MV Solaris Yacht cruise itinerary A 8 day West Galapagos Islands

MV Solaris Yacht cruise itinerary A 8 day West Galapagos Islands
A fantastic loop going all the way from Santa Cruz to the Western Archipelago visiting the most iconic natural sites along the way, a perfect way to enjoy your time on board this magnificent cruise for 8 days: you will also have great opportunity to snorkel and discover the beauty of the Marine Reserve. Yacht Solaris is a wonderful choice of yacht if you are looking for comfort, personalized service and a great itinerary.

Day by day

Day 1 : Baltra Island &Santa Cruz Island

AM – Arrival at Baltra Airport
Upon arrival at Seymour Ecological Airport, a check-up is carried out first, to ensure that no foreign plant or animal species are introduced on the islands. Furthermore, your TCC (Transit Control Card) is stamped; this must be kept safe during your trip, as it has to be presented again on your return flight. In addition, entrance to the Galapagos National Park is due for entry (US $ 100), if this has not yet been paid. Your guide will meet you at the airport, assist you with the luggage and accompany you on the short bus ride. Here you will climb aboard the yacht Solaris. After greeting the crew and the captain, your cabins will be assigned to you and then you will enjoy your first lunch on-board.

PM – Bachas(Santa Cruz)
These two small beaches are located in the west of the Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz. Their sand consists of decomposed corals, which makes it white and soft. This makes it the favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind one of the beaches there are small water lagoons, where flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilt birds and rainbows, can occasionally be spotted. On the second beach, which is the wider one, you can explore the remains of two abandoned warships. In the Second World War these were left by the US, as the island of Baltra was used as a strategic point for the protection of the Panama Canal. After this excursion, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to Quito or Guayaquil.

Day 2 : Isabela Island: Wetlands, Wall of tears & Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre

AM –  Whitetip reef shark channel (Isabela)

Just outside the harbour of Puerto Villamil a group of islets protrude just above the ocean. The jagged black formations, dotted with mangrove and candelabra cactus, are the remnants of a lava stream that has ended up in the ocean. Marine life gets trapped, including spectacular whitetip reef sharks (called “tintoreras” in Spanish, as is the site’s official name). This species of shark is fairly common in the archipelago, and generally spotted on the seabed when snorkelling, while they rest from their nocturnal hunts. At this unique location you can observe them comfortably from the bank in the crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Sometimes turtles and elegant white-spotted eagle rays or golden rays glide back and forth through this calm channel, as well as smaller fish and Galapagos sea lions. Also, this is where the largest species of marine iguanas reproduce. The rocky shoreline with its intertidal life also attracts sally lightfoot crabs, lava herons and Galapagos penguins, which reside on the other (western) side of Isabela.

PM –   Wetlands, Wall of tears, Tortoise breeding centre (Isabela)

After lunch aboard you will visit the local tortoise breeding centre, where you can see hundreds of giant Galapagos tortoises of all sizes. The vulnerable hatchlings are not gigantic at all, even smaller than the size of your hand! This project just outside Puerto Villamil was created to rescue the endangered populations of Isabela’s both southernmost volcanoes. In Puerto Villamil and the surrounding wetlands there is the historical ‘Wall of tears’ (national cultural heritage), where prisoners were punished and forced to build this long wall of lava clocks. Also, you might have the chance to see American flamingos. At the end of the afternoon you will have some free time to explore the village and/or its beach.

Map

Rabida | Galapagos Islands
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Punta Vicente Roca | Galapagos Islands
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Playa Espumilla | Galapagos Islands
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Cruise Includes

Scheduled visits and activities with a professional bilingual guide
All meals on board, some snacks, purified water, tea and coffee
Accommodation in a standard cabin with private bathroom and air conditioning
Snorkeling equipment (mask, lenses, fins), sea-kayaks
Assistance at the Airport and 24/7 during the trip

Cruise does not include

Air tickets to / from Galapagos from / to Quito, Guayaquil or combined route
Entrance to the Galapagos National Park US $ 200 p.p. (cash in the Islands)
Galapagos Control Card US $ 20 p.p. (at the airport before check-in)
Wet-suits rental on board (in cash)
Soft and alcoholic drinks on board; personal expenses, extras and tips guide and crew (cash)
Travel insurance with medical, cancellation and other unforeseen coverage
Other services in Continental Ecuador and not specified in the program

Highlights

Discover the marvels of southern Isabela
Flightless cormorants, penguins and marine iguanas in Fernandina
Marvelous beach in Santiago: Espumilla Beach
Untamed wildlife at Chinese Hat
Learn about Island’s conservancy at Charles Darwin Station
Solaris
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