Official Name: Archipielago de Colón

Capital: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, located on San Cristobal Island. Galapagos is the 22nd province of Ecuador, located in the Pacific Ocean, 960 km west of continental Ecuador.
Area: The archipelago consists of 19 large and 200 small islands and rocks and has a land area of about 5.000 square miles, although the Galapagos Marine Reserve covers about 50.000 square miles.
History: The Galapagos Islands were discovered in 1535 by Fray Tom ás de Berlanga, enroute to Peru. Charles Darwin (biologist and naturalist) explored the islands in 1835 and based his most famous work 'Origin of the Species' on this eco-system.

Climate:

Equatorial climates usually show little seasonal variations, but complex oceanic currents around Galapagos Islands drive weather and rainfall patterns into two recognizable seasons that influence vegetation and wildlife.

The warm waters of El Niño move south in December or January. By April the southeast trade winds start to push up the Humboldt's colder, but rich waters, bringing vast food resources to the Galapagos.

The wet season from January - April has average daily temperatures ranging from 22ºC - 35 ºC and occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon. The wet season usually means calm seas, clear skies and warmer water.

The dry season generally lasts from June to November, has average daily temperatures ranging from 19º C to 28º. The dry season is characterized by the 'Garua' and water is cold for snorkeling at most sites and seas can be rough at times.

May and December are the months of transitions between seasons.

Volcanoes: The entire area is volcanic in origin and the main islands are the tips of vast submarine volcanoes. Some are extinct, but 'Fernandina' and 'Isabela' are among the most active volcanoes on earth.

A World Heritage site, the archipelago is a National Park. The Charles Darwin Foundation, based in their Research Station is also dedicated to the conservation of the Galapagos ecosystems.

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Contact Vancouver Travel Consultant Christine Boecker for your Galapagos trip!

8 day Best of Galapagos / Saturday & Tuesday* Sailings

Saturday: Flight to Baltra: board First Class Motor Yacht / to Highlands

Sunday: Floreana Island: Cormorant Point / Devils Crown /Post Office / Baroness viewpoint

Monday: Española Island / Gardner Bay / Suarez Point

*Tuesday: San Cristobal Island: Interpretation Center / Lobos Island

Wednesday: Santa Fe Island / Black Turtle Cove

Thursday: Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay / El Barranco

Friday: Sullivan Bay / Bartolome Island

*This itinerary also operates from Tuesday to Tuesday, joining the yacht in San Cristobal.

Cruise price: from US$3,979 per person

Includes: *7 night cruise in the Galapagos Islands, visit to Charles Darwin Research Station, incredible wildlife encounters, daily opportunities for swimming and snorkelling, local naturalist guide (certified by the Galapagos National Park)

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Contact Vancouver Travel Consultant Christine Boecker for your Galapagos trip!

About our Yacht:

Our first Class Motor Yacht boasts 9 comfortably appointed double cabins, all with lower beds and outside views.

There’s a dining room, bar and lounge, coffee station with tea, coffee, herbal infusions, and fresh water, TV and DVD, library and sundeck.

 

The yacht is operated by a sustainable shipping company involved with conservation on the islands. With over 10 years experience in this area we have many satisfied customers, who highly recommend the quality of expertise and service on board.

 

Facilities & Accommodations:

Guest accommodations: The 3 cabins each on upper, main and lower deck have private bathrooms with hot & cold water, air conditioning, hair dryer, telephone for internal communication on board, and intercom system.

 

You will find a bottle of water in your cabin the first day, which can be refilled with fresh water from the dispenser in the lounge, where you will also find a variety of games, videos and books for your enjoyment.

 

Bar service includes a variety of sodas, cocktails, and liquors. Your tab can be settled at the end of the cruise.

Safety Box:  Each cabin contains a safe deposit box for your valuables.

Payment on board: Cash only - credit cards are not accepted during the cruise.

Quito Airport service: Our representative will assist you with the check-in procedure at the Quito Airport.

 

Technical Specifications:

Type: First class steel – hulled motor yacht
Construction: Guayaquil 2006 – 2007
Length: 35 m
Beam: 7.60 m
Draft: 1.80 m
Capacity: 16 passengers
Crew: 9 members + 1 bilingual guide
Cruising speed: 12 knots
Engines: 2 Caterpilar Motors 440 HP
Water capacity: 4.000 gallons
Diesel capacity: 6.000 gallons
Electric power: 110V and 220V

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Contact Vancouver Travel Consultant Christine Boecker for more Galapagos trips!

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