attractive and awe inspiring now as when Darwin disembarked from the Beagle in 1835.
Our modern ship, named The Samba, is a 14 passenger tourist superior, 78 foot traditional steel-hulled motor sailor that was built in Holland in 1966. This yacht offers comfortable and spacious accommodation, ample open and shaded deck space, delicious Ecuadorian and international cuisine, personal service on board by a superbly trained crew and a National Park licensed naturalist guide. It is air conditioned with twin cabins each with their own private facilities and outward-facing view.
Peter Smart from Wild Arena will accompany you. Peter is a wildlife photographer, and has escorted around 80 tours to a variety of countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, Borneo, Indonesia, Brazil, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands and the Arctic. He has also taught at many hundreds of Wild Arena’s photographic workshops at numerous locations around the UK. Peter treats it as a genuine privilege to introduce clients to the wildlife, landscapes and people of the countries he visits and his knowledge, experience, organisational skills and sense of fun ensures that not only will you have excellent photographic and game-viewing opportunities but also a highly enjoyable holiday!
The Galapagos Islands are a truly unique and unforgettable place, renowned for unusually tolerant animal and bird life, which allows us fantastic and guaranteed photographic opportunities. View our exciting itinerary and see reports of past tours on our website including many more amazing images. Please then contact us regarding any questions you may still have and to discuss possible mainland extensions to this tour such as a visit to a reserve in the Cloud Forest.
You are advised to make your reservation immediately once you have decided to join us, as places onboard are strictly limited on this unique tour to Galapagos: The Enchanted Isles.
Flights:
Price per person without international flights. Estimated cost of economy class international flights and taxes from London, UK of £1095 per person giving an estimated total price of £5380 per person at prevailing exchange rates at the time of preparing this tour information
download Galapagos: Enchanted Isles 2013Itinerary
Day 1 London, UK. Depart UK for Quito, Ecuador
Day 2 Quito. Transfer to our hotel located in the heart of historic Quito surrounded by churches, museums and national monuments. We have two nights in Quito, allowing a day for an optional guided sightseeing tour. Overnight hotel
Day 3 Quito. A full day to explore Quito including an optional escorted tour of this fascinating city. Overnight hotel (B)
Day 4 Quito - Santa Cruz. Flight to Baltra on the Galapagos Islands and transfer to The Samba for our 8 day cruise. On arrival we will be met by the Samba’s naturalist guide. In the afternoon we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz where we can see giant Galapagos tortoises and learn about the conservation issues facing the islands. (BLD)
Day 5 Floreana (Charles Island). At Punta Cormorant on Floreana we will visit an olive-crystal beach, a secluded lagoon inhabited by Greater Flamingos and take a short walk to a white-sand beach where Sea Turtles nest. Nearby is a submerged volcanic cone which offers wonderful snorkelling amongst the beautiful coral formations of Champion and the Devil's Crown. This is perhaps the best area for snorkelling and you may be joined by playful Sea Lions. We will also stop at Post Office Bay famous for its old wooden barrel, used by whalers in the 18th century as a do-it-yourself postal service, a reminder of how isolated these islands once were. (BLD)
Day 6 Espanola (Hood Island). This is the southernmost island in the archipelago. We visit Punta Suarez, one of the most interesting visitor sites in all of the Galapagos, offering a great abundance of wildlife. The landing point is covered with Sea Lions and their young, and thousands of Marine Iguanas will be basking on the rocks or congregating around a large blowhole. These Marine Iguanas are among the largest in the Galapagos and are brightly coloured throughout the year. Espanola is the only island where you find Waved Albatross and typically from April to December is the home to the entire World population of around 15,000 pairs. There are also Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies nesting here, Oystercatchers and Swallow-tailed Gulls. We continue to Gardner Bay - a coral white-sand beach with Sea Lions, Mockingbirds and many colourful Lava Lizards. (BLD)
Day 7 Lobos Island - San Cristobal Island. In the morning we visit Lobos Island, which has a large Sea Lion colony. In the afternoon we land on nearby San Cristobal Island which is a major breeding island for both species of Frigatebirds. We also have the opportunity to see the less common, Red-footed Booby on this island which is also home to several endemic wildlife species and has a spectacular volcanic landscape with the only freshwater lagoon in the Galapagos. (BLD)
Day 8 Santa Fe (Barrington Island) - South Plaza. On Santa Fe there is the opportunity to find one of the few remaining Land Iguanas endemic to the Island. These yellow iguanas are very photogenic and some can reach 5ft in length! The Land Iguanas might be seen feeding on fallen pads from the prickly pear cactus. Galapagos Mockingbird, Magnificent Frigatebird, Brown Pelican and several species of Darwin's finch are common. This island has a well-protected cove, which makes a perfect location for snorkelling and swimming. On South Plaza there are plenty of sea lions which can make for some interesting snorkelling. (BLD)
Day 9 Santiago (James Island) - Bartolome. Santiago is a large, somewhat barren island with a mostly volcanic landscape. We land on a white coral sand beach in Sullivan Bay on the east coast of the island and walk over the solidified lava that flowed less than 100 years ago. It is one of the best locations to appreciate the volcanic origins of Galapagos. Bartolome is perhaps the most photographed location in the entire archipelago. We will climb up a wooden staircase to the island’s summit. Here amongst pioneer plants and lava cactus, we survey the stunning view and observe the fascinating lava flow formations and spatter cones. Below us Sea Lions and Penguins can be seen around Pinnacle Rock. There is also a sandy beach with great swimming and snorkelling opportunities. (BLD)
Day 10 Rabida Island - Santiago (James Island). Located south of Santiago, Rabida is one of the most volcanically varied islands in the chain. Geologically consisting of eroded hills and lava emitted from spatter cones that have resulted in island's striking colours. Brown Pelicans may be seen nesting and a small saltwater lagoon may contain feeding flamingos, ducks and waders. Landing at Puerto Egas, we visit James Bay to see the interesting geological features, such as lava tubes, eroded tuff cliffs, grottoes and rocky pools surrounded by black lava, where both Sea Lions and Fur Seals can be viewed. (BLD)
Day 11 North Seymour Island - Quito. Our final stop on the islands has the endemic Palo Santo trees, colonies of Blue-footed Boobies, Swallow-tailed Gulls and Frigatebirds. The male Frigatebirds look spectacular when their bright red throats are inflated in courtship display. We disembark The Samba and fly back to Quito. Overnight hotel. (B)
Day 12 Quito. A free day to explore Quito and the surrounding area during which optional excursions may be taken to the Cloud Forest reserve, Cotopaxi National Park or the Equator Monument and museum. (B)
Day 13 Quito. After breakfast transfer to the airport for the return flight to UK. (B)
Day 14 London, UK. Arrive UK.
Please note:
- The itinerary is provisional and subject to change depending on local conditions
- Not all wildlife mentioned can be seen well at all times of the year & some activities mentioned may not always be available
- Meals included are as shown - B = Breakfast, D = Dinner
Venue
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
During our tour we explore the Galapagos Islands – part of Ecuador in South America - with its amazing variety of exotic animals, birds & plants. We also explore the wonderful city of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, and have optional excursions to the Cloud Forest. Cotopaxi National Park and other wildlife or cultural sites in Ecuador.
Summary
Price Land Only cost of £4285 (based on two people sharing twin accommodation) plus cost of international flights from the UK of approximately £1095. Cost of International flights vary depending on availability and will be advised at the time of booking. Full flight payment may be required before final balance payment is due.
Duration 14 days
Single supplement Due to the small size of our ship, we may not be able to provide single accommodation but, if you are travelling singly, we will be happy to find someone to share with you
Deposit £600 required to confirm booking
Travel insurance You must be covered by insurance, which must include adequate cover for baggage, medical expenses and the cost of repatriation should you become too ill to continue, including air ambulance.
Group size 8 to 12 plus photographic guide
Fitness Level Moderate wildlife touring. We are based on a medium sized boat for much of the trip and clients will be required to transfer between the boat and smaller inflatable craft, and also on to jetties or wet landings on the beach. Some moderate walking is required of no more than 2 to 3 hours with appropriate rest stops; this is mainly on level ground but may be uneven in places. This tour is suitable for guests of average levels of fitness.
Photography Level This tour is suitable for all levels of photographic experience. The Wild Arena guide will be available throughout the tour to support and advise clients.
Cost includes Hotel/Lodge/Cabin accommodation on a twin share basis (unless single has been requested) for the nights listed in the itinerary, Breakfast in Quito & all meals elsewhere included, Transfers for group departures using our chosen airline, All internal transport as per the itinerary, Sightseeing tours where specified, All wildlife activities escorted by local naturalist guides, Services of Wild Arena photographic guide throughout tour
Cost excludes National park tax (currently $100) & INGALA Tourist Control Card (currently $10) both payable locally and subject to change at short notice, diving costs & snorkelling equipment, International flight from the UK, Airport taxes, Transfers for Land Only packages and group tours when choosing your own flight arrangements, Visa fees, Departure tax (currently $41 - payable locally and subject to change at short notice), Medical examination (if required) & vaccination costs, Personal expenditure, bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, etc, Porters, guides & other tips, Meals not specified & mineral water, Personal clothing & equipment, Travel insurance, Optional trips, Increases in park fees and taxes levied by the Government on the tourism sector, Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond Classic Journeys control, Anything not specified in the Cost Includes
Booking procedure Wild Arena South American photographic tours are organised through Classic Journeys, a fully bonded UK tour operator holding ATOL licence 3022. Your financial protection when travelling with us. All clients will be required to complete a Classic Journeys Booking Form and booking will be subject to acceptance of the Classic Journeys Booking Conditions which will be provided, and supersedes any information presented on Wild Arena’s web site or other Wild Arena promotional literature. In addition, in the unlikely event that Peter Smart is unable to escort the tour, Classic Journeys reserve the right to send a suitable replacement if available. In such circumstances, the tour will not be cancelled and no compensation will be paid.
