Galapagos: The Enchanted Isles 2009 | Overseas | Galapagos and Ecuador

Overseas: Galapagos: The Enchanted Isles 2009

©Pete Smart: 2009

£3,995.00

Venue:

Galapagos and Ecuador (15 day)

Event 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 and Blue-footed Boobies.

Our adventure begins with a flight from London to Quito, Ecuador’s capital city, then a drive to the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve where we will spend two nights. Set deep in the heart of the cloud forest, where clouds and trees blend in a tapestry of mystery and magic, we discover a protected reserve with an overwhelming profusion of life. It's a place for adventure, relaxation and close contact with nature. Home to hundreds of species of plants, birds and other animals here we can immerse ourselves in this natural sanctuary with those who have dedicated their lives to conserving this unique place. We will have the opportunity to view and photograph many different species from our lodge’s jungle surroundings and on a series of walks with a local naturalist guide.

We return to Quito for one night before flying to Baltra. At Baltra we board the yacht that will be 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 or for photography, peaceful observation as well as swimming, and snorkelling … perhaps with Sea Lion pups! At this time of year the waters are generally calm and clear, and the weather good.

Our exclusively chartered ship, allows us the freedom to explore the islands at times to suit us and our photography. We will visit one or two islands each day; each island has a unique character and variety of species. The highlights for many will be the Land Iguanas on Santa Fe, Sea Lions and Marine Iguanas on Espanola, the giant Galapagos Tortoises on Santa Cruz, and much more.

As well as the animals and birds, we will also be able 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 78-foot motor yacht, named Floreana, is a 16-passenger tourist superior, which was fully refurbished in 2003. This yacht offers comfortable and spacious accommodation, ample open and shaded deck space, delicious food and personal service from a superbly trained crew and a National Park licensed naturalist guide. It is fully air conditioned with twin cabins each with their own private facilities and outward-facing view.

Peter Smart from Wild Arena will also accompany you. Peter is a professional wildlifephotographer, escorting wildlife tours to a variety of countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, India, Spitsbergen, Borneo and the Galapagos Islands. Peter treats it as a genuine privilege to introduce people to the wildlife, landscapes and people of the countries he visits and his knowledge, 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 overleaf or visit our website to see more amazing images from the islands. Please contact us if you have any outstanding questions or if you would like to discuss possible mainland extensions to this tour.

You are advised to make your reservation immediately once you have decided to join us, as places onboard are strictly limited on this ever-popular Galapagos: The Enchanted Isles tour.

Galapagos and Ecuador:

A 13 day tour exploring the Galapagos Islands with an amazing variety of exotic animals, birds & plants with time to explore the wonderful city of Quito, the capital of Ecuador.

Itinerary

Tutors

Gallery:

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Itinerary:

Day 1
Depart UK for Quito, Ecuador

Day 2
Arrive Quito, Ecuador. Drive to Bella Vista Cloud Forest Reserve (around 2 hours) and begin our 3-day exploration of this unique habitat with the opportunity to photograph the birds, animals and plants, from the lodge and on a series of guided walks. Overnight lodge (2 nights)

Day 3
Full day in Bella Vista Cloud Forest Reserve to continue our exploration.

Day 4
Following a final morning in the reserve we return to Quito after lunch. Overnight hotel (1 night)

Day 5
Flight to Baltra on the Galapagos Islands and transfer to Floreana for our 8 day cruise, starting at North Seymour. North Seymour 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. There may be an opportunity for snorkelling if time permits. Overnight ship (7 nights).

Day 6
In the morning we visit Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragon) on Santa Cruz, passing a salt water lagoon which is often frequented by Greater Flamingos and other water birds. The trail leading up the hill offers a great view of the bay while the area should provide us with our first views of Land Iguana. After lunch we move on to Whale Bay (Bahia Ballena) which provides further opportunity to see Land Iguanas and a range of other species.

Day 7
We land at Puerto Ayora, the capital of the Galapagos Islands, which has some of the few shops and hotels on the island. Here we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station where we can see giant Galapagos tortoises and learn about the conservation issues facing the islands. In the afternoon we explore the Highland interior (El Chato) to see the giant tortoises in their naturalhabitat as well as the islandâ€™s interesting geological features such as lava tubes and pit craters.

Day 8
At Punta Cormorant, on Floreana (Charles Island), 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.

9Day 9
Espanola (Hood Island) 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 (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.

Day 10
San Cristobal Island 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. The island is home to several endemic wildlife species and has a spectacular volcanic landscape with the only freshwater lagoon in the Galapagos. In the afternoon we move on to nearby Lobos Island, which has a large Sea Lion colony.

Day 11
On South Plaza we may be greeted by Sea Lions and while on Santa Fe (Barrington Island) there is the opportunity to find one of the few remaining Land Iguanas (Conolophus pallidus) 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 wellprotected cove, which makes a perfect location for snorkelling and swimming. There are plenty of sea lions here, which can make for some interesting snorkelling.

Day 12
In the morning we visit Santa Cruz Island and the mangrove swamps of Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) where we hope to see white tipped reef sharks, rays and the endangered Green Sea Turtles before returning to Baltra. Disembark and flight back to Quito. Overnight hotel (1 night)

Day 13
A full day to explore Quito and do last minute souvenir shopping. Overnight hotel (1 night)

Day 14
Morning transfer to the airport for the return flight to UK

Day 15
Arrive UK

Please note that the itinerary is provisional and subject to change depending on local conditions, not all the wildlife mentioned can be seen well at all times of the year and some of the activities mentioned may not always be available

Summary:

Duration 15 days

Single supplement Subject to availability. Due to the small size of our ship, we are unlikely to be able to provide single accommodation but, if you are travelling singly, we will be happy to find someone to share with you.

Deposit £450 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. Details of a suitable scheme can be provided on request.

Group size Maximum 15, plus Wild Arena photographic guide and local naturalist guide (exclusive charter of Floreana)

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, entry fees to the national parks, all wildlife activities escorted by local naturalist guides, services of Wild Arena photographic guide throughout tour

Cost excludes National park tax (currently $100) and Ingala Migration 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, 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, fuel surcharges, charges incurred as a result of delays beyond Classic Journeys control, anything not specified in the Cost
Includes

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