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Galapagos aboard Xavier Yacht 8 Days " B "

First Class - Cruise
Includes:
  • Transport
  • Sight Seeing
  • Food

The G.A.P Adventurer IV is a comfortable air-conditioned 72-foot motor yacht built to accommodate 16 passengers with 8 double occupancy cabins

With either a window or a porthole, air conditioning and private bath.

Our clean and comfy yacht is an Original Class boat, staffed with an exceptional crew, including a certified naturalist guide. The 2-level wrap-around deck is ideal for ocean views and relaxing in the sun, and there is both a bar and a dining room where all meals are provided.

DAY

ISLAND PLACES
SUN

San Cristobal   

AM: San Cristobal  Airport

PM: El Junco Lagoon

MON 

San Cristobal 

AM: Pitt Point

PM: Kicker Rock                              

 TUE  

Santiago

AM: Espumilla Beach

PM: Buccaneer Cove

WED Santa Cruz

AM: Charles Darwin Station

PM: Highlands

THU

Santiago

Santa Cruz

AM: Chinese Hat

PM: Black Turtle Cove

FRI

Santa Cruz

Daphne

AM: Dragón Hill

PM: Daphne Island

SAT

South Plaza

Santa Fe  

AM: South Plaza Island

PM: Santa Fe Island

SUN San Cristobal

AM: Interpretation Center

        San Cristobal  Airport

 

ITINERARY DAY BY DAY:

Day 1 

SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND: EL JUNCO LAGOON

AM: Flight to Galapagos Transfer early to the airport for our flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival in San Cristóbal, meet our naturalist guide, who will assist with the transfer to the Xavier Yacht or " G4". 

PM: El Junco Lagoon

In the afternoon visit El Junco Lagoon to see the diverse vegetation surrounding the largest freshwater lagoon in the Galapagos Islands.

San Cristóbal is the easternmost island of Galapagos and one of the oldest. The principal town is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos.

The Galapagos Islands are located about 1000 km (620 miles) off the Pacific coast of South America. The archipelago is comprised of 13 major islands and scores of islets that served as a living laboratory for Charles Darwin, the renowned evolution theorist. Long before Darwin arrived in the Galapagos, seafarers knew these isolated islands as home to some of the strangest and most wonderful wildlife imaginable, including birds that could swim but no longer fly, aquatic iguanas, dragon-like lizards left over from prehistoric times, and the giant Galapagos tortoises for which the islands were named.

Covering nearly 5000 square km (3100 square miles), the Galapagos Islands are now a National Park. The Galapagos National Park is the institution that controls the preservation of this environment, assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station. Inaugurated in 1964 and based in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, the Charles Darwin Research Station is the one place where visitors can easily see the famous Galapagos Tortoises, which may live up to two hundred years. This is also the training centre for naturalist guides who accompany all visitors landing at more than 40 approved sites on the islands, and members of the international scientific community often come to     study at     the        station.

The National Park charges a visitor fee of $100 USD, payable on arrival, which funds Park maintenance and supervision in the Galapagos, as well as ecological study, conservation and infrastructure development in Ecuador's other National Parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the National Park System are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage.

Day 2 

SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND: PITT POINT  AND KICKER ROCK

AM: Pitt Point 

We land this morning at Punta Pitt, on the eastern tip of San Cristobal where we will see a group of eroded volcanic cones. Here we will be able to observe a mixture of different types of lava floes as well as colourful vegetation. At this point it is possible to see the 3 species of boobies as well as frigate birds, all nesting in the same area - unique to this spot in the entire archipelago.

PM: Kicker Rock

A short distance away and visible from shore is an island called Leon Dormido, or "Kicker Rock," which resembles a sleeping lion. It is quite striking and if conditions are right we may be able to sail through a narrow channel which splits Kicker Rock in half. An incredible snorkelling spot, Kicker Rock is home to an incredibly diverse set of marine life in the nutrient-rich water.

Day 3 

SANTIAGO ISLAND: ESPUMILLA BEACH AND BUCCANEER COVE

AM: Espumilla Beach

Morning excursion to Playa Espumilla, one of the most idyllic beaches in the Galapagos islands, with thick mangroves along with flamingo and sea turtle nesting sites. 

PM: Buccaneer Cove

Continue to Buccaneer Cove to witness the towering cliff wall rock formations.

Santiago Island has seen it's share of human activity from whalers and pirates over the years, and despite the introduction of goats to the island many years ago, the wildlife of Santiago has flourished otherwise and provides outstanding viewing opportunities. The island boasts marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals, land and sea turtles among others, which provide great wildlife viewing both on land and in the water.

Day 4 

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: CHARLES DARWIN STATION AND  HIGHLANDS

AM: Charles Darwin Station

In the morning we arrive in Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz is the second largest in the island group, and has the largest population, with Puerto Ayora as its main town. It also boasts the most varied of the islands’ vegetation zones: coastal, transition, scalesia, miconia and pampa. The Charles Darwin Research Station is a 10 minute walk from the centre of the town. Here, an exhibition centre displays photos of recent volcanic eruptions, charts outlining geological formations and drawings of the evolutionary development of endemic species. A corral houses adult Galapagos Tortoises, and a nursery cares for young tortoises until they are about three years old, when their shells have hardened enough to resist attack from feral dogs.

PM: Highlands

In the afternoon we may have the opportunity to visit the highlands and see giant land tortoises in the wild.

Day 5 

SANTIAGO ISLAND: CHINESE HAT AND SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: BLACK TURTLE COVE

AM: Chinese Hat

In the morning the boat arrives to a small little island off the southern tip of Santiago called Chinese Hat, for it's unique shape. Here it is often possible to see Galapagos penguins and the marine life is fantastic for snorkelling. There is also a large sea lion colony here as well as many marine iguanas that can be seen on our guided walk amongst the volcanic scenery, with good views to the cone of the island's      volcano. 

PM: Black Turtle Cove

In the afternoon we take an excursion by "panga" to Black Turtle Cove, to witness the extensive mangrove system and interesting waterway canals. Sea Turtles and different species of rays can often be seen in this cove, offering a peaceful and fascinating glimpse into the diversity of the area.

Day 6 

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: DRAGON HILL AND DAPHNE ISLAND

AM: Dragon Hill 

In the morning we will visit Cerro Dragón, on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island. Here we will see land iguanas as well as a salt water lagoon frequented by flamingoes and other species of birds.

PM: Daphne Island

Visit Daphne Island in the afternoon, located between the islands of Santa Cruz and Baltra. Here we will see much birdlife including a number of finch species, Masked boobies, Galapagos Martins and frigate birds. Take the opportunity to go snorkelling in the afternoon to observe the diverse variety of marine life, and hope to see sea turtles, rays or even sharks.

Day 7 

SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND AND SANTA FE ISLAND

AM: South Plaza Island

Set sail and reach South Plaza Island in the morning. One of the smallest islands in the Galapagos, South Plaza has one of the largest populations of Land Iguanas. Walk along a path through a cactus forest and view a combination of dry and coastal vegetation.

PM: Santa Fe Island

In the afternoon, we explore Santa Fé Island, a fairly small and dry island. Also called Barrington, Santa Fé Island is well-known as a great place for watching (and swimming with) sea lions. Along the island's northern shore you can view the forest of giant Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia). Santa Fé is also home to a number of endemic species which have bounced back from various threats to their survival. You may get a chance to see the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, a variety of finches and the Galapagos mockingbird.

Day 8 

SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND: INTERPRETATION CENTER

AM: Interpretation Center

Reach San Cristóbal in the morning. San Cristóbal is the easternmost island of Galapagos and one of the oldest. Its principal town is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos. Disembark after breakfast, visit the interpretation center and transfer to the airport for our flight to Quito.
 

Important: Itineraries are unlikely to change significantly but are subject to change. Weather, wildlife breeding, safety concerns, instructions from the Galapagos National Park, specific abilities and interests of passengers as well as operational matters may cause your guide or captain to change the time or nature of visits. Your guide and captain will always endeavor to select the best itinerary within these limits.

Name Xavier Yacht
Category First Class
Construction Material  Naval Steel
Year 1998
Long 25.50 meters
Wide 7.40 meters
Prop 3.60 meters
Power 2 engines Detroit Diesel 8v71 (12nds) 2  32 kw John Deere Generators
Sailing Equipment           24 milles radar, GPS, 80 mts Sonar
Com. Equipment HF, VHF,  Valiza Radio
Segurity 2 motor boats for 15 people each. 2 lifeboat equipment fo 15 people each.
Comfort

8 double cabins and 1 suite, each with: private bathroom, hotwater, air conditioner 

Capacity 16 pax  8 crew members

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