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Galapagos 6 Day Eastern Route | Integrity

6 Days
From AUD 11,421

STYLE: Small Ship Cruise

Trip Code: ECIG6DE

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Finish: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

SHIP: Integrity

DestinationDestination

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

DestinationDeparture Date

Selected Mondays

MealsMeals

All meals on board, complimentary soft drinks, house wine & beer, coffee, tea, & juice

TransportTransport

Group transfers in the Galapagos to & from your vessel (if arriving/departing on the group flights)

TransportAccommodation

Cabin on board a Yacht



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Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

Daily excursions, panga rides, shore landings and expert briefings while onboard

 

* Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.

OVERVIEW

Begin your Galapagos adventure on San Cristóbal Island, where you’ll visit a tortoise reserve to see the giant tortoises and explore the Interpretation Centre to learn about the islands' history. In the evening, board the yacht and set sail, enjoying dinner and orientation onboard as you prepare for 6 day cruise ahead.

Your journey continues on Santa Fé Island, where a white beach teeming with sea lions leads to a giant Opuntia cactus grove with endemic land iguanas. Snorkel or kayak in turquoise waters before heading to South Plaza, known for its unique land iguanas, cactus finches, and bird-rich cliffs. Explore Darwin Bay's diverse birdlife, including Red-Footed Boobies, and trek up Prince Phillip’s Steps for spectacular wildlife views. On Santiago Island, walk across recent lava flows at Sullivan Bay and snorkel with Galapagos Penguins at Bartolomé. You’ll also visit Rábida's Red Beach, rich with birdlife, and enjoy snorkelling near Sombrero Chino, where you might encounter penguins, sharks, and rays. Your journey will conclude at Baltra Island where you disembark after breakfast.


* Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Pricing is subject to change and availability at the time of booking. Contact us for more information.

ITINERARY

Arrival, San Cristobal & Embarkation

Today you’ll arrive mid-day and have lunch, then visit the tortoise reserve of San Cristobal Island for a special opportunity to view the islands’ most famous reptile: the giant tortoise. What a privilege to see an endangered species! Next, you’ll visit the Interpretation Center to discover the Islands' geological, natural, and human history. In the early evening, you will board INTEGRITY for orientation, dinner, and set sail on our island cruise. You will live aboard the yacht and spend as much time exploring the islands as park rules permit. Each night, you’ll travel on to the next destination.

Santa Fe & South Plaza

This morning, your destination will be Santa Fe. Upon landing on a pristine white beach, often adorned with lounging sea lions, you'll venture into a vast grove of towering Opuntia cacti, where the chance to encounter the native land iguanas awaits. Following the land exploration, immerse yourself in snorkeling and/or kayaking adventures in the bay's turquoise waters, teeming with sea lions, rays, urchins, eels, and a kaleidoscope of colorful fish.

In the afternoon, we'll head to South Plaza. Here, you'll encounter another fascinating species of Galapagos land iguana, alongside cactus finches. Both North and South Plazas were shaped by geological forces, tilting towards the north, their southern coasts adorned with dramatic cliffs. In the intimate setting of these small islands, terrestrial and marine species engage in unique interactions, with sightings of hybrid iguanas, sporting distinctive "zebra-like" stripes, not uncommon. The south-facing cliffs serve as bustling hubs for a diverse array of birdlife. As dusk approaches, bachelor sea lions ascend the steep cliffs, seeking refuge from the larger dominant bulls.

Darwin Beach & Prince Phillip’s Steps

This morning, we'll set our course for Darwin Beach. Situated along the north side of Darwin Bay, this beach owes its existence to the rim of a sunken crater. As you traverse the hiking trail, shaded by vibrant red mangroves, keep your eyes peeled for Yellow Warblers, Yellow-Crowned Night Herons, and Pintail Ducks. The true spectacle of this locale lies in the remarkable abundance of Red-Footed Boobies, Great Frigatebirds, Swallow-Tailed Gulls, and Yellow-Crowned Night Herons. Notably, while Red-Footed Boobies are among the most prevalent boobies in the islands, witnessing them in their natural habitat is a rare treat reserved for visitors to Darwin Beach.

In the afternoon, our adventure leads us to Prince Phillip’s Steps. As we navigate along the base of the eastern cliffs of Darwin Bay aboard a panga, prepare to delve into the hidden world of cliff crevices teeming with diverse animal life. Our journey will bring us to a rockfall, forming a natural staircase aptly named Prince Phillip’s Steps or the “Stairway to Seabird Heaven.” Here, amidst massive colonies of Red-Footed and Nazca Boobies, and an extraordinary Palo Santo forest, we'll ascend to a lava ridge. Thousands of Wedge-Rumped Storm Petrels dart about, while Short-Eared Owls stealthily stalk them for prey.

Sullivan Bay & Bartolome Island

This morning, we'll explore Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island. You'll walk across a recent lava flow, noting its unique structural features. This flow, formed in the second half of the 19th century, lacks much plant or animal life due to its youth. The focus of this visit is on the lava itself, with contrasting black pahoehoe flow and reddish-yellow tuff cones providing striking visuals, ideal for photography.

In the afternoon, our destination is Bartolomé Island. Here, Pinnacle Rock rises prominently from the northern bay, a well-known landmark in the Galapagos. Snorkeling in the bay offers the chance to swim alongside Galapagos Penguins. For panoramic views, a climb up the 600-meter trail to the island's summit reveals spectacular vistas of Pinnacle Rock, Santiago Island, and Daphne Major and Minor.

Rabida Island & Chinese Hat

This morning, our journey begins at Rabida Island. Upon landing at Red Beach, you'll encounter wading birds and ghost crabs scattered along the sand. Beyond the beach lies a saltwater lagoon, where sightings of Pintail Ducks, Common Stilts, and bachelor sea lions are common. Brown Pelicans nest amidst the nearby salt brush. A brief inland trail offers opportunities to observe finches, Galapagos Doves, Yellow Warblers, mockingbirds, and the occasional snake.

In the afternoon, we'll head to Sombrero Chino. The turquoise waters surrounding Sombrero Chino provide an excellent chance to spot Galapagos Penguins. A panga ride in search of wildlife precedes a snorkeling session often featuring encounters with sharks, sea lions, penguins, and rays. We'll make landfall at a stunning white sand beach, where a leisurely walk along a meandering trail offers views of diverse lava formations.

Disembarkation

This morning, we'll enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking at Baltra Island.

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Integrity

Integrity

The yacht, Integrity, is one of the most ecologically conscientious in the Galápagos, having received the Galápagos Quality Gold Seal for its sustainable policies, which include treating all waste water on board. Two Detroit/MTU 4-stroke diesel engines that are electronically controlled and vibration isolated allow for environmentally friendly, smooth cruising. The air conditioning, walk-in freezer and refrigerator, several electronic systems, water makers, and on-board wastewater treatment plant are all simply supported by the two generators that supply enough electricity. Integrity operates with an unmatched dedication to quality, safety, and conservation.

Immersed in natural light, the large salon features cozy wrap-around seating and is ideal for relaxing with a book from the yacht library or taking in briefings and lectures about the natural history and geology of the Galápagos Islands. The Main Bar serves a broad selection of South American wines and pleasant cool lager. Your knowledgeable bartender is delighted to provide an assortment of expertly mixed drinks. 
Snacks, drinks, and cold hand towels are waiting for you at the Main Deck entrance when you get back from your shore excursions, kayaking, and snorkeling. An opulent getaway would be incomplete without delectable cuisine and beverages. Every day, small tables seating four to six people welcome you with delectable and healthful meals. Enjoy a delicious breakfast of cereal, fresh fruit, or baked pastries to start your day. Savor elegantly designed multi-course meals featuring both local and foreign dishes at lunch and evening. The skilled cooks can readily accommodate specific diets and provide a diversified meal. There are always kid-friendly and vegetarian alternatives available.

Ice Class: Length: 141 ft (43 m)
Breadth: 24 ft (7.3 m)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:
16

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Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

Pricing per person & date

Galapagos 6 Day Eastern Route | Integrity from AUD 11,421
Selected Mondays

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Important Information

  • All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.

    Please note water activities are subject to weather conditions. 

    Prices are based on per person, twin share* (unless otherwise stated).

    Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.

     

    * Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.

    All guests must arrive in Ecuador at least one day prior to facilitate flight connections.
    The Government of Ecuador requires all foreign visitors to the Galapagos to have coverage for medical expenses during their stay, 
    Additionally, all INTEGRITY guests must have emergency medical evacuation coverage of at least $100,000 per person.

  • INCLUSIONS 

    All Galapagos airport transfers to/from group flights
    6-day / 5-night cruise
    All meals, complimentary soft drinks, house wine & beer, coffee, tea, and juice
    Complimentary laundry service available 
    Complimentary and unlimited use of internet
    Complimentary use of wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkels
    Complimentary use of eight 2-person sea-kayaks, where permitted by the National Park

     

    EXCLUSIONS 

    Return airfares from mainland Ecuador (Group Flights: Cost: $555 per person, please contact us for more details)
    Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee (US$200 per person from Aug 2024 - Subject to change) 
    Galapagos Transit Control Card (US$20 per person - Subject to change)
    Mandatory travel insurance
    Premium wine and other spirits are available for purchase aboard ($10-$15 per glass)
    Gratuities for naturalist guides and yacht crew. Gratuities are always at the guest’s discretion; however, the recommended amounts are $75-$115 per guest for the naturalist guide and $150-$225 per guest for the yacht crew.
    Any extra personal expenses
    Pre or post cruise arrangements
    Passport or visa fees

     

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • No single supplement for single staterooms (limit 2 per voyage).

    95% single supplement for single use of double-occupancy staterooms.

    Single supplement is subject to availability. Please contact us for more information.

  • Seasonality, fuel surcharges, currency fluctuations and availability at time of booking.