Galapagos First Class Yachts

Motor Catamaran Queen of Galapagos - 8 Day Cruise

General Description:
Simply one of the most elegant and comfortable catamaran cruises in Galapagos.
This vessel is marked by wide-open spaces. The cabins, living rooms and bathrooms are elegant and comfortable.

The powerful engine (800 HP) makes this a quick trip while also providing high performance.
Although the boat is rather large, it lends itself to an intimate environment, accomodating a small group of 16 passengers

Length: 90 feet
Beam: 28 feet
8 upper deck.
Luxury rooms with: Private balcony, Tv, dvd. Air conditioner, hot water

Motor Catamaran Queen of Galapagos - 8 Day Cruise

Monday: San Cristbal – Strand Loberia
The flight from Quito (via Guayaquil) to the Galapagos is approximately 2 ½ hours on a Boeing 727. Upon arrival at San Cristobal travellers pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands and to pay the park entrance fee of $100 (unless prepaid). Guides will meet you, collect your luggage and escort you on the short bus ride to the harbour. There our crew will welcome you onboard. After departure and lunch, the first island visit is made. After a short 10 minute bus ride or a nice 30 min. walk south from Puerto Baquerizo on San Cristobal Island, you will arrive at La Lobería. Traveller’s frequently note the unusual colour of the plants as they near the beach.
Here you will encounter a large sea lion colony and nursery. There are frequently dozens of sea lions visible at any time. Here you can also enjoy the marine iguanas, bird watching, and even Galapagos giant tortoises. You have to always stay on the path and try not to disturb the wildlife! -/L/D

Tuesday: Santa Fe - South Plazas Island
Santa Fe has one of the most beautiful coves of all the visitor sites in the archipelago. A turquoise lagoon with two small white sand beaches are protected by a peninsula where sea lions rest. A trail runs along side the coast and then crosses through an Opuntia Forest. These prickly pear cacti are the largest ones in Galapagos. The Santa Fe species of land iguanas are larger and of a paler yellow color than on the other islands. After the hike you can swim or snorkel in the bay in company of sea lions.

South Plaza is one of the smallest islands visited, 426 feet wide (130 meters) and just over ½ mile (800 meters) long. Here there is a large colony of sea lions, numbering about 1,000 bulls, cows and pups, occupying the smooth rocks. The small cactus forest is populated by land iguanas, which can be seen sunning themselves or feeding on Opuntia pads and fruits. Along the cliff edge nesting swallow-tailed gulls are the predominant seabirds, along with tropicbirds and shearwaters. Generally between the months of January to June, the dormant ground cover undergoes a drastic change; the red Sesuvium turns bright green and the leafless evening-blooming Portulaca bursts into large yellow flowers relished by the iguanas. B/L/D

Wednesday: Española – Gardner Bay – Punta Suarez
Española is the southernmost island of the archipelago, and being so isolated, a high percentage of its fauna is endemic. Gardner Bay is on the eastern shore and has a magnificent beach. This beach is frequented by a transient colony of sea lions, and is a major nesting site for marine turtles. Around the small islets nearby, snorkelers will find lots of fish and sometimes turtles and sharks. On a trail leading to the western tip of the island you'll pass the only nesting sites in the Galapagos of the waved albatross, huge birds with a 6-foot wingspan. These huge birds nest here from April to December and represent the majority of the world’s population of this species.

Punta Suarez is one of the most outstanding wildlife areas of the archipelago, with a long list of species found along its cliffs and sand or pebble beaches. In addition to five species of nesting seabirds there are the curious and bold Hood Island mockingbirds, Galapagos doves and Galapagos hawks. Several types of reptiles, including the brilliantly coloured marine iguana and the oversized lava lizard, are unique to this island. When heavy swells are running, Punta Suarez is also the site of a spectacular blowhole, with thundering spray shooting 30 yards into the air. B/L/D

Thursday: Floreana - Pto. Cormorant / Devil's crown / Post Office Bay
Floreana Island is perceived as one of the most exotic Islands of the archipelago. At Punta Cormorant you land on a green olivine sand beach. Following a 100 m long path you will soon reach a lagoon with flamingoes, white-checked pintail ducks and other shorebirds. The trail goes on to a white beach made of grinned coral, so it looks like flour. This is the green sea turtle’s nesting place. North of Punta Cormorant and eroded volcano, Devil´s Crown, is a snorkel’s delight. To the west, Post Office Bay keeps the legendary post barrel that whalers used to send their mail. B/L/D

Motor Catamaran Queen of Galapagos - 8 Day Cruise

Friday: Santa Cruz/Charles Darwin Station - Highlands
Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galapagos. The small town of Puerto Ayora is the economic centre of the archipelago, with the largest population of the 4 inhabited islands (approx 10.000). Santa Cruz is also the only island where six different zones of vegetation can be seen: Coastal, Arid, Transition, Scalesia, Miconia, and Pampa Zones. The Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park offices are based here. We will have an opportunity to visit some of the best scientists of their kind. Scientists, park rangers and park managers among others, who make huge efforts to preserve this Unesco World Heritage Site, conduct the conservation of the islands. The station is also a tortoise breeding and rearing centre, where tortoises of different subspecies are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. The most popular inhabitant of this island will probably be Lonesome George. He is the only survivor of the specific turtle species. The lush greenery of the Santa Cruz highlands is a welcome contrast with the arid scenery of the smaller, lower islands. Points of interest are the famed lava tunnels, a fun and geologically informative visit. The trip to the highlands ends with a visit to the Twin Craters. The vegetation around these is very special and is renown for its about 300 fern species and the many sunflowers. B/L/D

Saturday: Island North Seymour – Las Bachas
North Seymour is an uplifted island. In previous times, this was the ocean's bed. Afternoon outing at North Seymour (dry landing) for a walk along the coast and the interior of the island observing bird colonies of blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls and also sea lions and marine iguanas. A shorter walk is also available. In the afternoon you will go to the deserted, picturesque beach Las Bachas at the northern shore of Santa Cruz invites you for a swim in the crystal-clear water or to relax in the sun. B/L/D

Sunday: Island Bartolome / Island Santiago - Sullivan Bay
Today you will visit the Island Bartolome (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. Great way to start the day. This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase; the view from the top is worth the effort. Return to the Catamaran for breakfast. Panga ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and snorkelling. Chance to snorkel next to Galapagos Penguins.
In the afternoon you will go to the Island Santiago where you will visit the Sullivan Bay. There you have a great view of the lava fields and you can see some interesting lava formations. B/L/D

Monday: San Cristobal Island – Interpretation Center, Flight back
In the morning you will visit the Interpretation Centre at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Arrival to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for disembarkation and transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the continent. B/-/-

Motor Catamaran Queen of Galapagos - 8 Day Cruise

B: Breakfast / L: Lunch / D: Dinner

Itinerary is subject to be modified without previous notice due to weather conditions, policies of the Galápagos National Park.

Price 2008:
8 days cruise: USD 2.980.- per Person.
5 days cruise: USD 1.900.- per Person.
4 days cruise: USD 1.500.- per Person.
Charter 7 nights: USD 47.000

Cruise includes:
Nights on board
All meals.
Guide service
Ground transportation
on islands

Does not include:
Flights mainland to/from Galápagos USD 410.-
National Park entrance fee of USD 100.-
Tips and extra drinks.
International flight airport tax (USD 41.- per person)