The Galapagos Islands June

Transcription

1 The Galapagos Islands June Also available: Amazon Jungle, Bird Watching on the Mindo Road, and a visit to the village of Otavalo, Ecuador This adventure is about the natural sciences, fun experiences, and friends. We have selected the M/Y Beluga as it is one of the finest vessels of her size operating in the Galapagos and permits you to discover these islands (also known as the Enchanted Islands) in relaxed comfort. She was designed to create a pleasant atmosphere for 16 guests, and includes a highly trained crew of eight, including an English speaking naturalist guide. Cabin Equipment And Services 8 Doubles Cabins, Private Bathrooms, Salon, Dining, Bar, Fully Air-conditioned Social Areas: Sundeck, Swim and Dive Platform Dietary Restrictions Served On Board: Vegetarian (Requested In Advance, Note On Your Trip Application ) Food Serving Style: Buffet Guiding Languages: English / Spanish Crew: Languages Spanish and Basic English Drinks: Water, Coffee and Tea are complementary Beer, wine, soft drinks, other beverages may be purchased (create a bar-bill) Visitor Activities: Snorkeling (Mask, Snorkel, Fins Are No Charge) Kayaking ( Four Top Rider Kayaks, No Charge) Other Activities: Your Naturalist Guide will share scientific and historical knowledge of the Galapagos Islands, along with insights and some pretty humorous stories of the characters who have lived here in the Galapagos Islands. Additional Services Neoprene Wetsuit Rental $50 (We recommend you bring your own) Category or Class Length Originating and Ending Port Premium Motor Yacht 110 ft x 23 ft Baltra Island Airport This Galapagos Islands adventure will include numerous snorkel opportunities, daily walking, day hikes, and lots of wildlife best captured by binoculars and camera.

2 Quick details. We need to make a deposit of $750/person for 16 guests by June 1, If there are less than 16 guests with deposits by June 1, a charter boat is not an option. Any moneys received will be refunded or applied to another boat that we will be taking. Again, no matter the number of our friends joining us, Rusty and Nancy are planning on traveling to the Galapagos Islands and Amazon jungle. Every voyage to the Galapagos is different due to local conditions at that moment, a change of Galapagos NP regulations, and other unpredictable events that may alter this itinerary. For example you may find the captain announces a sighting of whales while navigating between islands and takes time to investigate. On a recent visit, we came into a pod of 500 or more common dolphins jumping, twirling, flipping and co-operatively hunting everywhere around us. We stopped to observe coordinated group feeding behavior and simply enjoy their antics. The Galapagos Islands are rich in experiences for all visitors. The Galapagos Islands Archipelago is "very Darwinian." Endemics are everywhere you look, and that's what makes this so fun. Other fun features that you'll soon observe are that critters are not afraid of you; it's very cool to be approached by finches, boobies, mockingbirds, iguanas, tortoises, sea lions, albatross, and more, or perhaps ignored. Four Focuses: Wildlife. Friends that enjoy natural history. Comfort & Fun. Flexibility & Optional Adventures Wildlife. The M/Y Beluga on June 02 has been chartered specifically for its eastern Tower itinerary that includes wildlife not found elsewhere in the Islands. Friends. Not everyone knows each other, but everyone invited enjoys natural history. You are encouraged to invite similar friends to join you in this adventure. Rusty's personal guideline is to invite friends whom you would enjoy seeing at breakfast on the 20th day of international travel. Comfort and Fun. This Adventure Is Fun and has comfortable features. Rusty has been sending travelers on the M/Y Beluga for many years. It has comfortable small yacht cabins with hot showers and twin beds. We have an experienced science oriented naturalist to answer your questions, cooks to prepare meals, and seasoned vessel staff to see to our safety and comfort. Options & Flexibility - Choose what fits you. Travel options you may wish to include in addition to the Galapagos: *Birding the Mindo Road. (Ecuador has 22% of the world s bird species.) *Amazon jungle adventure- stay at one of Rusty's favorite old growth forest jungle lodge. *Join us on another week s voyage to visit other islands in the Galapagos at the end of the trip *An overnight visit to Otovalo - one of the three best indigenous markets in all of South America. Our focus is on travelers who are interested in the natural sciences. We'll see a majority of the critters possible to be seen in the Galapagos. This itinerary is particularly focused on some of the more rarely rusty@rustytraveler.com Website: Rustytraveler.com Address: th St Sw # , Lakewood Wa Pg 2

3 seen critters. Wildlife is of course unpredictable, but we think you'll have an amazing good time. This is such a great adventure that travelers often wish to return for more. Rusty and Nancy intend to join a vessel the following week that will travel to the western Galapagos. You are welcome to join us, so, certainly ask Rusty about that option, logistics, and cost if you are interested in joining us for additional time in the Galapagos. IMPORTANT!! When making plane reservations, please note that it's prudent to allow an extra day if possible by arriving into Quito on May 31, just to be sure you are there for your flight on June 02. LETS GO! VAMONOS A IR A LAS GALÁPAGOS! Day 01 June 01 Thursday Quito Ecuador You must be sleeping in Quito on June 01, 2017, to insure you make the early morning flight to the Galapagos Islands. American Airways and LAN are carriers frequently used for South American travel. Day 02 June 02 Friday Baltra Island and Santa Cruz Island Fly from Quito to Baltra Island airport in the morning. You will go through passport control and pay your National Park entry fee. Meet your naturalist in the airport lobby and transfer to the boat. There will be a briefing onboard about the boat and safety drill. Lunch will be on board the boat soon after boarding. The first activity will be a dry landing on Santa Cruz Island and a walk in the highlands to begin learning about the flora and fauna. This island s elevation exceeds 3000 feet and includes seven different climatic zones. We'll be going for a walk on Dragon Hill and though the views are great on this volcanic point of rock, the highlight (besides Darwin finches), is the good chance of seeing the rare and very large land iguana unique to this island. (Dragon Hill, an appropriate name.) Your naturalist will advise you on the best choice of gear to wear and what to bring for the walk - things like water, running shoes, camera and memory chip, binoculars (always keep handy, smile). ~ included. group hotel transfer to the airport, lunch/dinner on the Beluga, Baltra transfers. PS. When near Baltra, we'll keep an eye out for Daphne Island where the Grants have conducted the research showing the relationships of Darwin's Finches and the Theory of Evolution. You may wish to read or listen to "Beak of the Finch" by Jonathan Weiner. Of course, the other book to enjoy is "Voyage of the Beagle" by Charles Darwin (a tedious read I think, the book is wonderful as an audio book. Your library may provide a copy to enjoy. June 03 Santa Fe Island & South Plaza Island Each morning wake to almost always being at anchor near the day s first landing. Tea and coffee are in the lounge. You may soon find that you wish to always leave your cabin with a camera and probably binoculars, too. Emerging onto the deck, there may be a pelican in breeding colors, a sea lion sleeping on the swimming platform, flying fish, or a magnificent frigate bird chasing a beautiful red-billed tropic rusty@rustytraveler.com Website: Rustytraveler.com Address: th St Sw # , Lakewood Wa Pg 3

4 bird. There is always something going on, "stuff happens," and you may wish to have a camera near-by. Santa Fe Island: Santa Fe Island highlights include a sea lion colony, mockingbird, and Palo Santo trees. This is a tiny island with arguably the most picturesque bay in the Galapagos. This island is host to a unique land iguana, a little lighter in color and with longer spines than other land iguanas. Unique here, too, is the Opuntia cactus (prickly pear), which on this island has morphed into a 30' tall tree-like cactus. And the bay also provides excellent snorkeling, beach walking, or wildlife watching enjoyment. South Plaza Island: Plaza Island is really two very small uplifted islands with a channel between. The National Park provides a visitors site on South Plaza s. Another species of very tall Opuntia cactus is here, as are land and marine iguanas. The ocean-side cliffs provide nesting and roosting sites for redbilled tropic birds (try to catch a photo if possible) and a noisy sea lion bachelor colony. ~ included. B/L/D, all transfers, Beluga and naturalist June 04 San Cristobal Island and Witch Hill. Kicker Rocks. Porto Baquerizo Moreno Another beautiful day. After breakfast we'll board our zodiac and head for shore on San Cristobal and Witch Hill (a volcanic cone) a wet landing on a white powder sand beach. Critters will include amorous pelicans in mating colors, Galapagos sea lions (we give plenty of room to barking males), and marine iguanas. We'll get in some snorkeling today, possibly a couple of times depending on conditions. Kicker rocks are eroded lava cones rising vertically 500 feet above the ocean. With zodiacs, we may navigate between the rocks and close to the rock towers where hundreds of sea birds can be observed. This afternoon we'll make a landing in the "city" of Porto Baquerizo. From here, depending on national park restoration work and local conditions, we will either ascend by vehicle to the highlands of El Junco (a rainwater fed lagoon) at 2400 feet above sea level or hike to Cerro Tijereta hill (a significant hike) from which Charles Darwin and crew could catch great views of the Galapagos Islands. We should find a large colony of frigate birds here, as well as, red mangroves. We'll also visit the Nature Interpretation Center. Returning to the Beluga we'll depart for tomorrow s destinations and relax under a starry sky. ~ included. B/L/D, all transfers, Beluga and naturalist June 05 Española (Hood) Island Hood is one of the oldest islands and most southern in the archipelago. Due to its remote location it has a unique set of endemic species. We'll make a landing in Gardner Bay with its white sand beach and sea lion colonies, including pups. The pups are curious and can be rambunctious, so move to keep them more than arms length away. They don't know what you are and may wonder if you taste good or are fun to play with. Enjoy the photography and interactions, but keep an eye on them, too. Nearby are Isla Gamder and Isla Osborn and these islets often produce some of the best snorkeling available with an abundance of tropical fish, white tipped reef sharks and a variety of sea turtles. (Loud hint! Bring your mask/snorkel.) Your gear and reading list are among several documents sent to you on reserving your adventure. We have a dry landing at Punta Suarez onto lava rocks, also a favorite napping site for sea lions. Our naturalist will help shoo any lions away that impede our walking the trail. We are here to observe both Blue Footed Boobies dancing and the critically endangered Waved Albatross. Over 90% of these birds rusty@rustytraveler.com Website: Rustytraveler.com Address: th St Sw # , Lakewood Wa Pg 4

5 come to the Galapagos and THIS one small island to dance and mate. We are visiting during the height of their breeding time. Waved Albatross put on an amazing show that is both hilarious and fascinating. Enjoy. ~ included. B/L/D, all transfers, Beluga and naturalist June 06 Santa Cruz Island We'll drop anchor at Porto Ayora to check-in with the National Park and visit Darwin Research station. Santa Cruz Island is the most populated Galapagos Island. It is also the second largest island with volcano's, lava tubes, and wild tortoise populations, too. The research station we will visit has giant tortoise and land iguana breeding programs. We'll learn about their work here concerning the breeding programs as well as learn about restoration and invasive challenges to flora and fauna. ~ included. B/L/D, all transfers, Beluga and naturalist June 07 Sombrero Chino Island / James Island Penguins Today! Yeah... we'll cross our fingers and hope they're accommodating. Today we've a longer cruise to make, but in an area that has more chance of encountering a school of dolphins. There are five species of dolphin in the Galapagos. Common (yellow spots on the belly) and bottle-nose (surfing the bowwake) are the most common encountered. In the past our visits have included one or more encounters with a school of dolphins between 200 and 500 individuals. But, a school could be encountered on any day of the voyage. Our goal is Chinese Hat Island where we will find sea lions, marine iguanas and Galapagos Penguins. Not far away is James (Santiago) Island showing recent (100 year) volcanic activity that includes "ah-ah" lava, lava bubbles, and pahoehoe flow lava, too. Also found here is one of the few colonies of fur seals outside of the arctic and a great treat to see. ~ included. B/L/D, all transfers, Beluga and naturalist Day 08 Tower (Genovesa) Island Crossing the equator during the night, the captain will anchor us inside a volcano. Tower Island is a large flat volcanic island with a natural harbor - a submerged caldera. Rosemary Grant conducted research here, trapping and cataloging Darwin s finch species on the island and keeping track of each individual s off-spring for their reproductive success, beak length, food choices, etc. The harbor we are anchored in has schools of colorful fish, turtles, and rays. Snorkeling is very fun here not only for the fish, but also the chance to again interact with Galapagos penguins. We'll scramble up Prince Philips steps to the top of the island and go for an easy walk. Storm petrels by the thousands are the target of one of the Galapagos rarest birds, the Galapagos short-eared owl. We have seen this tough to spot owl among the cracks of lava. We've many sharp eyes among us and we'll cross our fingers for a sighting. Also found on the island are graceful tropic birds being harassed by frigates, noddy terns, beautiful lava gulls, and of course several species of Darwin's finches. ~ included. B/L/D, all transfers, Beluga and naturalist Hint: the prickly pear cactus you encounter (all spiky and scary), just for fun you might try touching it on this island. rusty@rustytraveler.com Website: Rustytraveler.com Address: th St Sw # , Lakewood Wa Pg 5

6 Day 09 Santa Cruz and Baltra Island Wake this morning to Turtle Cove or Caleta Tortuga. The red mangrove environment here is a perfect example of how mangroves can create a rich environment for breeding sea turtles, a nursery for fish, and for breeding and protecting birds. We then return to Baltra and a flight to Quito. Our flight time at the moment is not yet known, but your return to Quito will usually occur prior to 4:00pm. We will have our own van return us to the hotel in Quito. The evening is free. An informal farewell dinner is planned. There is a good Ecuadorian food restaurant just a short walk from the hotel and you are welcome to join us. ~ included. Breakfast, transfer to Baltra airport, transfer Quito airport to group s hotel. Day 10 June 10 Saturday Choices & Options ** Flights depart for the USA around 1:00 am to 8:00 am. You may have chosen one of these. Or... ** You may wish to look at the Options included below. Rusty can assist you with one of these or you may wish to join Rusty and Nancy on one or more of these options, let us know. Important Details :: The Fine Print Ecuador is a developing country and though we will do our best to follow the itinerary, there are many reasons why alterations beyond our control may occur. You will find Reservation Form Materials on the Ri Adventure Travel website. Among these materials is your trip s Terms And Conditions And Release Of Liability Form for Ri Adventure Travel LLC. Please read through them and ask questions when you have them. Your signature is required for participation in this adventure. Galapagos Only portion of the adventure is on June 02 - June (Please note you must at minimum arrive into Quito on June 01 (it is prudent to arrive on May 31) Flights heading back to the USA are typically after midnight around 1:00 am and 8:00 am. on June 10.) ** Misc Galapagos. Round trip Galapagos flight, transit fee. RiAdvTvl will make these arrangements for you. Costs are stated for 2016 and could change for ** ** Quito hotel nights. RiAdvTvl will arrange these for you if you are staying with the group at La Rabida. Hotel reservations at La Rabida may be canceled outside of 30 days of check-in. When you confirm the hotel dates you need, I will add these nights to your invoice balance due (cost not included in trip price). M/Y Beluga Vessel deposit is... $750. Per person. Deposits are needed by June M/Y Beluga per person dbl occ:... $4555 Galapagos Misc. (flight, NP fee)...$560 La Rabida Boutique hotel Quito... $94 Per room night. RiAdvTvl will make that reservation according to your needs. Balance is due at 70 days prior to departure. Some travelers like to make periodic payments and that is fine. Reserving your adventure, grab your cabin ** Call or Rusty that your check is in the mail. I'll pencil in your reservation. ** Please also put into the mail your Reservation Form. Found at If you prefer to use a major credit card, please call RiAdvTvl at or pst to provide those details (Visa, or Master/Charge). If you would like to use a credit card, then we'll add 3.0% to your deposit or balance. Mail the application forms with your deposit to: Ri Adventure Travel LLC, th St SW # , Lakewood Wash rusty@rustytraveler.com Website: Rustytraveler.com Address: th St Sw # , Lakewood Wa Pg 6

7 Cancellation Schedule 121 or more days prior to departure, no fee 71 to 120 days prior to departure, the deposit is forfeited. 70 to 0 days prior to departure the trip is 100% forfeiture. Cancellation notice is based on when it is received in writing by mail or . (Hint. We strongly advise the purchase of trip cancelation insurance. Information on trip insurance will come in your trip package.) Included in Price. Galapagos roundtrip flight, Islands transit fee, Darwin research entrance fee and permit, English speaking National Park naturalist guide. All meals on M/Y Beluga, water, juice, tea, coffee, top-rider kayaks, island transfers, and snorkeling gear. Friends group airport transfer on Day 1 and Day 9. Not Included in Price. La Rabida Hostal each night in Quito. Galapagos National Park fee ($100 paid on arriving on Baltra), Trip cancelation and medical evacuation insurance. All gratuities, including those to guides and staff of M/Y Beluga. Taxi services in Quito. Meals and beverages in Quito, sodas and alcoholic beverages on the Beluga, airport taxes (none I believe). The cost of a passport, health inoculations (your medical needs), or items of a personal nature not mentioned. Hotel early check-in or check-out. Sightseeing while in Quito. (Let me know if you're coming with Nancy and me for any of the optional fun.) Quito airport transfers are not included outside of Day 1 and Day 9 Note about Options If you are sleeping in Quito on May 31, then please join Rusty and Nancy for June 01 breakfast at the "Magic Bean" to start the day. Close to our hotel, The Bean has excellent coffee, chocolate, and great food. Rusty can organize transfers depending on how many travelers are going to the Amazon, Mindo Road lodge for birding, or staying an extra week in the Galapagos. He can also assist you if you would like to travel to Otavalo. Sometimes a simple taxi gets the job done, and if other times a van is the best choice. We'll play this by ear. Quito sightseeing 1/2 day on June 01 $65pp For those who arrive early. It's a good option, fun. Your call. Birding Lodge Mindo Road May $310pp 2017 price is confirmed, includes meals, transport) Amazon Wildlife Lodge May $1200pp appx (includes lodge, meals, guides, National Park fees/taxes) Quito/Coca RT charter flight $170pp appx (it's been this price for several years) Amazon Lodge deposit per person is...$500pp Amazon Lodge option requires a deposit to confirm. Balance is due at 70 days of departure from the USA. Amazon Lodge (4 nights 5 days) We will be staying at either or at Way Cool. Cost will include your transfers to and from Coca and the lodge, English speaking naturalist guide, all meals at the lodge, water, tea and juice. All fees and government taxes inside Amazon nature preserves. Prices and experience are quite similar and this choice will be made later this fall depending on availability and recent wildlife sightings. Rusty has stayed at both lodges numerous times and each has unique critters, and both are wonderful. Rusty will arrange for you/our flight. You won t be disappointed, rather, you'll wish to stay longer! (Staying longer is always an option for the gluttonous wildlife nut!) Mindo Road birding lodge (2 nights 3 days) at the Bellevista. Included with be transfers to and from Quito, all meals at the lodge. Not included -sodas and alcoholic beverages. Check-out their mouth watering website of critters and insights. The Mindo Road is about endemics, and a lot of critters in a local location. rusty@rustytraveler.com Website: Rustytraveler.com Address: th St Sw # , Lakewood Wa Pg 7

8 NOTE: Domestic Ecuadorian Flight prices and timing are subject to change and availability according to the airline. Changes made by the Ecuadorian Government are also possible, and we will make you aware of any as soon as they are known. If there is a difference in cost, RiAdvTvl LLC is not responsible for the cost change and will pass that cost difference on to you the traveler. Ecuador is famous for making changes with little warning. Flights to and from USA Flight challenges from your home to Quito are possible (security issues, weather, etc.). It is prudent to arrive into Quito two nights prior to your Galapagos trip, if possible, so as to better ensure no problems in making your Quito / Galapagos departure flight. Your return flight from the Galapagos Islands to Quito typically arrives between 1pm and 4pm. Airport Logistics We will try to match trip members up who are arriving or departing Quito at the same time so that you may share cab transfer costs. The Quito International Airport is about 20 miles away from the city of Quito, a taxi during the day can take 1.5 to 2 hours to accomplish. Please take this into account when making your USA arrival/departure transfers. General Information :: Traveler Terms and Conditions Once you have made a deposit for a trip, you agree to be bound by all our Terms and Conditions included in the Traveler Terms and Conditions and Release of Liability Form. Please read this information carefully. You will find this form on our website in Reservation Form Materials. Your participation in this active adventure tour is contingent on your signature on the full list of terms and conditions specified in the Reservation Application Form (RiAdventureTravel.com/forms.pdf). What Happens Now When you reserve your adventure, a Prep-To-Go package of materials will promptly go into the mail to you. Inside you'll find a Welcome Letter, trip cancellation insurance information, prep-to-go logistics information, health and CDC information, gear list and reading suggestions. At about 30 days of departure a Final Departure package will arrive with last minute hints, trip roster, confirmation details of hotels RiAdvTvl has reserved for you, emergency contact numbers, and special luggage tags. If you have any questions before your departure, please feel free to contact Rusty at t r a v e le r u s t y t r a v e le r.c o m o r o r And finally You have a grand adventure coming. I hope you take a lot of photos and return home with amazing stories from an enjoyable and remarkable experience. Contact Rusty with your questions,, options, ideas, or to make your Galapagos reservations. Enjoy your adventure... and bring more gigs of memory for your camera than you think you'll need. Smile 12/2015 RiAdventure Travel LLC rusty@rustytraveler.com Website: Rustytraveler.com Address: th St Sw # , Lakewood Wa Pg 8

9 Baltra Island and airport is located lower center on the map. Website: Rustytraveler.com Address: th St Sw # , Lakewood Wa Pg 9