GALAPAGOS “VOLCANIC WONDERS” Northern & Western Route
with Rich Pagen & Kristin Wornson
July 08 – 16, 2023
Brief Itinerary:
DAY 01: SATURDAY JULY 08, 2023: Arrive to Guayaquil Airport (GYE),
Welcome Dinner & Drinks and overnight at Hotel Oro Verde (or similar)
DAY 02: SUNDAY JULY 09, 2023: Embark Yacht. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL (Chatham) Leon Dormido (CN) SAN CRISTOBAL
DAY 03: MONDAY, JULY 10, 2023: Prince Philip’s Steps (CA, SN, PR, KY) GENOVESA (Tower) Darwin Bay (CA, SN, PR, KY), GENOVESA
DAY 04: TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2023: Las Bachas (CA, SN) or Black Turtle Cove (SN) SANTA CRUZ Cerro Dragon (CA, SN) SANTA CRUZ
DAY 05: WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2023: Punta Vicente Roca (PR, SN) or Elizabeth Bay (PR) ISABELA Urbina Bay, ISABELA (CA, SN) (Albemarle)
DAY 06: THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2023: Punta Espinosa (CA, SN), FERNANDINA (Narborough) Tagus Cove, ISABELA (CA, SN, PR, KY)
DAY 07: FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2023: RABIDA Island (CA, SN, PR, KY) (Jervis) Puerto Egas (CA, SN) or Black Turtle Cove (PR)
DAY 08: SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2023: CCFL (Darwin Station) SANTA CRUZ Highlands of SANTA CRUZ (Indefatigable)
DAY 09: SUNDAY, JULY 16, 2023: Interpretation Center (CA), SAN CRISTOBAL
Fly to Guayaquil Airport. Overnight at Hotel Oro Verde (or similar)
Activities: circumnavigation (CN), shore excursion (CA), snorkel (SN), kayak/SUP (KY), Panga ride(PR)
This is a sample itinerary and the order of the visits may vary depending upon the yacht assigned.
A Message from our Trip Leaders Rich PAGEN & Kristin WORNSON
Interested in more information? Please contact Expedition Easy by calling 1-800-617-2319 or click here to e-mail the Expedition Easy Team.
GALAPAGOS “VOLCANIC WONDERS” Northern & Western Route
with Rich Pagen & Kristin Wornson
July 08 – 16, 2023
Day by Day Detailed Galapagos Itinerary
JULY 08 – 16, 2023
Day 01: Saturday, July 08, 2023:
Fly to Guayaquil (GYE), the largest and most populous city in Ecuador. After clearing customs and immigration at the airport, you will be met by a local guide and a private transfer takes you to the Hotel Oro Verde. Check in to the hotel before meeting your Leaders Rich & Kristin as well as fellow travelers for a Welcome reception followed by dinner and your first overnight in Ecuador.
Day 02: Sunday, July 09, 2023:
Upon arrival in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (SCY) SAN CRISTOBAL Island, our guides will be waiting to escort you to your expedition yacht. Our yacht will be either THEORY or ORIGIN, both yachts are identical. As is standard procedure, we will be assigned our yacht on the day of embarkation. After a short ride by bus to the dock, and by Zodiac to the yacht anchored in the bay, you’ll be shown your cabin and treated to a delicious lunch. There will be a welcome briefing and a brief safety drill afterward you can chose your snorkel equipment and wet suit for the week. You’ll have time to settle in after lunch before the yacht leaves the harbor. Within a few hours, we reach Leon Dormido, (Spanish for sleeping lion), a remnant of a vertical tuff cone formation, rising 500 feet from the ocean. Erosion has split the rock providing a spectacular backdrop for photographs at sunset. As we circumnavigate the formation, you’ll easily spot blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and frigatebirds on the cliffs. After a briefing on activities for the following day, join our Captain and crew for a cocktail reception. An elegant multi-course dinner, prepared by our accomplished chefs is served.
Males looking to attract a mate inflate a red pouch on their chest. Round out the afternoon by relaxing on the beach, or choose to swim with friendly, playful sea lions in these warmer northern waters. When you return to the yacht, you’ll have a short briefing followed by a delicious dinner. If the night is clear, take a stroll out on deck and see a sky full of bright stars. Your guides can point out constellations and help you identify the species of birds flying alongside the yacht.
Day 03: Monday, July 10, 2023:
In the morning, you’ll land at Prince Philip’s Steps (4), Genovesa (TOWER) Island, one of the most spectacular sites in the Galapagos for bird watching because of its diversity of species. Throughout the day, you’ll want to have your camera ready. Your guides will point out red-footed boobies nesting in palo santo trees, Nazca boobies nesting near the trail, and storm petrels gathering in large numbers in an open lava field. With luck, you may even get to see the elusive short-eared owl. After a BBQ lunch on the yacht’s shaded sun deck and a demonstration on how to make Ecuadorian ceviche, you’ll have the option to explore the cliffs up close, either by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or join a deep-water snorkeling excursion from the Zodiac (2). Look for the red-billed tropic bird hiding in the crevices of the rock. This afternoon, you’ll land at Darwin Bay (1), a gorgeous coral sand beach. Here, you’ll see both swallow-tailed gulls and lava gulls gathered near the tide pools. A forest of Optuntia cactus and mangroves provide shelter for the Great frigate birds.
After lunch, you’ll get to see some of the human history of the Galapagos when you go ashore on Tagus Cove (5).This was a favorite anchorage for pirates and whalers for centuries, and sections of the rocky cliffs are covered in graffiti from as far back as the 1800s. Hike at a faster pace to a saltwater lagoon and scenic overview, and take in the ocean, lava fields, and volcanic formations. You may choose to explore the shoreline of the secluded cove by kayak or paddleboard. The wildlife is abundant, with Galapagos penguins, boobies, pelicans and other seabirds. Tonight, as we sail toward the geographic center of the archipelago, we’ll cross the equator for the third and final time.
Day 04: Tuesday, July 11, 2023:
This morning you’ll visit Las Bachas (1), (Spanish for barges) on the northern side of Santa Cruz. Dozens of bright pink flamingos feed on the interior lagoons, and a long white sand beach is a beautiful site for a stroll. Your guides will point out endemic plant species and share some fascinating Galapagos history. Before returning to the yacht for lunch, you’ll have time to snorkel from the beach. Bring your underwater camera to take photos of colorful tropical fish and sea stars, along with sea turtles and maybe even sharks along the ocean floor. Your guide will offer an enrichment lecture that is informative and entertaining, the topic is on marine currents, climate and geology of the Islands.
In the afternoon, when you step ashore on Cerro Dragon (3) (Dragon Hill), you’ll have a magnificent panoramic view of the bay and island landscape. You may see flamingos in the brackish lagoon, along with a variety of plants, including opuntia cactus, Palo Santo and Muyuyo trees (Cordia letea). As you walk the trail, look for Darwin’s finches, Galapagos flycatchers, yellow warblers, and Audubon shearwaters. The guides will also pause to point out birds such as stilts, pintail ducks and sandpipers. Scan the path for yellow Land iguanas, strikingly different from their marine cousins, resting in the sun. These iguanas, which are endemic to the Galapagos, were once part of the Station’s breeding program. After walking the trail, you’ll return to the yacht for a briefing and dinner.
Day 05: Wednesday, July 12, 2023:
Begin your morning with a Zodiac ride at Punta Vicente Roca (1). Your skilled driver will navigate you through the wave-sculpted caves and bring you up close to the tuff walls covered in colorful Sally light-foot crabs. Don’t miss the opportunity to snorkel here (2), with penguins diving playfully in the water or grooming themselves on rock formations. Look for sea turtles poking their heads above water before swimming gracefully beneath the surface. After lunch, take a seat on the sun deck to enjoy the scenery as we sail through the Bolivar Chanel. In addition to the dramatic scenery, you might get to see whales riding the bow wave or dolphins jumping in graceful arcs. You may even spot the Mola-Mola, an odd-looking giant sun fish with triangular fins on the top and bottom and a short, stubbly tail fin.
In the afternoon, you’ll disembark at Urbina Bay on ISABELA (2) Island and see some surprising evidence of volcanic activity. Some of the coastal seabed was exposed due to a dramatic uplift during an eruption in 1954, and some of the remaining coral skeletons still stand several feet high. A diverse collection of animal species await on the island as well, including Galapagos land iguanas, marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, brown pelicans, flightless cormorants, and the occasional giant Galapagos tortoise. When you’re finished exploring, you’ll return to the vessel for your nightly briefing and dinner.
After dessert, step outside and observe the pale glow of the Milky Way. As we cross the Equator, you may get a visit from King Neptune himself! Guests of all ages will enjoy this fun filled evening and maritime ritual, our crew dress as pirates and guest participation is optional.
Day 06: Thursday, July 13, 2023:
This morning you’re in for another geological wonder. Stop at Punta Espinoza on FERNANDINA (4), the youngest and most pristine Island in Galapagos, formed by active volcanoes that stretch around the coast. With no introduced animals on this island, you can observe the ecosystem at its most pristine. Sea lion harems lie on the beach, with resident bulls carefully guarding their territory and keeping a lookout for sharks. Hundreds of marine iguanas, forming the largest colony in Galapagos, warm themselves along the rugged shoreline, blending in with the dark rocks. Out on the point, your guide will show you the nests of flightless cormorants, which stay close to shore since they lost their ability to fly. You’ll have an opportunity to snorkel here, in the company of the large sea turtles that frequent the area. Return to the yacht for lunch served on the sundeck where you’ll have a prime view for whale watching.
Your guide will offer an enrichment lecture about Charles Darwin and his Theory of evolution as well as social/environmental projects that benefit the Galapagos. After lunch, you’ll get to see some of the human history of the Galapagos when you go ashore on Tagus Cove (5). This was a favorite stopping point for pirates and whalers for centuries, and sections of the rocky cliffs are covered in graffiti from as far back as the 1800s. Hike at a faster pace to a saltwater lagoon and scenic overview, and take in the ocean, lava fields, and volcanic formations. You may choose to explore the shoreline of the secluded cove by kayak or paddleboard. There are many animals to see, including Galapagos penguins, boobies, pelicans and other seabirds. Tonight, as we sail toward the geographic center of the archipelago, we’ll cross the equator for the third and final time.
Day 07: Friday, July 14, 2023:
This morning, you’ll disembark on the dark red beach of RABIDA (Jervis-2). This small island is considered the geographic center of the Galapagos because its volcanic rocks are the most diversified in the archipelago. A short trail will lead you to a saltwater lagoon filled with greater flamingos. Along the way, look for marine iguanas, mockingbirds and yellow warblers. You may also see Darwin’s finches. Over a dozen species of finches live on the islands and observing them contributed to Charles Darwin’s ideas that formed the basis for his theory of evolution. If you choose to snorkel this morning (2), you may be able to see a colony of sea lions or rays. Several species of rays live on the Galapagos, but golden rays and spotted eagle rays are the most common.
Guests on the Theory and Letty visit Puerto Egas on SANTIAGO (James) Island-3, where you’ll stroll along the shoreline looking for octopus, starfish and other sea life caught in the tide pools. Watch for great blue herons, lava herons, American Oystercatchers, and yellow-crowned night herons. At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as they feed on exposed green algae. During mating season, green and red algae give the usually black marine iguanas beautiful coloration. The walk ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water where you’ll encounter fur sea lions once on the verge of extinction. Before returning to the yacht, take the opportunity to snorkel from the beach (1). As the yacht sails after lunch, take a seat on deck to view the dramatic landscape and dolphins often spotted here. Guests on the Origin have a Zodiac excursion at Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove)-1 through a series of peaceful coves and inlets surrounded by mangroves whose large roots rise out of the water. View pairs of mating sea turtles (Sept to Feb), white-tipped reef sharks and golden cow-nosed rays. We return to the vessel for the Captain’s Farewell cocktail with the crew, and dinner as well as a special presentation by your guides.
Day 08: Saturday, July 15, 2023:
When you wake up this morning, your yacht will be one of dozens of boats anchored in the lively harbor of Academy Bay.
You’ll disembark at Puerto Ayora, SANTA CRUZ (2) Island, the social heart of the Galapagos, with a population of 24,000 residents. This morning, we visit the breeding centre Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena (2) and Charles Darwin Research Station where we learn about ongoing conservation efforts from exhibits set up along the wooden trail. You’ll see hatchlings and miniature tortoises that will be repatriated by the National Park when grown. The newest exhibit honors Lonesome George, the last surviving tortoise from Pinta Island that tragically died of natural causes. With his species now extinct, Lonesome George has become a worldwide icon, emphasizing the importance of efforts to preserve and protect endangered wildlife. A more hopeful story is Diego, a saddleback tortoise whose species was reduced to 14 individuals before he was transported from the San Diego Zoo and who has since fathered hundreds of descendants. Stroll through town to shop for handmade souvenirs, Ecuadorian chocolate ice cream or coffee grown in Galapagos.
Day 09: Sunday, July 16, 2023:
Return to the yacht for lunch and later board a bus for a short ride to the highlands of Santa Cruz to a lava tunnel, a hollow formation created when lava on the earth’s surface cools and hardens while molten lava continues to flow in the middle. Your next stop will be Los Gemelos (The Twins), a pair of large, deep craters with vibrant plant life at higher elevation.
Next stop is at Rancho Primicias, a privately-owned hacienda, where giant tortoises roam freely – some weighing over 500 pounds – in their natural habitat, feeding or resting in shallow pools. Return to the yacht for dinner or, if you wish, remain ashore on your own account to try a local restaurant. Your guides or concierge will be glad to provide a recommendation. Zodiac shuttles from the yachts to the main dock will be offered throughout the evening for your convenience.
Sunday, July 16, 2023:
This morning you’ll disembark from the yacht after breakfast. As a perfect way to sum up the trip, you’ll visit the Interpretation Center on San Cristobal (1) to discover more about the human history of the Galapagos Islands.
There’s also a paved trail where you can enjoy a brief walk before a bus ride into town. Guests on the Letty have an early morning visit to Isla Lobos (5).
You’ll have some free time for lastminute photos before your transfer to the airport.
It’s a quick flight back to the mainland, but you’ll be bringing lifelong memories with you!
GALAPAGOS “VOLCANIC WONDERS” Northern & Western Route
with Rich Pagen & Kristin Wornson
July 08 – 16, 2023
Rates:
Per Person sharing a cabin is: approx. rate $14,395.00
Single rate, in addition to per person sharing rate is: approx. $7,895.00 per single traveler
NOTES:
– RATES ABOVE INCLUDE EXCLUSIVE USE OF LUXURY YACHTS WITH RICH PAGEN & KRISTIN WORNSON AS TOUR LEADERS THROUGHOUT
– RATES WILL VARY BASED ON NUMBER OF GUESTS WHO TRAVEL ON THIS EXPEDITION
– THIS DEPARTURE IS LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM OF 2 SINGLE TRAVELERS
– THIS DEPARTURE WILL RUN WITH A MINIMUM of 10 Guests Traveling
AIRFARE: AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE RATES. RATES FOR AIR ARE LISTED BELOW HOWEVER THEY ARE A GUESSTIMATE FOR 2023 AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
GUAYAQUIL/ Galapagos/ GUAYAQUIL $ 490.00 APPROX. PER PERSON
INCLUDED
– Transfers as per itinerary:
Guayaquil Airport / Hotel Oro Verde
Hotel Oro Verde / Guayaquil Airport
Galapagos Airport / Chartered Luxury Yacht
Chartered Luxury Yacht / Galapagos Airport
Guayaquil Airport / Hotel Oro Verde
Hotel Oro Verde / Guayaquil Airport
– 2 overnights at Hotel Oro Verde (pre/post nights)
– All meals starting on Day 02 Breakfast to Day 09 Lunch
– Exclusive Use Charter with guests of Expedition Easy & Rich & Kristin
– 2 Tour leaders throughout itinerary
– Cabin accommodation, in a deluxe stateroom on the Beagle deck with either two twin beds or a King size bed with large windows providing an unobstructed view of the ocean.
– All beverages while on luxury yacht including an open bar policy, featuring wines and spirits, soft drinks, fresh juices, tea and coffee served complimentary
– Guided shore and Zodiac excursions twice daily with two expert naturalist guides (one for every ten guests), the lowest ratio in the Galapagos. Nightly briefings and lectures providing enrichment on topics relevant to Galapagos throughout the week.
– Instruction in snorkeling technique and use of stand-up paddle board and multiple kayaks for optional water based activities. Use of glass-bottom boat for excursions to view marine life.
– Use of wet suits (3mm full style) and snorkeling equipment (masks, fins and snorkel).e of all amenities on board including the library, Jacuzzi and Fitness Center equipped with a treadmill, elliptical, free weights, yoga mats, and more.
– Galapagos Entrance Fee or Park Tax
– Transit Control Card
– Gratuities
NOT INCLUDED
– International Airfare to Ecuador
– Travel Insurance
– Visas
– Additional purchases not listed in above included section
– Satellite communication (wifi)
– Laundry Service
– Airfare from Guayaquil to Galapagos (Listed separately in rates above)
Deposit & Payments
This itinerary is subject to the availability of all services at the time of making a reservation. No space is being held at this time. Please contact Expedition Easy for the full terms and conditions that apply. We are happy to answer questions and discuss your trip.
Reservations
Please contact Expedition Easy by calling 1-800-617-2319 or click here to e-mail the Expedition Easy Team.
GALAPAGOS “VOLCANIC WONDERS” Northern & Western Route
with Rich Pagen & Kristin Wornson
July 08 – 16, 2023
Meet Your Leaders:
RICH PAGEN
Marine Biologist and Naturalist
Rich first became enthralled by the wonders of the natural world around the tide pools and forests of his native New York. Since then, he has embarked on a career in conservation biology that has ranged from teaching science and environmental awareness to teenagers from Los Angeles, to traveling the coast and river deltas of Alaska’s North Slope by Zodiac to reach remote wetlands where he monitored loon nests. After such field biology projects as surveys for mammalian carnivores in the mountains of California, bird migration monitoring in Canada, and a study of army-ant-following birds in the Peruvian Amazon, Rich was drawn back to the sea where he taught marine science and island ecology on Catalina Island in California for several years. He has also conducted shipboard surveys for marine mammals and seabirds, as well tagging studies of sea turtles and pelagic sharks.
KRISTIN WORNSON
Naturalist
Kristin Wornson is a Minneapolis-based artist and naturalist, highlighting the beauty of the natural world. She received her BA from Iowa State University, including a year at the University of Salzburg & a summer Marine Science research program through the University of California, Davis. She has worked as an educator, teaching a marine science program to middle & high school age children at the Catalina Island Marine Institute. She also serves as a Naturalist & Tour Manager onboard small expedition ships, on a contract basis with Abercrombie & Kent. She is a PADI Divemaster, with certifications in Dry Suit & underwater propeller vehicle, and extensive experience diving in Kelp Forest ecosystems. She has traveled to all 7 continents, extensively throughout South America, Patagonia, Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands, Asia, Morocco, Australia & Europe.
July 08 - 16, 2023
