ExplOriNg ThE gAlApAgOs

E x p lor ing
t h e Galapagos
Island Hopping in the Galapagos Archipelago
aboard the 48-passenger MV Eclipse
13th to 23rd November 2014
MV Eclipse
PANAMA
The Galapagos Islands are a remote group of islands located
1000km off the coast of Ecuador and are considered some
North
of the most wondrous islands in the world. It was Charles
Seymour
Mosquera
Islet
Darwin who put the islands on the map. True, the islands
Baltra Island
Santa Cruz
South
Plaza
Island
were discovered some 300 hundred years earlier, but
Santa Fe
San
Darwin’s five week stay in the Galapagos during his world
Isabela
Cristóbal
expedition altered the course of human thought and history.
Floreana
Española
One of the most amazing aspects of the Galapagos is that even today the
archipelago is much the same as it was in Darwin’s time, a veritable ‘Garden
of Eden’. Largely unspoiled by development, it is a place where fascinating
and diverse wildlife is both abundant and fearless of man. Here you can swim
with dolphins and Galapagos penguins, walk amongst giant tortoises, watch
basking marine iguanas and be endlessly fascinated by the colourful and exotic
birdlife. The isolation and late discovery by humans, along with an historical
lack of predators has set the stage for a unique environmental experiment and
developed into perhaps the greatest showcase for evolution to be witnessed.
Quito
ECUADOR
Guayaquil
MAP NOT
TO SCALE
The moment you set foot on your first island you will see that curiosity and
fearlessness are a way of life. Whether strolling along the islands’ pristine
beaches, searching for the spectacular waved albatross, having a “chat”
with a particularly friendly sea lion, or snorkelling with Galapagos penguins,
a feeling of freedom surrounds you.
For this voyage we have chartered the 48-passenger MV Eclipse, a superior
vessel designed with space and comfort in mind. The experienced
Galapagos guides and dedicated crew will make this journey unforgettable.
endemic wildlife
You will be able to see a wide variety of species on a Galapagos cruise, but here is a selection of some of the key wildlife you may encounter from the Eclipse:
Blue footed booby
Blue footed boobies are tropical
seabirds and are amongst the most
famous birds in the Galapagos
Islands. They are the most commonly
seen booby bird in the archipelago
as they nest near the coast and feed
close to shore. The name booby
comes from the Spanish term ‘bobo’,
which means fool. The blue footed
booby is graceful in the air but rather
clumsy and cumbersome on land
and compared to other seabirds it is
very tame allowing for great photo
opportunities.
Land iguana
Land iguanas are another of the
endemic species that can be
found on Isabela, Santa Cruz and
the North Seymour Islands. Its
beautiful colours can vary from a
golden yellow to deep orange and
dark red. In the last census of this
species, it concluded that there are
around 5,000 to 10,000 land iguanas
left in the Galapagos Islands and
for this reason, they are currently in
danger of extinction.
Galapagos sea lion
The Galapagos sea lion lives on the
rocky coasts of the islands in the
west of the archipelago. These sea
lions don’t migrate and they stay
near the islands all their lives, which
is about 20 years. The Galapagos
Sea Lion feeds mainly on fish and
mollusks near the coast and the
water surface, but they have been
spotted in depths of up to 170
metres. They reproduce in the
oriental Pacific off the Galapagos
Islands and they are endemic to
the islands.
Galapagos sea turtle
The Galapagos sea turtle is
frequently found in large numbers
in the Galapagos Islands. This kind
of sea turtle belongs to a group of
endemic species from the islands.
The Galapagos Archipelago
provides the sea turtle with the
best places to reproduce and feed
during the year. This is why the
Galapagos has one of the largest
colonies of sea turtles in the
Pacific Ocean.
Giant Tortoise
Flamingo
Galapagos Penguin
Isabela Island
Sally Lightfoot Crab
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Quito. Fly by scheduled
indirect flight and arrive in Quito in the late
afternoon. Transfer to the Marriott Hotel for your
two night stay. The remainder of the day is free.
Day 2 Quito. On this morning’s sightseeing
tour we will see why Ecuador’s capital earned
its honour as the first UNESCO World Heritage
Site. We will visit El Panecillo, the landmark
hill rising at the southern edge of the historic
centre; San Francisco Church and its museum
of religious art; La Compañía and the seven
tons of gold gilding its glittering walls; and the
bustling Independence Plaza, flanked by the
Presidential Palace and the Cathedral of Quito.
The afternoon is at leisure and this evening there
will be a welcome dinner in the hotel.
Day 3 Quito to Galapagos & North Seymour. Our
adventure begins with a morning flight to Baltra
Island where we will transfer to the MV Eclipse for
embarkation. There will be a welcome introductory
briefing followed by lunch. This afternoon we are
at North Seymour Island, a perfect introduction to
the Galapagos Islands. Fauna abounds and you
will soon find yourself surrounded by frigates and
blue footed boobies. Keep an eye out for land
iguanas and sea lions too. Return to the vessel for
a welcome cocktail before dinner.
Day 4 South Plaza & Santa Fe. South Plaza Island,
although quite small, is actually home to a large
Opuntia cacti forest, land iguanas and one of the
largest sea lion colonies in the central region of
the archipelago. An endemic plant, Sesuvium,
inhabits this island and is a great climate indicator
as its colour is a greenish-yellowish during
the rainy season and a bright red during the
dry season. You will also be able to see Nazca
boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and a variety of
other sea birds. Some of the island’s endemic
species include the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos
snake, rice rats, different types of finches, and the
Galapagos mockingbird. The visit includes a hike
on a trail past salt bushes where Galapagos hawks
as well as the Santa Fe land iguanas tend to roam.
Playful sea lions may accompany you during your
snorkelling activities.
Day 5 San Cristobal. Punta Pitt is located on
the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island and is
a great place to see Nazca boobies and Blue
footed boobies. We will hike up to a plateau for
a spectacular view of the landscape. You can
also enjoy kayaking, snorkelling and panga rides
at Punta Pitt. During lunch we will move round
to the north coast of San Cristobal. Cerro Brujo’s
gorgeous beach is also home to many sea lions
and it is also the place where Charles Darwin first
stepped foot on in the archipelago.
Day 6 Floreana. Floreana Island is one of the
Galapagos’ most famous, due to many strange
stories regarding past settlers. There are many
wonderful and diverse sites to visit including
Post Office Bay and the ‘Baroness’s Viewing
Point’. Marine life also abounds in Floreana’s
coastal regions making it a fantastic site for
snorkelling. Flamingos may be seen during
your visit. In the 18th century whalers passing
through the islands placed a wooden barrel
on Floreana Island for use as an unofficial mail
box. The tradition continues today as visitors
leave addressed postcards in the barrel and
sort through left mail to deliver at home. For
the more adventurous, there is an option for a
visit inside a lava tunnel. A great site for birdwatching, Cormorant Point has a large lagoon
where everything from flamingos to stilts and
pintail ducks roam. Prior to the excursions, you
will also have an opportunity to participate in a
magnificent snorkel at Champion Islet.
Day 7 Isabela. Elizabeth Bay is one of the
furthest points of the Galapagos. We will enter
a sheltered cove accessible by panga only – a
wonderful mangrove ecosystem that is a refuge
for sea turtles, rays, Blue footed boobies,
penguins, herons and more. Moreno Point
is located just southwest of Elizabeth Bay on
the west coast of Isabela. Observe and learn
about different types of lava and pioneer plants
while being surrounded by some of the most
incredible scenery that the Galapagos has to
offer. There is also the opportunity for a panga
ride along the striking rocky shores.
Day 8 Santa Cruz. On our visit to the Charles
Darwin Research Station we can gain insight
into the huge efforts being made by scientists,
guides, rangers and park managers to preserve
this UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the
famous Galapagos tortoises that are the islands’
namesake. After the visit we drive to the green
highlands of Santa Cruz to visit a tortoise reserve
to search for giant tortoises in their natural
surroundings.
Day 9 Espanola. Gardner Bay offers the chance
to enjoy a wonderful white sandy beach. It is
home to one of the most important colonies
of sea lions, and it is also a nesting site for
sea turtles. Throughout the morning there
are opportunities for swimming, snorkelling
and kayaking. Punta Suarez is one of the most
popular and attractive sites in the Galapagos.
Due to its isolation from other islands, it has a
high proportion of endemic fauna. A few steps
inland from the landing site, groups of Espanola
marine iguanas bask in the sun. Further inland,
Nazca and Blue footed boobies nest near the
trail, Galapagos doves peck around unaware
of visitors and finches go about their day to
day business. The trail continues towards a
Toucan
Canoe trip
Capybara
Sacha Lodge
Pre-cruise Amazon Extension
9th to 13th November 2014
blowhole, which is a fissure in the lava where
water spurts high into the air like a geyser. The
cracks in the cliffs are home to swallow-tailed
gulls and red-billed tropicbirds. Further up
the cliff in an area of low-lying trees you will
find waved albatrosses nesting. The 15,000
to 17,000 pairs of albatrosses on Espanola
represent almost the entire population of this
species on the planet.
Day 10 Mosquera Islet to Guayaquil & London.
Before breakfast take an optional panga ride to
tiny Mosquera Islet, home to a huge population
of sea lions and many shorebirds. Keep your
eyes peeled as there are occasional reports of
dolphins and orcas. After breakfast transfer to
the airport for your flight to Guayaquil and then
onto our international indirect flight to London.
Day 11 London. Arrive this afternoon.
Prices per person
Based on double occupancy
Category
Deck
Price
Stateroom Main
£5995
Superior Stateroom Boat
Deluxe Stateroom Boat
Single Stateroom Main
£6195
£6495
£5995
Price Includes:Economy class scheduled air travel,
two nights hotel accommodation in Quito on bed
and breakfast basis, Quito city tour and dinner on
Day 2, seven nights aboard the MV Eclipse on full
board basis, all soft drinks and juices onboard, fully
stocked minibar in Deluxe Staterooms (on arrival
only), shore excursions, Galapagos National Park
entrance fee and transit card,, transfers, port taxes,
airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel Insurance, gratuities.
Enjoy a true jungle adventure in safety and comfort, staying at Sacha Lodge, a 5000-acre
private ecological reserve located in Ecuador’s Amazon region. This is an accessible, yet
pristine area of the Amazon where you can discover the wonders of nature.
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Quito. Fly by scheduled indirect flight. On arrival transfer to the
Marriott Hotel for an overnight stay. Remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 2 Quito to the Amazon. From Quito we will take a breathtaking 30-minute flight
over the Andes to the Amazon basin and the small town of Coca. We will be greeted by
Sacha Lodge staff and enjoy lunch before being transferred to the Napo River where we
embark covered motorised canoes for a two hour journey to Sacha. Look out for herons,
kingfishers and spoonbills. On arrival at the reserve, we walk along a forest boardwalk
to Pilchicocha Lake where dugout canoes are waiting to take us across the lake to the
Sacha Lodge. Before dinner, you may enjoy a swim in the lake, which is quite possibly
the perfect way to refresh after your journey. After your meal, your naturalist guide will
accompany you on a night walk through the rainforest.
Days 3 & 4 Sacha Lodge. A typical day at Sacha begins at sunrise or earlier, in order
to take advantage of the cool morning hours when the rainforest creatures are at their
most active. Activities are spread out over a wide area and allow visitors to explore
several distinct but equally fascinating habitats. Several trails lead through pristine
rainforest, others are along strategically raised boardwalks. A popular activity is
paddling the dugout canoes along water creeks and lakes. Afternoon and night walks
also take place when the nocturnal insects and frogs start their chorus and to search
for other creatures not seen during the day. There is an incredible diversity of wildlife;
monkeys are seen frequently and there are up to 60 other species of mammals. Areas
to explore and wildlife sightings are endless. On the night walks, look out for one of
Pilchicocha’s resident spectacled caimans and tree frogs. There are an incredible 587
different species of bird here, and it is not uncommon for even the most casual birder to
see a few hundred during their stay.
Day 5 Sacha Lodge to Quito. Depart this morning and fly to Quito. On arrival transfer
to the Marriott Hotel for a day at leisure. Continue as per day one of main itinerary.
Prices per person Based on double occupancy
Twin: £995 Single: £1295
Price includes: Overnight accommodation in Quito on bed and breakfast basis, return flight between
Quito and Coca, transfer by boat from Coca to Sacha Lodge, three night’s accommodation at Sacha
Lodge on full board, excursions and activities at Sacha Lodge with guides.
Not Included: Travel Insurance, gratuities.
MV Eclipse
For our November departure we have chartered the MV Eclipse which is renowned as a
spacious vessel that accommodates up to 48 passengers - half the number of passengers usually
found on a ship this size, with 34 crew members. The ship is 210 ft long and 41 ft wide. Only
the most knowledgeable of naturalist guides are employed to ensure that cruises aboard the
MV Eclipse are as informative and comprehensive as possible. Although 16 passengers per
naturalist guide are permitted by the National Park, aboard the MV Eclipse, numbers are limited
to just 12 passengers per guide. The vessel has been awarded the Smart Voyager certification
and holds this official recognition since 2007.
Your Cabin/Suite
The MV Eclipse has 26 spacious,
fully air-conditioned cabins; 24 of
the cabins have either a queen or
twin bed arrangement and the other
two are single cabins. The twin
beds can be converted to king-size
beds upon request. All cabins have
outside views by means of picture
windows or large portholes so that
passengers can enjoy stunning
views throughout their journey.
Superior Stateroom
Cabins have en-suite facilities with
shower and ample storage space.
There are four Deluxe Staterooms
which are located on the Boat Deck,
each measure 210 square feet and
have two panoramic windows.
Also located on the Boat Deck
are the eight spacious Superior
Staterooms. These measure
170 square feet and have one
panoramic window. The twelve
Main Deck Staterooms are the
same comfortable size as the
Superior Staterooms and have
two or three large portholes. All
cabins are serviced three times a
day and are intelligently designed
to offer generous space- in -size of
a larger vessel, whilst preserving
the atmosphere and exclusivity of a
smaller yacht.
Your Space
In addition to the MV Eclipse´s
elegant indoor dining room, there
is also an al fresco dining area, from
where you can enjoy the islands’
spectacular scenery. Other key
areas include a library, a boutique,
a lounge and an infirmary, with a
doctor onboard at all times. One of
the most popular areas on board
is the observation/sun deck, ideal
for stargazing, whale watching, or
simply relaxing in the Jacuzzi.
Your Dining
While the Eclipse has an elegant
indoor area, when weather
conditions permit, guests can
take advantage of the spectacular
al-fresco dining area at the stern of
the vessel. Dining on deck allows
guests to enjoy the sunshine and
sea breeze, while cruising from one
island to the next. Few vessels in
Restaurant
this category offer the opportunity
for outdoor dining, accommodating
all guests in one sitting. The chef
prepares delicious meals with fresh
ingredients and will be happy to
tailor menus based on any special
dietary requirements. Meals are
served as a buffet with soft drinks
and juices included.
jacuzzi
Stateroom
Library
Life Onboard
The atmosphere onboard is relaxed
and informal with the day to day
planning of the itinerary in the capable
hands of the Cruise Director who
will liaise with the Captain to make
the most of weather conditions and
wildlife sightings. Shore excursions
will be led by experienced Galapagos
guides. Catering and cabin staff offer
the highest service with a friendly
smile, contributing to an unforgettable
cruise aboard the MV Eclipse.
For your comfort,
safety and security
The MV Eclipse has state of the art
safety, navigation, communication
and rescue equipment. She is also
equipped with satellite telephones
and internet access is available in
public areas. The vessel has met all
International and National Maritime
Authority requirements and has been
certified: SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW,
ISPS, LOAD LINE, IDS, COLREG and
ISPS. There is a medical doctor on
board at all times.
DECK PLAN
SUN DECK
BOAT DECK
WEATHER DECK
MAIN DECK
SUN DECK
BRIDGE
JACUZZI
BOAT DECK
27
21
25 23
19
17
LIBRARY
18
28
26
24
22
20
WEATHER DECK
KITCHEN
AL FRESCO
DINING
AREA
BAR
DINING ROOM
LOUNGE
MD
BAR
BOUTIQUE
MAIN DECK
15 11
14
9
7
5
12
10
8
3
6
1
4
2
CRUISE
DIRECTOR
Lounge
SUPERIOR STATEROOM
STATEROOM
DELUXE STATEROOM
SINGLE STATEROOM
2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE
+44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | www.noble-caledonia.co.uk
All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Galapagos penguins