THE GALAPAGOS TRAVEL EXPERTS THE GALAPAGOS TRAVEL EXPERTS

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GALAPAGOS EXPLORER II
LUXURY CRUISE SHIP
The M/V Galapagos Explorer II is different from other ships because it offers a fascinating mix of sustainable tourism activities related to adventure, wildlife discovery, interpretation and geology of the islands aboard a luxurious vessel that will the service that you expect. Originally built as part of the Renaissance cruise lines Renaissance-class fleet noted for their intimately sized luxury vessels. The Galapagos Explorer II public areas and suites maintain this grand style. The ship measures over 290 feet (88.6 meters) in length and 49 feet (15.3 m) in beam the Galapagos Explorer II is both roomy and comfortable. There are a wide range of public areas where you can privately relax or socialize with others including a conference room, piano bar, library, solarium, Jacuzzi bar, boutique, massage suite and more. The Galapagos Explorer II is a superb ship that offers only suites with an average size of 250 ft (20m) all of which are comfortable yet harmonious with the surroundings. Each suite is classically decorated features stunning ocean views, has beds that can convert from twins to doubles as well as having sofa beds that can convert to triples perfect for families with small children. From the comfort of your suite you will be delighted to find you have access to satellite communication, wireless internet as well as flat panel TV's with 3 channels of educational and informative programming. 8 Day / 7 Night Naturalist Itinerary Visiting the Northern, Central and Southern Islands

ITINERARY
CERRO BRUJO ESPAOLA DARWIN STATION & RABIDA BACHAS BEACH & CERRO DRAGON BARTOLOME & PUERTO EGAS PUNTA ESPINOZA& PUNTA VICENTE ROCA NORTH SEYMOUR & SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS SAN CRISTOBAL

Contact us at: info@galapagosonline or call 866-681-8687

THE GALAPAGOS TRAVEL EXPERTS

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GALAPAGOS EXPLORER II

Discover the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands aboard the luxurious Galapagos Explorer II

GALAPAGOS ONLINE
THE GALAPAGOS TRAVEL EXPERTS 284 C East Lake Mead Parkway #162 Henderson, NV 89015 P: 866.681.8687 E: info@galapagosonline.com www.galapagosonline.com

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DAY 1: WEDNESDAY / GALAPAGOS ARRIVAL & CERRO BRUJO

PM: Galapagos Arrival & Cerro Brujo, San Cristobal
Upon arrival at the San Cristobal Airport, travelers pass through an airport inspection point insuring that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, as well as to pay the park entrance fee of $100 (unless it has been prepaid). Your guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor. Cerro Brujo is located on the north coast of San Cristbal Island; the trail at this visitors site can be done in about three hours, including the panga ride. Its main attraction is the powder-like sandy beach, other than species of flora and fauna. It is an eroding tuff cone that at several locations is composed of lava type a - a. It is formed by low-viscosity lava that contains little gas and breaks while it solidifies and is pushed by lava continuing to flow from behind. In the lagoon located at Cerro Brujo, the people of Port Baquerizo Moreno mine salt for preserving cod, beef and tortoise. Today it is a place for watching lake and coastal birds.

DAY 2: THURSDAY / ESPAOLA

AM: Gardner Bay, Isolte Gardner or Isolte Osborn, Espaola
Espaola's two visitor sites offer an exceptional island visit. Gardner Bay is a favorite destination for swimming and snorkeling as well as offering a great beach.

PM: Punta Suarez, Espaola

Punta Suarez is one of the highlights of the Galapagos Islands. The variety and quantity of wildlife assures a memorable visit. Visitors find migrant, resident, and endemic wildlife including brightly colored marine iguanas, Espaola lava lizards, Hood mockingbirds, swallow tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, Galapagos hawks, a selection of finch, and the waved albatross.

DAY 3: FRIDAY / DARWIN STATION & RABIDA

AM: Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz
Located near the center of the archipelago, Santa Cruz is the center of tourism in the Galapagos. A ten minute walk from the center of town, the Charles Darwin Research Station is the working Galapagos based branch of the international, non-profit Charles Darwin Foundation, a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station is included in all cruises of the islands. Visitors learn about natural history, issues concerning the islands, and see the Tortoise breeding and rearing project at work.

PM: Rabida
Located south of Santiago, Rabida is one of the most volcanically varied islands in the chain. Geologically, Rabida consists of eroded hills and lava emitted from spatter cones that have resulted in island's striking colors. A visit begins with a wet landing on the deep maroon colored northern beach. Marine iguanas and sea lions are often seen resting in the shade of the caves nearby. Behind the beach is the salt brush home where the brown pelicans make their nests. On the cliffs above the pelicans, blue-footed boobies and masked boobies can be seen. Following the path visitors arrive at a small saltwater lagoon where pink flamingos, Bahama pintail ducks and common stilts are frequently seen feeding.

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DAY 4: SATURDAY / BACHAS BEACH & CERRO DRAGON

AM: Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz
Located west of Caleta Tortuga Negra on Santa Cruz, Bachas Beach is a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. The lagoon behind the beach offers the opportunity to view coastal birds like pink flamingos, black-necked stilts and whimbrels. Bachas also is home to hundreds of blue-footed boobies who can be seen hunting in the waters just off the coast.

PM: Cerro Dragon, Santa Cruz

Located on the northwest coast of Santa Cruz Island, the visit to Cerro Dragon (dragon hill) will take you through Palo Santo trees and Opuntia cactus past a couple of lagoons where flamingoes can be seen and the shy land iguana live.

DAY 5: SUNDAY / BARTOLOME & PUERTO EGAS

AM: Bartolome
Located just off Sullivan Bay east of Santiago, Bartolome, a desolate island with few plants is the most visited and most photographed island in the Galapagos. Bartolome's Pinnacle Rock has become one of the best recognized and most photographed sights in the islands.

PM: Puerto Egas, Santiago

Puerto Egas is home to some of the Galapagos Island's best tide pools. Sponges, snails, hermit crabs, barnacles and fish including the endemic four-eyed blenny can be seen. The walk also presents visitors with a variety of shore birds, marine iguanas, sally light foot crabs, sea lions and fur seals.

DAY 6: MONDAY / PUNTA ESPINOZA & PUNTA VICENTE ROCA

AM: Punta Espinoza, Fernandina
The youngest of the Galapagos Islands, Fernandina is approximately 700,000 years old. It's location to the west and on the far side of Isabela makes it one of the least visited islands. Fernandina is home to the largest colony of marine iguanas. Flightless cormorants nest in along this rocky area near the high- water line, and recently Galapagos penguins have been spotted nesting in the area.

PM: Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela

Located on the mouth of the seahorse that forms Isabela, Punta Vicente Roca is the remains of an ancient volcano. A panga ride along the two turquoise coves and bay provides an excellent opportunity to view masked boobies, blue-footed boobies, and flightless cormorants.

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DAY 7: TUESDAY / NORTH SEYMOUR & SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS

AM: North Seymour
The small flat island of North Seymour is home to colonies of colonies of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds. Sharing the same nesting area on North Seymour blue-footed boobies nest on the ground making their nests from the twigs of the palo santos trees, while the magnificent frigatebird nests just above them in the saltbushes. North Seymour is an excellent site to view the endemic Galapagos land iguana.

PM: Santa Cruz Highlands

A trip to the highlands offers an excellent opportunity for viewing wild tortoises. As you walk through the forest, listen carefully for the sound of heavy footsteps and the sound of shrubs being slowly crushed as the tortoises make their way through the brush to enjoy a meal. The Highlands also offers plenty of lava tubes, sinkholes and craters to explore. Theses eerie formations offer a fascinating hike into the belly of the island to view its volcanic make-up.

DAY 8: SATURDAY / OPTIONAL ACTIVIES SAN CRISTOBAL & GALAPAGOS DEPARTURE

AM: Optional Activities San Cristobal & Galapagos Departure
Arriving to the island of San Cristobal, we visit the interpretation center to learn about the conservation efforts in the Galapagos or visit La Loberia where we can enjoy a last visit with the friendly Galapagos Sea Lions. Having completed the journey you will transfer to the San Cristobal Airport for your flight back to Quito or Guayaquil.

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