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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 |
| WED |
Santa Cruz |
AM: Baltra Airport PM: Charles Darwin Station |
| THU |
Rabida Santa Cruz |
AM: Rábida Island PM: Bachas Beach |
| FRI |
Floreana |
AM: Cormorant Point - Devil´s Crown PM: Post Office Bay |
| SAT | Española |
AM: Suarez Point PM: Gardner Bay |
| SUN |
San Cristobal |
AM: Interpretation Center 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: Highlands Baltra Airport |
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: CHARLES DARWIN STATION
AM: Early flight to Baltra, in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival meet our naturalist guide who will assist with the transfer across Santa Cruz Island to our Xavier Yacht or " G4".
PM: Charles Darwin Station
In the afternoon we will visit the Charles Darwin Station
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.
RABIDA ISLAND AND SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: BACHAS BEACH
AM: Rabida Island
In the morning we will take an excursion to Rábida Island, where we will land on a red sand beach. From here a short trail leads to a salt water lagoon, often home to wading flamingos. Another trail goes past the lagoon to the interior, where the revered palo santo trees grow. When burned, the branches of this tree give off a pleasing aroma and ward off mosquitoes. Back on the beach among low-lying bushes nest the prehistoric-looking pelicans. This is the best area for close viewing of these nesting birds, and it's a rare treat to watch parent pelicans return with gullets full of fish for the squawking youngsters.
PM: Bachas Beach
Afternoon excursion to Bachas Beach to see the sea lions and plentiful bird life.
FLOREANA ISLAND: CORMORANT POINT - DEVIL´S CROWN AND POST OFFICE BAY
AM: Cormorant Point - Devil´s Crown
Make our way to Punta Cormorant on the northern part of Floreana. The landing is on a beach of green sand, coloured by olivine crystals, volcanic-derived silicates of magnesium and iron. The trail leads to a lake normally inhabited by flamingos and other shore birds and continues to a beach of fine white sand particles known as “Flour Beach”, an important nesting site for turtles. Around the point, Devil's Crown derives its name from the broken remains of a partially submerged volcanic cone. This is a perfect spot to go snorkelling from the boat, as the waters are home to a multitude of colourful fish and sea lions. Please make sure you are a comfortable swimmer, however, as despite the protection from the open sea provided by the "crown," the water here can be rough and the currents strong.
PM: Post Office Bay
In the afternoon we stop at Post Office Bay has an older history. A barrel was placed here in the late 18th century by English whaling vessels to be used as a post office. Passing ships would stop to leave mail for loved ones, collecting at the same time any mail destined for ports on their itineraries. Today the box is used mainly by tourists, who may drop off and pick up unstamped letters to be carried to far destinations. The remains of a Norwegian canning factory are the only evidence of the Island’s history prior to its designation as a protected area. A short hike up past the post barrel takes you to an interesting lava cave. With the aid of a flashlight, you can descend about 80 m (262 ft) to the point where the sea enters the cave.
The history of Floreana Island (also called Charles) has gradually evolved to reach near mythic proportions. The story begins when a baroness and her two lovers, a German doctor and his mistress, and a German couple and their young son all came to settle on this land. Their dalliances and disasters, shrouded in mystery, were chronicled in John Treherne’s book The Galapagos Affair. Descendants of the German family, the Wittmers, still live on the island in the small community of Puerto Velasco Ibarra. Mrs. Margaret Wittmer has also written a booked entitled "Floreana" and this can be purchased at the airport in Baltra or at a local bookstore.
ESPAÑOLA ISLAND: PUNTA SUAREZ AND GARDNER BAY
AM: Punta Suarez
Head to Punta Suarez on Española Island. The southernmost island in the Galapagos archipelago is home to several wildlife species, including masked and blue-footed boobies. A hike to the top of the cliff makes for spectacular photo opportunities.
Punta Suarez on the western side of Española Island (also called Hood) is spectacular: gargantuan waves break on jagged cliffs and large bird colonies thickly populate the interior of the island; there is a distinct feel of desolate wilderness here. The Waved Albatross is seen here from April to December during its mating/nesting season. This bird leaves land between January and March each year to make its annual odyssey far out to sea. Amazingly, Española is the nesting site to virtually the entire world population of this species, with more than 12000 pairs residing here. Large numbers of Masked and Blue-footed Boobies are also found here, Red-billed Tropic Birds dash madly through the air, and both Marine Iguanas and sea lions are common. A huge blowhole, where the surf is forced through a natural rock formation spouting seawater 15 to 20 m (49 – 66 ft) into the air, adds to the island’s impression of untamed beauty.
PM: Gardner Bay
Follow the trail through a rookery and learn the geological history of the island from our naturalist, including its dramatic volcanic features, climate, flora and fauna. Sail in the afternoon to Garner Bay, an excellent swimming and snorkeling site.
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: INTERPRETATION CENTER AND EL JUNCO LAGOON
AM: Interpretation Center
San Cristóbal is the easternmost island of the Galapagos and also one of the oldest. Its principal town is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos. Visit the Interpretation Centre on San Cristóbal to learn about the fascinating history of not only San Cristóbal Island but also the entire archipelago.
PM: El Junco Lagoon
Take time to explore the town and go shopping before visiting the El Junco Lagoon in the afternoon to see the diverse vegetation surrounding the largest freshwater lagoon in the Galapagos Islands.
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.
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.
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: HIGHLANDS
AM: Highlands
Sail to Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island. Morning visit to The highlands of Santa Cruz.
Transfer to Baltra Island 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 |
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