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
NEW SCHEDULE FOR FLIGHTS TO GALAPAGOS
** Continental time
WEDNESDAY
Flight No. 195
Quito Departs
09h00
Guayaquil Departs
10h30
San Cristobal Arrives
12h00**
Flight No. 194
San Cristóbal Departs
12h45**
Guayaquil Arrives
14h15
Quito Arrives
15h45
SATURDAY
Flight No. 193
Quito Departs
9h30
Guayaquil Departs
11h00
Baltra Arrives
12h30**
Flight No. 192
Baltra Departs
13h15**
Guayaquil Arrives
14h45
Quito Arrives
16h15
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.
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
RATES PER PERSON IN US DOLLARS
CRUISE "A”
3 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS
CRUISE "B"
4 NIGHTS / 5 DAYS
CRUISE "C"
7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS
Wednesday to Saturdays
Saturdays to Wednesdays
Saturdays to Wednesdays or Wednesdays to Saturdays
HIGH SEASON
LOW SEASON
HIGH SEASON
LOW SEASON
HIGH SEASON
LOW SEASON
Renaissance Suite
USD 2155
USD 2015
USD 2880
USD 2695
USD 4730
USD 4420
De Luxe
Balcony Suite
USD 2025
USD 1895
USD 2695
USD 2520
USD 4440
USD 4150
Premium Suite
USD 1755
USD 1640
USD 2340
USD 2185
USD 3845
USD 3595
Classic Suite
USD 1590
USD 1490
USD 2120
USD 1985
USD 3490
USD 3260
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.
DEPARTURE DATES 2010
DEPARTURES 2010
Jan-06-13
Apr-07-14
Jul-07-14
Oct-06-13
Jan-13-20
Apr-14-21
Jul-14-21
Oct-13-20
Jan-20-27
Apr-21-28
Jul-21-28
Oct-20-27
Jan-27-Feb 03
Apr-28-May 05
Jul-28-Ago 04
Oct-27-Nov 03
Feb-03-10
May-05-12
Aug-04-11
Nov-03-10
Feb-10-17
May-12-19
Aug-11-18
Nov-10-17
Feb-17-24
May-19-26
Aug-18-25
Nov-17-24
Feb-24- Mar 03
May-26-Jun 02
Aug-25-Sep 01
Nov-24-Dic 01
Mar-03-10
Jun-02-09
Sep-01-08
Dec-01-08
Mar-10-17
Jun-09-16
Sep-08-15
Dec-08-15
Mar-17-24
Jun-16-23
Sep-15-22
Dec-15-22
Mar-24-31
Jun-23-30
Sep-22-29
Dec-22-29
Mar-31-Abr 07
Jun-30-Jul 07
Sep-29-Oct 06
Dec-29-Jan 05
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
www.patagonia-cruises.com.ar is a website of Ripio EVT - Leg 10.687 -
RipioTurismo, Incoming Tour Operator
www.ripioturismo.com.ar
Buenos Aires, Argentina