Solaris – Southern & Central Galapagos Islands

• San Cristobal Island

  AM – Arrival at San Cristobal Airport
  Upon arrival at Seymour Ecological Airport, a check-up is carried out first, to ensure that no foreign plant or animal species are introduced on the islands. Furthermore, your TCC (Transit Control Card) is stamped; this must be kept safe during your trip, as it has to be presented again on your return flight. In addition, entrance to the Galapagos National Park is due for entry (US $ 100), if this has not yet been paid.Your guide will meet you at the airport, assist you with the luggage and accompany you on the short bus ride to the harbour of Puerto Ayora. Here you will climb aboard the yacht San Jose. After greeting the crew and the captain, your cabins will be assigned to you and then you will enjoy your first lunch on-board.

  PM – Interpretation Centre (San Cristobal)
  We head to the Interpretation Centre, close to the provin- cial capital Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Information panels in English and Spanish, pictures, models and diagrams conve- ying the origin of the Galapagos can be found.The detailed exhibition also provides insights about the volcanic forma- tion of the archipelago, its remoteness from the mainland, its marine currents, its particular climate, the arrival of different species and their spread, and more.(L. D.) (Private Transfer) (Shared Guide)

• Española Island

  AM - Gardner Bay (Española)
  On the north-eastern coast of the island of Española, Gard- ner Bay offers a wonderful place to refresh in the turquoise sea and to admire the large number of colourful reef fish. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel side by side with green sea turtles, or to enjoy the proximity of the playful Galapagos sea lion.The white sand beach is also an important breeding ground for the green sea turtles. In the crystal-clear ocean, sometimes whales can be sighted under certain circumstances.

  PM – Punta Suarez (Española)
  This rocky area is home to the most impressive and diverse seabirds of the archipelago.The endangered Galapagos albatross returns to Española (March - December) annually. This allows visitors to admire the balances of pipes and bows (especially in October). Blue-fronted and nazcat oil pipes, black-tailed gulls and red-billed tropic birds are native to this island. Along the southern coast, high cliffs allow spec- tacular views of ascending birds and the sea water shot through air holes. (B. L. D.) (Shared Guide)

• Floreana Island

  AM – Post Office Bay (Floreana)
  In the morning we will navigate back to Post Office Bay (about 1hr). Post your holiday greetings in the historical barrel, one of three nearby visitor’s sites on Floreana’s north coast (short displacement, wet landing) and relax. Besides Galapagos sea lions, Pacific green tur tles and golden cowno- se rays you might spot Galapagos penguins! This is the only place in the south-eastern archipelago where penguins reside. Explore by inflatable dinghy – or in your own pace by sea-kayak – another submerged crater rim around the bay of Baroness Lookout. Climb the miniature basaltic cone of Baroness Lookout and take in the paradisiacal coastal views. This viewpoint was the favourite spot of one of Floreana’s first colonists, the eccentric Baroness and self-proclaimed ‘Empress of Galapagos’ Eloisa von Wagner Bosquet, who even built her house a few metres behind. She and one of her lovers were the first in a series of mysterious disappea- rances and deaths in the 1930s.

  PM – Punta Cormorant & Champion Islet (Floreana)
  The peninsula of Cormorant Point forms the extreme north cape of Floreana, which was formed by a number of smaller volcaniccones,coveredwithtropicaldryforest(palosanto).At the landing beach, you will be welcomed by a small Galapagos sea lion-colony.The green sand on this beach contains a high percentage of glassy olivine crystals that have been blown out by the surrounding tuff cones.The ‘flour sand’ beach on the southern side of the peninsula is made up of even finer white coral sand that feels very smooth on your feet. Parrotfish have pulverised it, grinding the calcareous skeletons of living coral. You can spot schools of stingrays who love burying themselves in the sandy bottom. During the first months of the year, Pacific green turtles come ashore to bury their eggs. (B. L. D.) (Shared Guide)

• Santiago Island - Bartolome Island

  AM - Sullivan Bay (Santiago)
  The arrival in Sullivan Bay is like a moon landing.The desolate, sprawling fields seem to be mostly lifeless, but this island, which is particularly popular among photographers, still offers a lot to see.There is even some life! Green sea turtles burrow in the small white sand beach, where you can also find crabs, blue herons and oystercatchers.

  PM - Bartolomé
  The island of Bartolomé rises 114m above Sullivan Bay. Climb the steps of the Bartolomé PeakTrail and you will be rewarded with panoramic views over volcanic peaks, lunar craters and lava fields. Afterwards you can refresh yourself at the foot of the famous "Pinnacle Rock" and explore the underwater world in the shallow water while snorkelling. Although there is little vegetation on this island, it has two breathtaking beaches, where sea turtles live. At the foot of the mountain you can also discover a small colony of Gala- pagos penguins. (B. L. D.) (Shared Guide)

• Santa Cruz island - Depart Baltra Airport

  AM - Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz)
  This small bay is located on the north side of the island of Santa Cruz and offers a unique backdrop for unique adven- tures. The landscape makes you feel as if you're in the Amazon rainforest rather than near the sea. Explore the quiet emerald lagoon and surrounding shallow bays with the inflatable dinghy. The crystal clear water allows you to spot groups of whitetip reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, hammer- head sharks, gold rays and spotted eagle rays.

  Assisted by some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra airport, where we will take the shuttle back to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil or Quito. (B.) (Shared Guide)

Double Ocean View Cabins

21-26m², queen bed, ocean view, window, private bathroom, desk, chair

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Accommodation on board
• All meals, water, tea & coffee
• All excursions as described in the programme (subject to change) with bilingual guide (Spanish / English)
• Airport assistance at Quito airport (when flight and cruise are booked together)
• All transfers to Galapagos (AirportYacht-Airport only included when booked together)
• Snorkelling equipment
• Bath and beach towels

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• International and National (Ecuador-Galapagos-Ecuador) flights
• Galapagos National Park Entrance, US $ 100 (To be paid upon arrival, in cash)
• Transit Control Card, US $ 20 (To be paid upon departure from the mainland to Galapagos, in cash)
• Galapagos Airport Transport, if the flight has not been booked together
• If necessary, single room supplement
• Optional wetsuit (to be paid in cash only)
• Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks (to be paid in cash only)
• Personal expenses, extras & gratuities
• Travel insurance

NOTE: Long itineraries are the combination of short ones; please let us know if you would like to book a long cruise.