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Galapagos Islands Tours, Based in HotelsSanta Cruz Island-based Hotel Tours - 4-8 days |
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These Galapagos Islands tours allow you to stay in the same hotel every night and do day trips by yacht to nearby islands |
4 Day Basic
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Day 1: Santa Cruz Island Arrival in the Galapagos
Today we arrive in Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galapagos. This tiny island was a military base during the Second World War and hosts the Islands’ principal airport. The airport was built using the most advanced environmental techniques to reduce emissions and energy use, some of which you’ll notice as you walk through the facility. This was the first ecological airport in the world. We will continue to the Itabaca Channel where the transfer will be waiting to take us to an exclusive giant tortoise reserve, Galapagos Magic Lodge. Galapagos Magic Lodge is a safari-style tented camp perched high on Santa Cruz overlooking the ocean. The sounds of nature will serenade us and we’ll be able to feast our eyes on the mountains and forests surrounding the Camp. Also, enjoy the peace of having the entire hillside to ourselves, with the exception of seasonal resident giant tortoises. English Assistance Night at Galapagos Magic (Standard Tent) - Included: Transportation, breakfast, dinner, entrance fee, accommodation Day 2: Santa Cruz Island - Motor Yacht Day Tour with a Local Galapagueño Set out to sea on the Niña Bella with an ex-fisherman, his welcoming crew and a knowledgeable naturalist guide for a full day excursion to experience the waters near one of the Galapagos' more remote islands. Recent history has transformed the Galapagos Islands, reshaping the local economy from one of subsistence fishing and small-scale agriculture to one where tourism employs some 40% of locals. We have worked with local fishermen to transform their careers from harvesting sea life to introducing the Galapagos' rich marine ecosystem to visitors while also helping to preserve them. Their livings are now made from sustainable tourism rather than fishing.Heading out toward Santa Fe Island and its special marine reserve, you will have the chance to admire and experience the biodiversity unique to this area. We'll enjoy a variety of marine activities including swimming with sharks as well as snorkeling where we can observe colorful fish and sea cucumbers (among other species). The journey takes place among extraordinary landscapes that combine sparkling turquoise waters and white sand. All the while, we can enjoy watching wildlife in its natural state - including the chance to see one of the most important sea lion colonies in the entire reserve. This full day excursion includes snorkeling and swimming opportunities. Excursions are subject to availability depending on National Park regulations. Overnight at Mainao hotel (Standard room) or Hotel Ikala Galapagos (Standard Room) Included: Breakfast, transportation, excursion and accommodation. Day 3: Santa Cruz Island - Half day excursion to Bay Exploration (sharing excursion)This morning we will join a Puerto Ayora’s bay exploration, at the main dock we will have a quick 10 minute navigation to la Loberia Island named after a sea lion colony that inhabits there. This small island is a great place to snorkel in amongst sea turtles and a great variety of colorful fish, and for playing with the ever-friendly and inquisitive sea lions. Our next stop will be a hike to the Tunel del Amor (lover’s tunel) with a great viewpoint from where if lucky you can watch resting white-tip sharks. On the way back we will visit Punta Estrada’s dock, where we’ll go on a walk to watch marine iguanas. Night at Hotel Ikala Galapagos (Standard Room) 0r Mainao hotel (Standard room) Included: Breakfast, transportation, guide and accommodation. Day 4: Santa Cruz Island Transfer from hotel in Puerto Ayora to Baltra´s airport to take flight back to continent. Included: Transportation. |
2019-2020 Price per person in US$: $815 in double rooms. Single supplement is $297 Included: Accommodation, Meals as described above,Transfers& ground transportation, Boat excursions with snorkeling on a sharing basis, English-speaking naturalist guide, Activities and visits detailed in the itinerary
Not Included: Flights (all flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands can be arranged upon request), Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US $100 per adult/$50 per child under 12), tourist transit card (US $20 per person), Beverages, Laundry service, Insurance (prior to your journey please ensure your travel insurance is valid in your country of origin), Gratuities Galapagos Magic is set in the highlands of Santa Cruz, this totally unique property surprises and delights. All six safari tents have gorgeous views, and guests are surrounded by nature as they sleep. Galapagos Magic is a place to relax, walk the beautiful mountainside, turn your gaze to the beautiful heavens and to admire nature. Giant tortoises call Galapagos Magic their home much of the year, and guests might see a handful slowly moving through the grounds or many dozens dotting the meadow. Magic serves sumptuous, three course dinners. The chefs use their culinary skills in the open kitchen to turn local ingredients into creative and elegant dishes. An after dinner stroll to the ‘Lava Lounge’ for a nightcap is the perfect way to end the day. Hot water, Wireless Internet Hotel Mainao - Welcome to the best relaxing place in Puerto Ayora, in a comfortable family environment. Making the most of its strategic location, the Mainao offers a comfortable stay, away from the downtown’s hustle and bustle. 19 rooms with Arabic-Moroccan construction, with peaceful gardens and patios, making it the ideal place for resting and relaxing. The Ikala Hotel features 4 comfortable standard rooms, 17 ample and comfortable suites, and a large duplex (2 floors) with separate living and kitchen area in the lower floor and the bedroom in the second floor. One of the suites is equipped to receive guests with physical disabilities. ALL ROOMS INCLUDE: Private Bathrooms, Air Conditioning, Silent Fans, Entertainment System 
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Double the Fun 4-6 Days
Here are options with a new, faster boat, that allows you to visit 2 sites a day,
instead of just 1 site, like on all of the other day cruise boats. It has fixed dates for the sites:
instead of just 1 site, like on all of the other day cruise boats. It has fixed dates for the sites:
First day - fly from Quito to Baltra. Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, travelers pass through an airport inspection point to ensure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, as well as to pay the park entrance fee of $100. Your guide will meet you at the airport, assist you with the luggage and accompany you on the short bus ride to the harbor and then you take a ferry to get to Santa Cruz island.
Because wild Galapagos giant tortoises don’t stop at official National Park boundaries, dozens of them also roam – and even mate – on the adjacent woodlands in the populated agricultural zone of Santa Cruz known as the Highlands. Thanks to their concentrations around their favorite muddy pools, these semi-open pastures, and moist scalesia-woodlands are the best place for a quick visit. You will get good chances to approach wild Galapagos giant tortoises within just a few meters! Their dome-shaped shells characterize the Santa Cruz subspecies. After the visit, you will be transferred to your hotel in Puerto Ayora. Next days - breakfast, full day cruise tours with lunch included Last day - breakfast, transfer back to Baltra Airport |
2018 prices per person: (including flights)
Prices include:
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