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Baltra · Galapagos · Ecuador
M/Y Galapagos Solaris: 5D/4N (Route B)
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From $4,403.88 per person
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The Experience
What your day looks like
Welcome aboard Motor Yacht Solaris! This beautiful and modern yacht comprises comfort and relaxation into one. There’s a special and unique feature that can’t be underestimated- this Galapagos cruise is 100% solo traveler-friendly! You can forget about single supplement headaches and join one of our 5 main deck cabins! Furthermore, our trained crew & cruise director, assisted by our naturalist guide, will be ready to serve your every need, making your stay as comfortable as possible. Solaris Cabins Specifications: Main deck (6 cabins) : 5 cabins with a single bed & 1 cabin with a queen bed + single Upper deck (5 Suites / Cabins): 3 cabins with a queen bed + single bed 2 cabins queen bed + one double sofa bed
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Stay fit & refreshed and fully enjoy all activities (included in cruise price!)
- Have a more intimate nature experience
- An expert naturalist guide who brings nature even more to life
- Personal attention from our welcoming staff
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Baltra
Boating at Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos). Day 1 - Monday AM - Baltra Airport - Highlands (Santa Cruz) Upon arrival at Baltra airport, you will pass through an airport inspection point to ensure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, as well as to pay the park entrance fee of USD 200 (unless it has been prepaid). A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you to your bus. Here you will pause and eat lunch at the El Chato Reserve with an amazing view. Afterwards you will continue your Santa Cruz Highlands visit.
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Baltra
Eco Tour at Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos). PM - Highlands (Santa Cruz) - Boarding Solaris Yatch The Twin Craters are found on either side of the road leading to Puerto Ayora. These impressive formations are not volcanic craters and were formed by magma domes, which hardened on the outside while the lava continued flowing inside, leaving huge and empty magma chambers that eventually collapsed, leaving two large holes. The craters lie within a lush scalesia cloud forest, a high-altitude plant species that are endemic to the Galapagos. This area is also home to the carpenter finch, which uses tools to search for food. There may also be opportunities to see the vermillion flycatcher, a small red-breasted bird. After your visit is complete, you will go on a short bus ride to the harbour. Here you will climb aboard the yacht Solaris
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Baltra
Accommodation
Day 2
North Seymour Island
Sightseeing at North Seymour (Island). Day 2 - Tuesday AM - North Seymour Seymour is an uplifted (as opposed to volcanic) island and therefore is generally flat and strewn with boulders. There are good nesting sites here for a large population of magnificent frigate birds. Blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance in the more open areas and swallow-tailed gulls perch on the cliff edges. Despite the tremendous surf that can pound the outer shore, sea lions haul out onto the beach and can be found bodysurfing.
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Baltra
Sightseeing at Mosquera Islet. PM - Mosquera Galapagos sea lions are true beach lovers and Mosquera offers beautiful white coral sand beaches, which contrast with the blue water and thus attract numerous sea lions. During a beach walk, you can observe numerous species of waders and sanderlings. Between the rocks, the red clip crabs wait to play hide and seek while you try to get the perfect photo. If you are lucky, you may even encounter yellow-crowned night-herons or even a red-footed booby.
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Baltra
Accommodation
Day 3
Baltra
Eco Tour at Genovesa Island. AM - Darwin Bay (Genovesa) Inside the submerged caldera of Genovesa lies Darwin Bay, with a diameter of more than 1.5 km/1 mi and it is almost 200 m/650 ft deep. The small area will surprise you repeatedly, walking along a coral sand beach, crossing barren lava formations and creeks, passing tidal pools, shrubs and further ahead following the top of some cliffs. With these peaceful surroundings, every single species has occupied its ecological niche without disturbing others. Whimbrels and wandering tattlers forage actively along the surf, next to resting Galapagos sea lions. Impressive frigatebirds and red-footed boobies nest in the mangroves, where you can also see vocalists such as the yellow warbler, Darwin’s finches and the Galapagos mockingbird. Uniquely, two subpopulations of the same species of large cactus finch differ in their singing
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Baltra
Eco Tour at Genovesa Island. PM - Prince Phillip’s Steps (Genovesa) Before landing, you will take a dinghy ride along the eastern arm of the caldera. As you approach, the soaring 25 m/80 ft high walls become overwhelming. Sometimes, a Galapagos fur seal is resting or a seabird is nesting on one of the ledges at the base. You will then have to hike and overcome the steep stairs from the landing dock to a bush of palo santo shrubs on top. Red-footed boobies gratefully use these scarce nesting places; so that they don’t have to nest on the rocky ground. Upon arriving at the edge of the rim, the bushes open up and you can enjoy panoramic views, a strong sea breeze and the amazing flying skills of countless seabirds. Following the exposed rim, you will first pass the Nazca boobies and finally reach the extensive storm petrel nesting places, where, if you’re lucky, you can spot the well-camouflaged short-eared owl hunting for food!
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Baltra
Accommodation
Day 4
Baltra
Eco Tour at Galapagos Islands. Day 4 - Thursday AM - South Plaza You will enjoy an unforgettable guided walk on South Plaza, the best place to encounter endemic Galapagos land iguanas, patient and photogenic models. You can also look out for some of the unique hybrids between the male marine iguana and female land iguana. Arriving at the upper rim, about 20m/75ft downwards impressively droning waves splash against the foot of soaring cliffs. Clouds of petrels, storm petrels, shearwaters and brown noddies make spectacular flights and sometimes look like they’re walking on the waves. Take your binoculars and don’t miss the red-billed tropicbird with its graceful long tail and spectacular mating fights. These cliffs are also a nesting place for the endemic swallow-tailed gull.
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Santa Fe Island
Eco Tour at Santa Fe (Island). PM - Santa Fe Located in the southeastern part of the Galapagos, this island was formed from an uplift instead of a volcanic origin, which is why it is mostly flat. Some theories assure this could be the oldest island in the archipelago. Santa Fe is the home of several endemic species like the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats and one of the two species of land iguanas of the islands. After disembarking in the beautiful and clear waters, you will be in contact with one of the many sea lion colonies. Along the trail, many salt bushes can be seen as well as giant prickly pear cactus; gigantism is a characteristic of oceanic islands.
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Baltra
Sightseeing. Accommodation
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Baltra
Accommodation
Day 5
Baltra
Eco Tour at San Cristobal Island (Galapagos). Day 5 - Friday AM - Witch Hill (San Cristobal) After mooring in San Cristobal pier, you will begin your excursion to Witch Hill. This site’s primary attraction is the coral sand beach; an excellent place to swim and snorkel. Witch Hill is the remains of a tuff cone and one of the first sites visited by Charles Darwin. It has an impressive landscape, where it is often possible to see coastal and migratory birds, including pelicans, blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls; as well as sea lions and marine iguanas. At times, the lagoon is completely dry and deposits of salt can be found at the bottom. The people of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno used to use the lagoon as a salt mine. Transfer to San Cristobal Airport
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Lodging on board in a cabin with private facilities All excursions as mentioned in the itinerary (itinerary subject to change) with English speaking naturalist guide Shared shuttle transfer to Quito or Guayaquil airport *only departure transfer (included only if the Galapagos flight has been booked through us on our scheduled departure cruise dates) All transfers in Galapagos (airport-yacht-airport transfers are only guaranteed if the flight has been booked through us) Snorkeling gear (masks, flippers, and snorkel)
Not Included
Roundtrip flight to Galapagos Islands Galapagos National Park entrance fee (USD 200 pp, subject to change) Transit Control Card (USD 20 pp, subject to change) Airport transfers in Galapagos (only included if the Galapagos flight has been booked through us on the scheduled cruise dates. * If your arrival/departure is different than our scheduled cruise nights, the shuttle service is not included) Wetsuit rental Soft and alcoholic drinks Tips Travel insurance and other items of personal nature
Meeting & Pickup
Pickup from Baltra Airport.
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business
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