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Tour Description

M/V Santa Cruz Description

A 1,500-ton luxury vessel was built exclusively for Galapagos Island cruising. New and most accommodating of any ship in Galapagos, fully air-conditioned and carpeted features a spacious cocktail lounge, bar, dining room and sundecks. Accommodates 90 passengers in single, twin and triple cabins, each with private shower and toilet. All twin and triple cabins are outside cabins. Single accommodations are inside cabins located on the upper and main decks. Meets all international safety requirements for her classification (SOLAS 66, IMCO and American Bureau of Shippping highest classifications). There is a boutique with limited sundries, T-shirts, books & gifts. Film is expensive. No credit cards. There is a doctor on board for minor mishaps.

M/V Santa Cruz Specifications

Technical specifications
Construction : Bilbao, Spain, 1979
Reconstruction : Talcahuano, Chile, 1998
Category : First Class
Gross Tonnage : 1675
Capacity : 90 guests
Length : 72.35 meters (237.3 feet)
Beam : 11.85 meters (38.86 feet)
Speed : 13 knots
Electricity : 110 Volts in the cabins with 220 Volt sockets available in Reception and Dining area.
Engines : 2 Sulzer engines, 1620 BHP each
Navigation : Gyrocompass, auto pilot, radar, echo-sounders
Equipment : GPS and Radio Director Finder
Safety Classification : ABS classification +A1E + AMS #7907 853 SOLAS (safety of life at sea) ISM certificate Complying with the IMO resolution A.788(19) Automatic fire controls
Life Jackets : In each cabin
Lifeboats : Two 66-man, two 25-man
Life Rafts : Two 16-man, two 10-man
Zodiacs : 5 for ship to shore transportation
Boston Whaler : 1 with glass-bottom with for underwater observation
Owner : ETICA / Metropolitan Touring
Decks : 4 (Sun deck, Boat deck, Upper deck, Main deck)
Crew : 52
Naturalist : 6 multilingual (includes Chief Naturalist)
Medical Officer : Permanently on board

Other services

Bar - Lounge, Boutique
Gift Shop
Email, radio, telephone, and Fax communications.
PA system.
Snorkeling Equipment
Multimedia natural history lectures
Stargazing Program
Glass bottom boat
Jacuzzi
Reading Room and Natural History Library
Air conditioned throughout
Safety boxes
Hair dryers

M/V Santa Cruz Itinerary

4 Days/3 Nights Program (Friday to Monday)

DAY 1 FRIDAY

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal Island)

Arrival by plane to San Cristobal Island and transfer to the MV SANTA CRUZ, which will be anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands. Cabin assignment and lunch. After lunch, introductory welcome talk and boat drill.

Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island)

A dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers will bring us to Cerro Brujo's white coraline beach . Wet landing. The area will show us good views of seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, and some shore birds . Also, look for Galapagos sea lions. The beach is a great open walking area, with rewarding birdwatching. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird, Chatham Lava Lizard; both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. We may also spot Yellow Warblers, Galapagos flycatchers and with luck a Vermillion flycatcher (endemic subspecies to San Cristobal). These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristobal was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos. Back on board for an ECO Moment and briefing on the next day's activities, followed by a cocktail offered by the Captain and dinner.

DAY 2 SATURDAY

Gardner Bay (Hood Island)

After breakfast, disembark at Gardner Bay (wet landing) for a short walk along the whitest coral beach you can possibly imagine. You can either take a short walk and watch the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches, enjoy the beach, snorkel and swim from the beach, or ride the glass-bottom boat around nearby islets. Rewarding snorkeling at these locations.

Punta Suarez (Hood Island)

Afternoon excursion at Punta Suarez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April - December) and the famous blowhole. Great hike for blue-footed boobies, swallowtail gulls, the Hood island mockingbird, red-green-black marine iguanas, and of course a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. For those planning not to walk the entire trail, there will be a dinghy ride arranged along the coastline of Punta Suarez, followed by a very short walk under easy walking conditions. ECO Moment, briefing and dinner.

DAY 3 SUNDAY

Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)

This morning brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their island habitat with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, and hawks. Lava terrain calls for good walking shoes. Back on board for lunch. As we sail along the Bolívar Channel, astonishing views of the Galápagos’ youngest volcanoes can be seen. The nutrient-rich waters of the west can also bring surprises like encountering sea birds feeding, dolphins, and possibly whales.

Punta Vicente Roca (Isla Isabela)

In the afternoon, depending on the conditions of the ocean, we will schedule a snorkeling outing along the cliffs of sunken Ecuador Volcano, in the northern tip of Isabela Island. Since there is no landing site at this location, we will include a coastal exploration by panga, where our naturalist-guides will commit to explaining the dramatic geology of the area with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. This is the nesting place for flightless cormorants, the only birds in the world that have changed their condition of flying birds to diving birds. Wildlife here also includes sea lions, Galápagos Penguins, Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies and noddy terns. This area has a very rich marine life! Eco Moment, and details about the next day’s activities before dinner.

DAY 4 MONDAY

Santa Cruz Island and Baltra Island

Arrive Baltra .Visiting the famous Charles Darwin Research Station will be certainly a rewarding adventure for this morning's program. It will just require a different approach, in order to accomplish all our travel plans. This outing is an optional program and an early one. We arrive at the Itabaca Channel, between the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz and disembark at the public dock (dry landing) for a 30-minute bus ride along the highlands in route to Puerto Ayora where changes in vegetation can be witnessed. Upon arrival, we proceed to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the famous giant tortoises. Here we will get to understand the conservation efforts promoted by this institution, and stroll among an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest where endemic land birds can be seen. After an hour visit, return via the same route to cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry and take the bus to Baltra Island airport in time for the 12h15 flight back to the continent. Guests not taking this optional excursion may stay on board for a later wake up call, and then disembark directly at Baltra Island and transfer to the airport.

Arrival to Baltra and transfer by bus to the airport for the flight back to the continent.

Itinerary 5 days / 4 nights

5 Days/4 Nights Program ( Monday to Friday)

DAY 1 MONDAY

Baltra Island

Arrival by plane to Baltra Island and immediate transfer by bus (5 minutes) to the dock to board the MV SANTA CRUZ. Cabin assignment and introductory welcome talk. Later, lunch, and ship’s boat drill.

Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island)

The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). A dinghy ride among mangrove-lined islets allows the observation of the dramatic landscape and coastline, an area of amazing past volcanic activity. While exploring the nearby waters, various types of birds can be seen, such as boobies, frigates, pelicans. Quite commonly, the black lava will reveal the presence of marine iguanas. The navigation in shallow turquoise colored water gives the chance to see marine turtles, rays and sharks.

Dry landing and a walk that includes a brackish water lagoon frequented by greater flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks and a variety of shore / lagoon birds.

Further along the trail, we head to Dragon Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western area of the archipelago. This area is a nesting site of a big number of land iguanas re-introduced by the Charles Darwin Research Station. The arid-zone vegetation can be a rewarding location for birdwatching, where Darwin’s finches, Galápagos mockingbirds, the endemic flycatcher, and yellow warblers are regular sightings.

DAY 2 TUESDAY

Bartholome Island

Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. Great way to start the day. This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase; the view from the top is worth the effort. Panga ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and snorkeling. Chance to snorkel next to Galápagos Penguins. There is also the possibility to ride on the glass bottom boat for great views of the underwater world. Lunch on board.

Puerto Egas (James Island)

Afternoon outing at Puerto Egas (wet landing). This is a great location to see particularly shore birds, while land birds can be observed a little more inland. The pitch black shores are great places for watching sea birds and their foraging duties. The trail brings us to a colony of the endemic fur-sea lions. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon emerald green algae beds. Outstanding snorkeling and swimming from the beach before the walk. ECO Moment and briefing before dinner. Weather permitting, stargazing on deck.

DAY 3 WEDNESDAY

Darwin Bay (Tower Island)

Before breakfast, early morning entrance into Darwin Bay. Wet landing at a small white-coralline beach for an easy stroll observing hundreds of birds, mainly Great frigate birds, red footed and Nazca (masked) boobies, lava gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. The trail also includes an area of sharp lava and uneven terrain, but you may return to the beach for swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbor. Those more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs and look for Hammerhead Sharks. Lunch on board. During navigation, spend some time on deck looking for dolphins or possibly whales.

North Seymour Island

This is one of the few uplifted islands in Galápagos. In previous times, this was the ocean’s bed. Today’s afternoon walk includes a dry landing for a view of the coast and the interior of the island, while exploring colonies of blue footed boobies, Magnificent frigate birds, and swallow-tail gulls. The sandy shore teems with Galápagos sea lions and marine iguanas. A shorter walk may be also offered. ECO Moment, briefing, and dinner.

DAY 4 THURSDAY

Santa Fe (Barrington) Island

Early morning disembarkation to visit Santa Fe (Barrington) Island. This island, according to the latest geological studies, shows the islands’ oldest rocks. The small bay on Santa Fe's northern coast provides one of the most picturesque anchorages within the archipelago. Follow the trail among a very tall forest of opuntia cacti, where large land iguanas, that are endemic to Barrington, can be seen. A variety of finches and the Galápagos mockingbird abound. Back to the ship and sail to Santa Cruz Island.

Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island)

Mid morning disembarkation (dry landing) to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the giant tortoises. Impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds can be also seen. Then, a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora will allow you to see how Galapagueños live in this magical paradise. We believe that our presence should benefit local communities too. Lunch at beautiful Finch Bay Hotel. In the afternoon drive up to the lush highlands, including the Scalesia (an endemic giant daisy tree) forest and the twin pit craters Los Gemelos. The trip to the highlands includes the islands’ most-famous reptile: the giant tortoises in their wild habitat. What a privilege to see an endangered species roving in this lush environment. The vermilion flycatcher will delight all participants with its scarlet feathers against an emerald green forest. Look for the Darwin’s finches of the highlands (most of them from the tree-finch group), particularly the famous Woodpecker Finch. Return aboard the MV SANTA CRUZ for tonight’s ECO Moment, briefing and dinner.

DAY 5 FRIDAY

Visiting the famous Charles Darwin Research Station will be certainly a rewarding adventure for this morning's program. It will just require a different approach, in order to accomplish all our travel plans. This outing is an optional program and an early one. We arrive at the Itabaca Channel, between the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz and disembark at the public dock (dry landing) for a 30-minute bus ride along the highlands in route to Puerto Ayora where changes in vegetation can be witnessed. Upon arrival, we proceed to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the famous giant tortoises. Here we will get to understand the conservation efforts promoted by this institution, and stroll among an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest where endemic land birds can be seen. After an hour visit, return via the same route to cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry and take the bus to Baltra Island airport in time for the 12h15 flight back to the continent. Guests not taking this optional excursion may stay on board for a later wake up call, and then disembark directly at Baltra Island and transfer to the airport.

Flight information

M/V Santa Cruz Flight Information

Monday – Friday Itinerary

Quito to Guayaquil TAME Flight eq193 ETD 9:30AM ETA 11:15AM

Guayaquil to Baltra TAME Flight eq193 ETD 11:15AM ETA 12:45 PM

San Cristobal to Guayaquil: TAME Flight eq194 ETD 12:00 PM ETA 14:30 PM

Guayaquil to Quito: TAME Flight eq194 ETD 14:30 PM ETA 16:00 PM

Friday – Monday Itinerary

Quito to Guayaquil TAME Flight eq195 ETD 9:00 AM ETA 10:30AM

Guayaquil to Baltra TAME Flight eq193 ETD 10:30AM ETA 11:00 AM

San Cristobal to Guayaquil: TAME Flight eq192 ETD 12:45 PM ETA 15:15 PM

Guayaquil to Quito: TAME Flight eq192 ETD 15:15 PM ETA 16:45 PM

One checked suitcase (maximum 44 lbs.) and one carry-on are allowed per passenger.
Because flight schedules and arrival departure port are always subject to change, please inform your clients to check with our office in Ecuador upon arrival to verify the correct flight times and to reconfirm their flight. If they arrive late at night, they should check at the hotel for a message from EcuadorToursOnline.com regarding any possible change to the schedule shown here. We suggest you avoid making international connections the same day as the flight may be delayed or changed to an alternate flight.

HIGH SEASON ADULTS CHD
UIO – GPS – UIO $ 406.34 $ 209.22
GYE – GPS – GYE $ 355.74 $ 182.14
UIO – GPS – GYE $ 382.82 $ 197.46
GYE – GPS - UIO $ 379.26 $ 193.90
UIO -GPS $ 206.22 $ 107.66
GPS - UIO $ 200.12 $ 101.56
GYE - GPS $ 179.14 $ 92.34
GPS - GYE $ 176.60 $ 89.80

LOW SEASON ADULTS CHD
UIO – GPS – UIO $ 350.34 $ 181.22
GYE – GPS – GYE $ 312.06 $ 160.30
UIO – GPS – GYE $332.98 $ 172.54
GYE – GPS - UIO $329.42 $ 168.98

Payment & Cancelation Policies

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CABIN	GROSS RATE USD	REBATED OFFER USD	CHECK AVAILABILITY	BOOK IT
Master suite double on boat deck	2.143,00	107
Junior suite twin on boat deck	1.861,00	93
Superior twin / double on boat deck	1.777,00	89
Single standard on boat deck	2.457,00	123
Standard plus twin on boat deck	1.703,50	85
Twin standard on boat deck	1.630,00	82
Twin standard on upper deck	1.491,00	75
Twin standard on main deck	1.415,00	71
Inside twin on upper deck	1.340,00	67

CABIN	GROSS RATE USD	REBATED OFFER USD	CHECK AVAILABILITY	BOOK IT
Master suite double on boat deck	2.858,00	143
Junior suite twin on boat deck	2.481,00	124
Superior twin / double on boat deck	2.369,00	118
Single standard on boat deck	3.276,00	164
Standard plus twin on boat deck	2.271,50	114
Twin standard on boat deck	2.174,00	109
Twin standard on upper deck	1.988,00	99
Twin standard on main deck	1.887,00	94
Inside twin on upper deck	1.786,00	89

CABIN	GROSS RATE USD	REBATED OFFER USD	CHECK AVAILABILITY	BOOK IT
Master suite double on boat deck	4.999,00	250
Junior suite twin on boat deck	4.342,00	217
Superior twin / double on boat deck	4.147,00	207
Single standard on boat deck	5.734,00	287
Standard plus twin on boat deck	3.975,50	199
Twin standard on boat deck	3.804,00	190
Twin standard on upper deck	3.479,00	174
Twin standard on main deck	3.303,00	165
Inside twin on upper deck	3.126,00	156

CABIN	GROSS RATE USD	REBATED OFFER USD	CHECK AVAILABILITY	BOOK IT
Master suite double on boat deck	5.099,00	255
Junior suite twin on boat deck	4.442,00	222
Superior twin / double on boat deck	4.247,00	212
Single standard on boat deck	5.834,00	292
Standard plus twin on boat deck	4.075,50	204
Twin standard on boat deck	3.904,00	195
Twin standard on upper deck	3.579,00	179
Twin standard on main deck	3.403,00	170
Inside twin on upper deck	3.226,00	161