GALAPAGOS ADVENTURE CRUISE VOYAGE ON THE M/S SAMBA NORTHWEST ISLANDS

Transcription

1 GALAPAGOS ADVENTURE CRUISE VOYAGE ON THE M/S SAMBA NORTHWEST ISLANDS Visit us at

2 Itinerary Overview Discover a blend of indigenous and Spanish culture in Quito, South America's oldest capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Galapagos, your voyage of discovery begins when you embark the M/S Samba, a classic steel-hulled motor yacht with stabilizing sails built for just 14 passengers. As you travel from island to island, your expert naturalist guide points out the unique behavioral and physical characteristics plants and animals have developed as they evolve and adapt to each unique island habitat. No where else on Earth can you observe, photograph and commune so closely with exotic wildlife while you venture among cinder cones, lava flows, white sand beaches, rocky cliffs and shorelines. During the 8-day voyage you ll visit many of the major sites in the Northwestern archipelago, exploring through hikes, snorkeling or kayak. DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTELS MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 Sun QUITO Casa Aliso Arrival in Quito. 2 Mon QUITO Casa Aliso B 3 Tue GALAPAGOS ISLANDS Samba BLD 4 Wed GENOVESA Samba BLD 5 Thu MARCHENA Samba BLD 6 Fri ISABELA Samba BLD 7 Sat FERNANDINA / ISABELA Samba BLD 8 Sun ISABELA Samba BLD 9 Mon FLOREANA Samba BLD 10 Tue SANTA CRUZ / QUITO Casa Aliso B 11 Wed DEPARTURE B Quito city tour Fly to the Galapagos, Las Bachas Darwin Bay, Prince Phillips steps Punta Mejia, Playa Negra Punta Albemarle, Punta Vicente Roca Punta Espinoza, Urbina Bay Elizabeth Bay, Punta Moreno Asilo de la Paz, Cerro Alleri, La Loberia Return flight to Quito International Departure Wildland Adventures Galapagos Adventure Cruise - Samba Northwest -2-

3 Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN QUITO Arrive in Quito and transfer to Casa Aliso, a charming boutique style hotel in the stylish La Floresta neighborhood of Quito. Overnight Casa Aliso. DAY 2: QUITO Enjoy a full day tour of old colonial Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We ll visit such unique and picturesque sites as the Monastery at the Cathedral of Santa Fe, the Basilica del Voto National, as well as the famous Independence plaza. Overnight at Casa Aliso. [B] DAY 3: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS We ll rise early this morning for our flight out to the Galapagos Islands. After landing on Baltra Island, locate the Galapagos National Park kiosk where you can pay the $110 per person park fees, then meet a representative of the Samba who will help gather luggage and take a short bus ride to the harbor to board the M/Y Samba for our adventure. After lunch and a quick sail, we go ashore at Las Bachas. These white sand beaches on the northern shore of Isla Santa Cruz are the most important nesting sites in the Galapagos for the Pacific Green Sea Turtles. Other fascinating wildlife includes marine iguanas, sally lightfoot crabs, blue footed boobies and we may find greater flamingos, stilts, and other shore birds. Overnight on the Samba. [BLD] DAY 4: GENOVESA ISLAND During the night the crew of the Samba will navigate 6 to 7 hours to Genovesa, where we ll awake to the chorus of one of the largest colonies of tropical sea birds on the planet! Here the cliff tops are crowded with frigate birds, red footed boobies, Nazca boobies, swallow tailed gulls, tropic birds and more, many of them here to court and nest. We ll go ashore (wet landing) to observe the courtship antics and displays of red footed boobies and frigate birds and catch the actions of Darwin s finches, Galapagos doves, and mocking birds as they seek seeds and insects. After lunch we ll climb Prince Philip s Steps seeking red billed tropic birds and Galapagos shearwaters as they bank and dive close to the steep coastline. The trail continues through a dwarf forest to find nesting red footed and Nazca boobies. Here storm petrels literally storm the island as they make their endless journeys between onshore nests and offshore food supplies. If time permits we ll snorkel before we dine and set sail for Marchena. Overnight on the Samba. [BLD] DAY 5: MARCHENA ISLAND Today we ll explore another outer island and gem of the Galapagos archipelago, Marchena Island. Marchena has the highest level of protection and only approved scientific missions are allowed permission to go ashore. Being one of the youngest islands it displays some of the initial stages of plant and wildlife colonization thus making it a key location to conduct research. We ll investigate this stunning shoreline by panga boat and kayak. This afternoon we snorkel at Punta Mejia, a sensational site with calm deep blue waters and a rugged marine topography, with plenty of shelter for an abundant variety of fishes, rays, and sea turtles. Continuing a short distance on to Playa Negra we may have the opportunity to observe bottle nosed dolphins working as a team in one of their perfectly choreographed feeding frenzies. Playa Negra offers another excellent opportunity to snorkel or kayak, this time around a recently formed lava grotto where it s possible to capture images of marine iguanas diving for algae growing on the submerged lava beds. Departing Marchena to the southwest toward the northern tip of Isabella Island, our route takes us over deep nutrient rich waters where we ll have the best chances for sighting whales and dolphins. Overnight on the Samba. [BLD] DAY 6: ISABELA ISLAND Unique to the standard Galapagos cruises we ll visit Punta Albemarle, the most northern point of Isla Isabela and the location of a pristine nesting colony of flightless cormorants. Since this site is so rarely Wildland Adventures Galapagos Adventure Cruise - Samba Northwest -3-

4 visited it s likely the cormorants will allow us to quietly watch as they go about courtship and building nests from seaweed. Some of the largest marine iguanas of the Galapagos are found here and we ll have ample opportunities to watch these prehistoric looking monsters as they slip off into the sea to feast on algae. After lunch we approach Punta Vicente Roca an area just south of the equator and an outstanding example of the geologic transformations that created the Islands and helped shape the wildlife. We ll pause to admire the dramatic collection of tuff cones and lava dikes that jut out from the southwest flank of Ecuador Volcano. We ll also watch for Galapagos penguins, brown noddies, blue footed boobies and other marine life, so you ll want to be ready for all kinds of action! If time permits and the waters are calm, this area is great for snorkeling. The volcanic tuff s coarse and furrowed surface provides an excellent home to an assortment colorful invertebrates and an abundance of red and green algae which attracts hungry sea turtles. Overnight on the Samba. [BLD] DAY 7: FERNANDINA ISLAND Start the day with all your batteries charged as today we ll visit one of our favorite spots! We begin with a dry landing on the island of Fernandina, at Punta Espinoza, where the focus is on life. Marine iguanas numbering in the hundreds lounge about sun bathing, swimming, and diving for algae. Lava lizards can be seen skirting through the mass of lethargic leviathans, sometimes posing on top of their heads. Flightless cormorants are visible hunting in the shoals and fending off their catch from the aerial attacks of frigate birds while further out in the surf blue footed boobies dive in formation for large schools of fish. Sea turtles, sea lions and colorful red and yellow sally light foot crabs are also abundant on this island menagerie. Due to its youth Fernandina beautifully exhibits many types of lava and our naturalist guide expertly points them out and explains the different geologic processes by which they were created. In the afternoon we re headed to Urbina Bay (perhaps the roughest wet landing) back on Isabela Island, the site of a 1954 earthquake that uplifted nearly a mile of new shoreline. This new land became the perfect nesting area for land iguanas and now it hosts some of the largest in the Galapagos. The impressive yellow, orange/brown iguanas love to roam the low lands looking for flowers, fruits, leaves and shoots of their favorite plants. It s also possible to spot tortoises as we walk the trails here. Overnight on the Samba. [BLD] DAY 8: ISABELA ISLAND Our exploration continues on Isabela Island, the largest of the Galapagos Islands comprised of five shield volcanoes connected by eons of lava flows. The island stretches nearly one-hundred miles in length and tops out at five-thousand feet in elevation on the caldera rim of Sierra Negra volcano. This morning we ll explore by panga rather than on foot, pointing our craft into the serene mangrove-lined channels where lava meets salt water at Elizabeth Bay. Here we ll discover an unlikely pairing; penguins that originated from colder southern climates swimming next to mangroves which only inhabit tropical zones. These tranquil waters are also home to spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, and many other marine invertebrates which find shelter in the tangle of mangrove roots. The afternoon takes us to Punta Moreno where we observe the stark nature of the young lava flow and the inspiring beauty and tenacity of plants colonizing it. As we venture further onto the lava field we encounter rich oases where lava tubes have collapsed and support pools of brackish water surrounded by lush growth and possibly flamingos or other waterfowl. Overnight on the Samba. [BLD] DAY 9: FLOREANA ISLAND You ll awaken this morning at Floreana Island, perhaps the most intriguing island in the archipelago in terms of its colorful human history! The first excursion of the day is to Cerro Alleri, a 1500 hill rising among farmland and the site of a pirate cave which has given shelter to a number of Floreana s more notorious inhabitants. A fresh water spring also originates here on the hill, providing the island s main source of water. Later this afternoon, visit La Loberia, home to one of the largest colonies of Galapagos sea lions, as well as populations of marine iguanas, rays, sea turtles and even sharks. A small colony of Galapagos penguins inhabits rocky outcroppings. Overnight on the Samba. [BLD] Wildland Adventures Galapagos Adventure Cruise - Samba Northwest -4-

5 DAY 10: RETURN TO QUITO From the main harbor of Santa Cruz Island, we ll travel by bus in the early morning to Baltra airport. Along the way we ll visit Los Gemelos, two deep collapsed lava craters surrounded by a forest of daisy trees. Arriving in Quito we meet by our mainland guide and transfer back to the hotel. Overnight at Casa Aliso. [B] DAY 11: DEPARTURE Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or extend your trip to visit more of Ecuador's natural wonders. [B] END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators and the Galapagos National Park reserve the right to change accommodations and itineraries to similar quality alternatives DEPARTURE DATES (SUNDAY TO WEDNESDAY) January 1/13 23 July 7/14-24 August 8/11-21 October 10/20-30 November 11/ /17-27 December 12/ /29-1/8 Wildland Adventures Galapagos Adventure Cruise - Samba Northwest -5-

6 GALAPAGOS ADVENTURE CRUISE VOYAGE ON THE M/S SAMBA SOUTHEAST ISLANDS -6-

7 Itinerary Overview Discover a blend of indigenous and Spanish culture in Quito, South America's oldest capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Galapagos, your voyage of discovery begins when you embark the M/S Samba, a classic steel-hulled motor yacht with stabilizing sails built for just 14 passengers. As you travel from island to island, our expert naturalist guide points out the unique behavioral and physical characteristics plants and animals have developed as they evolve and adapt to each unique island habitat. No where else on Earth can you observe, photograph and commune so closely with exotic wildlife while you venture among cinder cones, lava flows, white sand beaches, rocky cliffs and shorelines. During the 8-day voyage you ll visit many of the major sites in the Southeastern archipelago, exploring through hikes, snorkeling or kayak. DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTELS MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 Sun QUITO Casa Aliso Arrival in Quito 2 Mon QUITO Casa Aliso B 3 Tue GALAPAGOS ISLANDS Samba BLD 4 Wed FLOREANA Samba BLD 5 Thu ESPANOLA Samba BLD 6 Fri SAN CRISTOBAL Samba BLD 7 Sat 8 Sun SANTA FE / SOUTH PLAZA SANTIAGO / BARTOLOME Samba Samba BLD BLD 9 Mon SANTIAGO / RABIDA Samba BLD 10 Tue NORTH SEYMOUR / QUITO Casa Aliso 11 Wed DEPARTURE B B Quito city tour Fly to the Galapagos, Charles Darwin Center Punta Cormorant, Champion Islet Punta Suarez, Gardner Bay Isla Lobos, Kicker Rock, Punta Pitt Barrington Bay, Punta Carrion Sullivan Bay, Pinnacle Rock James Bay North Seymour, return flight to Quito International Departure -7-

8 Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN QUITO Arrive in Quito and transfer to Casa Aliso, a charming boutique style hotel in the stylish La Floresta neighborhood of Quito. Overnight Casa Aliso. DAY 2: QUITO Enjoy a full day tour of old colonial Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We ll visit such unique and picturesque sites as the Monastery at the Cathedral of Santa Fe, the Basilica del Voto National, as well as the famous Independence plaza. Overnight at Casa Aliso. [B] DAY 3: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS We ll rise early this morning for our flight out to the Galapagos Islands. After landing on Baltra Island, locate the Galapagos National Park kiosk where you can pay the $110 per person park fees, then meet a representative of the Samba who will help gather luggage and take a short bus ride to the harbor to board the M/Y Samba for our adventure. After a quick orientation of the ship and lunch, we go ashore to visit the famous Charles Darwin Station on Santa Cruz Island to learn about current research and conservation initiatives including several breeding programs that hope to reintroduce specific tortoise species back onto the island of their origin. Meet Lonesome George, possibly the oldest resident of Galapagos and the last surviving individual giant tortoise of his Pinta Island sub-species. Overnight on the Samba. [BLD] DAY 4: FLOREANA ISLAND After a 4-hour navigation while we sleep, morning will find us on the famous island of Floreana. Going ashore in the northern part of the island at Punta Cormorant, we visit a brackish lagoon in hopes of finding flamingos and a beautiful white sand beach frequented by nesting sea turtles. This will be our first time ashore in an undeveloped area with our expert naturalist guide who will explain the philosophy for minimizing the impacts on natural resources while maximizing our opportunities for sustainable tourism. Listen closely when we approach the sea turtle nesting zone, as we don t want to get too close or do anything that could harm an egg or turtle! After a short navigation we explore Champion Islet, searching the islet for the Floreana mocking bird (almost extinct) from the panga boat while also admiring beautiful terracotta rock formations adorned by cactus. Hop overboard to snorkel with sea lions, rays, sharks and lots of brilliant tropical fish! Overnight on the Samba. [BLD] DAY 5: ESPANOLA ISLAND Following breakfast the first landing will be Punta Suárez where we observe sea lions and Sally Lightfoot Crabs which litter the landing platform making it a challenge to move forward. Just a few meters more and we may observe a colorful colony of marine iguanas, and we re likely to be surrounded by birds including blue-footed and Nazca boobies and if we re lucky a Galapagos hawk! Our walk takes us to a cliff where waved albatross land and take off, gliding by on outstretched wings. Other avian life may include albatross, tropicbirds, Nazca boobies and Galapagos gulls in flight. Returning to the ship, we ll have a snorkel or kayak opportunity mid day, depending on weather conditions. Snorkeling around Gardner Island is ideal for the possibility to swim with sea lions and possibly rays. Later in the afternoon we go ashore again at Gardner Bay to walk amongst a sea lion colony that is startlingly tolerant of our presence. This is a great opportunity to observe scores of sea lions resting, nursing young, and socializing. Watch for Hood mockingbirds as they dash among the sea lions in search of insects. They have even been known to approach the patient photographer or attempt to untie shoelaces. Overnight on the Samba. [BLD] DAY 6: SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND We ll start the day on Isla Lobos, a small island off the northwest shore of San Cristobal. Lobos, named for its barking colony of sea lions, will be our opportunity to see courting and nesting frigate birds. These agile fliers puff up their red goular pouch, just below the chin, and look like they are sporting bright red balloons! This is also another great location to snorkel with sea lions! As we navigate along the -8-

9 northwest side of San Cristobal we ll encounter Leon Dormido, a 450 foot sheer vertical wall left from an eroded volcanic crater. After passing Kicker Rock, we prepare to go underwater and snorkel with Galapagos sharks, sea turtles, and eagle rays. Later in the afternoon we make a wet landing on Punta Pitt, where we ll climb a tuff cone to find nesting red-footed and Nazca boobies, frigate birds, and storm petrels. We remain ashore long enough to enjoy the sun as it dips below the horizon. Overnight on the Samba. [BLD] DAY 7: SANTA FE ISLAND Morning will find us anchored in Barrington Bay, off the Island of Santa Fe, one of the most picturesque settings of the Galapagos. Turquoise waters meet white sand beaches. A small forest of giant prickly pear cactus grows on the peninsula and a large colony of sea lions lie sheltered in the cove. Santa Fe is one of earliest Galapagos Islands to emerge from the ocean and its land iguanas have developed into a unique sub-species with slightly lighter skin tone and more pronounced spines. If time permits we ll head out into the waters to snorkel. Navigating north to South Plaza Island, we ll visit a large population of land iguanas. South Plaza is also an excellent opportunity to view giant cactus. Overnight on the Samba. [BLD] DAY 8: SANTIAGO ISLAND Sunday morning we awaken to the dramatic scenery of Santiago Island. We go ashore at Sullivan Bay to find fresh, 130 year old, pahoe-hoe lava flows that look like they oozed yesterday. Rivers of lava have filled in older cinder cones and conjure swirling contrasts of rock type and color from rusty reds to shiny metallic blacks. In the afternoon, we climb higher amongst spatter cones to the summit of Bartolomé Island. Be prepared for dramatic scenery and a whole new perspective on the Galapagos from this trail. We even look down into a submerged crater, where we may be able to snorkel amongst penguins. Overnight on the Samba. [BLD] DAY 9: SANTIAGO / RABIDA ISLAND After a wet landing this morning onto a black sand beach at James Bay, an easy stroll takes us to the coastline where we observe tidal pools, marine birds, iguanas and sea lions, as well as migratory birds, often present in this area. Keep an eye out for the impressive Galapagos hawk, soaring on the island s thermals. The trail ends at fur sea lion grottos, where we will undoubtedly observe the nocturnal hunters sleeping off the night s activities. Upon returning to the beach, don your flippers and snorkel gear for a refreshing swim. Following lunch onboard, we visit a small island off the southern tip of Santiago, Rábida. Here, the lava flows are rich in iron, which has rusted to a distinct red. We ll walk a red sand beach to a nursery of Galapagos sea lions. Nearby, we find brown pelicans resting and nesting in saltbushes. We can also snorkel just off the beach where there are great chances to encounter sharks, rays, and many colorful fish. Overnight on the Samba. [BLD] DAY 10: RETURN TO QUITO We ll wrap up our Southeastern adventure with a landing on North Seymour Island at daybreak. We find ourselves amongst the largest breeding colony of blue-footed boobies in the Galapagos. We may be lucky enough to observe the courtship ritual which includes a rather hilarious dance and song routine. Nearby we ll find nesting great and magnificent frigate birds. Returning to the Samba by 8 am, get ready to disembark for our transfer to the airport on Baltra. Arriving in Quito we are met by our mainland guide and transferred back to the hotel. Overnight at Casa Aliso. [B] DAY 11: DEPARTURE Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or extend your trip to visit more of Ecuador's natural wonders. [B] Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators and the Galapagos National Park reserve the right to change accommodations and itineraries to similar quality alternatives. -9-

10 2013 DEPARTURE DATES (SUNDAY TO WEDNESDAY) February 2/17-27 March 3/3-13 June 6/9-19 July 7/21-31 August 8/18-28 October 10/27-11/6 November 11/10-20 December 12/8-18 Accommodations CASA ALISO, QUITO Casa Aliso is a charming boutique hotel in the style and comfort of a small, luxurious home. This luxury Ecuador vacation accommodation is located in the fashionable residential neighborhood of "La Floresta", a quiet, forested area in the northern sector of the city a close to restaurants, shops and plazas of downtown Quito. Each room is individually designed featuring classic décor with modern style. They are well appointed with a sitting chair, desk, and comfortable beds, with telephones and cable TV. The bathrooms have a bathtub and shower, bathrobes, hairdryers and are equipped with 220v and 110v sockets. Your Ecuador adventure will be enhanced by the fine cuisine and the exceptionally professional and personal service of the staff at Casa Aliso. M/Y SAMBA The Galapagos yacht M/Y Samba is a charming 78 feet steelhulled motor-sailor built in 1996 in Holland and designed in a classical European style as a private yacht. Sturdy, stately and very comfortable, she is a great ocean vessel with a specially designed high bow and a stabilizer sail for smooth Galapagos cruising. The Samba is a more informal Galapagos boat and the best value making her very suitable for private groups of casual friends and family. The main salon and aft dining facilities make her socially versatile while top-side settees for sitting and an ample teak foredeck provide areas for stargazing, whale-watching or relaxing on deck. She has been touring Galapagos for many years under the ownership of a local maritime family according to a long-standing tradition of personal attention, maintenance, and highest regard for protecting and sharing the natural history of the archipelago. The Samba accommodates up to 14 guests in seven air-conditioned cabins with ensuite bath and hot showers. -10-

11 Booking your Wildland Adventure HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows:* $500 per person for all trips in Central America. $700 per person for all trips in South America, the Middle East, Asia and the Far East, the Mediterranean and North America. For the Galapagos this deposit is non-refundable. 20% of land cost for all trips in Africa. This deposit is generally non-refundable. *Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered, or if permits to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at , send an to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Wildland Adventures Cancellation Fees: Days Prior to Departure Fee 61 or more Initial deposit amount days 50% of costs 30 or less 100% of costs PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a or info@wildland.com. We re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local incountry ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions -11-