PICTURE GALLERY

GALAPAGOS EXPLORER II
Cruises to Galapagos Islands

The M/V Galapagos Explorer II is designed to provide comfort and scientific information to 100 passengers visiting the Galapagos National Park. Its operation is emphasized with interesting itineraries that offer the best of this pristine paradise. Expert naturalist guides will offer an environmentally friendly and educational cruise focused in the Natural History of the Galapagos.

Facilities on board: 50 suites, Boutique, Library, Karaoke Bar, Conference Room, Restaurant, Jacuzzi, Solarium, observatory deck, 24 hours coffee and tea Station, Medical Assistance, Massage Suite, Satellite communication, Internet Center and wireless service on board


Equipment on board : Data projector, slides projector, computer, folding screen TV, audio equipment and microphone, white board, 2 flat television screen of 40 and 42 inches , DVD y CD player.

ISLANDS ITINERARY

THREE NIGTHS (Wednesday to Saturday) Wednesday  AM: Arrival in San Cristobal Airport PM: Cerro Brujo, San Cristóbal** Thursday AM: Punta Suarez, Española Island PM: Bahia Gardner, Española Island** Friday AM: Charles Darwin Station & Puerto Ayora, Sta. Cruz Island PM: Rabida Island** Saturday AM: Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz Island Departure from Baltra ** Modifications to the itinerary The highlights of Rábida A small island (5 km2), covered by dry and coastal vegetation, has a central volcano of 367 m2. Rábida contains the largest variety of lava types, being red the dominant color. A salt-water lagoon provides occasional sights of Flamingos. While the beach holds a large sea lion colony, fur seals also may be seen here.  Red sands and teal waters characterize this island. Sea lions cover the waterfront, and the bull is always making a show of his bravado.  There's a short walk to the top of the trail where you can take fabulous photos of the clear waters and volcanic peaks. There's also great snorkeling. Keep near the rocks and keep your eye out for sharks and rays. Activities : Walks, snorkeling, birdwatching. Wildlife: Flamingos, Galapagos Hawks, Penguins, Pelicans, Sea Lions Vegetation: Opunia Cactus, Palo Santo, Scrubby bush The highlights of Gardner Bay in Española Island About 1km long beach that is among the most magnificent in all Galápagos. It is home to many sea lion colonies and the turquoise colored water makes a beautiful contrast to the white sand that consists of shell dust. Mocking birds fight for their territory and inspect the backpacks of the tourists. About 50m of the coast there is a rock where you can encounter tropic fish and rays while snorkeling. But more spectacular is the Gardner Rock that can be reached with a panga. It is home to white-tipped reef shark, cactus finch and other colorful sea dwellers and very popular among snorkelers. Activities: Walks, snorkeling in deep water (experience is required), beach Wildlife:   Hood Mockingbird, Lava Lizards, Galápagos Dove, Large Cactus Finch, marine iguanas and sally light-foot crab Vegetation: saltbush, palo verde, acacia and mesquite bushes

FOUR NIGHTS (Saturday to Wednesday) - No changes have being made to the 4 night cruise Saturday AM: Arrival by air to Baltra Airport PM: Cerro Dragon, Santa Cruz Island Sunday AM: Bartholomew Island PM: Puerto Egas,  Santiago Island Monday AM: Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island PM: Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela Island Tuesday AM: Seymour Norte PM: El Chato (Highlands), lava tunnels and Wild Giant Tortoises Santa Cruz Island Wednesday AM: Lobería or Islas Lobos or Tijeretas or El Junco and Interpretation Center, San Cristobal Island Departure from San Cristobal DIVING PROGRAMS AVAILABLE FOR GALAPAGOS EXPLORER PASSENGERS Sub-aqua (a Galapagos diving expert operator) is providing the service during the days that we are close to Santa Cruz, as per our current itinerary this will be Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. PADI license and insurance for diving will be required. A minimum of 2 passengers per cruise is required. Details for diving places and schedules will be provided by our sales staff or you can review in our web site under activities section.  It is very important to booked the program in advance to make the proper arrangements with the local operator. Rates for 2011-2012 season   Cruise A 3 nights Cruise B 4 nights Cruise C 7 nights   Wednesday to Saturday Saturday to Wednesday Wednested to Wednesday or Saturday to Saturday Deck High Season Low Season High Season Low Season High Season Low Season Renaissance Suite Explorer USD 2245 USD 2100 USD 2995 USD 2800 USD 4920 USD 4600 De Luxe Balcony Suite Erickson / Marco Polo USD 2105 USD 1970 USD 2800 USD 2620 USD 4620 USD 4320 Renaissance Panoramic Erickson USD 2005 USD 1875 USD 2670 USD 2495 USD 4400 USD 4110 Premium Suite Marco Polo USD 1825 USD 1705 USD 2430 USD 2275 USD 4000 USD 3740 Classic Suite Magellan / Columbus USD 1655 USD 1550 USD 2205 USD 2060 USD 3630 USD 3395

SUITES Our suites average 250sqft and offer: Private bath with marble vanity (personal hair dryer) and refrigerator. Your suites are equipped with a tv set. We have an internal tv system that allows you to have 3 channels. Entertainment movies. Documentaries on the islands or natural history in general and the daily program, you will find these channels available every time you come back from your visits to the islands Two twin beds or one queen bed and small sitting area. Telephone for national or international calls. Internet wireless service on board

Low Season: January 8 to 14, May 1 to June 15, November 24 to December 15

NOT INCLUDED : Fuel surcharge. Galapagos National Park fee. Control Visit Card Ingala. Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages. Transfers from the Hotel to the Airport to take the flight to the Galapagos Islands . Round trip airfare from Guayaquil or Quito to the Galapagos Islands, Airport Tax International Departure to be paid in cash. Government taxes are not included.

NOTE: These rates are per person.  Single and Triple occupancy rates in Renaissance, De Luxe, Premium, or Classic Suite are available upon passengers' request. Cruises include: guided visits to the islands, all meals.  Consumption from the frigobar located in the suites are payable by the guest and at the rate indicated on the menu. The Galapagos Islands and/or other tax fees (not determined by Canodros S.A.) and the Canodros S.A. rates are subject to change without prior notice. Children under 12 years of age pay 50% of the rate accompanied by an adult. For Holiday's cruises children under 12 years of age pay 75% of the rate accompanied by an adult in the same cabin. One discount apply per cabin. Children under 7 years of age are not permitted on board.

 

Activities

The reason that you travel to Galapagos is to experience the islands and their unique Fauna. Therefore, we have designed your programs in such a way that they allow you to perceive Galapagos from different perspectives: guided hikes, relaxing beach walks, snorkeling and swimming! The islands are visited twice a day and always involve a leisurely hike in a small group led by your own naturalist guide, allowing you to experience close encounters with nature.

Snorkeling
The opportunity to experience the wonders of Galapagos' pristine marine reserve is present almost on a daily basis. Take the dive. It's an experience of a lifetime!

Star gazing
Since Galapagos offers cloudless skies most of the year, stargazing is not to be missed. Our crew offers nightly interpretation lectures on the top deck with visual aids to enhance the sightings (December to April).

Whale watching
It can always be worthwhile to keep an alert watch for whales while traveling between and around the various islands. However, a place with high possibilities of whale sightings is the northwest coast of Isabela, where we sail every Monday. Please inform your guide if you want to try this activity at 06h00. Don't forget to request a wake up call the night before! (June to September).

Conferences
Our expert guides, as well as our expedition leader, will present scientific conferences and other nature topics that will enhance your knowledge about the Islands.

Coffee / Tea Station
Coffee, tea and snack service are available on the deck Marco Polo for passengers arriving from the afternoon visit.

Naturalist room
This room is designed for the wide-eyed ecotourist who is seriously interested in being part of the long-term research programs developed by the Charles Darwin Station and other organizations. Here you can work beside our guides and research scientists monitoring physical and the biological process of the islands, thus contributing to the research of the Galapagos.

Towel Folding
At the Main Lounge our staff will teach you how to make beautiful towel puppets, that you will find in your suites each day.

Cocktail Lessons
Our Barman will teach you to prepare our specials cocktails during your cruise

King Neptune Celebration
your will discover this once in a life experience during your cruise , original at our vessel

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