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Galapagos aboard the Santa Cruz II Yacht 5 Days " Northern Galapagos "

Luxury - Cruise
Includes:
  • Transport
  • Sight Seeing
  • Food
  • Hotels

The M/V Santa Cruz was remodeled specifically to enhance your cruise in the Galapagos Islands. Additions to the boat deck include two luxurious master suites with private balconies in addition to junior suites and superior cabins.

This first class ship built extensively for cruising the Galapagos waters, offers a wide range of cabins for 3,4, and 7- night cruises for the optimum Galapagos vacation. One of the best cruises for adults who travel with their families, very comfortable to carry babies on board.

The Santa Cruz offers large common areas as you relax aboard, all in a friendly and informal setting. Remodeled extensively in 1997 inside and out.

 On the Boat Deck, there are two master suites with double beds and a private balcony, and two junior suites with twin beds. Six Superior-Class cabins have twin or double beds, that together with the remaining Standard Cabins on the Upper and Main decks offer a variety of accommodations, all meeting the same high standard for comfort. Family guests have ample choice among single, double, triple and quadruple accommodations.

DAY  ISLAND PLACES
MON        

Santa Cruz  

AM: Baltra  Airport

PM: Bachas Beach

TUE

Santiago 

AM: Buccaneeer Cove        

PM: Egas Port

WED  

Rabida

Bartolome

AM: Rabida Island

PM: Bartolome Island 

THU

Genovesa

AM: Prince Philip Steps

PM: Darwin Bay

FRI Baltra  

AM: Tortoise Reserve    

PM: Baltra Airport

 

ITINERARY DAY BY DAY:

Day 1 

Baltra Island
We land at Baltra Island by plane in the morning and transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz II, where we receive a welcome introductory briefing, boat drill and lunch.

Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
This beautiful visitor site is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, a glorious white beach with a couple of brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. You may enjoy swimming and or snorkelling at this beach too. Welcome cocktail, expedition plan for Tuesday and dinner.

Day 2 

Buccaneer Cove (Santiago Island)
After breakfast, we explore the coastline along the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove, learning about the area’s distant and recent history. The cove is home to a large number of marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms. Enjoy fantastic natural formations such as the “Elephant Rock”, “The Bishop” and an impressive natural cave. Opportunity for snorkelling, and a ride on the panga or glass-bottom boat.

Puerto Egas (Santiago Island)
Once we disembark at the beach, we can enjoy a swim or snorkel amid a rocky shoreline, usually in the company of marine turtles. From here, we head off to our walk, a great opportunity to see land and marine birds amid landscape of tuff-stone layers and lava flows. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds and we can also observe a colony of fur-sea lions. After the visit, we had some time for swimming and snorkelling.

Day 3 

Rabida Island (Jervis)
Some groups will go for a fascinating panga ride along the shores while others will disembark on Rabida Island’s red-coloured beach, caused by the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. Our walk brings us close to a colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches. Very close to the beach, a salt pond occasionally hosts American flamingos. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach, both for beginners as well as for experienced snorkelers, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. During navigation to our next island, we can sometimes spot dolphins!

Bartolome Island
Today’s afternoon activities begin with a wet landing on the golden beach of this famous island, dominated by the imposing Pinnacle Rock. There’s great snorkelling and swimming from the beach plus the chance to ride the glass bottom boat. After returning to the ship, we split into two group: the first lands for a hike to the summit of this diminutive island that boasts fantastic views of the archipelago. This is a moderately steep climb aided by a wooden staircase, resting platforms and handrails – the view from the top is worth the effort! The second takes to the pangas to explore the rugged and volcanic shoreline. The groups then swap so that each one experiences the full beauty of this island.

Day 4 

Prince Philip Steps (Genovesa Island)
The morning starts with a steep climb (only 90 feet) up some stairs to reach a flat rocky plateau. Along our walk, we can observe large colonies of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, great frigate birds and storm petrels. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer panga ride along the cliffs (depending on weather conditions). Kayaking is optional.

Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island)
In the afternoon, we land at this beautiful beach to enjoy some swimming and/or snorkelling. Following our dip, we take an easy stroll to observe hundreds of birds, mainly frigate birds, red-footed and Nazca boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. Opportunity for snorkelling, kayaking and swimming.

Day 5 

Tortoise Reserve – Baltra airport

We start our last morning at the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. After breakfast, your luggage will be taken to the airport, while you visit the Tortoise Reserve. A dry landing at a passenger’s wharf and a bus ride to the loftier region of the island will provide the last highlight of the cruise: giant tortoises in the wild. The windward slopes of the island are home to two species of giant tortoises. These lush highlands include dense forests of Galapagos daisies, orchids and bromeliads, and several endemic land birds. After this visit we will transfer directly to Baltra airport. Farewell to Galapagos.

Important: Itineraries and activities subject to change without prior notice. Depending on weather conditions and water currents, some wildlife described above may not be visible.
 

Category Luxury Class
Length 72.35 meters (237,3 ft ).
Beam 11.85 meters (38.86 ft).
Speed 13 Knots
Capcity 90 passengers
Crew 52 t + 6 Naturalist guides
Navegation
  • Gyrocompass
  • Auto pilot
  • Radar
  • Echo-sounders
Engines Two Sulzer engines, 1620 BHP each
Electricity 110 Volts in the cabins with 220 Volt sockets available in Reception and Dining area
Equipment GPS and Radio Director Finder
Safety  ABS classification +A1E + AMS #7907 853 SOLAS ISM certificate Complying with the IMO resolution A.788(19) Automatic fire controls

Details

Cost Includes:
  • All transfers in Galapagos: Airport-Yacht-Airport
  • Accommodation in double cabins
  • Three meals a day, drinking water, tea or coffe
  • Excursions in the islands with English Speaking Nature Guide
  • Snorkelling Equipment
Cost Excludes:
  • Galapagos National Park Tax: USD 100.00 to be paid in cash in Galapagos
  • Galapagos Transit Card: USD 20.00 per person
  • Soft drinks and alcoholics beverages
  • Tips