Aboard the Isabela II 17th to 29th October 2015 & 20th February to 3rd March 2016

Transcription

1 I sl and H o pping in the Gala pagos Aboard the Isabela II 17th to 29th October 2015 & 20th February to 3rd March 2016

2 the Galapagos Islands Named after the giant Galapagos tortoise, this remote group of islands, 1000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador are considered some of the most wondrous islands in the world. One of the most amazing aspects of the Galapagos is that even today the archipelago is much the same as in Darwin s time, a veritable Garden of Eden. Largely unspoiled by development, it is a place where fascinating and diverse wildlife is both abundant and fearless of man. Here you can swim with dolphins and Galapagos penguins, walk amongst giant tortoises, watch basking marine iguanas and be endlessly fascinated by the colourful and exotic birdlife. Today there are a number of vessels cruising around these islands ranging in size, but we have chosen to charter a very special vessel from our associates and experts in Galapagos cruises, Metropolitan Touring who have almost sixty years of experience of providing guests with unique and quality travel experiences. We believe the Isabela II which accommodates just 40 guests is perfect for those who prefer a small, superior vessel, a highly experienced expedition team, small groups ashore and an environmentally friendly programme. Darwin & the Theory of Evolution The most celebrated visitor to Galapagos was undoubtedly the young Charles Darwin who arrived in 1835 aboard HMS Beagle as part of an expedition commanded by Captain Robert FitzRoy. The ship was homeward bound after spending three years charting the coasts of South America from the Rio Plata round to Chiloe in southern Chile. When Darwin arrived in the Galapagos, he found a remarkable population of plants, birds and reptiles that had developed in isolation from the mainland, but often differed on almost identical islands next door to one another, and whose characteristics he could only explain by a gradual transformation of the various species. Darwin s critical and open mind lead to his theories of evolution and after his return to England, he arrived at the principal of natural selection. This theory contradicted all views held at the time by scientists as well as the Church, therefore he kept his findings to himself for the next 20 years while he patiently collected evidence to support it. On the Origin of Species was finally published in Blue footed boobie

3 Marine iguana Exploring by Zodiac Turtle The Galapagos Today In 1959, the Ecuadorian government set aside 1,714,000 acres (693,700 ha), 90% of the Galapagos Islands as a National Park. All the lands not already included in the settlement areas were designated and incorporated into the park. In 1967 a park service was set up in the islands and 5 years later the first park superintendent arrived. The Galapagos National Park Service works hand in hand with the Charles Darwin Research Station implementing their common goals of conservation and preservations of the natural resources with the Galapagos National Park and Galapagos Marine Reserve. The park service approves all itineraries of boats visiting the islands making sure that the tourism is distributed evenly throughout the islands. They also work as the licensing board for guides in the islands. Thanks to the delayed human arrival and the early attempts for conservation, Galapagos still conserves most of its original biodiversity. Galapagos is unique, recognised worldwide and both, the National Park service and the Marine Reserve reflect the compromise adopted by the Ecuadorian government to preserve this important legacy for all future Ecuadorian generations and humankind. Our View The Galapagos is quite simply like nowhere else on earth and as a visitor to its shores, you feel remarkably privileged to be witnessing wildlife which in addition to be fearless of your presence, cannot be found anywhere else. Wildlife aside, the vistas each day are stunning and the underwater world is quite simply mesmerising. After operating Galapagos cruises for many years, we believe that this eight night itinerary aboard the Isabela II offers a wonderful experience and just the right balance. Being slightly longer than the traditional Galapagos cruise, we have the chance to see more of these fascinating islands and with our expert guides escorting us all the way we will be sure not to miss any wildlife sightings or descriptions of flora we may come across. For the nature lovers, we are continuing to offer our popular Amazon Lodge extension where you can explore on a number of guided walks, all at the pace you choose, and with the chance to see endemic monkeys and birds. Alternatively we are offering the opportunity to explore the culture and varied geography of Ecuador on a train journey which explores the country from the mountains to the sea. Combined with tours in the UNESCO city of Quito and Guyaquil this really is a chance to see the highlights of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

4 Sea lion Giant Tortoise Sally lightfoot crab Albatross Sea lion The Itinerary Day 1 London to Quito. Fly by scheduled indirect flight and arrive in Quito in the late afternoon. On arrival transfer to the Hilton Hotel for a two night stay. The remainder of the day is free. Day 2 Quito. After breakfast in the hotel we enjoy a guided excursion of Quito, including its colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved in South America and which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afternoon at leisure. Day 3 Quito to Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands. After breakfast in the hotel we transfer to the airport for our flight to the Galapagos. On arrival at Baltra Airport we transfer to the Itabaca Channel to take a ferry across to Santa Cruz Island. We enjoy lunch in a restaurant in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island and then continue to Puerto Ayora. After driving down from the highlands, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. After our visit we embark Isabela II. Enjoy a Captain s welcome cocktail and dinner this evening. Day 4 Santa Fe Island and South Plaza Island. After breakfast we make a wet landing on a sandy beach, home to many sea lions. Galapagos hawks can often be seen here perched atop salt bushes. Also observe the giant prickly pear cactus with huge tree-sized trunks. The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the walk. Our excursion ends with time for snorkelling and swimming from the beach. After lunch we disembark in the channel between North and South Plaza Islands. The turquoise waters of the channel contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline. The rocks have grown thick with green seaweed in places, speckled with bright orange Sally Lightfoot crabs. Further up the shore a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-grey land iguanas sit beneath these, waiting patiently for pears to drop. Along the coastline we will find sea lion colonies, while frigates, swallow-tailed gulls and shearwaters glide above us. GALAPAGOS James Island Bartolome Santa Cruz Floreana Day 5 North Seymour Island & Santa Cruz Island. Today starts with a dry landing for a view of the coast and the interior of North Seymour Island. The trail leads us to explore colonies of blue footed boobies, magnificent frigate birds and swallowtail gulls. The sandy shore teems with Galapagos sea lions and marine iguanas. Vegetation is made up of cacti, palo santo trees and salt bushes. After lunch onboard we visit Santa Cruz Island. After WWII, US military barges were beached and abandoned here and locals referred to the beach as the barges beach, a name that morphed to bachas. Today it is an important nesting area for the east Pacific green sea turtle. Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, it is a glorious Baltra South Plaza Island Santa Fe San Cristobal Española Quito ECUADOR Guayaquil MAP NOT TO SCALE white beach, with several brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. Day 6 Bartolome & James Island. Disembark at Bartolome Island for a hike to the summit. This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase with handrails; the view from the top is worth the effort. There will be time for a panga ride around Pinnacle Rock before or after the walk where we hope to observe penguins. After lunch, board the panga for the short ferry to the landing site at Sullivan Bay on the East Coast of Santiago. After a wet landing on a white coral sand beach, begin the walk over lava

5 Galapagos penguin Frigate bird Pinnacle Rock, Bartolome that flowed less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of the Galapagos. We can swim or snorkel from the beach before returning to the ship for dinner. Day 7 Santa Cruz Island. We disembark this morning at Santa Cruz Island for visit to the Primicias ranch, here we have the option to hike to the giant tortoise reserve or join a walk around the ranch and lava tunnel, a great place to spot the barn owl. After a BBQ lunch at Rancho Fortiz, we will visit the Trapiche ranch, where coffee, brown sugar, cane juice and aniseed processing demonstration takes place. Then, a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora allows guests to get a feel for local Galapaguenos life while browsing the many handicraft and souvenir shops. Day 8 Baroness Cove & Floreana Island. After breakfast, we land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has been serving as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. We will take our boats to ride along the maze of channels on Floreana s north shore before continuing to Baroness Cove with its breath taking views of Floreana, with a chance of a swim. This afternoon disembark at Punta Cormorant at an olivinecrystal beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish water lagoon where bird species like greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others may be observed. There is a possibility of snorkelling from the beach or taking a ride in our glassbottom boat. Day 9 Hood Island & Espanola Island. This morning we are at Punta Suárez for a walk on lava terrain to visit the unique sea bird colonies here, including waved albatrosses, Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies and swallow tail gulls. We will also view the Galapagos famous blow-hole. Among its land birds, the Hood island mockingbird, and three species of Darwin s finches are common highlights. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas. Return to the vessel for lunch and in the afternoon, we will make a wet landing at a white coral beach for a short walk to observe the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches or simply relax on the beach. There is great snorkelling in this area, or take a ride aboard the glass bottom boat. Day 10 San Cristobal Island. This morning s wet landing is on the north eastern side of the island for a guided walk that ascends from the beach, providing spectacular views of the shoreline. This is the only site in the Galapagos where the three species of boobies can be found together, as well as the two frigate species and a colony of bachelor sea lions along the beach. After the walk enjoy a swim from the beach. After lunch onboard, a Zodiac ride will take us to Cerro Brujo s white coral beach. The beach is a large expanse with good views of seabirds such as blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds and other shore birds. Also, look out for Galapagos sea lions. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristóbal) mockingbird and the Chatham lava lizard; both species are endemic to this island and seen nowhere else in the Galapagos. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin first set foot in the Galapagos in Day 11 Galapagos to Guayaquil. Disembark after breakfast and fly to Guayaquil. On arrival, transfer to the Oro Verde Hotel for an overnight stay. Remainder of the day at leisure. Day 12 Guayaquil to London. After breakfast in the hotel enjoy a morning tour of the town visiting Centennial Plaza that honours the heroes of Guayaquil s independence, the famous Moorish Clock Tower and Bolivar Park, with an equestrian statue of South America s liberator, Simon Bolivar before transferring to the airport for the return scheduled indirect flight to London. Day 13 London. Arrive this morning. Prices per person Based on double occupancy Cabin Category Price Classic Cabin 6295 Master Cabin 6695 Standard Cabin for sole use 8295 Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, eight nights aboard the Isabela II on a full board basis, two nights hotel accommodation in Quito on a bed and breakfast basis, overnight hotel accommodation in Guayaquil on a bed and breakfast basis, city tour in both Quito & Guayaquil, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, shore excursions, Galapagos Transit Card, transfers, port taxes, airport taxes Not Included: Travel Insurance, gratuities.

6 Exploring by canoe Toucan Sacha Lodge Capybara Pre-cruise Extension A tour to the Amazon 13 th to 17 th October 2015 & 16 th to 20 th February 2016 Our pre-tour extension to the Amazon complements our Galapagos cruise as it offers the chance to see the interior of the country as well as the coastal scenery. For anyone with an interest in flora and fauna they will find something of interest here but the main draw of the lodge is the chance to stay close to nature with wildlife literally on your doorstep in the canopy outside your room. Sacha Lodge Sacha Lodge is found within a 5000 acre private ecological reserve in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The lodging at Sacha was carefully designed to offer comfort to the traveller yet preserve the environment and rainforest ambience. All of the cabins, with high thatched roofs and private shaded terraces, are constructed with traditional materials and nestle well concealed into the lush surroundings. Each of the 26 rooms, provides a private bathroom, screening against insects and ceiling fans above two comfortable double beds. During free time, you can overlook the jungle from hammocks and view wild fauna such as toucans, agoutis and monkeys. Guests may also enjoy a raised lookout above the main bar and lounge, which offers a scenic view of Pilchicocha Lake and excellent opportunities to bird watch. Meals are prepared with the international traveller in mind with three buffets each day offering a wide variety of choice. During at least one evening there will also be a barbecue at the outdoor dining area, right on the edge of the lake and the bar offers a wide variety of cocktails, liquors, wine and beer to enjoy after an active day at an additional cost. The Itinerary Day 1 London to Quito. Fly by scheduled indirect flight. On arrival transfer to the Hilton Hotel for an overnight stay. Remainder of day at leisure. Day 2 Sacha Lodge. After breakfast in the hotel we transfer to the airport for our flight to Coca. A breath taking flight over the Andes will take us to the Ecuadorian Amazon basin to the small town of Coca. Here we board our canoes for a boat ride along the Napo River. During this trip a good number of birds could be spotted along the way including herons, kingfishers and ospreys. Upon arrival to Sacha Lodge s 5000-acre private reserve, we take our first walk along a raised boardwalk through dense flooded palm forest where several species of monkeys are often sighted. The path leads to Pilchicocha Lake, a blackwater paradise where we board canoes. As you cross the lake, the cries of tropical birds lead you to your final destination and home base for an exciting jungle experience. Days 3 & 4 Sacha Lodge. A typical day at Sacha begins at sunrise or earlier, in order to take advantage of the cool morning hours when the rainforest s animals are most active. You are free to decide your own itinerary, wake-up and breakfast times, as well as the difficulty and duration of your morning outings. In the afternoon, visits begin at around 3pm and often continue into the evening, when the nocturnal insect and frog chorus begins. Activities are spread out over a wide area and allow you to explore several distinct but equally fascinating habitats. Several trails lead through pristine terra firme forest, where 150 foot kapok trees tower above and roots form huge buttresses to give trees support. Others follow strategically raised boardwalks in seasonally flooded forests, where walking on the ground would be nearly impossible during most of the year due to groundwater. You may choose to paddle dugout canoes along tannin-rich black-water creeks and lakes, where luxuriant lianas, orchids, bromeliads and palm trees thrive. Wherever an outing may lead the possibilities of spotting animals, from the tiny pygmy marmoset, poison-dart frogs to the feared ocelot or puma, are endless. This is also a birders paradise where they have discovered an incredible 587 different species of birds and with minimal effort we can spot parrots, toucans and hummingbirds. For adventurous souls, the day does not necessarily end with dinner Night walks and canoe trips, with the aid of flashlights, often reveal creatures seldom seen during daylight. Day 5 Sacha Lodge to Quito. Depart this morning and fly to Quito. On arrival transfer to the Hilton Hotel for a day at leisure. Prices per person Based on double occupancy Twin: 1195 per person Single: 1595 per person Price includes: Return flight between Quito and Coca, transfer by boat from Coca to Sacha Lodge, overnight hotel accommodation in Quito on breakfast only basis, three nights accommodation at Sacha Lodge on full board, excursions and activities at Sacha Lodge with guides. Not included: Travel insurance, gratuities.

7 Pre-cruise Extension A Train Journey along the Trans-Andean Railway 13th to 18th October 2015 (Dates for 2016 not yet available, please register your interest at the time of booking) Our pre-cruise journey aboard the Tren Crucero train offers the opportunity to experience the natural, cultural, culinary and climatic diversity of Ecuador as we travel from the Andean landscape to the coast travelling by train during the day and staying at hotels overnight. The four coaches of the train are pulled by steam and diesel locomotives. The train accommodates 54 passengers and the most significant parts of the journey are conducted by the steam locomotives which date from the beginning of the 20th century. The coaches feature comfortable seating, shop, panoramic room and coffee bar where the friendly staff serve snacks and beverages. One of the lounge cars features an open terrace where you can admire the passing scenery. Each evening you will stay in carefully selected, comfortable hotels, many of which were farms that have been converted to offer accommodation. The Itinerary Day 1 London to Quito. Fly by scheduled indirect flight. On arrival transfer to the Hilton Hotel for an overnight stay. Remainder of day at leisure. Day 2 Quito to Cotopaxi. After breakfast in the hotel transfer to the Chimbacalle train station in Quito and board the Tren Crucero. We travel towards El Boliche Recreational Area where we disembark to board our transport to the wilds of Cotopaxi National Park. We will have a short hike amid the rolling slopes of the volcano to enjoy its landscapes, flora and fauna. We then continue our trip to Hacienda San Agustín del Callo, located nearby, where we enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we travel to the train station in Lasso to take part in a traditional fiesta. Tonight s accommodation and dinner is at La Ciénega, a colonial hacienda full of history and charm. Day 3 Cotopaxi to Riobamba. After breakfast we travel by bus to Latacunga train station to board the train and continue our journey south. On the way we stop to visit a rose plantation, where we learn about the growing, harvesting and post-harvest processes of the roses. Then, we continue to the city of Ambato where we enjoy lunch at the hotel Roka Plaza, located in a heritage house. After lunch we continue onboard the train to the Urbina station which is located at 11,840 feet above sea level and is the highest train station in the country. Here we visit the Interpretation Centre about the Men of Ice and enjoy the beauty of the landscape east of the slopes of Chimborazo, the highest volcano in Ecuador. After this visit, we transfer to Hostería Abraspungo for dinner and an overnight stay. Day 4 Riobamba to Alausi. After breakfast we leave the hotel to travel to the Riobamba train station, where we board the carriages pulled by the wonderful steam locomotive and continue to Colta to visit the Balbanera church, which is known as the first church built in Ecuador. We then continue our journey by train to Guamote, where we visit the main attractions of the city and the indigenous market, one of the largest and most important in the country. After a local lunch we re-board the train again at Alausí and after a short stop, continue our journey down the famous Devil s Nose section of track. We stop for a few minutes at the viewpoint to appreciate this important engineering work and to appreciate why the route is known as the most difficult railway in the world. We continue by train to Bucay, appreciating the climatic transition between the Sierra (highlands) and the coast. Accommodation and dinner tonight will be at hotel D Franco. Day 5 Alausi to Quito. After breakfast, we take a short walk in the forest near to the hotel, where we can appreciate some of the typical flora and fauna of the coast. We also visit some of the plantations of the coastal region. We then visit a Shuar Indian community, which despite their migration many years ago from the Amazon to the coast, keep their customs and traditions. After these visits, we travel to Ranch San Rafael for lunch. In the afternoon, we board a marvellous steam locomotive once again to reach the Durán train station. On the way, we pass through typical coastal plantations of bananas, sugarcane and rice. The train arrives in Guayaquil this afternoon where we transfer to the airport for our flight to Quito. On arrival transfer to the Hilton Hotel for an overnight stay. Day 6 Quito. Continue as per day 2 of the main itinerary. Prices per person Based on double occupancy Twin: 1495 per person Single: 1725 per person Price includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Quito with breakfast, train tour as described with three nights hotel accommodation on full board basis, excursions as described. Not included: Travel insurance, gratuities.

8 Classic Cabin Sun deck Isabela II For our Galapagos adventure we have chartered the Isabela II from our associates and leaders in Galapagos voyages, Metropolitan Touring. Refurbished in 2012, the Isabela II is a stylish yacht ideal for exploring the Galapagos Islands. She accommodates just 40 guests in comfort, and is equipped with Zodiacs for landing on these remote islands. The ship is also equipped with sea kayaks, a glass bottom boat and snorkelling equipment for making the most of your journey around this breath taking archipelago. Onboard you will be accompanied by a team of passionate and dedicated naturalist guides who will add greatly to your overall experience. Your Cabin/Suite Carrying a maximum of only 40 guests, all 21 cabins aboard the Isabela II are en-suite and have outside views with ample storage space, a safety box and a hairdryer. Divided between two decks, there are 20 cabins on the Cabin deck whilst the master suite is located on the Main deck next to the dining room. Classic cabins measure 12.8m 2 and the standard cabins measure 12m 2.The Master suite on the Main deck is larger and measures 18.9m² with an additional sitting area. Your Space The vessel features three decks and is airconditioned throughout to ensure that the temperature onboard is comfortable at all times. The Lounge features soft furnishings and is where daily briefings and films on the natural world will be shown throughout your voyage. Here you will find a well-stocked bar where you can enjoy a drink in the evenings, or perhaps relax with a good book and a cup of tea from the coffee and tea station which is available 24 hrs. a day. In the reception area you will be welcomed by friendly faces and informative staff and it is here you will find the small gift shop and internet point although quality of reception will depend on location. The Sun deck offers breath taking views of your surroundings and opportunities to look out for nature. Relax on the comfortable deck furniture with a book, keep a look out for passing wildlife or perhaps enjoy a refreshment from the bar. There is also a hot tub and gym available on this deck, and here you will pick up your wetsuits and snorkelling equipment. The Sun deck is also where the Bridge is located which passengers will have access to throughout. Restaurant Your Dining The spacious single seating dining room is tastefully decorated and affords outside views and on occasion meals can be enjoyed on the Sun deck. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, with a wonderful selection of local fresh produce and both hot and cold dishes. For lunch there is a selection of soup and salad, main courses and dessert. Dinner is a set menu served at your table. Coffee, tea and water are included in the price of your cruise, whereas soft drinks, as well as alcoholic beverages, are in addition. Life Onboard If you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere and comfortable surroundings, the Isabela II is the perfect choice. The three naturalist guides onboard will always be on hand to answer queries and share their expertise. The emphasis of your trip will be on adventure and exploration and your guides will be able to answer any of your questions or point out unique wildlife along the way. Whether snorkelling, exploring by Zodiac, discovering one of the breath taking islands by foot, or looking out for whales from the sun deck, your journey promises to be one of discovery shared with likeminded travellers. DECK PLAN MAIN DECK CABIN DECK SUN DECK LOUNGE BAR LIBRARY DINING AREA STANDARD CABIN CLASSIC CABIN MASTER CABIN Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0) info@noble-caledonia.co.uk Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Galapagos sea lion