galápagos islands

PHOTOS BY JILL RICHMOND
GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
EDUCATIONAL CONNECTIONS
ABOARD M/Y YOLITA II (EAST)
Voyage to the Enchanted Islands
Choose your dates | 11 days
From abundant endemic
species to geological
wonders, the Galápagos
Islands is a destination
like no other. Explore
the biodiversity, volcanic
terrain, and fascinating
geography of the worldrenowned archipelago that
inspired Darwin’s theory
of evolution. This 11 day
program includes visits to
a selection of mainland
Ecuador’s cultural highlights
and a 7 day cruise aboard
M/Y Yolita II.
Marine Science
Biology
Earth Science
Conservation
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Come face to face with the iconic wildlife of the
Galápagos, including Blue-footed Boobies, marine
iguanas, Darwin’s finches, and the Galápagos Penguin.
• Discover fascinating geological history while trekking
volcanoes and lava fields.
• See giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research
Station.
• Swim and snorkel with sea lions, white-tipped reef sharks,
manta rays and tropical fish.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
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Bilingual local guide
Driver & Crew
Accommodations
Activities
Internal flights
Private transportation
Meals
Beverages with meals
Carbon offsetting
holbrooktravel.com | 800-451-7111 | [email protected]
ITINERARY
BLD = BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
DAY 1 - QUITO
Upon arrival in Quito transfer to the hotel. Arrival should be on a Friday for
Sunday cruise departure. Overnight at Hotel Sheraton Quito.
DAY 2 - QUITO
City tour of Quito, including a visit to the Middle of the World Monument.
Substitute with a full day excursion to Otavalo Market, Cotopaxi National
Park, Antisana Reserve, or Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve for additional
cost. Overnight at Hotel Sheraton Quito. (BLD)
DAY 3 - GALÁPAGOS, NORTH SEYMOUR
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival
your naturalist guide will transfer the group to M/Y Yolita II. Visit North
Seymour, home to a large population of the archipelago’s iconic Blue-footed
Boobies. Overnight: M/Y Yolita II. (BLD)
DAY 4 - GALÁPAGOS, SAN CRISTOBAL
Visit León Dormido for optional swimming and snorkeling off the coast of
San Cristóbal. If lucky, you may encounter hammerhead sharks! Later is a
wet landing at Cerro Brujo to watch lake and coastal birds and landscapes of
Kicker Rock, southern Upper San Cristóbal, and the coast adjacent to Cerro
Brujo. Continue to Isla Lobos to see small populations of nesting Bluefooted Boobies and Common Frigatebirds. Take a panga tour and watch for
Brown Pelicans and other shorebirds, juvenile sea lions, manta rays, and sea
turtles. Overnight aboard M/Y Yolita II. (BLD)
DAY 5 - GALÁPAGOS, ESPAÑOLA
Early excursion to Gardner Bay (part of Española Island) for a beach walk
followed by a panga ride around Gardner and Osborn islets. Española Island
is the southernmost island in the Galápagos and abundant with playful
sea lions. While swimming and snorkeling you may spot King Angelfish,
creole-fish, damselfish, parrotfish, manta rays, and white-tipped reef sharks.
Afternoon visit to Punta Suarez to learn about lava terrain and cross inactive
lava fields. Many bird species can be viewed closely here, including the
Hooded Mockingbird, Red-billed Tropicbird, and the rare Waved Albatross.
Stop at the famous blowhole, where water shoots 23 m (75 ft) in the air.
Overnight aboard M/Y Yolita II. (BLD)
DAY 6 - GALÁPAGOS, SANTA FE & SOUTH PLAZA
Disembark at Santa Fé Island, one of the best locations for swimming
with sea lions and see white-tipped reef sharks and sea turtles. Field trip to
the cactus forest to learn about the Opuntia cacti on the islands through
observation and an on-site lecture. A trail into the highlands of Santa Fé lead
to the only place the elusive Santa Fé land iguana can be found. Later, dry
landing on Plaza Sur Island (South Plaza Island), then hike to a cactus forest
where land iguanas can be observed closely. Continue in search of local sea
lion colonies. A walk along the clifftop provides perfect views of Red-billed
Tropicbirds, frigatebirds, pelicans, and Swallow-tailed Gulls in flight.
Overnight aboard M/Y Yolita II. (BLD)
DAY 7 - GALÁPAGOS, CDRS & SANTA CRUZ
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the conservation
efforts throughout the islands. The CDRS has a team of over a hundred
scientists, educators, and volunteers, whose mission is to conduct scientific
research and environmental education for conservation. At the CDRS giant
tortoises can be observed at all stages of growth, from just a few days to
almost 100 years old. After lunch is a field trip to the highlands of Santa
Cruz Island. Santa Cruz is the most important island in the Galápagos in
many respects; it is the second largest island, the most populated, and acts
as the administrative center for the islands. The National Park Service is
also based here. Giant tortoises can be spotted on Santa Cruz in addition to
several species of Darwin’s finches. While passing through the trails on the
island there is a dramatic change in vegetation zones as altitude increases.
The afternoon includes stops at the twin pit craters and Cerro Chato.
Overnight aboard M/Y Yolita II. (BLD)
DAY 8 - GALÁPAGOS, FLOREANA & POST OFFICE BAY
Enjoy a hike from black mangrove beds to a lagoon. This large, brackish
lagoon holds one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galápagos.
Floreana Island is best known for its endemic plant life like the Galápagos
millwort, passion flower, and button mangrove. Later, take dinghy ride
along the coast to observe Blue-footed Boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas,
and Swallow-tailed Gulls. Optional deep water snorkeling is available, a
unique chance to swim in a natural aquarium with colorful fishes, tame
sharks, and rays. Later in the morning snorkel or swim at Devil’s Crown.
The day continues at Post Office Bay, so named because in 1793 Captain
James Colnett installed an empty barrel which served as an informal post
box for sailors passing through the Galápagos, taking the letters to their
destinations with them. Stop at Mirador de la Baronesa in La Olla Bay,
a basaltic tuff formation between Cormorant Point and Post Office Bay.
Overnight aboard M/Y Yolita II. (BLD)
DAY 9 - GALÁPAGOS, CHINESE HAT & DRAGON HILL
The voyage continues at Whale Bay, a cove of green sand at the base of
Dragon Hill on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island. The beach contains
a large amount of olivine crystals, the same that originate from volcanic
materials. After a dry landing on Dragon Hill, walk to a saltwater
lagoon often visited by flamingos. A hike up Dragon Hill concludes
with a beautiful view of the bay. The area is a nesting site for numerous
reintroduced land iguanas and also has a peculiar scalesia tree forest.
Overnight aboard M/Y Yolita II. (BLD)
DAY 10 - QUITO
This morning stop at Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island for a dinghy
ride though the mangroves. The motor will be turned off to allow close
observation of marine life. After disembarking on Baltra Island transfer
to the airport for your flight to Quito. Lunch will be served during your
flight. Afternoon at leisure followed by a farewell dinner at the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel Sheraton Quito. (BLD)
DAY 11 - DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
LAND & CRUISE PRICING
$4,015 (15 participants + 1 leader)
$4,415 (14 participants + 2 leaders)
$4,515 (8 participants + 1 leader)
International airfare is not included. Valid for travel in 2015.
THE FINE PRINT
Rates are based on triple occupancy for participants; complimentary
leader accommodations may be single or double occupancy based on
availability. International airfare is included for complimentary leaders.
Itinerary may be adjusted if flight schedules require a change of arrival/
departure city in Ecuador. Holiday surcharges may apply. A $350 per
person deposit and enrollment form is due upon booking. This deposit
is refundable until 150 days prior to departure excluding a $100
cancellation fee. Final payments are due no later than 150 days prior to
departure. Cancellations received less than 150 days prior to departure
are non-refundable. Travel/trip cancellation insurance is strongly
recommended. For more information call Travel Insured at 800-2433174 or visit travelinsured.com. Holbrook Travel’s agency number is
15849. Mandatory group insurance can be added upon request.
This program includes optional carbon offsetting with
ClimateSafe. Learn more at holbrooktravel.com/climatesafe
holbrooktravel.com | 800-451-7111 | [email protected]