ALTA CRUISE ONLY - 8 Days

Itinerary

Day-by-Day Itinerary

This is an itinerary of your cruise ONLY. We recommend you spend time in mainland Ecuador during your visit.  We invite you to allow us to help you plan an unforgettably wonderful vacation in the Andes or Amazon along with your stay in the Galápagos.

Morning: Fly to Galapagos – San Cristobal & Puerto Baquerizo: Following an early breakfast, we transfer you to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands stopping briefly in the coastal city of Guayaquil en route where you can also board the flight. The turquoise blue water surrounding the coast is visible from the air as we approach the island of San Cristobal. Charles Darwin reported encountering a pair of giant tortoises feeding on cactus during his first landing here in 1835. Upon arrival in Puerto Baquerizo, the administrative capital of the islands and a sleepy little port town, you’ll pass through Park Inspection, after which your guide holding a sign for the Alta will meet you.

In 1998 the Galápagos National Park Visitor Centre opened for the benefit of islanders and travelers alike, presenting a comprehensive exhibit of the islands’ natural history, human interaction, ecosystems, flora and fauna. Our guide will use the exhibits to provide an illustrated overview of the natural history of the islands. From the Interpretation Center, a short trail arrives at Frigate Bird Hill, where both “magnificent-frigates” and “great-frigates” can be seen in the same colony—ideal for learning to distinguish the two bird species. You’ll also be treated to views of the harbor where your yacht awaits you below. It’s a very short ride to the harbor and it’s not long before you will be crossing from shore to reach the Alta, your home and adventure center for the next week. Your captain and crew will be waiting to greet you and will take care of seeing to it that your bags reach your cabin. Now it’s time to get settled in and relax as we set out on our voyage.

Afternoon: San Cristobal – Playa Ochoa: We set out along the coast of San Cristobal heading northeast toward our first landing at Playa Ochoa. This inviting powdery beach beside a turquoise bay is home to a small colony of sea lions.  Flamingos frequent a tidal lagoon sitting behind the beach.  Their names are Darwin Finches and the endemic San Cristóbal (Chatham) Mockingbird.  Playa Ochoa is a great introduction to the islands offering your first opportunity to go snorkeling with sea turtles and the archipelago’s playful ‘wolves of the sea’.

Alta (B, L, D)

Morning: Tower – Phillips Steps: Tower Island could serve as a film set for a secret submarine base! The southwestern part of the island is an ocean-filled caldera ringed by the outer edges of a sizeable and mostly submerged volcano. The island sits to the northwest, slightly removed from the Galápagos archipelago. It is also known as “Bird Island,” a name it lives up to in a spectacular way.

Named for a visit by the British Monarch in 1964, 25-meter (81-foot) Phillips Steps leads to a narrow stretch of land that opens out onto the plateau surrounding Darwin Bay, and extends to form the north side of the island. Red-footed boobies wrap their webbed feet around branches to perch in the bushes, and, in contrast, their “masked-booby” cousins dot the surface of the scrublands beyond. Crossing through the sparse vegetation, you will come to a broad lava field that extends towards the sea—this forms the north shore. “Storm petrels” flutter out over the ocean in swarms, then return to nest in the cracks and tunnels of the lava field, where their predator, the short-eared owl, is a frequent.

Afternoon: Tower- Darwin Bay: Landing on the white coral sands of Darwin Bay and walking up the beach, you will be surrounded by the bustling activity of “great frigate birds.” Puffball-chicks with their proud papás—who sport their bulging scarlet throat-sacks—crowd the surrounding branches, while both yellow-crowned and lava herons feed by the shore. Farther along you will discover a stunning series of sheltered pools set into a rocky outcrop, forming another natural film set. A trail beside the pools leads up to a cliff overlooking the caldera, where pairs of swallow-tailed gulls, the only nocturnal gulls in the world, can be seen nesting at the cliff’s edge. Lava gulls and pintail ducks ride the sea breezes nearby.

A brief panga ride brings us to the base of those same cliffs to reveal the full variety of species sheltering in the ledges and crevices created by the weathered basalt. Among them, red–billed tropic birds enter and leave their nests trailing exotic kite-like tails. This is also an intriguing place to go deep-water snorkeling, where the truly fortunate swimmer can spot one of the giant manta rays that frequent the inner bay along the cliff walls. You might also see them at the surface as the sun set’s on your first full day in the Galápagos. Tonight we cross from the eastern side to the far western side of the archipelago.

Alta (B, L, D)

Morning: Isabela – Tagus Cove On the way to Tagus Cove, the boat will sail through the Bolivar Channel. These are the coldest, most productive waters in the Galápagos, the upwelling of the Cromwell Current, where dolphins and whales are frequently seen. Tagus Cove, named for a British naval vessel that moored here in 1814, was used historically as an anchorage for pirates and whalers. One can still find the names of their ships carved into the rock above our landing, a practice now prohibited, of course. The cove’s quiet waters make for an ideal panga ride beneath its sheltered cliffs, where blue-footed boobies, brown noddies, pelicans and noddy terns make their nests, and flightless cormorants and penguins inhabit the lava ledges.

From our landing, a wooden stairway rises to the trail entrance for a view of Darwin Lake, a perfectly round saltwater crater, barely separated from the ocean but above sea level! The trail continues around the lake through a dry vegetation zone, and then climbs inland to a promontory formed by spatter cones. The site provides spectacular views back toward our anchorage in the bay, as well as Darwin Volcano and Wolf Volcano farther north.

Afternoon: Fernandina – Punta Espinosa: At 1495 meters (4,858 feet), the big news on this youngest and westernmost of the islands is La Cumbre volcano that erupts frequently, most recently in May 2005. Fernandina sits across the Bolivar Channel opposite Isabela. Our destination is Punta Espinosa, a narrow spit of land in the northeast corner of the island, where a number of unique Galápagos species can be seen in close proximity. As our panga driver skillfully navigates the reef, penguins show off by throwing themselves from the rocks into the water. Red and turquoise-blue zayapas crabs disperse across the lava shoreline, while herons and egrets forage through the mangrove roots. The landing is a dry one, set in a quiet inlet beneath the branches of a small mangrove forest. A short walk through the vegetation leads to a large colony of marine iguanas—a schoolyard of Godzilla’s children—resting atop one another in friendly heaps along the rocky shoreline, spitting water to clear their bodies of salt. Nearby, sea lions frolic in a sheltered lagoon. This is one of the few places you can glimpse iguanas grazing on seaweed underwater.

Farther down this stretch of shore, the world’s only species of flightless cormorants have established their colony near an inviting inlet frequented by sea turtles. Because these birds evolved without land predators—it was easier to feed on the squid, octopus, eel and fish found in the ocean—the cormorants progressively took to the sea. They developed heavier, more powerful legs and feet for kicking, serpent-like necks, and wet, fur-like plumage. Their wings are now mere vestiges. Back toward the landing and farther inland, the island’s black lava flows become more evident, forming a quiet, inner lagoon. Galápagos hawks survey the entire scene from overhead.

Alta (B, L, D)

Morning: Isabela - Urbina Bay is directly west of Isabella’s Volcano Alcedo, where we will make an easy, wet landing (a hop into a few inches of water) onto a gently sloping beach. In 1954, a Disney film crew caught sight of this gleaming white strip, and on further investigation found pools of stranded sea creatures! To their astonishment, three miles (5 km) of the marine reef had been uplifted by as much as 13 feet (4 meters) in moments. Now visitors can walk amongst the dried coral heads, mollusks and other organisms that formed the ocean floor. A highlight of this excursion is the giant land iguanas, whose vivid and gaudy yellow skin suggests that dinosaurs may have been very colorful indeed. Giant tortoises inhabit this coastal plain during the wet season, before migrating to the highlands when it turns dry. Our landing beach also provides opportunities to snorkel amongst marine creatures, or just relax on shore. Here we must take care not to step on the sea turtle nests dug carefully into the sand.

Isabela - Punta Vicente Roca is located at the ‘mouth’ of the head of the sea horse, which forms the northern part of the Isabela. Here the remnants of an ancient volcano form two turquoise coves with a bay well protected from the ocean swells. The spot is a popular anchorage from which to take panga rides along the cliff where a partially sunken cave beckons explorers. Masked and blue-footed boobies sit perched along the point and the sheer cliffs, while flightless cormorants inhabit the shoreline. The upwelling of coldwater currents in this part of the Galápagos, give rise to an abundance of marine life which, in combination with the protection of the coves, make Punta Vicente Roca one of the archipelago’s sough after dive spots. One cove is only accessible from the sea by way of an underwater passage. The passage opens to calm waters of the hidden cove where sea lions like to laze on the beach having traveled along the underwater route. The entire area of Punta Vicente Roca lies on the flank of 2,600 foot Volcano Ecuador. This is the island’s sixth largest volcano. Half of Volcano Ecuador slid into the ocean leaving a spectacular cutaway view of its caldera.

Alta (B, L, D)

Morning: Bartolome – Pinnacle Rock: This Island is famous for Pinnacle Rock, a towering spearheaded obelisk that rises from the ocean’s edge and is the best known landmark in the Galápagos. Galápagos penguins—the only species of penguin found north of the equator—walk precariously along narrow volcanic ledges at its base. Sea lions snooze on rocky platforms, ready to slide into the water to play with passing snorkelers. Just below the surface, shoals of tropical fish dodge in and out of the rocks past urchins, sea stars and anemones. A perfectly crescent, pink-and-white sandy beach lies just to the east of the pinnacle. Sea turtles use the beach as a nesting site and can sometimes be found wading in the shallow water near the shore, or resting in the sand to recover from the arduous task of digging nests, laying eggs and covering them over.

Penguins dot the nearby rocks of the next landing site, less than a kilometer along the eastern shore. Here the submerged walls of a tiny volcanic crater give the impression of a fountain pool. This dry landing—no wet feet! —Is the entrance to a 600-meter (2000-foot) pathway complete with stairs and boardwalks leading to Bartolome’s summit? The route is not difficult and presents a museum of vulcanology; a site left untouched after its last eruption, where cones stand in various stages of erosion and lava tubes form bobsled-like runs from the summit. At the top you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Santiago Island and James Bay to the west, and far below, Pinnacle Rock and our beach, where the crystal blue waters of the bay cradle your yacht.

Afternoon: Santiago – James Bay: On the northwestern side of the island is South James Bay (Puerto Egas), which offers access to three unique sites. One landing is on a black beach with intriguing eroded rock formations inland. A trail crosses the dry interior eastward and rises to the rim of an extinct volcanic crater; cracks within it allow sea water to seep in, which then dries to form salt deposits that have been mined in the past. Darwin describes his visit to South James Bay in Voyage of the Beagle.

Another path leads south, where hikers are treated to a series of crystal-clear grottos formed of broken lava tubes. These are home to sea lions and tropical fish, and are the only place in the islands where fur seals can be seen.  Further to the north, another landing and path lead to a series of inland lagoons, home to flamingos. Birders coming to James Bay will have the opportunity to spot vermillion flycatchers, Galápagos hawks and the tool-wielding woodpecker finch. Puerto Egas is a good spot for taking pictures—the light for photography is perfect at either dawn or sunset. The lava and the black sand seem to catch fire and the animals acquire a surreal and lovely quality.

Alta (B, L, D)

Morning: Santa Cruz – Puerto Ayora: Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galápagos and something of a hub for the archipelago. The small town of Puerto Ayora in the southwest of this large, round volcanic island is the economic center of the Islands, with the largest population of the four inhabited islands (approx. 10,000). Tourism—including refurbishing and resupplying yachts—along with fishing and boat building, are major sources of commerce.

Santa Cruz – Highlands: A highlight of any trip is a visit to the Santa Cruz Highlands, where the sparse, dry coastal vegetation transitions to lush wet fields and forests overgrown with moss and lichens. Our destination is the Tortoise Reserve, where we will have chances to track and view these friendly ancient creatures in their natural setting. This extends to the adjacent pasturelands, where farmers have given tortoise safe quarter in exchange for allowing paying visitors to see them. The best times to see tortoises here is during the cool dry season from June through December. Another attraction close by is a very large lava tube.  A wooden stairway descends to the mouth of its arched entrance and continues underground to the narrow passage that marks its exit.

Afternoon: Puerto Ayora is home to both the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station, the center of the great restorative efforts taking place in the park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here we go ashore to visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding and Rearing Program run by the research station, which began by rescuing the remaining 16 tortoises on the island of Española in the 1970s. This program has restored the population of animals there to over 1,000 today. You will see many of these animals, with their sweet ET necks and faces, from hatchlings to juveniles to large, distinguished individuals like Lonesome George, the last of his particular race of tortoise—may be 150 years old! The local color of this port makes for an attractive stop-off, with restaurants, souvenir shops and even an Internet café.

Alta (B, L, D)

Morning: Española (Hood) - Punta Suarez: Hood is the southernmost island of the archipelago, and is one of the most popular due to the breathtaking variation and sheer number of fauna that greet the visitor. The giant tortoise was reintroduced to Hood in the 1970’s and counts as one of the park’s great success stories. They reside in an off-limits area, but don’t worry—the famous giant tortoise awaits you on other islands!

The quantity and variety of wildlife at Punta Suarez is remarkable. Sea lions surf the waves beyond the breakwater landing, and tiny pups are known to greet your toes upon arrival. A few steps inland are the largest variety of marine iguana in the Galápagos. They bear distinctive red and black markings, some with a flash of turquoise running down their spine, and nap in communal piles. The trail then takes us beside the western edge of the island where masked boobies nest along the cliff’s edge, and then descends to a rocky beach before rising to an open area and a large gathering of nesting blue-foot boobies. Galápagos doves, cactus finch and mocking birds forage by, unconcerned by human presence.

The trail continues to the high cliff edge of the southern shore; below, a shelf of black lava reaches out into the surf where a blowhole shoots a geyser of water into the air. Further east along the cliffs is the “Albatross Airport” where “waved albatross” line up to launch their great winged bodies from the cliffs, soaring out over the dramatic shoreline of crashing waves and driven spray. In the trees set back from the cliff is one of only two places in the world where the waved albatross nests. In fact, the 12,000 pairs that inhabit Hood Island comprise all but a tiny fraction of the world’s population of this species. Lucky visitors can watch courtship ‘fencing’ done with great yellow beaks and necks among the large, fluffy, perfectly camouflaged chicks. Mating occurs year round.

Afternoon: Española (Hood) - Gardner Bay: On the northeastern shore of Hood, Gardner Bay offers a magnificent long white sandy beach, where colonies of sea lions laze in the sun, sea turtles swim offshore, and inquisitive mockingbirds boldly investigate new arrivals. You will be lured into the turquoise water for a swim, but just a little further off-shore, the snorkeling by Tortuga rock and Gardner Island offers peak encounters with playful young sea lions and large schools of surprisingly big tropical fish, including yellow tailed surgeonfish, king angelfish and bump-head parrot fish. Sleepy white-tipped reef sharks can be seen napping on the bottom.

Alta (B, L, D)

(B, L)

IMPORTANT NOTE ON ITINERARY: This itinerary is subject to change without notice for various factors including but not limited to: safety, weather, mechanical breakdown, unforeseen emergencies, and the discretion of the Captain, Guide, Quasar Nautica and the Galapagos National Park.

This itinerary is an accurate representation of what takes place during a typical trip through the Galápagos Islands at the indicated landing sites, as well as during the excursions in mainland Ecuador. The Galápagos is a natural ecosystem, making animal encounters there ultimately unpredictable and therefore exceptional in the way they typically occur. Though Galápagos species seem to have little fear of humans, they are wild animals subject to environmental factors, including their own instincts that can affect sightings, which means these encounters cannot be guaranteed. Accepting all these factors, including adhering to the rules of the Galápagos National Park, is a condition of participation on this trip.

YOUR YACHT & HOME IN THE GALÁPAGOS

 Welcome to your home in the Galápagos aboard one of our friendly adventure vessels! The Alta is equipped with cutting-edge navigation and safety equipment, along with all the comforts of home and more. Our yachts provide for an uncrowded experience of 8 to 16 passengers, with our spacious vessel, the Evolution, catering for up to 32. Our yachts are ideal for private charters as well, and we will arrange a journey around your favorite activities and interests.

All cabins come with private bathrooms, hot showers and air conditioning, and during landings your quarters will be cleaned twice daily. Your galley and dining staff will turn out quality meals using both local and international cuisine. Your vessel is stocked with “food for thought” as well—a library containing a wealth of information on the natural history of the Galápagos plus an entertainment center complete with DVDs or videos. All our yachts, including sailing vessels, are equipped with engines to cover the distances of your itinerary expeditiously. This is your vacation and time to relax; all boats have plenty of areas to lounge in the sun or shade, and the bar is always open for refreshments. Sea kayaks are available for some additional fun and we carry snorkeling gear for all. Following is more information on your vessel.

Alta

Motor Sailer ▪ Ketch Rigged ▪ 8 Cabins ▪ 12 to 16 Passengers ▪ 8 Crew ▪ 1 Naturalist Guide

►Ideal for Mid-Sized Charters

Simply stated, the Alta is the most elegant sailing ship in the Galápagos and ideal for modern-day explorers seeking uniqueness and exclusivity. Under sail she cuts an attention-grabbing profile while making for an exhilarating onboard experience. The interesting architecture of her eight, well appointed cabins is both spacious and charming, and you’ll find ample closet and drawer space. The salon, where we receive briefings from our naturalist guide each day, is bounded on three sides by a comfortable built-in sofa across from an old-fashioned bar—and a modern-day entertainment center. Alta staff offer quality dining in the “mess” (a fine cabin of its own), or an equally elegant al fresco meal on the foredeck. There are many places to relax, including a sundeck with lounge chairs just forward of the bridge, and another with large cushions on the bow of the yacht. When conditions permit, sails are hoisted aboard the Alta, one of the truly beautiful yachts in the archipelago.

Important Note on Travel by Small Yachts through the Galápagos

We offer the unique opportunity to travel by small yacht through the Galápagos archipelago, providing you with an exclusive experience only shared by your small group. We pride ourselves in providing some of the most sought after vessels in the Galápagos. Our small yacht travel comes with factors that while very normal, need mentioning. We offer trips that encompass the full spectrum of landings the Galápagos Islands have to offer. The only way to navigate these full itineraries that encompass the outer islands is by the use of engine power. For this reason Galápagos is not a true sailing destination. While some of our yachts are rigged for sailing and do hoist sail during voyages when there is a good wind, sails on these vessels should be considered primarily for show and not navigation. On our sailing vessels we seek to hoist sails two to three times per voyage. The best time for wind in the Galápagos is during the summer months of June through September.

You will at times during your cruise hear the sound of engines; more noticeably when they are being started up for a night crossing. You may also hear the sound of waves slapping the hull depending on the condition of the sea. At times you may also hear generators or temporarily smell diesel, but not for prolonged periods. In heavier seas, which are infrequent in the Galápagos, you may experience seasickness, especially during open ocean crossings. Please report any inconvenience you are experiencing during your voyage immediately to the Captain. Often there are solutions to any problems you may be experiencing.

RATES

$390.00 per person – subject to change – internal air

$30.00 per person per week for the use of wet suits on board

$20.00 per person per use of acrylic kayaks

Personal expenses such as laundry, room service, communication charges and optional activities (which are subject to availability)

We require a deposit of $1,000.00 per person to confirm space.  Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.  If the reservation is made within 100 days of departure, the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of confirmation.