Galapagos Cruise - Polaris

Duration	10 days
Prices from	$ 4,320

The Galapagos Islands are considered one of the most spectacular and pristine National Parks in the world. Visitors delight in the abundant, unusual, and surprisingly approachable wildlife--from Galapagos giant tortoises to playful sea lions to the fascinating Blue-footed Boobies. Photography Workshops or Special Photo Expeditions are available on select departures, see end of page for details.

Itinerary

Day 1: Home City / Guayaquil, Ecuador

Depart your home city and arrive Guayaquil by late evening. If you choose to take the non-stop group flight from Miami, we depart in the early evening with a flying time of approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, it?s a short drive to the Hotel Hilton Colón.

Day 2: Guayaquil / Galápagos / Santa Cruz / Embark Ship

This morning fly to Baltra Island in the Galápagos. Flying time is approximately 1½ hours; upon arrival immediately board ship. During lunch you?ll sail to Santa Cruz Island for a magnificent introduction to the wildlife. Spend the afternoon exploring mangrove-flanked channels and the shoreline of Cerro Dragon, looking for land iguanas, sea lions, a variety of birds and schools of golden rays.

Days 3-8: Exploring the Galapagos Islands

While your exact routing depends on the Galápagos National Park Service, you may visit the following islands: Santa Cruz, Española, Floreana, Fernandina, Isabela, Bartolomé and Santiago. Here is a brief description of what each island offers.

Bartolomé: This is an enchanting landscape where lava, mangroves and golden sand converge. Great walks, views and a chance to snorkel with penguins ? a tropical oxymoron.

Santiago: Santiago provides you a chance to see the Galápagos fur seal, along with the opportunity to enjoy the best ?tide pooling.?

Santa Cruz: The epicenter of Galápagos administration as well as the Charles Darwin Research Center where you learn about their vital preservation work. Head up into the highlands to roam the moss-draped lush landscape where wild giant tortoises often forage.

Isabela: Anchor off the picturesque port of Puerto Villamil. Walk the streets of this small town, visit the nearby saltwater lagoons, home to flamingos or simply stroll along a beautiful beach. Visit the tortoise breeding center which is jointly administered by the Galápagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station. Explore Isabela?s caves and shoreline and search the waters for dolphins, whales, sea turtles and the elusive ocean sunfish ? the mola-mola.

Fernandina: Investigate Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island ? the youngest island in Galápagos. It?s marine iguana heaven, with Isabela?s volcanoes as a dramatic backdrop.

Floreana: Champion Islet, just off the eastern shore of Floreana, is a fabulous snorkel site and home to a large colony of sea lions. There is nothing more delightful than an hour spent in the clear waters with these creatures! On Floreana, you may find flamingos, pintail ducks and various shorebirds. Hike to a lovely white sand beach, a favorite nesting site for sea turtles.

Española: Visit two distinctly different parts of the same island. See blue-footed boobies, sea lions galore, Española marine iguanas which develop particularly vivid coloration, and waved albatross (mid-April through mid-December) exclusive to this island. Snorkel and stroll the island?s lovely beaches.

Day 9: Galápagos / Disembark Ship / Guayaquil

This morning disembark the ship and fly to Guayaquil. The late afternoon and evening free to explore the city and prepare for your journey home. If you would to visit Quito, please inquire about optional Quito extensions.

Day 10: Guayaquil / Home