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 |
Santiago Santa Cruz |
AM: Chinese Hat PM: Back Turtle Cove |
FRI |
Santa Cruz Daphne |
AM: Dragon Hill PM: Daphne Island |
SAT |
South Plaza Santa Fe |
AM: South Plaza Island PM: Santa Fe Island |
SUN |
San Cristobal |
AM: Interpretation Center PM: Lobos Island |
MON |
North Seymour Mosquera |
AM: North Seymour Island PM: Mosquera Islet |
TUE |
Santiago Bartolome |
AM: Suññivan Bay PM: Bartolome Island |
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.
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 Tirtle 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.
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: DRAGON HILL AND DAPHNE ISLAND
AM: Dragon Hill
In the morning we will visit Dragon Hill, 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.
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 Fe 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 Fe 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.
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND: INTERPRETATION CENTER AND LOBOS ISLAND
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: Lobos Island
Take time to explore the town and go shopping before visiting Lobos island in the afternoon to see the slumbering sea lions and stroll along the beach.
NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND AND MOSQUERA ISLET
AM: North Seymour Island
Set sail for North Seymour, just north of Baltra, home to sea lions, marine iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, magnificent frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. Seymour Island is probably the most exciting island photographically. Bird life abounds, and close to the trail you will find many nesting pairs and young chicks. Seymour is also home to the Galapagos’s largest colony of Magnificent Frigate Birds. Their mating ritual is an ostentatious display: males expand the red sack at the base of their throat and perch atop a bush with wings fully extended, flapping furiously. Interested females circle overhead, and if so inclined, may join the male on terra firma. Further along the trail we can observe a colony of sea lions.
PM: Mosquera Islet
Afternoon excursion to Mosquera Islet to stroll on the beach and see the vast sea lion colonies.
SANTIAGO ISLAND: SULLIVAN BAY AND BARTOLOME ISLAND
AM: Sullivan Bay
Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island in the morning to witness the striking and fascinating giant lava formations. Very few plans have managed to survive on this island due to the harsh environment and relatively new lava floe. Enjoy a walk along the lava formations before coming to a white coral sand beach, where plentiful sally lightfoot crabs and sea lions can be seen.
PM: Bartolome Islan
Bartolomé Island (also called Bartholomew) has 2 main areas of interest. A hike to the summit of the island provides a clearer perspective of the islands' not-too-distant volcanic origins, and the panoramic view is one of the best among the islands. From here are visible the double-sided beach of Bartolomé directly below, the volcanic tower rising out of the water next to it, and Santiago in the distance. After the summit hike, stop at the beach to relax in semi-tropical tranquility. There is great snorkelling among the submerged volcanic rock and around the base of the tower. A short hike to the beach on the opposite side is worth the minimal effort. It is not unusual to see sharks in these shallow waters, and marine turtles nest here from January through March.
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 |