Archipell II: Central Galapagos Islands

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Categories: Galapagos, Galapagos Specials, Standard Tours to the Galapagos Islands

Duration: 4 days

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from A$2370

Travel from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz island on this 4 day cruise aboard the spacious Archipell II. Along the way you will visit some of the most spectacular islands of the Galapagos and enjoy encounters with its endemic wildlife including the giant tortoises, marine iguana and playful sea lions. Taking only 16 passengers, the Archipell II offers a personalised and very comfortable way to experience this incredible destination

Overview
Itinerary
Dates
Accommodation
Inclusions

Itinerary Highlights
- Visit the Giant Galapagos Tortoises on Colorado Hill
- Swim with playful sea lions
- Visit Dragon Hill and witness the largest population of Land Iguanas
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive to San Cristobal Airport - Colorado Hill/Tortoise Breeding Centre
- Day 2: South Plaza & Santa Fe Islands
- Day 3: Chinese Hat - Dragon Hill
- Day 4: Charles Darwin Station - Depart Baltra
Day 1: Arrive to San Cristobal Airport - Colorado Hill/Tortoise Breeding Centre
Arrival at San Christobal Airport and transfer in. One of our representative Guides will meet you and transfer you to the M/C Archipell II.

Your first visit will be to Cerro Colorado Tortoises Protection and Growing Center, located at 40 minutes approximately by bus to the south east of the island, was built to improve the status of the population of the island tortoises. The center includes a large corral, a Visitors center, breeding center and an interpretative trail. Along this trail, it is possible to see different species of native and endemic plants as well as birds like the San Cristobal Mockingbird, Yellow Warblers, many species of finches and the Galapagos flycatcher.

Day 2: South Plaza & Santa Fe Islands
South Plaza is located at the east of Santa Cruz Island, and forms part of two islands known as Islas Plazas. Despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the Galapagos are found here. The Plazas land iguanas are smaller than its relatives found on other islands. There are several hybrid iguanas, a result of crossing a male marine iguana and a female land iguana; they are unique, recognizable at first glance by their black/gray color, with a land iguana's crest, but face and tail of the marine iguanas.

Located in the southeastern part of the Galapagos, this island was formed from an uplift instead than from a volcanic origin; this is why it is mostly flat. There are some theories that assure that this could be the oldest island in the Archipelago. Santa Fe is the home of a number of endemic species like the Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats and one of the two species of land Iguanas of the islands. After disembarkation in the beautiful and clear waters, you will be in contact with one of the many sea lion colonies
Day 3: Chinese Hat - Dragon Hill
Today, you will visit the volcanic islet of Chinese Hat, an island just off the south eastern tip of Santiago Island. Shaped like a Chinese hat, this recent volcanic cone is separate d by a small channel of Turqoise water. Around the islet, you might spot sally light foot crabs and makes for a great snorkelling spot with sea lions and tropical fish.

In the afternoon, visit Dragon Hill, where the largest wild population of Galapagos land iguanas reside.

Day 4: Charles Darwin Station - Depart Baltra

Today, visit Charles Darwin Station. In the tortoise breeding station, you can encounter tortoises of different subspecies, which get prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats.

Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra, where we take the airport shuttle. Your guide will accompany you until the check-in counters in the departure hall.
Departs - Selected dates (listed below)
Archipell II Ship Cabins
Our cabins have ocean views and offer all the amenities to feel like home during your vacation. The boat features 8 cabins of which 2 have low queen size beds and the remaining 6 have low twin beds. Each cabin offers a private bath, hot water, air conditioning and a closet.

Ship Deck Plan
Ship Specifications
Year Of Construction - 2005
Cabins - 8
Social Areas - Comfortable dining room, bar and lounge; library
Length (m) - 27 m
Beam (m) - 11 m
Electric Power - 110V
Machinery - 2 Cummins IMO 240 hp each one
Speed (knots) - 11 knots
Crew - 7
Naturalist Guide(s) - 1
Single Supplement - 90%
Children Discount - No discount
What's included?
- On-board accommodation
- Transfers in Galapagos
- Tours led by English-speaking Guide
- Activities as specified
- All meals during the voyage
- Use of snorkelling equipment
What's not included?
- International and internal airfares
- Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Galapagos National Park fee US$100
- Transit control card US$20
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included