South & Central America, Galapagos

Central Galapagos 5 Days (Camila)

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The Galapagos Islands were discovered by accident by the Bishop of Panama in 1535. For the next 300 years the main visitors were either whalers or English pirates hiding out in between plundering Spanish galleons laden with silver and gold.

The islands gained international recognition when Charles Darwin published his famous theory on “natural selection” following his visit to the islands in 1835 aboard the HMS Beagle. Darwin marvelled at the extraordinary animals on the islands. Fueled by the nutrient rich ocean currents and isolated from humans, the islands have developed unique, abundant wildlife that has no natural fear of Man. The islands' importance was confirmed when the islands were declared the world’s first World Heritage Site in 1978 and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1984.

The Galapagos National Park protects 97% of the islands. Thanks to conservation efforts the Galapagos Islands are much as they were millions of years ago and visitors can see up close some of the planet’s most wonderful creatures and landscapes. It truly is like no place on earth. Imagine yourself walking amongst prehistoric-looking marine iguanas, albatross nesting colonies, lumbering giant tortoises, baby sea turtles hatching or flamingos. Swim and snorkel with playful sea lions, speedy penguins, sea turtles and a myriad of spectacularly colourful fish. We guarantee you an experience like no other you have ever known.

Additional Charges Apply - Easter, Christmas and New Year

Highlights

• Bachas Beach: one of the few remnants of the U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos, a floating pier, can be seen here. You may see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and whimbrels. Sea turtles also nest off the beach

• Bartholomew Island: the beach is perfect for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos Penguin

• Sullivan Bay: the area is covered by Pahoehoe lava flows combined with A’A lava. It was very active 200 years ago

• Cerro Brujo: located on the northern coast, this eroded hill and its surroundings present one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos with its white powdery sand and the abundance of animals. Wildlife includes sea turtles, rays, and various types of Booby Birds. The clear water provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy swimming and snorkeling

• Pitt Point: spot all three types of Booby Birds: the Nazca, Blue-footed and Red-footed Boobies

Day 1 - MORNING FLIGHT FROM QUITO OR GUAYAQUIL TO BALTRA (GALAPAGOS) BACHAS BEACH (SANTA CRUZ ISLAND)

Assistance will be provided for you when you arrive to the airport by one of our representatives after you have landed. You will arrive at Baltra Island in the morning. After passing through immigration and baggage claim you will be met by Cormorant staff and transferred to the yacht. You will be shown to your cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing. The afternoon visit, Bachas Beach, is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz, and is a great swimming beach. One of the few remnants of the U.S. World War II, a floating pier, presents its self here. You may see flamingos, Sally-Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, Black-Necked stilts, and whimbrels. Sea turtles also nest off the beach.

Day 2 - BARTHOLOMEW ISLAND & SULLIVAN BAY (SANTIAGO ISLAND)

Our morning visit includes Bartholomew Island, home of the famous Pinnacle Rock. Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. We will take a trail of stairs to the summit of the volcano (about 30 or 40 minutes), where you will enjoy one of the best views of the islands! You will also visit a small, beautiful beach, surrounded by the only vegetation found on this barren island. The beach is perfect for snorkeling where you may even see the Galapagos penguins. In the afternoon we will head for Sullivan bay. This site, located southeast of Santiago Island, is of great geological interest. The area is covered by Pahoehoe lava flows (solidified lava in corrugated or accordion form). It was very active in the last 25 years of the nineteenth century. The Sullivan lava formed in 1897. This flow is geologically very young. The magma formed is flat, but the movement of underground lava, and rapid cooling and other eruptions led to the break in many places.? 200 meters around the landing, you can see patterns of vegetation that were burned during the eruption. A visit to this area of black lava is preferable in the afternoon because the temperature is more pleasant and the light is better for photographs.

Day 3 - SOUTH PLAZAS ISLAND & SANTA FE ISLAND

In the morning, you will head to South Plaza Island. This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colorful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is the Sesuvium. During the rainy season its color is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end of June through January) a bright red. Our afternoon visit is to Santa Fe Island, formed by a volcanic uplift. Santa Fe (Barrington) is home to the small picturesque bay and anchorage on the island northeast coast. The bay has two visitor trails, one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff and the other spanning from a small beach to a tall prickly pear cactus forest. The island is home to a colony of sea lions which would be more than happy to join you for a swim. Santa Fe also has its own sub-species of land iguana.

Day 4 - WITCH HILL & PITT POINT (SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND)

We will visit Witch Hill (Cerro Brujo) in the morning where you will explore one of the nicest beaches in the Galapagos. You'll be tantalized by the texture and sight of the powdered, soft, white sand. With a colony of sea lions and Blue-footed Boobies, this scenic place is bustling with life. Just beyond the beach is a lagoon, thriving with Egrets and Great Blue Herons. The turquoise water and abundant marine life will invite you to snorkel their midst.In the afternoon we will visit Pitt Point. Pitt Point holds its own as the northeastern most site on Isabela. After an easy hike, you will be rewarded with a unique treat. Herein lays the only nesting site which hosts all species of Galapagos Boobies. Photographers will be thrilled with this intimate natural experience. The attractive volcanic stuff formations will have geologists and laymen alike imagining the forces of nature that possessed the earth to create this land.

Day 5 - LOBOS ISLAND (SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND)

In the morning we will visit Lobos Island, a rocky bay just a 30 minute walk from Puerto Baquerizo. Note the beautifully colored plants in the area down by the beach and the enormous colony and nursery that Galapagos sea lions call home. Sea lions are normality here where dozens can be seen at any time as well as shore birds and marine iguanas. After this final visit, you will be transferred to Baltra's airport in time to catch your flight back to the mainland. Please keep in mind that on departure days, your morning visit will be early and short since we need to be prepared before heading back toward the airport for your returning flight to Ecuador's mainland.

Please Note:

These Galapagos cruise itineraries are subject to change without previous notice due to weather conditions and National Park regulations. Itineraries of 8 or more days may be scheduled to stop at ports for various cruise logistic reasons and/or for embarking/disembarking passengers.

24 September, 2019 to 28 September, 2019

Vessel Type: Trimaran

Passenger Capacity: 16

Built: 2017/2018

MT Camila is not only the newest 16 passenger vessel to cruise in the Galapagos, but also the newest trimaran with 8 different staterooms, each with a private balcony. Kayaks, snorkel gear, wetsuits, and Jacuzzi are just a few of the amenities and free services available aboard the spacious and comfortable trimaran. Camila's Galapagos Cruise itineraries include four, five, and eight day programs, each visiting the most extraordinary visitor sites in the Galapagos Islands. Guests will be accompanied by a bilingual Naturalist Guide who will provide the most extensive knowledge possible on the flora and fauna. Onboard the Cruise Manager and 10 crew members will be there ready and waiting to attend to any needs guests may have during their stay while the captain navigates with expertise throughout the islands.

Flights to the islands from (550.00 USD)

15-day Treasures of Ecuados Tour: Andes, Galapagos Islands & Amazon Jungle. From (7970.00 USD)

Day 1 Arrival to Quito - Day 2 Rose plantation - Day 3 Otavalo and Cotacahi Markets - Day 4 The Wonders of Quito - Day 5-9 Galapagos Islands Cruise - Day 10 From Galapagos to Quito - Day 11-13 Amazon Adventure - Day 14 From the Amazon Jungle to Quito - Day 15 Departure

A variety of Extension Packages & Add-on Tours Available. Please contact us for more details.