Since 1980               

Specials & Quick-Rate Reference for Galapagos Cruises

GALAPAGOS

BOATS

Coral I & II

Eclipse

Eric,Letty,Flam

Estrella del Mar

Galap. Journey I

Legend

Queen Galapagos

QuasarNautica

  Evolution

  Alta

  Grace

La Pinta

MS Mandalay

MY Samba

MS Beagle

M/V Explorer

M/V Xpedition

SS Saguita

SS Mary Anne

S.Cruz-Isabela

Finch Bay Hotel

Finch Bay Diving

Red Mangrove Inn

Economic Boats

Princess of Galapagos

AMAZON

Peru

Aqua River Boat

M/V Turmalina

Canopy walkway

M/V Amazon Journey

Jungle Lodges

(Manu, P.Maldonado, Iquitos)

Brazil

M/N Tucano

M/V Clipper

Ariau Lodge, Eco-Park, Amazon ViIlage, Acajatuba, Guanavenas

Ecuador

Manatee River Boat

Kapawi Lodge

Sacha Lodge

La Selva Lodge

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ABOUT US

INFORMATION

RESERVATIONS

  A 1,500-ton luxury vessel was built exclusively for Galapagos Island cruising. New and most accommodating of any ship in Galapagos, fully air-conditioned and carpeted features a spacious cocktail lounge, bar, dining room and sundecks. Accommodates 90 passengers in single, twin and triple cabins, each with private shower and toilet. All twin and triple cabins are outside cabins. Single accommodations are inside cabins located on the upper and main decks. Meets all international safety requirements for her classification (SOLAS 66, IMCO and American Bureau of Shippping highest classifications). There is a boutique with limited sundries, T-shirts, books & gifts. Film is expensive. No credit cards. There is a doctor on board for minor mishaps.

ITINERARIES

4 Days/3 Nights Program (Friday to Monday)

Arrival by plane to San Cristobal Island and transfer to the MV SANTA CRUZ, which will be anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands. Cabin assignment and lunch. After lunch, introductory welcome talk and boat drill. 

Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island)
A dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers will bring us to Cerro Brujo's white coraline beach . Wet landing. The area will show us good views of seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, and some shore birds . Also, look for Galapagos sea lions. The beach is a great open walking area, with rewarding birdwatching. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird, Chatham Lava Lizard; both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. We may also spot Yellow Warblers, Galapagos flycatchers and with luck a Vermillion flycatcher (endemic subspecies to San Cristobal). These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristobal was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos. Back on board for an ECO Moment and briefing on the next day's activities, followed by a cocktail offered by the Captain and dinner. 

After breakfast, disembark at Gardner Bay (wet landing) for a short walk along the whitest coral beach you can possibly imagine. You can either take a short walk and watch the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches, enjoy the beach, snorkel and swim from the beach, or ride the glass-bottom boat around nearby islets. Rewarding snorkeling at these locations.

Afternoon excursion at Punta Suarez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April - December) and the famous blowhole. Great hike for blue-footed boobies, swallowtail gulls, the Hood island mockingbird, red-green-black marine iguanas, and of course a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. For those planning not to walk the entire trail, there will be a dinghy ride arranged along the coastline of Punta Suarez, followed by a very short walk under easy walking conditions. ECO Moment, briefing and dinner.

DAY 3 SUNDAY
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)

This morning brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their island habitat with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, and hawks. Lava terrain calls for good walking shoes. Back on board for lunch. As we sail along the Bolívar Channel, astonishing views of the Galápagos’ youngest volcanoes can be seen. The nutrient-rich waters of the west can also bring surprises like encountering sea birds feeding, dolphins, and possibly whales. 
Punta Vicente Roca (Isla Isabela)

In the afternoon, depending on the conditions of the ocean, we will schedule a snorkeling outing along the cliffs of sunken Ecuador Volcano, in the northern tip of Isabela Island. Since there is no landing site at this location, we will include a coastal exploration by panga, where our naturalist-guides will commit to explaining the dramatic geology of the area with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. This is the nesting place for flightless cormorants, the only birds in the world that have changed their condition of flying birds to diving birds. Wildlife here also includes sea lions, Galápagos Penguins, Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies and noddy terns. This area has a very rich marine life! Eco Moment, and details about the next day’s activities before dinner. 

DAY 4 MONDAY

Santa Cruz Island and Baltra Island
Arrive Baltra .Visiting the famous Charles Darwin Research Station will be certainly a rewarding adventure for this morning's program. It will just require a different approach, in order to accomplish all our travel plans. This outing is an optional program and an early one. We arrive at the Itabaca Channel, between the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz and disembark at the public dock (dry landing) for a 30-minute bus ride along the highlands in route to Puerto Ayora where changes in vegetation can be witnessed. Upon arrival, we proceed to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the famous giant tortoises. Here we will get to understand the conservation efforts promoted by this institution, and stroll among an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest where endemic land birds can be seen. After an hour visit, return via the same route to cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry and take the bus to Baltra Island airport in time for the 12h15 flight back to the continent. Guests not taking this optional excursion may stay on board for a later wake up call, and then disembark directly at Baltra Island and transfer to the airport. 
Arrival to Baltra and transfer by bus to the airport for the flight back to the continent.

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5 Days/4 Nights Program ( Monday to Friday) 

Arrival by plane to Baltra Island and immediate transfer by bus (5 minutes) to the dock to board the MV SANTA CRUZ. Cabin assignment and introductory welcome talk. Later, lunch, and ship’s boat drill.

The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). A dinghy ride among mangrove-lined islets allows the observation of the dramatic landscape and coastline, an area of amazing past volcanic activity. While exploring the nearby waters, various types of birds can be seen, such as boobies, frigates, pelicans. Quite commonly, the black lava will reveal the presence of marine iguanas. The navigation in shallow turquoise colored water gives the chance to see marine turtles, rays and sharks.

Dry landing and a walk that includes a brackish water lagoon frequented by greater flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks and a variety of shore / lagoon birds.

Further along the trail, we head to Dragon Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western area of the archipelago. This area is a nesting site of a big number of land iguanas re-introduced by the Charles Darwin Research Station. The arid-zone vegetation can be a rewarding location for birdwatching, where Darwin’s finches, Galápagos mockingbirds, the endemic flycatcher, and yellow warblers are regular sightings.

Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. Great way to start the day. This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase; the view from the top is worth the effort. Panga ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and snorkeling. Chance to snorkel next to Galápagos Penguins. There is also the possibility to ride on the glass bottom boat for great views of the underwater world. Lunch on board.

Puerto Egas (James Island)

Afternoon outing at Puerto Egas (wet landing). This is a great location to see particularly shore birds, while land birds can be observed a little more inland. The pitch black shores are great places for watching sea birds and their foraging duties. The trail brings us to a colony of the endemic fur-sea lions. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon emerald green algae beds. Outstanding snorkeling and swimming from the beach before the walk. ECO Moment and briefing before dinner. Weather permitting, stargazing on deck.

Before breakfast, early morning entrance into Darwin Bay. Wet landing at a small white-coralline beach for an easy stroll observing hundreds of birds, mainly Great frigate birds, red footed and Nazca (masked) boobies, lava gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. The trail also includes an area of sharp lava and uneven terrain, but you may return to the beach for swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbor. Those more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs and look for Hammerhead Sharks. Lunch on board. During navigation, spend some time on deck looking for dolphins or possibly whales.

This is one of the few uplifted islands in Galápagos. In previous times, this was the ocean’s bed. Today’s afternoon walk includes a dry landing for a view of the coast and the interior of the island, while exploring colonies of blue footed boobies, Magnificent frigate birds, and swallow-tail gulls. The sandy shore teems with Galápagos sea lions and marine iguanas. A shorter walk may be also offered. ECO Moment, briefing, and dinner.

Early morning disembarkation to visit Santa Fe (Barrington) Island. This island, according to the latest geological studies, shows the islands’ oldest rocks. The small bay on Santa Fe's northern coast provides one of the most picturesque anchorages within the archipelago. Follow the trail among a very tall forest of opuntia cacti, where large land iguanas, that are endemic to Barrington, can be seen. A variety of finches and the Galápagos mockingbird abound. Back to the ship and sail to Santa Cruz Island.

Mid morning disembarkation (dry landing) to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the giant tortoises. Impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds can be also seen. Then, a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora will allow you to see how Galapagueños live in this magical paradise. We believe that our presence should benefit local communities too. Lunch at beautiful Finch Bay Hotel. In the afternoon drive up to the lush highlands, including the Scalesia (an endemic giant daisy tree) forest and the twin pit craters Los Gemelos. The trip to the highlands includes the islands’ most-famous reptile: the giant tortoises in their wild habitat. What a privilege to see an endangered species roving in this lush environment. The vermilion flycatcher will delight all participants with its scarlet feathers against an emerald green forest. Look for the Darwin’s finches of the highlands (most of them from the tree-finch group), particularly the famous Woodpecker Finch. Return aboard the MV SANTA CRUZ for tonight’s ECO Moment, briefing and dinner.

Visiting the famous Charles Darwin Research Station will be certainly a rewarding adventure for this morning's program. It will just require a different approach, in order to accomplish all our travel plans. This outing is an optional program and an early one. We arrive at the Itabaca Channel, between the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz and disembark at the public dock (dry landing) for a 30-minute bus ride along the highlands in route to Puerto Ayora where changes in vegetation can be witnessed. Upon arrival, we proceed to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the famous giant tortoises. Here we will get to understand the conservation efforts promoted by this institution, and stroll among an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest where endemic land birds can be seen. After an hour visit, return via the same route to cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry and take the bus to Baltra Island airport in time for the 12h15 flight back to the continent. Guests not taking this optional excursion may stay on board for a later wake up call, and then disembark directly at Baltra Island and transfer to the airport. 

Twin / Double Cabins for single use have a surcharge of 100% of the price.

Dry Dock: September

During Peak Season – There will be a surcharge of $100.00 per adult and $75.00 per child. NO discounts apply.

(Dec.22, -Jan.04)

Children Policy – Children under 12 sharing room with parents 25% off (one child per adult paying full fare) minimum 6 years old.

* Does not include: National Park Tax  of US$100.00 and immigration card of US$10; Airfare from Guayaquil or Quito to Galapagos about US$400-450. International airfare, Insurance.

Rates and itineraries subject to change at any time

ABOUT THE AIRFARES: See sample airfares from more than 100 USA cities via American Airlines at the end of this page.

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Isabela II is the largest and most deluxe yacht cruising in the Galapagos Islands. In fact she was custom built in the U.S. for the sole purpose of adding style and comfort to the exciting experience of travel in Galapagos.

The Isabela II yacht has 20 outside twin cabins, most fitted with two lower berths, private shower and toilet. Four cabins have double beds either for single or double occupancy. The sleek, well-appointed boat is air-conditioned and carpeted, has large salon/bar area, a spacious dining room and separate reading/games room.

She carries a crew of 27, including two multilingual naturalist guides.

Isabela II is in full compliance with the American Bureau of Shipping’s fire codes and with SOLAS. Her length is 166 feet, width 38 feet, tonnage 1,083 travel speed 12 knots.

ISABELA - 7 NIGHTS ITINERARY

TUESDAY

Baltra Island. Morning arrival to Baltra Island by TAME flight and transfer to the dock to board the ISABELA II. Onboard registration. Welcome introductory briefing and lunch

North Seymour Island
Afternoon disembarkation (dry landing) for a walk along the coast and the interior of the island, observing bird colonies of blue footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls and also sea lions and marine iguanas. A shorter walk is also available. Welcome Cocktail offered by the Captain. Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities and dinner.

WEDNESDAY

Gardner Bay (Hood Island)
After breakfast, disembark (wet landing) at a white coral beach where you can take a short walk and watch the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach.. There is great snorkeling in this area (snorkeling equipment is available for our guests), or ride the glass-bottom boat around Gardner or Tortuga islets.

Punta Suárez (Hood Island)
Afternoon dry landing for an exciting walk on lava terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the Waved Albatrosses (May - December) and the famous blowhole. A shorter walk is also available. For those not planning to walk there will be panga (dinghy) ride along the coastline of Punta Suárez. Naturalist's briefing and dinner.

THURSDAY

Point Cormorant (Floreana Island)
After breakfast, disembark at Point Cormorant (wet landing) for an easy walk to see the flamingos that inhabit a brackish-water lagoon, and other birds like ducks, stilts, sandpipers, etc. There is great snorkeling from the beach or near by, at Champion Islet or the Devil's Crown. Those who do not snorkel can enjoy a ride on the glass-bottom boat. Lunch on board.

Post Office Bay (Floreana Island)
Wet landing at the historical Post Office Bay to learn about the human side of the islands, its early inhabitants and the adventures of pirates and whalers. Then, a panga ride will take you to nearby islets to observe sea lions, rays and sea turtles, boobies and possibly the Galapagos penguin. Naturalist's briefing and dinner.

FRIDAY

Santa Cruz Island
After breakfast, disembark (dry landing) to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens, an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and land birds like Darwin's Finches, Galapagos Mockingbirds and Flycatchers. Then a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora. Lunch at the Hotel Delfín. Afternoon in the highlands, visiting the Scalesia forest and the twin pit craters Los Gemelos. Land birds of the highlands may include the Vermilion Flycatcher, Tree Finches and possibly the elusive Woodpecker Finch. From December to mid-April a visit to see the giant tortoises in the wild may be included, if weather conditions are good. Naturalist's briefing and dinner.

SATURDAY

Darwin Bay (Tower Island)
Morning wet landing for an easy stroll observing thousands of bird life, mainly frigate birds, red footed and masked boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. If you wish you can continue walking over sharp lava and uneven terrain, or just go back to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbor. Those most adventurous can look for Hammerhead sharks, snorkeling along the cliffs. Lunch on board.

Prince Philip's Steps (Tower Island)
The afternoon starts with a very interesting panga ride along the cliffs and then disembark (dry landing) on rocks for a steep climb (90 feet) and then a leveled walk for about a mile to the other side of this small island observing large colonies of masked boobies, frigate birds, storm petrels and the short-eared owl. Naturalist's briefing and dinner.

SUNDAY

Early risers will enjoy the dramatic landscape of the youngest volcanoes in Galapagos, like volcano Ecuador, whose collapsed crater is partly under water, while crossing the Equator line. It is here where the coolest waters are found, with great chances to observe whales and dolphins.

Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
The morning brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant. Lunch on board.

Urbina Bay (Isabela Island)
After lunch, scenic cruise along Bolívar Channel and possible observation of whales and/or dolphins. Disembarkation (wet landing) for a medium-length walk at Urbina Bay to look for giant tortoises and land iguanas. This place went through a volcanic uplifting event back in 1954 leaving gaunt marine skeletons, which make the walk remarkably interesting. Those who wish may take either only a short walk along the beach, or a longer walk towards the interior of the island. Swimming and snorkeling depending on local conditions.

MONDAY

Puerto Egas (James Island)
Wet landing for a mid-length walk. Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows. This is a great opportunity to see land and marine birds. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds and there is a colony of fur-sea lions. Good snorkeling and swimming from the beach after the walk. Lunch on board while navigating to Bartolomé.

Bartolome Island
Disembark at Bartolome Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase; the view from the top is worth the effort. There will be time for a panga ride around Pinnacle Rock to observe penguins, to enjoy the beach (wet landing), snorkeling and swimming from the beach, or a ride on the glass-bottom boat. Farewell cocktail and briefing.

TUESDAY

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to local airport for flight back to the continent.

CHILDREN under 12 years old sharing room with parents 25% off. (Min. 6 years old). Fuel surcharge per person $203.

Does not include National Park Tax  of US$100.00 and immigration card of US$10; Airfare from Guayaquil or Quito to Galapagos about US$400-450. International airfare, Insurance.

For 2009: Please add $100 PEAK SEASON....from Dec. 22, 2009 to Jan.04, 2010

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ABOUT THE  AIRFARE: Call your Travel agent or  Tara Tours for an update to 1-800-327-0080

For further information about these programs have your Travel Agent call Tara Tours

1-800-327-0080 or send mail to: tara@taratours.com

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Copyright © 1980- 2009 Tara Tours Inc.    Last modified: January 21, 2010