GALAPAGOS ADVENTURE M.V. INTEGRITY 11-day land and sea adventure from $6195 This trip was unbelievable! We will never forget the feeling of being so close to nature, with a naturalist that fed us information constantly about the history of Galapagos and the plant, marine and wildlife there. Being on a yacht with such a small group made it so much more wonderful -- and to top it off, the food and all of the staff on the yacht gave the trip a five star feel. We came home with the most incredible memories and photos of wildlife that we will treasure forever. - Sonya W., Georgia If you want to explore the Galapagos in a small, luxurious ship, the 16-passenger Integrity is an excellent choice. The guides and service personnel are superb and there is never a crowd when you go on excursions ashore, or while kayaking or snorkeling. If you want an active trip, the Integrity is a good choice - you can walk, swim, snorkel and kayak almost every day. There s plenty of time to relax too. It s up to you. If you want to experience the wildlife and natural history that are the main attractions of the Galapagos, the naturalist guides on the Integrity will provide an in depth, nuanced introduction. There are no better trained or friendlier guides in the archipelago. Our expedition begins on Thursdays in Quito, Ecuador, then continues on to Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos where you have a day and a half ashore at the Royal Palm Resort to visit the Charles Darwin Research Center and the Santa Cruz highlands. You board the Integrity on Saturday in time for dinner, then spend the next six days sailing, swimming, hiking, kayaking, and relaxing on deck enjoying tropical breezes. The following Saturday you disembark and fly back to Quito for a final overnight before catching flights home on Sunday. It s a wonderful, well paced experience and we highly recommend it if the Galapagos are on your wish list. The ship The Integrity is a 141-ft. luxury yacht customized to carry 16 adventurers in luxury. It s very comfortable due to the large stabilizers and all systems, including engines, transmissions, electronics, water filtration and sterilization are new, as are the interior decoration and furnishings. Meals are served at tables of 4 to 6, not far from a galley designed for the Integrity's gourmet chefs.
On the covered top deck, you'll find a spa, a bar, barbecue and comfortable chaise lounges where you can relax, enjoy a beverage or nap in the gentle breezes. There are double cabins, an owner s suite and one single cabin. Each cabin has large picture windows, individual climate control, satellite telephone, a stocked refrigerator, and an entertainment center with CD/DVD, VHS, and LCD monitor. Bathroom facilities are en suite with a shower, lavatory and toilet. In the second deck salon, you ll find the bar and lounge seating Standard cabins (#3-8) Standard with queen bed (#9) Suite (Cabin #1)
Day 1 Thursday Arrival in Quito, Ecuador DETAILED ITINERARY Fly from your home city to Quito, Ecuador. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Hilton Colón Quito hotel with check-in to your Club Floor accommodations. Day 2 Friday To the Galapagos--Santa Cruz Transfer to the airport for an early morning flight to Baltra, Galapagos. While our luggage is being collected, we enjoy refreshments in the air conditioned Royal Palm Resort's VIP airport lounge. We transfer to the Island of Santa Cruz where we travel with our naturalist in a spacious air conditioned vehicle up into the highland rain forest to the Royal Palm Resort where we'll spend the night. After a rest (or a dip in the pool) we enjoy lunch. Later, we explore the Santa Cruz Highlands to view endemic Galapagos plant species and visit lava tubes and sinkholes. We'll hike through tall grasses among the grazing tortoises and then have some leisure time before dinner. Afterwards, we retire for a good night's sleep in the very quiet Royal Palm Resort. B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner Day 3 Saturday Santa Cruz, boarding your yacht We head down to the village of Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station where we learn about conservation issues and the tortoise and iguana hatching and rearing programs. We'll even get to view some of the hatchlings. After an exploration of the village of Puerto Ayora, we lunch at a waterside restaurant overlooking Academy Bay. We board the luxurious 141 foot yacht Integrity mid- to late afternoon in Academy Bay. BLD Days 4-9 Sunday- Friday On the Boat Exploring Darwin s Galapagos We live aboard the spacious Integrity for a week, spending as much time ashore as the Park rules permit. With our licensed Class III naturalist, we learn about the birds and animals, geology, marine life and oceanic systems of the Galapagos Islands. We swim and snorkel with tropical fish, sea lions and sometimes with penguins! BLD Day 10 Saturday Galapagos, Quito From our anchorage in the Baltra harbor, we say "adios" to the Integrity and its dedicated crew, and adjourn to the Baltra airport Royal Palm Resort's VIP lounge to await our mid-morning flight to the Ecuador mainland and Quito. On arrival, we transfer to the Hilton Colón Quito hotel for an overnight. BLD Day 11 Sunday Quito--home or elsewhere Transfer to the airport with check-in to your homeward bound flight unless you are remaining for more adventures.
There are Eastern and Western itineraries in effect now due to national park regulations. You will see the iconic Galapagos wildlife on both itineraries and unless you have a very specific interest, the experience is outstanding on both versions. Here s a brief overview of the variations. What you'll likely see on both routes: Santa Cruz and Puerto Ayora (tortoises in the highlands, lava tubes, Los Gemelos, Charles Darwin Research Station), marine iguanas, land iguanas, frigate birds, Nazca Boobies, Blue-footed Boobies, penguins, mockingbirds, finches, flycatchers, Lava Herons, American Oystercatchers, Swallow-tailed Gulls, Lava Gulls, Galapagos Hawks, Brown Pelicans, and pahoehoe lava, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, lava lizards, Galapagos Sea Lions, reef fish, sea turtles, sharks, and many more animals, plants and geologic features. What you will likely see on the Western Route that you are not likely to see on the Eastern Route: Flightless Cormorants, Flamingos (3 sites), Mangrove Finch, Medium Tree Finch, fur seals sleeping that you can approach closely, more human history (Wittmer's Cave on Floreana, Post Office Barrel, mariner graffiti, salt mine ruins), possible giant tortoises, greater variety of lava flows, giant uplifted coral beds, more brown Noddy terns, higher likelihood of seeing marine iguanas feeding, more variety of beach colors, iconic Bartolomé peak at sunset, higher likelihood of whales and dolphins, possible giant sunfish. What you will likely see on the Eastern Route that you are not likely to see on the Westen Route: Waved Albatross, Red-Footed Boobies, Large-beaked Ground Finch, Large Cactus Finch, dense colonies of land iguanas, giant opuntia cactus, El Junco-the fresh water lake on San Cristóbal, more opportunity to swim with penguins and see sharks while snorkeling, more nesting frigate birds, more Swallow-tailed Gulls, more Red-Billed Tropicbirds, swarms of petrels at Genovesa and Short-eared Owls hunting them. Activities and when to go When is the best time to visit Galapagos? The islands are right on the Equator and people visit year round. There are two seasons, but it s always relatively warm. The warmest season is from December to May. The water is at its warmest so it s a good time for snorkeling. The dry season is from June to December when the southern trade winds push the Humboldt Current to the islands and there s often a mist over the islands, which keeps the highlands green. The skies are usually clear although there can be rainshowers. June, July and August are fine months to visit and the snorkeling is excellent, even if the water is a little cooler. At most you ll need a thin or partial wetsuit for extended snorkeling. Nature walks - most days you will go ashore one or more times with the naturalist to walk among the birds and sea mammals which have no fear of humans. The walks are generally very easy and you don t need any special gear. Snorkeling the marine environment is as interesting as the islands and snorkeling is one of the best ways to experience it. The water is usually very clear and filled with tropical fish. The ship has equipment for you and the guides will escort you to the best spots. Kayaking the ship carries sit-on-top kayaks for excursions and you will have the opportunity to explore the coast line where curious sea lions often come up to take a look at you. Birding - the birds are fearless, literally, and we can walk in close proximity of nesting birds, taking care not to disturb them. The naturalist is well versed in all the resident species and visitors. SCUBA diving - the ship is not equipped for diving and it is not one of the activities on this cruise. We can make arrangements for you to arrive early and stay on Santa Cruz Island where there are dive operators. We can recommend one, but you must book directly.
Departures throughout the year every Thursday, return ten days later on Sunday. No departures in September 2013 $6,195 for 11 day Origins of Species itinerary $5,895 for Cruise Only. Excludes Quito and Santa Cruz Island overnight. Rates are per person, double occupancy. Single supplement Owners suite surcharge $1,800 for the cruise, $450 for hotels $1,800 per person Full ship charter $99,120 for entire 11 day itinerary $94,320 for cruise only Surcharges for Holiday Departures $400 per person for 11 day Origin of Species itinerary $200 per person cruise only Full ship charter $105,520 for entire 11-day itinerary $100,720 for cruise only Included: All airport transfers Rooms at Hilton Colon, Quito, Day 1 & 10 (Executive Floor) Rooms at the Royal Palm Resort Day 2 Excursions on Santa Cruz Island all meals from breakfast on Day 2 through breakfast Day 11, An expert naturalist who leads you on shore visits and snorkeling Snorkel equipment (fins and masks included) Use of kayaks Non-alcoholic beverages and draft beer on the ship Fuel Surcharge Not Included: International and Galapagos flights (you will be billed for the Quito-Baltra-Quito flights as part of your final payment) Galapagos Park entrance fee ($110) Tips Airport departure taxes
2012 Departure dates Aug 2 - Aug 12 A Aug 9 - Aug 19 B Aug 16 - Aug 26 A Aug 23 - Sep 2 B Oct 11 - Oct 21 A Oct 18 - Oct 28 B Oct 25 - Nov 4 A Nov 1 - Nov 11 B Nov 8 - Nov 18 A Nov 22 - Dec 2 A Nov 29 - Dec 9 B Dec 6 - Dec 16 A Dec 13 Dec 23 B 2013 Departure dates Jan 10 - Jan 20 B Jun 13 Jun 23 B Jan 17 Jan 27 A Jun 20 Jun 30 A Jan 24-Feb 3 B Jun 27 Jul 7 B Jan 31 Feb 10 A Jul 4 Jul 14 A Feb 7- Feb 17 B Jul 11 Jul 21 B Feb 14 Feb 24 A Jul 18 Jul 28 A Feb 21 Mar 3 B Jul 25 - Aug 4 B Feb 28 Mar 10 A Aug 8 - Aug 18 B Aug 15 - Aug 25 A Mar 7 Mar 17 B Aug 22 - Sep 1 B Mar 14 Mar 24 A Aug 29 - Sep 8 A Mar 21 Mar 31 B Easter Oct 3 - Oct 13 B Mar 28 Apr 7 A Easter Oct 10 - Oct 20 A Apr 4 Apr 14 B Oct 17 - Oct 27 B Apr 11 Apr 21 A Oct 24 - Nov 3 A Apr 18 Apr 28 B Oct 31 - Nov 10 B Apr 25 May 5 A Nov 7 - Nov 17 A Nov 14 - Nov 24 B May 2 May 12 B Nov 21 - Dec 1 A May 9 May 19 A Nov 28 - Dec 8 B May 16 May 26 B Dec 5 - Dec 15 A May 23 Jun 2 A Dec 12 - Dec 22 B May 30 Jun 9 B Jun 6 Jun 16 A
Western Route and Eastern Route Islands Day A. Western Route Islands B. Eastern Route Islands Saturday Embark Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Embark Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Sunday Floreana Española Monday Isabela, southwest San Cristóbal Tuesday Isabela, central west; Fernandina Santa Fé, South Plazas Wednesday Isabela, northwest Genovesa Thursday Santiago Santiago, Bartolomé Friday Santa Cruz, North Seymour Rábida, Sombrero Chino Saturday Disembark at Baltra Disembark at Baltra BOOKING YOUR TRIP IS EASY. Call Orvis Travel and place your 50 % non-refundable deposit on your credit card. We will bill you for the balance. An Orvis Travel specialist will help you with all planning details of your trip. 15% discount on Orvis merchandise. When you book your trip through Orvis Travel you receive a discount on clothing and equipment for your trip.
Terms & Conditions Galapagos Cruises aboard the Integrity 1. Reservations, Deposits & Payments To reserve space on an Orvis Travel trip, call 1 800 547-4322. Mail or fax the completed reservation form to Orvis Travel. Deposit: 50% non-refundable deposit Final payment is due 90 days prior to the trip. Deposits may be made by check or credit card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Card. A signed reservation form and release are required prior to departure. All prices must be paid in U.S. dollars. Prices quoted are based on foreign exchange values and tariffs currently in effect and prices are subject to change. Orvis Travel reserves the right to adjust prices accordingly until the time of departure. 2. Planning information When your reservation is confirmed, you will receive planning information to guide you through trip preparations. Details about arrival and departure, clothing and equipment, trip cancellation insurance, pre- and post- trip extensions, visas and documents and activities are included in the planning information. 3. Cancellation and Refund Policy If you must cancel your reservation, the following fees apply: The deposit is nonrefundable. However, if we receive written notification canceling your reservation at least 180 days prior to your planned departure, a one-time transfer of this deposit (less a $200 per person processing fee) may be made to another date or to another person for a different departure anytime within one year from the original departure date. days prior to trip fee charged 121 days or more 25% of cruise fee 91-120 50% 61-90 75% 60 days or less 100% Cancellation fees cannot be waived for any reason, including health, business or personal emergencies, or weather. We strongly urge you to purchase trip cancellation insurance. No refunds will be made for unused portions of a trip, including late arrival or early departure. Guide fees and hotel costs are not refundable if unused as outlined in the itinerary. Orvis reserves the right to modify an itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control. In the unlikely event that Orvis must cancel a tour, all payments received to date will be refunded, which constitutes a full settlement. Orvis is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation of any canceled trip, including airline tickets and visas fees. 4. Cancellation Insurance Your planning information includes an application for travel insurance covering cancellation for medical reasons, trip delay, medical expenses, lost baggage and medical evacuation. We urge you to obtain this coverage. 5. Share policies Trip prices are based on double occupancy. Single rooms & cabins are limited. If you request a single room, a single supplement will apply as noted in the itinerary. We will confirm the single room as early as possible, but in some cases it may not be earlier than 30 days prior to the trip. If you request a roommate, we can usually pair you with another guest of the same gender, and no single supplement will apply. If you request a roommate, and one is not available, we will only charge you the single supplement if required by the lodge or facility used in the trip. Children under 18 must share a room with a parent or other family member. In some cases this may be waived. 6. Passports and documents International trips require a passport. Check your passport early and make sure it has six months validity at the time of travel. A visa is needed in some countries and we will send you complete details and instructions. 7. Arrival and Departure Group transfers from a central location such as an airport are described in the itinerary, and are included in the land cost.. Transfers are not included in the land cost if you arrive early or leave after the scheduled departure day. 8. Equipment & clothing You will receive a detailed list of appropriate gear with your trip planning information. 9. Airline reservations The land cost of your trip does not include airfare. 10. Limitation of liability This section defines Orvis Travel s responsibility with regard to all travel arrangements made by Orvis Travel, including individual travel and pre- and post- trip extensions. Please read it carefully. Upon sending your deposit to Orvis Travel, you acknowledge that you have read and understand all the terms and conditions outlined here, and agree to be bound by them. Orvis Travel, its Owners, Employees, Associates and Agents give notice that they act only as the agent for the owners, contractors and suppliers providing means of transportation and/or other services and assume no responsibility howsoever caused for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service resulting directly from: acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays, expenses arising from quarantine, strikes, thefts, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, terrorism, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or changes in transit or hotel services over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the passengers. Baggage and personal effects, including items purchased, guns, fishing equipment or sporting goods are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times and no employee/agent of Orvis Travel, its subsidiaries, affiliated or associated companies is authorized to accept these for storage, safekeeping, or transportation.