Galapagos Voyage on the Galapagos Legend

Legend Cruise
Program Code: EGIC12
8 days / 7 nights - Monday thru Monday

About the Ship

Baltra - Santiago - Santa Cruz - Floreana - Espanola - San Cristobal - North Seymour - Bartolome - Isabela - Fernandina - Santiago - Rabida - Santa Cruz

 

Galapagos
ITINERARY

Day 1 - Monday
AM / PM - QUITO or GUAYAQUIL / BALTRA ISLAND
Our services will begin upon your arrival at the airport of Baltra island (Galapagos) from Quito or Guayaquil after a flight of approximately 2 and a half hours.

The guides of the Galapagos Legend will greet you outside the customs area of the airport and provide the transfer to the pier from where you will board a dinghy to join the ship, anchored nearby. After a warm welcome on board check into your suite or cabin in preparation for the first excursion of the cruise itinerary.

PM - SANTIAGO (JAMES / SAN SALVADOR) ISLAND - Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat)
Disembark the Galapagos Legend for a wet landing at Sombrero Chino near Santiago island. Here we will encounter a small colony of sea lions on the our landing spot. The Naturalist guides will take us from here on a one hour hike across the island during which we will probably be able to observe a group of Flamingos. As they will do during the entire cruise program, our guides will explain and teach us about the history of the islands and show the different points of interest on each island that we will visit over the next week. On the other side of the island we will be picked up by a dinghy for the return on board the ship.

EVE - The crew and your Naturalist guides on board the Galapagos Legend will give a briefing on security procedures and an outline of the program to follow over the next 8 days. Dinner and evening at leisure. Overnight on board. (L, D.)

Day 2 - Tuesday
AM - SANTA CRUZ (INDEFATIGABLE / CHAVEZ) ISLAND - Dragon Hill or Venice
After a great breakfast leave the ship for a wet landing on Santa Cruz island. We will start out on a trail that leads us to a hyper-saline lagoon behind the beach where observers report that at times they observe a high number of Flamingos. From here we follow the trail up to Dragon Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay. The area is a nesting site for a big number of reintroduced Land Iguanas, thanks to the Charles Darwin Research Station. There is also a bizarre Scalesia tree forest. Before returning to the ship we will have the option to make a dinghy ride in Venice islet to observe the vegetation and marine animals. Spotted Eagle Rays and Golden Rays, Mullets, Sharks and Sea Turtles which rest in calm waters of the coves and channels. Land Iguanas are often been observed from the dinghy.

PM - FLOREANA (SANTA MARIA / CHARLES) ISLAND - Punta Cormorant
Lunch on board while the ship sails to our next anchoring spot near Floreana island. We disembark at Punta Cormorant for a wet landing on a greenish colored sand beach. The guides will lead us on a well-marked trail, beginning in the Black Mangrove beds, heading towards the back of the lagoon. This large brackish lagoon holds one of the biggest populations of Flamingos in the Galapagos. The island is best known for its endemic plant life, such as: the Galapagos millwork, Passion flower, and unique Button Mangrove. Later, novice snorkelers can practice back near the main beach where Sea Lions are playful while experienced snorkelers can roam the waters around Devils Crown. We kindly remind you this activity is an open water experience; it means there is no place to step on to rest.

EVE - Dinner and evening at leisure. Overnight on board. (B, L, D.)

Day 3 - Wednesday
AM - ESPANOLA (HOOD) ISLAND - Punta Suarez
In the morning hours we will visit Punta Suarez on Espanola (Hood) island where we will arrive on a dry landing. Here we will learn more about the lava terrain of the island while crossing the inactive lava fields. Aside from the sea lion colony Punta Suarez is one of the most important sites for bird watching in the Galapagos. As soon as we set foot on this island many species can be spotted and observed from up close. Among the many species we find the Hooded Mocking bird and Red Billed Tropic bird. Visitors will also spot a large colony of Marine Iguanas, Lava Lizards, and colorful Sally Light Foot Crabs. A short trek will take us to colonies of Masked and Blue-Footed Boobies where the nesting grounds sometimes overlap the trail. We will also find Galapagos Doves, Hawks and Swallow-Tailed Gulls. After crossing the nesting grounds we will reach the world’s largest colony of Waved Albatross (15,000 approximately). From May thru December the mating rituals of the Albatross are a highlight of the visit. By the end of this excursion we will visit the famous blowhole, where water shoots almost 23 meters (75 feet) into the air.

PM - SAN CRISTOBAL (CHATHAM) ISLAND - La Galapaguera
After lunch on board the ship we will visit the village of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal island. Here we will visit the San Cristóbal breeding center for about an hour. Here we have the opportunity to learn more about the Giant Tortoises breeding efforts of the Galapagos National Park, especially of the endemic specie "Geochelone Elephantopus Chatamensis". We can also observe some of these animals in their natural environment.

EVE - Dinner and evening at leisure. Overnight on board. (B, L, D.)

Day 4 - Thursday
AM - NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND / BALTRA ISLAND
After a dry landing on North Seymour island we will encounter Swallow Tailed Gulls and Sea Lions. This site is also known for being a major nesting colony of Blue Footed Boobies, and the largest colony of the magnificent Frigate Bird (a different species from the Great Frigate bird). We will also be able to spot both endemic species of Iguanas, the Marine Iguanas and Land Iguanas. Enjoy a relaxed hike around the nesting sites before returning to the ship for lunch.

PM - BARTOLOME (BARTHOLOMEW) ISLAND
In the afternoon we will make a dry landing on Bartolome island where we will see volcanic formations including lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. A hike to the summit will reward us with an impressive view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock. During the hike to the summit, travelers will often see large colonies of Marine Iguanas, Lava Lizards, Tiquila bushes, and various Cacti. Back at the shore we have a chance to cool off while snorkeling. Here it is possible to see the Galapagos Penguins, Sea Turtles, and White Tipped Sharks from a safe distance.

EVE - Dinner and evening at leisure. Overnight on board.
(B, L, D.)

Day 5 - Friday
AM - ISABELA (ALBEMARLE) ISLAND - Urbina Bay
After breakfast we will make a wet landing at Urbina bay on Isabela island. We will head towards the fossil beach and then to the coral area. On the way and depending of the season it will be possible to observe many endemic organisms such as Giant Tortoises, Land Iguanas and Flightless Cormorants.

PM - FERNANDINA (NARBOROUGH) ISLAND - Punta Espinosa
In the afternoon we will make a dry landing at Punta Espinosa on Fernandina island. Here we will be able to see the biggest Marine Iguanas mingle with Sally-Light Foot crabs and enjoy the nesting sites of the Flightless Cormorants, the Galapagos Penguins, Galapagos Hawks and Sea Lions. Among the flora and volcanic formations we can observe Brachycerus Cactus, and two kinds of lava formations, “pa-hoe-hoe” lava and ”AA”. Numerous mangrove beds extend into the sea, depicting a healthy and thriving eco-system.

EVE - Dinner and evening at leisure. Overnight on board.
(B, L, D.)

Day 6 - Saturday
AM - SANTIAGO (JAMES / SAN SALVADOR) ISLAND - Puerto Egas
During the morning hours we will disembark the Galapagos Legend and make a wet landing at on a dark sand beach at Egas Port on Santiago island. Most of the landscape here is tuff-stone layers and lava flows while the surrounding area is good for spotting and observing hunting Herons, Great Blue Herons, Lava Herons, Oyster Catchers and the Yellow Crowned Night Heron. Enjoy the sight of Marine Iguanas graze upon algae beds at low tide sharing space with Red Sally Light-foot crabs and observe a colony of Fur-Seal swimming in deep pools of cool water called “grottos”. Back at the beach you can swim and snorkel in search of Octopuses, Sea Horses, Star Fish and other sea life.

PM - RABIDA (JERVIS) ISLAND
Wet landing at a dark red colored beach on Rabida island, frequented by Sea Lions. The coloration of the beach is due to its volcanic origin. The island is often considered the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most diversified volcanic rocks of all the Islands. A short trail leads to a salt water lagoon, where you will occasionally find Flamingos. From July thru September is a good time of the year to observe Brown Pelicans nest in the salty bushes found at the far side of the salty lagoon. Here we can also observe Boobies and 9 species of Darwin’s finches. At the end of the excursion we will take a dinghy ride by the reefs where we have a great opportunity for snorkeling.

EVE - Dinner and evening at leisure. Overnight on board.
(B, L, D.)

Day 7 - Sunday
AM - SANTA CRUZ (INDEFATIGABLE / CHAVEZ) ISLAND - Charles Darwin Station
In the morning hours we will visit Santa Cruz island where we have a chance to observe the work done at the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. The station is staffed with international scientists conducting biological research and conservation projects. Giant Tortoises, part of the breeding program, can be observed here. Later we can also admire the impressive giant Prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds. The visit to the station takes around 40 minutes. After this visit, passengers will have some free time to walk around town and shop for souvenirs.

PM - SANTA CRUZ (INDEFATIGABLE / CHAVEZ) ISLAND - Highlands
In the afternoon we can cross the highlands of Santa Cruz island. Here we will visit Cerro Chato where we will be able to observe the famous Giant Tortoises that gave the name to these islands. In addition we can literally get into the Galapagos by walking in the dormant lava tubes.

EVE - Dinner and evening at leisure. Overnight on board.
(B, L, D.)

Day 8 - Monday
AM - SANTA CRUZ (INDEFATIGABLE / CHAVEZ) ISLAND - Bachas Beach
On this last morning of the cruise we will make a wet landing at Bachas Beach, located on the Northern coastline of Santa Cruz island. Here you will be greeted by different sea birds, Marine Iguanas and Sea Turtles. Last opportunity to swim near the white sand beach before returning to the ship for check out.

PM - Baltra Island / Guayaquil or Quito
We disembark at the docks of Baltra island from where we take a bus to the airport for the flight back to mainland Ecuador via Guayaquil to Quito.
(B, L.)

END OF SERVICES

RATES

Rates valid until December 31, 2010.
Rates are per person in US dollars.
Rates can NOT be guaranteed. Subject to change at any time.
Accommodations are based on double occupancy.

GALAPAGOS LEGEND    
2009 - 2010 LOW SEASON *2 HIGH SEASON *1
CABIN Double Single *3 Double Single *3
Superior Interior (Earth Deck)
 $ 2890 $ 5202 $ 3090 $ 5562
Superior Exterior (Sea Deck)
 $ 3260 $ 5868 $ 3460 $ 6228
Junior Suite (Earth Deck)
 $ 3900 $ 7020 $ 4090 $ 7362
Legend Suite (Earth Deck)
 $ 4360 $ 7848 $ 4590 $ 8262
Galapagos Balcony Suite (Moon Deck)
 $ 5030 $ 9054 $ 5300 $ 9450
See Galapagos Legend Deck Plans

*1 HIGH SEASON - January 01 to 07, January 22 to February 29, March 13 to April 30, July 01 to September 02, October 01 to November 25, December 17 to 31.

*2 LOW SEASON - January 08 to 21, March 01 to 12, May 01 to June 30, September 03 - 30, November 26 to December 16.

*3 SINGLE supplement 80% over DOUBLE rates. NOTE: If traveling alone you have the option to share a twin cabin with a passenger of the same sex. If you do not wish to share, a single supplement will apply.

Triple Occupancy: Third person sharing cabin will receive a 20% discount - Passengers 1 & 2 in cabin full fare.

Children under 12 years of age are discounted 25% when sharing a cabin with 2 adults. Children under 7 years of age are not permitted on board.

Rates do not include:
About the Ship