Casa Natura Galapagos Lodge
Casa Natura is a small family run hotel surrounded by nature in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and central to the main tour and diving sites in Galapagos. It has 14 rooms, a dining area, and several social areas for passengers to experience. All rooms have a private balcony that enables guests to enjoy from the lush scenery of the Galapagos highlands and its ecosystem.
The hotel is ideal for those travelers wishing to have a close contact with nature in the Galapagos islands and feel like they are at their own home. The owners of the hotel and their family live on site, so it is common to find them making breakfast for you themselves.
The hotel provides one complimentary (free) transfer at designated times to port for those guests wishing to explore the small but busy town of Puerto Ayora.
Getting to know Galapagos on board a kayak is an interesting activity that this wonderful archipelago has to offer to its visitors who love adventure. The experience that the enchanted islands offer is incomparable, because of the diversity of species that can be observed. On these islands it is possible to sail with groups of blue footed boobies and observe sea lions resting on the rocky beaches, inlets and especially their journey around the Pacific and its lush mangrove bays. The archipelago has areas inaccessible from land and for larger boats, which can only be accessed by kayak, allowing visitors to discover and admire the landscapes from a different point.
This activity also allows to explore the geological origins of the island and the fascinating natural history of this place, unique on the planet. It is not necessary to be an athlete to enjoy this adventure. The hotel recommends kayaking on the fabulous El Garrapatero beach, in the vicinity of their property. The favorable weather of this beach, its crystal-clear waters, white sand and subtle waves make it the ideal place to try this entertainment activity. If you want to include a day of kayaking on your Galapagos tour you can write us and we will gladly help you plan your next adventure in the enchanted islands.
The hotel is ideal for those travelers wishing to have a close contact with nature in the Galapagos islands and feel like they are at their own home. The owners of the hotel and their family live on site, so it is common to find them making breakfast for you themselves.
The hotel provides one complimentary (free) transfer at designated times to port for those guests wishing to explore the small but busy town of Puerto Ayora.
Getting to know Galapagos on board a kayak is an interesting activity that this wonderful archipelago has to offer to its visitors who love adventure. The experience that the enchanted islands offer is incomparable, because of the diversity of species that can be observed. On these islands it is possible to sail with groups of blue footed boobies and observe sea lions resting on the rocky beaches, inlets and especially their journey around the Pacific and its lush mangrove bays. The archipelago has areas inaccessible from land and for larger boats, which can only be accessed by kayak, allowing visitors to discover and admire the landscapes from a different point.
This activity also allows to explore the geological origins of the island and the fascinating natural history of this place, unique on the planet. It is not necessary to be an athlete to enjoy this adventure. The hotel recommends kayaking on the fabulous El Garrapatero beach, in the vicinity of their property. The favorable weather of this beach, its crystal-clear waters, white sand and subtle waves make it the ideal place to try this entertainment activity. If you want to include a day of kayaking on your Galapagos tour you can write us and we will gladly help you plan your next adventure in the enchanted islands.
UNFORGETTABLE GALAPAGOS
|
5 or 7 Day Diving Programs |
|
Day 1: SANTA CRUZ
Arrive to Baltra Airport. Reception and transfer. Ferry crossing to Santa Cruz Island (10 min-ride). Arrive to Santa Cruz Island. Stop in highlands of Santa Cruz where you will visit a Giant Tortoise Reserve for an easy hike to observe to Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. Transfer to Casa Natura Galapagos Lodge and check in. In the afternoon visit to The Charles Darwin Research Station where you'll learn by first hand, the conservation and research efforts in the Galapagos Islands. See the tortoise hatchlings and breeding programs which are saving several races of tortoises from extinction. Also, the opportunity to see the giant Galapagos tortoises. Overnight at Casa Natura Galapagos Lodge in Santa Cruz Island. (L) Day 2: SAILING DAILY TOUR Breakfast at Casa Natura Galapagos Lodge. Transfer to the pier to take boat for a shared daily tour to North Seymour, Plazas Island, or Santa Fe islands (according availability). In the afternoon transfer to the lodge. Overnight in Santa Cruz Island. (B, L) Day 3: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND / Bay Tour After breakfast at Casa Natura Galapagos Lodge, we´ll take the boat for a visit to Santa Cruz Island´s bay. The tour takes around 3 hours and a half. Starting from the main pier of Puerto Ayora, the boat will take us to "Lobería," so named for the large seal colony where is snorkeling is possible not far from this amazing mammals. It is a very special place to see a variety of colors of fish. We´ll also visit Punta Estrada, Sharks´Channel, Playa de los Perros, and Grietas. During the visit we may find species like white tip Sharks, sea tortoises, marine iguanas, crabs, pelicans, and some other marine birds. At the end of the excursion, we´ll getting back to the pier. Afternoon at leisure. (B) Overnight at Casa Natura Galapagos Lodge in Santa Cruz Island. Day 4: TRANSFER OUT Breakfast at Casa Natura Galapagos Lodge and Transfer out Baltra’s airport. Flight black to mainland for connections or visit Ecuador. (B) End of services. B: breakfast L: lunch 2018 prices per person in US$: single = $1529, double = $1113, triple = $982, child = $764 2019 prices per person in US$: single = $1714, double = $1253, triple = $1071, child = $701 PROGRAM INCLUDES
→ Private transfers at airport/hotel/airport in Galapagos with bilingual assistance. → Accommodation in Santa Cruz Island – Puerto Ayora at Casa Natura Galapagos Lodge → Daily breakfast at the hotel → Meals according itinerary → 1 sailing daily tour according availability (shared services) → 1 Bay Tour (shared services) → Visits and excursions according itinerary → Professional Bilingual guide during visits in Galapagos SERVICE NOT INCLUDED IN ECUADOR → Air Ticket to the Galapagos Islands Galapagos entrance fee $100,00 → Galapagos control transit card $20,00 → Tips, phones, internet services. → Laundry Service. → Drinks, Bottled Water, Alcoholic Beverages. → Daily dinner and other meals not specified. → Consumptions or personal charges UNFORGETTABLE GALAPAGOS
|
Isabela hotel |
sgl |
dbl |
tpl |
child |
Gran Tintorera |
$2302 |
$1791 |
$1632 |
$1339 |
Casa de Morita |
$2469 |
$1931 |
$1736 |
$1371 |
PROGRAM INCLUDES
Private transfers at airport/hotel/airport in Galapagos with bilingual assistance.
Accommodation in Santa Cruz Island at the Casa Natura Galapagos Lodge and Isabela Island at Selected hotel
Daily breakfast
Meals according itinerary
Visits and excursions according itinerary
Marine transportation between islands: Santa Cruz – Isabela – Santa Cruz. (speed boat, shared service)
Professional Bilingual guide during visits in Galapagos
Lodging based on a standard – double room.
SERVICE NOT INCLUDED IN ECUADOR
Ticket to/from Galapagos
Galapagos entrance fee $100,00 usd
Galapagos control transit card $20,00 usd
Isabela Island fee $5,00 usd
Tips, phones, internet services
Laundry Service.
Drinks, Bottled Water, Alcoholic Beverages.
Daily dinner and other meals not specified.
Optional Tours
Consumptions or personal charges.
Private transfers at airport/hotel/airport in Galapagos with bilingual assistance.
Accommodation in Santa Cruz Island at the Casa Natura Galapagos Lodge and Isabela Island at Selected hotel
Daily breakfast
Meals according itinerary
Visits and excursions according itinerary
Marine transportation between islands: Santa Cruz – Isabela – Santa Cruz. (speed boat, shared service)
Professional Bilingual guide during visits in Galapagos
Lodging based on a standard – double room.
SERVICE NOT INCLUDED IN ECUADOR
Ticket to/from Galapagos
Galapagos entrance fee $100,00 usd
Galapagos control transit card $20,00 usd
Isabela Island fee $5,00 usd
Tips, phones, internet services
Laundry Service.
Drinks, Bottled Water, Alcoholic Beverages.
Daily dinner and other meals not specified.
Optional Tours
Consumptions or personal charges.
ISLAND HOPPING GALAPAGOS
7 DAYS/ 6 NIGHTS
Same itinerary as above, but add 1 more hotel night and 1 more boat trip to North Seymour, Plazas Island, or Santa Fe islands (according availability), including lunch (it will be to a different island than the day before)
2018 prices per person in US$:
Isabella Hotel |
sgl |
dbl |
tpl |
child |
Gran Tintorera |
$2699 |
$2161 |
$1999 |
$1712 |
Casa de Morita |
$2940 |
$2263 |
$2078 |
$1790 |
*Child Rate based on children under the age of 12 traveling with 2
sharing adults.
*Optional Baltra- Isabela - Baltra flight for $350 USD.
*Programs can depart any day with 1 passengers minimum.
sharing adults.
*Optional Baltra- Isabela - Baltra flight for $350 USD.
*Programs can depart any day with 1 passengers minimum.
5 day program includes:
Private transfers, naturalist guide, 4 night accommodation on Santa Cruz Island at selected hotel with breakfast included, 2 Diving excursions with equipment included*, 1 sailing day tour to Seymour, Plazas or Santa Fe Island with lunch box included. Visits to Santa Cruz Highlands and Charles Darwin Station. Lunch on DAY 1, 2, 3 & 4.
*Diving equipment: : 7mm wetsuit, Regulator, BCD, mask, fins, hood, gloves, weight belt and tanks (does not include dive computer).
*In case of triple room at Finch Bay, the room is an Ocean View Suite.
Private transfers, naturalist guide, 4 night accommodation on Santa Cruz Island at selected hotel with breakfast included, 2 Diving excursions with equipment included*, 1 sailing day tour to Seymour, Plazas or Santa Fe Island with lunch box included. Visits to Santa Cruz Highlands and Charles Darwin Station. Lunch on DAY 1, 2, 3 & 4.
*Diving equipment: : 7mm wetsuit, Regulator, BCD, mask, fins, hood, gloves, weight belt and tanks (does not include dive computer).
*In case of triple room at Finch Bay, the room is an Ocean View Suite.
7 day program includes:
Private transfers, naturalist guide, 6 night accommodation on Santa Cruz Island at selected hotel with breakfast included, 3 Diving excursions with equipment included*, 1 sailing day tour to Seymour, Plazas or Santa Fe Island with lunch box included. Visits to Santa Cruz Highlands and Charles Darwin Station. Lunch on DAY 1, 2, 3 ,5 and 6
*Diving equipment: : 7mm wetsuit, Regulator, BCD, mask, fins, hood, gloves, weight belt and tanks (does not include dive computer).
*In case of triple room at Finch Bay, the room is an Ocean View Suite.
Private transfers, naturalist guide, 6 night accommodation on Santa Cruz Island at selected hotel with breakfast included, 3 Diving excursions with equipment included*, 1 sailing day tour to Seymour, Plazas or Santa Fe Island with lunch box included. Visits to Santa Cruz Highlands and Charles Darwin Station. Lunch on DAY 1, 2, 3 ,5 and 6
*Diving equipment: : 7mm wetsuit, Regulator, BCD, mask, fins, hood, gloves, weight belt and tanks (does not include dive computer).
*In case of triple room at Finch Bay, the room is an Ocean View Suite.
2019 prices per person in US$:
days |
sgl |
dbl |
tpl |
5 |
$2296 |
$1850 |
$1771 |
7 |
$3034 |
$2567 |
$2435 |
Not included:
Air tickets to the Galapagos Islands, Galapagos National Park fee, Transit Control Card, Meals not described on itinerary, extras
and tips.
Air tickets to the Galapagos Islands, Galapagos National Park fee, Transit Control Card, Meals not described on itinerary, extras
and tips.
Notes:
- It is mandatory to hold a diver’s certification (PADI, NAUI, CMAS, or other).
- Be between 13 and 65 years of age.
- Medical Certificate if declaring any medical condition and/or for people over 55 years old that have not been diving during the last 6 months.
- they accept certified beginner divers at all dive sites except Gordon Rocks for which we require a minimum of 30 logged dives or the previous dive evaluation of our dive guides, while diving at another site
- In regards to the diving sites, different boats have permits to sail to specific islands on different days as they are regulated by the National Park. So for instance, Boat A may be allowed to sail on Mondays to Gordon Rocks and Tuesday to Floreana island and Boat B may have Floreana on Monday and Gordon Rocks on Tuesday. So it really depends on the dates when looking for space and if the passenger has a specific request of dive site. If he/she has a specific island to visit, we will find the boat that suits his/her need. Otherwise, our team will reply with availability of islands on the dates requested.
- It is mandatory to hold a diver’s certification (PADI, NAUI, CMAS, or other).
- Be between 13 and 65 years of age.
- Medical Certificate if declaring any medical condition and/or for people over 55 years old that have not been diving during the last 6 months.
- they accept certified beginner divers at all dive sites except Gordon Rocks for which we require a minimum of 30 logged dives or the previous dive evaluation of our dive guides, while diving at another site
- In regards to the diving sites, different boats have permits to sail to specific islands on different days as they are regulated by the National Park. So for instance, Boat A may be allowed to sail on Mondays to Gordon Rocks and Tuesday to Floreana island and Boat B may have Floreana on Monday and Gordon Rocks on Tuesday. So it really depends on the dates when looking for space and if the passenger has a specific request of dive site. If he/she has a specific island to visit, we will find the boat that suits his/her need. Otherwise, our team will reply with availability of islands on the dates requested.
GALAPAGOS DIVING OPTIONS
Galapagos offers some amazing diving opportunities because of the diversity of underwater life in the islands. You may choose from one of these daily diving trips below and add it to your cruise or island hopping package. No matter what way you decide to do your dives you will have a truly unforgettable experience in Galapagos!
FLOREANA
Location: South of Santa Cruz Island, 3 possible dive sites, 1 hour
and a half way from our base.
Site Conditions: Normally this site does not present strong currents. This is a reef dive where corals and sponges may be found.
What to see: Cleaning station, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef shark, turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, barracudas, variety of invertebrates.
GORDON ROCKS (minimum experience to participate: 30
logged dives or the previous evaluation of our dive guides at
another site)
Location: North-east of Santa Cruz island, 2 dive sites located 30
minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz island).
Site Conditions: This rock formation is a world renowned site, for
intermediate and advanced divers due to the strong currents and
surge.
What to see: Hammerhead shark, Cleaning station, Galapagos
sharks, white tip reef shark, mobulas, turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, variety of invertebrates.
BARTHOLOME
Location: Located east of Santiago Island, a small island with the
famous Bartholomew pinnacle, 2 dive sites located at 1 hour and a
half from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).
Site Conditions: Moderate currents. A platform is found at
approximately 10 meters where a variety of reef fishes reside. On the edge of this platform there are underwater cliffs which start at about 15 meters deep with good probabilities to observe pelagic species.
What to see: White tip reef shark, reef fishes, barracudas, turtles,
mobulas, sting rays, variety of invertebrates.
COUSINS
Location: North-east of Santiago island near Bartholomew island, 1 islet, 2 dive sites located at 1 hour and a half from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz island).
Site Conditions: Normally there are no strong currents at this site; this is partly a reef dive, partly a wall dive where the endemic black coral is found.
What to see: Cleaning station, sea horses, barracudas, sea lions,
Galapagos sharks, white tip reef shark, turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, variety of invertebrates. At surface interval penguins may be observed.
NORTH SEYMOUR
Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, 2 dive sites located 30 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).
Site Conditions: For all levels of divers, although sometimes there
can be strong currents, platform reefs with a diversity of species
What to see: Cleaning station, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef shark, hammerhead shark, mobulas, turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, variety of invertebrates.
BEAGLE
Location: South of Santiago Island, 3 exposed rocks, 2 dives sites
located at 1 hour and a half from Itabaca Channel (North side of
Santa Cruz Island).
Site Conditions: Normally there are no strong currents at this site, reef dive with many corals and sponges.
What to see: Cleaning station, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, turtles,
reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, barracudas, manta rays, variety of invertebrates and probably solitary hammerhead sharks.
DAPHNE
Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, an exposed rock, one dive site located 30 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).
Site Conditions: Normally there are no strong currents at this site, rocky and sandy bottom.
What to see: here we find a small cave (this is NOT a cave dive)
where white tip ref. sharks rest, additionally there is a pinnacle where we find a diversity of rays, Galápagos shark, turtle, ref. fishes, barracudas, black coral walls and variety of invertebrates.
MOSQUERA
Location: North of Santa Cruz Island between Seymour Island and
Baltra Island, this is an islet that emerges from the sea (sand bar),
one dive site located 25 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz island).
Site Conditions: Normally there are no strong currents at this site, sandy bottom between 15 and 18 meters with garden eels and pelagic species, there is also a wall that starts at 18 meters where we also find black coral and variety of invertebrates.
What to see: Hammer head sharks, black tip reef shark, white tip
reef shark, sea lions, turtles, barracudas, ref. fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, mobulas, Galápagos eel, and variety of invertebrates.
SANTA FE
Location: South of Santa Cruz Island, 3 possible dive sites located at 1 hour by boat away from our base.
Site Conditions: Generally there is good visibility and calm currents, ideal for beginners although the topography and fauna might be interesting for intermediate divers.
What to see: Cleaning station, reef fishes, garden eels, sting rays,
eagle rays, turtles, Morays eels, sea lions, white tip reef shark, and
variety of invertebrates.
FLOREANA
Location: South of Santa Cruz Island, 3 possible dive sites, 1 hour
and a half way from our base.
Site Conditions: Normally this site does not present strong currents. This is a reef dive where corals and sponges may be found.
What to see: Cleaning station, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef shark, turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, barracudas, variety of invertebrates.
GORDON ROCKS (minimum experience to participate: 30
logged dives or the previous evaluation of our dive guides at
another site)
Location: North-east of Santa Cruz island, 2 dive sites located 30
minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz island).
Site Conditions: This rock formation is a world renowned site, for
intermediate and advanced divers due to the strong currents and
surge.
What to see: Hammerhead shark, Cleaning station, Galapagos
sharks, white tip reef shark, mobulas, turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, variety of invertebrates.
BARTHOLOME
Location: Located east of Santiago Island, a small island with the
famous Bartholomew pinnacle, 2 dive sites located at 1 hour and a
half from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).
Site Conditions: Moderate currents. A platform is found at
approximately 10 meters where a variety of reef fishes reside. On the edge of this platform there are underwater cliffs which start at about 15 meters deep with good probabilities to observe pelagic species.
What to see: White tip reef shark, reef fishes, barracudas, turtles,
mobulas, sting rays, variety of invertebrates.
COUSINS
Location: North-east of Santiago island near Bartholomew island, 1 islet, 2 dive sites located at 1 hour and a half from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz island).
Site Conditions: Normally there are no strong currents at this site; this is partly a reef dive, partly a wall dive where the endemic black coral is found.
What to see: Cleaning station, sea horses, barracudas, sea lions,
Galapagos sharks, white tip reef shark, turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, variety of invertebrates. At surface interval penguins may be observed.
NORTH SEYMOUR
Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, 2 dive sites located 30 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).
Site Conditions: For all levels of divers, although sometimes there
can be strong currents, platform reefs with a diversity of species
What to see: Cleaning station, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef shark, hammerhead shark, mobulas, turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, variety of invertebrates.
BEAGLE
Location: South of Santiago Island, 3 exposed rocks, 2 dives sites
located at 1 hour and a half from Itabaca Channel (North side of
Santa Cruz Island).
Site Conditions: Normally there are no strong currents at this site, reef dive with many corals and sponges.
What to see: Cleaning station, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, turtles,
reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, barracudas, manta rays, variety of invertebrates and probably solitary hammerhead sharks.
DAPHNE
Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, an exposed rock, one dive site located 30 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).
Site Conditions: Normally there are no strong currents at this site, rocky and sandy bottom.
What to see: here we find a small cave (this is NOT a cave dive)
where white tip ref. sharks rest, additionally there is a pinnacle where we find a diversity of rays, Galápagos shark, turtle, ref. fishes, barracudas, black coral walls and variety of invertebrates.
MOSQUERA
Location: North of Santa Cruz Island between Seymour Island and
Baltra Island, this is an islet that emerges from the sea (sand bar),
one dive site located 25 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz island).
Site Conditions: Normally there are no strong currents at this site, sandy bottom between 15 and 18 meters with garden eels and pelagic species, there is also a wall that starts at 18 meters where we also find black coral and variety of invertebrates.
What to see: Hammer head sharks, black tip reef shark, white tip
reef shark, sea lions, turtles, barracudas, ref. fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, mobulas, Galápagos eel, and variety of invertebrates.
SANTA FE
Location: South of Santa Cruz Island, 3 possible dive sites located at 1 hour by boat away from our base.
Site Conditions: Generally there is good visibility and calm currents, ideal for beginners although the topography and fauna might be interesting for intermediate divers.
What to see: Cleaning station, reef fishes, garden eels, sting rays,
eagle rays, turtles, Morays eels, sea lions, white tip reef shark, and
variety of invertebrates.
