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Departures: Every Friday throughout the year subject to availability.
Aboard M/V Beluga
Lying 600 miles away from the continent of South America, the remote isles of the Galapagos have played a central role in the history of man's ideas. Named "The Enchanted Isles" by the first sailors because of the mist that often hid them from sight, they have had a long history as a haven for both explorers and pirates. But it was Charles Darwin's observations of the relationships between the islands' species, inspiring one of the most revolutionary of scientific theories, that ultimately caused the human species to look at itself quite differently. Today the scientific value of these isles in providing a natural laboratory of ecology and evolution is probably greater than ever. The Galapagos Islands are one of the most remarkable wildlife sites in the world. As well as their twenty-six endemic bird species and amazing seabird colonies, they have many unique creatures, including Giant Tortoises and Marine Iguanas. Formed by volcanic action, never joined to any continent, and still very isolated, these islands display a classic evolutionary history. Colonisation, almost at random, followed by the evolution of the few colonising species into a variety of often strangely adapted forms has produced an incredibly distinct and characteristic assemblage of life forms. The islands today form a fascinating but fragile evolutionary laboratory, and are still the subject of intense biological study. But it is probably the tameness and abundance of the birds and other wildlife that make the Galapagos uniquely attractive to anyone with an interest in the natural world. Their position in the cold Humboldt current flowing north from the Antarctic, and bringing nutrients to the surface, make the surrounding waters rich in fish and plankton, and account for the huge numbers of seabirds here, including, amazingly on the equator, Galapagos Penguin. The underwater world is no less fascinating, and, although the water can be surprisingly cool, there will be several chances to snorkel over the reefs and submerged volcanoes around the Galapagos shores, looking at the enormous diversity of fish, including huge Manta Rays, sharks (including Scalloped Hammerhead), as well as turtles and some of the other abundant marine life. |
The prices are per person, and are fully inclusive of the cruise, meals during the voyage, shore excursions by Zodiac and activities throughout the voyage, lectures and leadership by expedition staff, taxes and port charges and pre-departure information. Prices also include airport transfers, and two nights hotel accommodation in Quito. The prices exclude return flights UK/Quito (please allow approximately £1200.00), fuel surcharges, travel insurance, Galapagos National park entry fee (currently US$100 pp), tips (allow $150 pp), Quito Airport departure tax, meals ashore, optional tips to leaders and crew, drinks, and other personal expenses. Accommodation: Cabins as described in the full itinerary subject to to availability. Travel: We can arrange flights and overnight accommodation for you if necessary. Please contact us for prices and availability. Leaders: Guides from Enchanted Expeditions |
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To get the best out of our visit, we're opting to cruise around the islands on a small luxury motor-yacht, the M/V Beluga. With a maximum capacity of 16 passengers in double cabins, each equipped with private facilities, the yacht is fully air-conditioned (lovely when you come back in for lunch!) and has a 9-man crew. The Beluga is outfitted with a stabilizer system making for the smoothest running in the calm Galápagos seas. The main salon is spacious, and equipped with sofas and chairs, a bar and entertainment center. Passengers gather here for briefings by our guides, to watch films, enjoy a drink at the bar or just relax. She has eight very comfortable and luxurious cabins with plenty of storage. The sun deck offers plenty of space to sunbathe, read a book, take pictures, or just enjoy the journey to the next island, and there is plenty of deck space for watching seabirds and marine life, also providing superb photographic opportunities. It is also one of the fastest, meaning less time spent travelling between the islands. Smaller yachts have much more flexibility than the larger vessels, and we'll be able to enjoy a really top quality experience during our voyage through the islands. Landings - some wet, some dry - will be made from small open 'pangas' or dinghies.
Please note that we can also quote for tailor-made extensions and itineraries throughout Ecuador. Please note that the following itinerary is for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. This is an itinerary of your cruise ONLY. You will need to spend some time on the Ecuadorian mainland during your trip. We invite you to allow us to help you plan an unforgettably wonderful vacation in the Andes or Amazon along with your stay in the Galápagos. Activities like snorkeling or swimming, which are optional, are normally performed before or after the main morning and afternoon visits. Because the naturalist guides need to be present during these activities, guests who do not wish to participate in them will stay on board.
Alternatively we can arrange for an extension within Ecuador to the Cloud Forest or Amazon - please enquire for details. This itinerary is an accurate representation of what takes place during a typical trip through the Galápagos Islands at the indicated landing sites, as well as during the excursions in mainland Ecuador. The Galápagos is a natural ecosystem, making animal encounters there ultimately unpredictable and therefore exceptional in the way they typically occur. Though Galápagos species seem to have little fear of humans, they are wild animals subject to environmental factors, including their own instincts that can affect sightings, which means these encounters cannot be guaranteed. Accepting all these factors, including adhering to the rules of the Galápagos National Park, is a condition of participation on this trip. Click here for a full, printable itinerary |
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