the galapagos islands outstanding expeditions, unique experiences

Equator 0º

The Galapagos Islands

Passion for Nature Situated 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos archipelago consists of 19 islands and more than 40 islets, created six million years ago when they emerged from the Pacific in a flurry of volcanic activity. Perhaps our first association with the word “Galapagos” is the name “Darwin” – and for good reason. He sailed into the Galapagos Islands in 1835 on board the Beagle and was amazed by the extraordinary life he found on the islands. It has been more than 450 years since their discovery, yet the islands remain largely intact thanks to the conservation efforts of the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station. A further boost to the protection of the islands was given in 1978, when UNESCO declared them a World Heritage Site. Each island forms a unique ecosystem, a series of specialized relationships that have adapted to the volcanic and isolated nature of the islands. As a result, the Galapagos Islands are home to a wide variety of endemic species. The waters around the Galapagos, which are the lifeblood of the archipelago, are also legally protected within the Galapagos Marine Reserve, making the islands one of the best places on the planet for scuba diving. The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the highest levels of endemism anywhere on the planet (species found nowhere else on earth). About 80% of the land birds, 97% of the reptiles and land mammals, and more than 30% of the plants are endemic. Around 20% of the 2,900 marine species in Galapagos are found nowhere else on Earth. This makes the archipelago a magnet for wildlife and nature enthusiasts from around the world. Favorites include the giant Galapagos tortoise, marine iguana, flightless cormorant, and the Galapagos penguin - the only penguin species to be found in the northern hemisphere. There is simply nowhere like the Galapagos, and the barren landscapes of these remote islands have not lost any of their haunting beauty since Darwin’s days. This is one of the last wildernesses on Earth, where you can merrily swim with turtles, watch a blue-footed booby feed its young and bob around in the water with penguins. This archipelago offers a unique interaction with nature, and their name is synonymous with survival and the celebration of the diversity of species on Earth.

Why M/V Eclipse? • Spacious indoor and outdoor areas, with more outdoor space than any other boat of its size. • Al fresco dining with an average of 15 meals served outdoors while cruising. • Family cruises that include special activities, programs and materials for children, as well

as a child coordinator. • The only ship this size that has two single cabins available, and therefore no single

supplement. • Small groups with a maximum of 12 guests per naturalist guide, compared to 16 guests

per guide on other boats. • A well-equipped infirmary with an on-board M.D. who provides services free of charge.

The M / V Eclipse is an upscale expedition

vessel

that

offers

unparalleled levels of comfort and service. She is the perfect size for an expedition-style adventure and the choice for travelers who prefer the intimate atmosphere and attentive service of a smaller boutique vessel to a larger cruise ship.

Social Areas In addition to the chic indoor dining room, the Eclipse features an al fresco dining area, where guests can savor a scrumptious meal with the islands’ stunning scenery as a backdrop. The lounge provides a relaxed atmosphere for the nightly briefings and lectures on board, and the library is a quiet place to catch up on some reading. One of the most popular areas is the sun deck, ideal for wildlife viewing, soaking in the Jacuzzi or relaxing in the comfortable sun loungers.

Accommodation Our

26

spacious

staterooms

accommodate up to 48 passengers – just half the number usually found on a ship this size. This means that passengers can enjoy the generous accommodation of a larger vessel, while preserving the atmosphere and exclusivity of a smaller yacht. The M/V Eclipse offers accommodation in five cabin categories, all stylishly decorated and equipped with private facilities,

air

conditioning,

and

ocean-view windows or portholes. Two Deluxe Staterooms have an extra bed for triple occupancy and two Staterooms on each cabin deck have

interconnecting

accommodate families.

doors

to

DECK PLAN Lateral View 17-20 / Deluxe Stateroom

Inter-connected Cabins

21-28 / Superior Stateroom

Social Areas

9+11-15 / Standard Stateroom

Restricted Areas

CABIN LAYOUT:

Sun Deck

4 Deluxe Staterooms on the Boat Deck

Boat Deck

8 Superior Staterooms with picture windows on the Boat Deck

Weather Deck Main Deck

5 Standard Staterooms with portholes on the Main Deck

3-8 +10 / Stateroom

7 Staterooms with portholes on the Main Deck

1-2 / Single Stateroom

2 Single Staterooms with portholes on the Main Deck

Sun Deck

TECHNICAL INFORMATION • Length: 210 ft / 64 m • Draft: 11 ft / 3.2 m

Jacuzzi

• Gross Tonnage: 1610

Bridge

• Cruising Speed: 11 knots • Life Jackets: In each cabin • Lifeboats: 6

27

25

23

Boat Deck

21 19

CABIN 18 210 sq. ft.

17 Library

18 28

26 24

22

20

CABIN 27 170 sq. ft.

Weather Deck Kitchen Al fresco Dining Area

Dining Room

Bar

Reception

CABIN 11 170 sq. ft.

Lounge

Boutique MD Bar

Main Deck 15

11

9

7

5

3

CABIN 6 170 sq. ft.

1

CABIN 1 110 sq. ft. 14

12

10

8

6

4

2

Cruise Director

* Cabin areas are approximate measurements

Unrivalled Itineraries All our itineraries operate from Saturday to Saturday, and they are designed to showcase the very best of the Galapagos Islands. Our Española route includes jaw-dropping Galapagos scenery at Moreno Point on Isabela Island, as well as Española Island, home to the unique waved albatross and other breathtaking wildlife and landscapes. This route can also be taken as a 5 night cruise, from Saturday to Thursday, which includes one full day in the western region of the islands. Our 7 night Genovesa itinerary takes in the northern region of the archipelago, with visits to Isabela and Fernandina Islands, renowned for their unique wildlife and exceptional snorkeling. Genovesa Island is home to some of the most extraordinary birdlife you will ever see, and the view from the top of Bartolomé Island is emblematic of the Galapagos.

darwin

(Culpepper)

Itinerary Map

1º 30’

ECUADOR

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands

pinta

wolf

(Abingdon)

(Wenman) Cabo Ibbetson

marchena

genovesa

(Bindloe)

(Tower)

Punta Espejo Dar win Bay

Playa Negra

Prince Philip’s Steps

Punta Calle Roca Redonda

KEY

Punta Albemarle Punta Flores Wolf Volcano 1646 m

Navigation route with Española I.

Ecuador Volcano

Equator 0º

Vicente Roca Point Banks Bay

JOURNEY BEGINS

santiago

(San Salvador o James)

albany

Airport

Sullivan Bay

Alcedo Volcano 1097 m

ar

1463 m

D1

Ch an ne

l

fernandina

baltra

(South Seymour) Dragon Hill

Bachas Beach

Elizabeth Bay

D2

santa cruz

D5

pinzón

Road

D6

(Duncan)

Puerto Ayora

isabela

Sierra Negra Volcano 1490 m

Punta Essex Cabo Rose

san cristobal

(Chatham)

D6

Davis Bay

Academy Bay

Kicker Rock Fondeadero

Punta Bassa Rosa Blanca Bay

Wreck Bay

(Barrington)

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Agua Dulce Bay

tortuga (Brattle)

Devil’s Crown

santa maría

D4 Cormorant Point

enderby champion Punta Ayora

caldwell

(Floreana o Charles)

D7

watson Punta Sur

Pitt Point

Cerro Brujo

D2

santa fé

Post Of f ice Bay

Hobbs Bay

D3

Charles Darwin Research Station

los 4 hermanos (Crossman) Puerto Villamil

pl azas

(Indefatigable)

El Chato

Moreno Point

(Albemarle)

Black Turtle Cove

Car tago Bay

(Narborough)

Caleta Webb

mosquera

rábida (Jervis)

Cerro Azul Volcano 1689 m

D8

north seymou r

Urbina Bay

Town

Visitor Site

bartolomé

Punta Baquerizo

liv

La Cumbre Volcano

PACIFIC OCEAN

Puerto Egas

Tagus Cove

Bo

Provincial Capital

Darwin Volcano 1280 m

Espinoza Point Cabo Douglas

James Bay

Suarez Point

gardner Gardner Bay

española (Hood)

DAY 1 Saturday

AM Arrive at Baltra Island Once you arrive at Baltra airport, you will clear immigration, be met by your guide, and escorted to the harbor. A motorized dinghy, or “dinghy”, will then transfer you to the M/V Eclipse, where you will be welcomed by the Captain and crew.

PM North Seymour Is. North Seymour is a perfect introduction to the Galapagos Islands. Although the island is characterized by arid vegetation, fauna abounds and you will soon find yourself surrounded by sea lions, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, frigatebirds and more. Difficulty level: Moderate.

DAY 2 Sunday

AM South Plaza Is. South Plaza Island is home to a large opuntia cactus forest, land iguanas and one of the largest sea lion colonies in the central region of the archipelago. You will also see Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and other kinds of sea birds, as well as different types of finches. Difficulty level: Moderate.

PM Santa Fé Is. During the hike you will encounter some of Santa Fé’s endemic species, including the Galapagos hawk, the Galapagos snake, various finches and the Galapagos mockingbird. Playful sea lions usually join swimmers and kayakers during beach time. Difficulty level: Moderate.

DAY 3 Monday

AM San Cristobal Is. - Pitt Point Pitt Point is located on the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island. You will hike up to a plateau where the view and landscape are so spectacular it is definitely worth the effort. The power hike is followed by kayaking, snorkeling or a dinghy ride. Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult.

PM San Cristobal Is. - Cerro Brujo In addition to magnificent scenery, there is wonderful swimming and a dinghy ride at this visitor site. Cerro Brujo’s spectacular beach is home to a large colony of sea lions, and it is the first place in the archipelago that Charles Darwin visited. Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.

DAY 4 Tuesday

AM Floreana Is. – Post Office Bay & Baroness’ Viewing Point Post Office Bay is home to a unique “post office” inspired by 18th century pirates and buccaneers who used a wooden barrel as an unofficial mailbox. The Baroness’ Viewing Point is the ideal place to take in the unique scenery that defines Floreana, and to learn about the history of the island’s early settlers. Difficulty level: Easy.

PM Floreana Is. – Champion Islet & Cormorant Point After snorkeling at Champion Islet, you will visit Cormorant Point, where there is a beautiful lagoon that is home to flamingos, stilts and pintail ducks. An excellent site for bird-watching. Difficulty level: Easy.

DAY 5 Wednesday

AM Isabela Is. – Elizabeth Bay Elizabeth Bay is one of the furthest points of the Galapagos that we will visit on our cruise. We will enter a sheltered cove that is only accessible by dinghy – a wonderful mangrove ecosystem that is a refuge for sea turtles, rays and herons. Difficulty level: Easy.

PM Isabela Is. – Moreno Point Moreno Point, which is southwest of Elizabeth Bay, is famous for its large population of sea birds. You’ll be able to get close to them on a dinghy ride along the cliffs of the island, or on a hike through lava rock that leads to tide pools and mangroves teeming with life. You will also have time for snorkeling. Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult.

DAY 6 Thursday

AM Santa Cruz Is. - Puerto Ayora & Highlands PM On your visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station you will gain insight into the extensive efforts underway to preserve the

Galapagos Islands. You will also encounter the famous Galapagos tortoises that are the islands’ namesake. After the visit, we will drive to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz to search for giant tortoises in their natural surroundings. In the afternoon you will have free time for shopping and mingling with the locals, or you can simply relax on board the Eclipse. Difficulty level: Easy to moderate. **For those on our 5-night itinerary, this will be your departure day. In the morning you will visit the highlands of Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises in the wild, followed by a transfer to Baltra airport for your flight back to the mainland.

DAY 7 Friday

AM Española Is. – Gardner Bay Gardner Bay offers the chance to enjoy a pristine white sandy beach. In addition to being a nesting site for sea turtles, it is home to one of the most important colonies of sea lions in the archipelago. Activities include swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. Difficulty level: Easy.

PM Española Is. – Suarez Point Suarez Point is home to large populations of Nazca & blue-footed boobies, as well as the beautiful waved albatross (seasonally). The 10,000 to 12,000 pairs of albatrosses on Española represent the vast majority of this species on the planet. They perform one of the most spectacular courtship rituals of the animal world. Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult.

DAY 8 Saturday

AM Mosquera Islet & Departure This tiny islet is home to a huge population of sea lions, as well as many shorebirds. Keep your eyes peeled, as there are occasional reports of dolphins and orca around Mosquera. Difficulty level: Easy. You will then be transferred to Baltra airport for your flight back to the mainland.

7 Night Cruise with Española Island

darwin

(Culpepper)

Itinerary Map

Galapagos Islands

1º 30’

ECUADOR

The Galapagos Islands

pinta

wolf

(Abingdon)

(Wenman) Cabo Ibbetson

marchena

genovesa

(Bindloe)

(Tower)

Punta Espejo

D6

Punta Calle Roca Redonda

KEY

Prince Philip’s Steps

Dar win Bay

Playa Negra

Punta Albemarle Punta Flores Wolf Volcano 1646 m

Navigation route with Genovesa I.

Ecuador Volcano

Equator 0º D4

Vicente Roca Point

santiago

Banks Bay

JOURNEY BEGINS

(San Salvador o James)

albany

D3

Airport

James Bay

Darwin Volcano 1280 m

Tagus Cove

La Cumbre Volcano

1463 m

bartolomé

Alcedo Volcano 1097 m

Bo

Provincial Capital

Sullivan Bay

Punta Baquerizo

Cabo Douglas

mosquera

ar Ch an

Urbina D4 Bay

rábida

l

fernandina

pinzón

(South Seymour)

D8

Dragon Hill

Bachas Beach

Black Turtle Cove

(Duncan)

Car tago Bay

(Narborough)

baltra

D1

(Jervis)

ne

Visitor Site

north seymou r

D2

liv

Town

PACIFIC OCEAN

D7

Puerto Egas

Espinoza Point

pl azas

santa cruz

Elizabeth Bay

san cristobal

(Indefatigable)

Road

El Chato

Moreno Point

Puerto Ayora

isabela

(Albemarle)

Caleta Webb

(Chatham)

D5

Sierra Negra Volcano 1490 m

Cerro Azul Volcano 1689 m

Charles Darwin Research Station Academy Bay

D5

Davis Bay

Puerto Villamil Punta Essex

Pitt Point Cerro Brujo Kicker Rock

Fondeadero

santa fé

Punta Bassa Rosa Blanca Bay

Wreck Bay

(Barrington)

los 4 hermanos (Crossman)

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Agua Dulce Bay

tortuga (Brattle)

Cabo Rose

Devil’s Crown Post Of f ice Bay

santa maría

Cormorant Point

enderby champion Punta Ayora

caldwell

(Floreana o Charles)

watson Punta Sur

Hobbs Bay

gardner Suarez Point

Gardner Bay

española (Hood)

DAY 1 Saturday

AM Arrive at Baltra Island Once you arrive at Baltra airport, you will clear immigration, be met by your guide, and escorted to the harbor. A motorized dinghy, or “panga”, will then transfer you to the M/V Eclipse, where you will be welcomed by the Captain and crew.

PM Santa Cruz Is. - Black Turtle Cove Black Turtle Cove is a complex maze of tranquil salt-water inlets, surrounded by three different species of mangrove. Its waters are a nursery site for sea turtles, rays and sharks as well as a nesting site for sea birds. This site is only accessible by dinghy. Difficulty level: Easy.

DAY 2 Sunday

AM Rábida Is. Rábida is a small island with red volcanic rocks surrounding a beautiful red sand beach, where there is a colony of sea lions and a pelican nesting site. The trail leads to a salt water lagoon where shore birds can be seen. Activities include snorkeling, swimming, kayaking or dinghy ride. Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.

PM Santiago Is. - James Bay The trail leads to tidal pools that are home to a variety of invertebrate organisms, including sea urchins, octopus and starfish. You will also see marine iguanas, finches and possibly the Galapagos hawk, as well as the less common Galapagos fur sea lion. After the walk, you will have time to swim or snorkel from the beach. Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate.

DAY 3 Monday

AM Isabela Is. – Tagus Cove Tagus Cove was historically used as an anchoring place for pirates and buccaneers. The trail up from the cove goes through an area of vegetation, leading to a spectacular view of Darwin Volcano Lake. Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking and dinghy ride. Difficulty level: Easy to Difficult (While the dinghy ride is easy, the hike up to the lake can be strenuous).

PM Fernandina Is. – Espinoza Point Fernandina Island is one of the most pristine and dynamic ecosystems in the entire world. La Cumbre Volcano, which last erupted in April 2009, dominates the landscape. Espinoza Point is home to unique Galapagos species such as the Galapagos penguin, flightless cormorant, Galapagos snake and huge marine iguanas. Difficulty level: Moderate.

DAY 4 Tuesday

AM Isabela Is. – Urbina Bay Located in the west of Isabela, at the foot of Alcedo volcano. This site is famous for its large land iguanas, and keep your eyes peeled for Galapagos tortoises, flightless cormorants and penguins. Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.

PM Isabela Is. – Vicente Roca Point Vicente Roca Point is a wonderful snorkeling site, where you can usually see turtles as well as all kinds of fish. For those who don’t snorkel, a dinghy ride will give you the opportunity to study some of the Galapagos spectacular geography. Nazca boobies, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants and penguins are often seen in the area. Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.

DAY 5 Wednesday

DAY 6 Thursday

AM Santa Cruz Is. - Puerto Ayora & Highlands PM On your visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station you will gain insight into the extensive efforts underway to preserve

the Galapagos Islands. You will also encounter the famous Galapagos tortoises that are the islands’ namesake. After the visit we will drive to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz to search for giant tortoises in their natural surroundings. In the afternoon you will have free time for shopping and mingling with the locals, or you can simply relax on board. Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.

AM Genovesa Is. – Prince Phillip’s Steps Prince Phillip’s Steps, is a steep path with stairs carved into the rock, which leads to a plateau full of bird life amongst a palo santo forest. You will see Nazca boobies, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds and petrels. With some luck, you may spot a short-eared lava owl. Difficulty level: Moderate.

PM Genovesa Is. – Darwin Bay

Darwin Bay’s soft, coralline white sand is only the beginning of a spectacular excursion. The trail takes you into lush mangroves where red-footed boobies nest. Other locals include sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls and frigatebirds. Kayaking or snorkeling are a must here, since sharks, colorful reef fish, rays and sea turtles are often seen. Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.

DAY 7 Friday

AM Bartolomé Is. Bartolomé, one of the most iconic sites in the Galapagos, is a small island with two very different visitor sites: on the beautiful beach you can hang out with sea lions and snorkel, while the hike up to the peak offers jaw-dropping scenery. Difficulty Level: Moderate. Walk up 375 low-grade stairs to the top at a slow to moderate pace.

PM Santa Cruz Is. – Dragon Hill As the name implies, Dragon Hill is known for its healthy population of land iguanas. Other locals include common stilts, pintail ducks and occasionally flamingos. A short walk up the hill leads you to a land iguana nesting site, with breathtaking views of the bay. You will have the chance to go snorkeling after the walk. Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.

DAY 8 Saturday

AM Santa Cruz Is. – Bachas Beach Las Bachas Beach is located in the north of Santa Cruz Island. Its soft, white sand is derived from decomposed coral, making it a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind the beach there is a small brackish lagoon, where it is possible to observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels. Difficulty level: Easy. You will then be transferred to Baltra airport for your flight back to the mainland.

7 Night Cruise with Genovesa Island

Family Departures Taking children to the Galapagos Islands is an immensely rewarding experience. For this reason, we have developed selected family departures that combine discovery and entertainment for the whole family. On scheduled family departures, a Child Coordinator is assigned to educate and entertain your children, while you enjoy the cruise at your own pace, in the knowledge that your children are in safe hands, making their own discoveries about the history of evolution and the unique species of the islands. There are no fixed programs, and each family departure is operated according to the children’s preferences and group dynamics.