2024 Monserrat Cruise
from US$2175 Dec 25-28

SEE DETAILED CRUISE VIDEO BELOW ITINERARY Day 1 December 25. QUITO/GUAYAQUIL - GALAPAGOS ISLANDS (Dinner)

Flight to San Cristóbal Island. Arrival, arrange payment of the Galapagos fee and then visit the Interpretation centre where you will learn about the origins of the Galapagos; from the very beginning of their volcanic origins through to today’s conservation efforts. Tour the Human History exhibit to learn about the islands’ discovery and colonization and discover the natural history and variety of flora and fauna that make the Galápagos so fascinating. A visit to Tijeretas will follow, a great viewpoint and your first wildlife encounter. This hill bears its name thanks to the frigate birds “Tijeretas”. Here we will enjoy a great view of beautiful landscapes at the foot of a frigate bird nesting colony. The tour on the cruise will then begin with dinner.

Day 2 December 26: BAHÍA GARDNER / PUNTA SUÁREZ (All meals)

Today, you will arrive at Española Island, one of the oldest in the archipelago. Visit the white sandy beach of Gardner Bay's and the bird colonies of Punta Suárez. Arriving at Gardner Bay's in the morning, you will spend the morning exploring on shore and snorkelling at Gardner Island in the bay, home to sea lions and sea birds. Be sure to explore the beautiful turquoise water and its incredible sea life and spot young sea lions and large schools of surprisingly big tropical fish, including yellow-tailed surgeonfish, king angelfish, and bump-head parrot fish. Also, look out for white-tipped reef sharks napping on the bottom After lunch, sail to the western side of the islands to Punta Suárez, known for its amazing bird colonies and home to the waved albatross (April and December), it is home to one of most rich wildlife landing sites in the Galápagos. Be greeted by surfing young sea lions on arrival. Head to the trail to find many species of nesting sea birds, and, if lucky, see the waved albatross. Follow the path up to a cliff for great views over the ocean, and watch sea birds gliding in the wind. Return to the yacht for dinner.

Day 3 December 27: CORMORANT POINT/POST OFFICE BAY (All meals)

Today, you will land at Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island. You will enjoy guided walks to observe the birds and wildlife and learn about the natural history. You will discover two amazingly different beaches: one with green sand, coloured by olivine crystals, and another with white sand particles known as 'Flour Beach'. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, rays and colourful fish swimming by. There can be currents in this area, so this activity should be done by strong swimmers only. Spend the afternoon observing flamingos and other shore birds feeding in the lagoon. Spot penguins and marine iguanas at the water’s edge and explore the lava tubes. Visit Post Office Bay and learn about its unique history. In the late 18th century, English whaling vessels placed a barrel here to be used as a post office. Today, the box is used mainly by tourists, who may drop off and pick up unstamped letters to be carried to far destinations. Continue the tradition – leave a letter and take one to deliver. Dinner onboard and continue the cruise.

Day 4 December 28: C. DARWIN STATION - QUITO/GUAYAQUIL (Breakfast only)

Today, you will disembark at Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galápagos tortoises. You will visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, a great place to observe many species of tortoises and land iguanas in captivity. Brought back from the brink of extinction, see the famous Galápagos tortoise up close – a corral houses adult tortoises, and a nursery care for the young until around age three when their shells have hardened. This area also houses the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organization initiated in 1964, which works to preserve the Galápagos' ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers, and volunteers. While the offices themselves are not open to visitors, the research station provides a study location for international scientists and environmental education for the local community. After the tour, transfer to the airport for the flight back to mainland Ecuador and connect with your flight home.

PRICING

Choose from the 2 tour options below:

Option A - Galapagos Cruise plus Galapagos Flight: US$2695 per person based on 2 people sharing a cabin:

• 4-Days Galapagos Cruise
• Galapagos Flight Tickets to/from Quito or Guayaquil (Round Trip) *

CRUISE INCLUDES:

• Cabin Accommodation
• All meals onboard
• All activities and excursions as depicted in the itineraries in company of a bilingual naturalist guide
• Snorkeling Equipment
• Standup Paddleboard
• Kayaks
• Wetsuit

NOT INCLUDED IN CRUISE:

• Pre and post cruise accommodation in Ecuador (we can help arrange this at additional cost)
• Galapagos fee USD 100.00 (Subject to change).
• Galapagos Control Transit Card USD 20.00
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Travel / medical insurance.
• Gratuities to guides and crew.
• Personals expenses.
• Travel insurance.

* Flights are subject to availability

Option B - Galapagos Cruise only: US$2175 per person based on 2 people sharing a cabin
(If opting for this, we will provide details of the flight options required to meet the vessel on time

Galapagos Cruise

• 4-Days Galapagos Cruise

CRUISE INCLUDES:

• Cabin Accommodation
• All meals onboard
• All activities and excursions as depicted in the itineraries in company of a bilingual naturalist guide
• Snorkeling Equipment
• Standup Paddleboard
• Kayaks
• Wetsuit

NOT INCLUDED IN CRUISE:

*Air ticket to and from Galapagos.

• Pre and post cruise accommodation in Ecuador (we can help arrange this at additional cost)
• *Galapagos fee USD 100.00 (Subject to change).
• *Galapagos Control Transit Card USD 20.00.
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Travel / medical insurance.
• Gratuities to guides and crew.
• Personals expenses.
• Travel insurance.

We can also offer pre and post cruise tours and services. Please ask for further details.