5. “NOISY” RÁBIDA & BARTOLOMÉ VIEWS Get ready to get wet as we wade ashore onto the red-sand beach of Rábida (Jervis) Island; the color comes from the iron-rich matter created long ago when hot lava met the cool water of the sea. Listen for the cacophony of noisy sea lions and the songs of mockingbirds, and look out for the island’s finches who fascinated Charles Darwin. Rábida offers a great place for snorkeling from the beach, for beginners as well as the more experienced. And if you wish, go exploring on a glass-bottom boat ride. This afternoon, an excursion brings you to Bartolomé Island, another great place for snorkeling and swimming. Here you can follow a “boardwalk” pathway to join us for a hike up to the island’s summit for spectacular views of James Bay and Pinnacle Rock. Or see Pinnacle Rock while aboard a panga ride, with opportunities to see Galápagos penguins, the only penguins who live north of the Equator in the wild. Meals BLD
Island, mountain and sea views, interesting corners to explore, and panga rides to shore mean days of fun-filled exploring for all ages.
THE GALÁPAGOS LIFE...
includes daily discoveries of the birds, mammals and amphibians who live here, but nowhere else on the Earth. Best of all, they’re not afraid of humans, so they think it’s just another island day.
6. GENOVESA BIRD LIFE & MORE This morning, you’ll explore the cliffs of Genovesa (Tower) Island aboard a panga, with a dry landing at Prince Philip’s Steps. Join us here for a climb up stairs etched into the craggy cliffs to reach flat land and a hike across the island made fascinating by the resident birds: masked boobies, who plunge-dive into the sea in search of food, frigate birds who sail gracefully in the wind, and huge numbers of small storm petrels. This afternoon, you’ll cruise to the white-sand beach of Darwin Bay, where a wet landing leads to views of more birds, including gulls, herons, finches, masked boobies and mockingbirds. If you like, join us for a bit of a challenge, a walk across sharp lava and uneven terrain that brings the reward of fantastic sea and island views. Join us onboard this evening to celebrate a week of great Galápagos fun at the Captain’s farewell dinner. Meals BLD
7. DISEMBARK / FLY TO GUAYAQUIL Before leaving the Galápagos Islands later today, you’ll disembark at San Cristóbal (Chatham) Island, the capital of Ecuador’s Galápagos province and the first island visited by Charles Darwin during his historic trip here in 1835. You’ll travel by coach from the shore to Cerro Colorado, home to a special breeding program for tortoises with an information center for visitors. Although you may not see one of the elusive giant tortoises during your visit, you will learn all about these unique animals and the efforts under way to revive the species. Late morning, you’ll head to the San Cristóbal Airport to check in for your return flight to the Ecuadorian mainland. On arrival late afternoon in Guayaquil, it’s straight to your hotel, where evening brings a fun-filled farewell dinner by the pool. Meals BD
8. HOMEWARD BOUND Tour ends: Guayaquil. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Hilton Colón Guayaquil to Guayaquil’s José Joaquín de Omedo International Airport; allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in. Ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before or after your trip. Meals B
#1 IN GUIDED FAMILY TRAVEL
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80