ISLANDS ITINERARY

June 28th., 2006


A remainder of our communication sent on March 1st. 2006,
in regards the change of our itinerary starting July 5st. 2006:

THREE NIGTHS (Wednesday to Saturday)
Starting July 1st. 06
Wednesday  AM: Arrival in San Cristobal Airport
  PM: Cerro Brujo, San Cristóbal**
Thursday AM: Punta Suarez, Española Island
  PM: Bahia Gardner, Española Island**
Friday AM: Charles Darwin Station & Puerto Ayora, Sta. Cruz Island
  PM: Rabida Island**
Saturday AM: Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz Island
    Departure from Baltra
** Modifications to the itinerary


The highlights of Rábida
A small island (5 km2), covered by dry and coastal vegetation, has a central volcano of 367 m2. Rábida contains the largest variety of lava types, being red the dominant color. A salt-water lagoon provides occasional sights of Flamingos. While the beach holds a large sea lion colony, fur seals also may be seen here.  Red sands and teal waters characterize this island. Sea lions cover the waterfront, and the bull is always making a show of his bravado.  There's a short walk to the top of the trail where you can take fabulous photos of the clear waters and volcanic peaks. There's also great snorkeling. Keep near the rocks and keep your eye out for sharks and rays.
Activities: Walks, snorkeling, birdwatching.

Wildlife:  Flamingos, Galapagos Hawks, Penguins, Pelicans, Sea Lions
Vegetation: Opunia Cactus, Palo Santo, Scrubby bush

The highlights of Gardner Bay in Española Island
About 1km long beach that is among the most magnificent in all Galápagos. It is home to many sea lion colonies and the turquoise colored water makes a beautiful contrast to the white sand that consists of shell dust. Mocking birds fight for their territory and inspect the backpacks of the tourists.
About 50m of the coast there is a rock where you can encounter tropic fish and rays while snorkeling. But more spectacular is the Gardner Rock that can be reached with a panga. It is home to white-tipped reef shark, cactus finch and other colorful sea dwellers and very popular among snorkelers.

Activities: Walks, snorkeling in deep water (experience is required), beach
Wildlife:  Hood Mockingbird, Lava Lizards, Galápagos Dove, Large Cactus Finch, marine iguanas and sally light-foot crab
Vegetation: saltbush, palo verde, acacia and mesquite bushes

 

FOUR NIGHTS (Saturday to Wednesday) - No changes have being made to the 4 night cruise
Saturday AM: Arrival by air to Baltra Airport
  PM: Cerro Dragon, Santa Cruz Island
Sunday AM: Bartholomew Island
  PM: Puerto Egas,  Santiago Island
Monday AM: Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island
  PM: Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela Island
Tuesday AM: Seymour Norte
  PM: El Chato (Highlands), lava tunnels and Wild Giant Tortoises Santa Cruz Island
Wednesday AM: Lobería or Islas Lobos or Tijeretas or El Junco and Interpretation Center, San Cristobal Island
    Departure from San Cristobal



NEW SCHEDULE FOR FLIGHTS TO GALAPAGOS

Starting July 5st. Tame is going to have new schedules for the flights on Wednesday and Saturday, please inform you passengers of this changes in order to avoid any type of inconveniences in the departure day:

** Continental time

WEDNESDAY
Flight No. 195
Quito Departs 09h00  
Guayaquil Departs 10h30  
San Cristobal Arrives 12h00**  
Flight No. 194
San Cristóbal Departs 12h45**  
Guayaquil Arrives 14h15  
Quito Arrives 15h45  
SATURDAY
Flight No. 191
Quito Departs 7h30  
Guayaquil Departs 09h00  
Baltra Arrives 10h30**  
Flight No. 190
Baltra Departs 11h15**  
Guayaquil Arrives 12h45  
Quito Arrives 14h15  



DIVING PROGRAMS AVAILABLE FOR GALAPAGOS EXPLORER PASSENGERS


Sub-aqua (a Galapagos diving expert operator) is providing the service during the days that we are close to Santa Cruz, as per our current itinerary this will be Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. PADI license and insurance for diving will be required. A minimum of 2 passengers per cruise is required. Details for diving places and schedules will be provided by our sales staff or you can review in our web site under activities section.  It is very important to booked the program in advance to make the proper arrangements with the local operator.