STYLE: Small Ship Cruise
Trip Code: ECRGC5D
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
SHIP: Cormorant II
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Departs select Saturdays
Standard
A blend of intrigue, mystery and ultimate adventure await on this incredible 5 day journey through the Galapagos archipelago. On board the Cormorant II you will find the ultimate blend of luxury and modernity to provide one of the most incredible experiences in the islands. Experience the seafaring history of the Galapagos as it intertwines with the unique natural evolution of its varied species. Discover curious sea lions frolicking on beaches of pure white sand, snorkel in pristine waters with turtles and rays, stumble across trails of roaming marine iguanas.
Morning flight from either Quito or Guayaquil to Santa Cruz, Galapagos Island. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the yacht. You will be shown to your cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.
In the afternoon you will head for Bachas Beach. Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz, Las Bachas is a swimming beach. One of the few remnants of the U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos, a floating pier, can be seen here. You may see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and whimbrels. Sea turtles also nest off the beach.
In the morning you will arrive at Bartholomew Island. Home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. A trail of stairs leads to the summit of the volcano, boasting one of the best views of the islands. The beach is perfect for snorkelling and possible sightings of the Galapagos penguin.
In the afternoon you will make your way to Sullivan Bay. A coral beach landing leads you towards a lava field as far as the eye can see. Hunt and peck over the two distinguished types of lava, pahoehoe and 'a'a, for signs of plant life that have managed to emerge over the past 100 years since the most recent volcanic explosion. A truly amazing volcanic experience.
In the morning, you will head to South Plaza Island. This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colorful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is Sesuvium. During the rainy season its color is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end of June through January) a bright red.
In the afternoon you will head for Santa Fe. Santa Fe (Barrington) is home to the small picturesque bay and anchorage on the island’s northeast coast. The bay has two visitor trails, one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other spanning from a small beach to a tall prickly pear cactus forest.
In the morning you will arrive at Witch Hill. Located on the northern coast, this eroded hill and its surroundings present one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos with its white powdery sand and the abundance of animals. Wildlife includes sea turtles, rays, and various types of booby birds. The clear water provides an excellent opportunity for enjoying swimming and snorkelling.
In the afternoon you will make your way to Pitt Point. Pitt Point, situated on the northeastern tip of the island, hosts frigatebirds, storm petrels, and all three types of booby birds: the Nazca, blue-footed and red-footed boobies. A steep trail goes up a cliff and through a ravine leading visitors to an area with an abundance of birds. This site is also great for snorkelling and scuba diving.
In the morning you will visit the "David Rodriguez" Breeding Centre. This is a new visitor site in the northeast part of San Cristobal Island and can now be reached in roughly one hour by road from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. In the Breeding Center, you will be able to admire the hatchling turtles from their birth until the are 120 days old when the grown turtles are taken to their natural habit.
You may also visit Lobos Island. The name of this island means "Sea Lion Island." This appropriately named island is ripe with noisy, frolicking, jolly sea lions who will welcome you to their home with open, well, fins. This island also offers great snorkelling opportunities as well as the chance to see blue-footed and Nazca boobies.
Undertake this incredible cruise on board the Cormorant II, one of the latest vessels to set sail in the Galapagos. Combining luxury, modernity and eco-friendly solutions this vessel offers a truly comfortable and luxurious experience.
Encounter the unique wildlife of the Galapagos including tortoise, marine iguanas, turtles, rays, flamingos, flightless cormorants and a vast array of multi-colored fish and bird species.
This itinerary can be easily tailored with other adventures in mainland Ecuador or the greater South America.
The Cormorant II mega-catamaran is one of the newest vessels in the Galapagos. Set to sail in late 2020, Cormorant II will be one of the most secure, comfortable and noiseless vessels in the pristine archipelago. Cormorant II offers an intimate and luxurious experience carrying just 16 passengers, allowing for remote travel and quieter landings larger vessels cannot achieve. Each of the Cormorant's 10 cabins come with private balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic views and a comfortable and modern design. The panoramic sun-deck and jacuzzi area provides a quaint and incredibly relaxing communal space when at sea. This is luxury in the Galapagos like you have never experienced before.
Ice Class:
Length: 148ft / 45m
Breadth: 44ft / 13.5mMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 16 knots
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:16
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Galapagos 5 Day Cruise | Cormorant II from USD 6,945 | ||
Departs select Saturdays |
Inclusions
Cabin Accommodation on board ship
All meals whilst on board
Guiding and lectures by bilingual national park guide
Airport transfers in Galapagos
Captain’s welcome and farewell cocktail
Soft drinks
Use of snorkelling equipment, underwater camera and wetsuit
Galapagos National Park Fee (US$100 per person subject to change)
Galapagos Transit Control Card (US$20 per person subject to change)
VIP lounge at Galapagos airports for departure flight
2 glasses of house wine per meal
Exclusions
International flights
Flights to/from Galapagos
Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable)
Alcoholic drinks
Travel and medical insurance
Personal expenses
Tips
Available upon request.
Please note park entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Departure date, season and availability.