Galapagos Islands - Espanola Island

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Highlights

Rabida is a small island with red volcanic rocks surrounding a beautiful red sand beach where
there is a colony of sea lions and a pelican nesting site. The trail leads to a salt water lagoon
where shore birds can be seen.

Highlights

Rabida is a small island with red volcanic rocks surrounding a beautiful red sand beach where
there is a colony of sea lions and a pelican nesting site. The trail leads to a salt water lagoon
where shore birds can be seen.
Capacity: 16, Types: ExpeditionYacht
Feture image for Galapagos Islands - Espanola Island

From your comfortable base aboard the Athala, you will be able to visit some of the most sought after visitor sites. There are many opportunities to hike, swim, snorkel, bird-watch and take great close-up photographs of the flora and fauna. On the islands you will follow trails, walking at a leisurely pace while your guide talks about the unusual sights and sounds that surround you. Afterwards, there is often an opportunity to swim and snorkel before returning to the comforts of the MC Athala II

Kayaking: According to National Park regulations, kayaking is only permitted at certain sites. Kayaking takes place before or after island excursions and is one of the greatest ways to enjoy the Galapagos ecosystem.

Lectures and briefings: The expedition leader and the guides will give nightly lectures about the islands, in addition to briefings on the next day’s activities.
Snorkeling

Most of the snorkeling activities take place before or after island excursions, so that you will not miss the hikes. It is an optional activity while the rest of the passengers stay on board or on the beach.
Crossing the Equator

We provide an Equatorial Certificate to each of our guests that certifies they have crossed the equator. This is only available on the North Western Genovesa itinerary.

Whale watching: Although sightings are not guaranteed, with a keen eye and some luck you may see some whales during your cruise, especially between June and September.

Additional charges include:

Flights to and from the islands
Fuel Surcharge - from US$200 pp
National Park Entrance Fee
Tourist Transit Card
Alcoholic Beverages

During peak season Easter (March 28 - April 04), Christmas (December 19 - 26) and New Year (December 26 - January 02) a surcharge of $400.00 per person apply

Rabida is a small island with red volcanic rocks surrounding a beautiful red sand beach where
there is a colony of sea lions and a pelican nesting site. The trail leads to a salt water lagoon
where shore birds can be seen.

There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.

show reverse itinerary
Day 1: Baltra Island and Sombrero Chino
Once you arrive at Baltra airport, you will clear immigration, be met by your guide, and escorted to the harbor. A motorized dinghy, or “panga”, will then transfer you to the M/C Athala, where you will be welcomed by the Captain and crew. Sombrero Chino Is. Sombrero Chino means “Chinese Hat”, a name that makes perfect sense as soon as you take a look at its unique shape. There are several interesting geographical formations that are ideal for scenic photos, and these are home to various marine species, such as Sally Lightfoot crabs and sea lions. Difficulty level: Easy
Day 2 : Santa Cruz and Rabida Islands
Santa Cruz Is. – Cerro Dragon As the name implies, Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) is known for its healthy population of land iguanas. Other locals include common stilts, pintail ducks and occasionally flamingos. There is also a marine iguana nesting site. You will have the chance to go swimming or snorkeling after the walk. Difficulty level: Easy to moderate. Rabida Is. Rabida is a small island with red volcanic rocks surrounding a beautiful red sand beach where there is a colony of sea lions and a pelican nesting site. The trail leads to a salt water lagoon where shore birds can be seen. Activities include snorkeling, swimming, kayaking or dinghy ride. Difficulty level: Easy.
Day 3: Isabela Island – Puerto Villamil Day
Many unique and exciting opportunities will be available to you while you visit the laid-back island town of Puerto Villamil and its spectacular surrounding areas. Hike up to Sierra Negra volcano, visit the tortoise breeding center, the wetlands or the infamous “Wall of Tears”. You can also stroll through town and mingle with the locals, or just lie on its beautiful beaches and do absolutely nothing at all. There is much history here, the locals are very friendly and beautiful surroundings are the norm. Difficulty level: Easy.
Day 4: Floreana Island
Floreana Island – Post Office Bay Floreana is one of the Galapagos most famous islands due to many strange stories about past settlers. Post Office Bay is home to a unique “post office” inspired by 18th century pirates and buccaneers who used a wooden barrel as an unofficial mail box. The tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home. Floreana is also a magnificent site for swimming. Difficulty level: Easy. Floreana Is. – Cormorant Point & Champion Islet An excellent site for birdwatching, Cormorant Point has a wonderful lagoon which is home to flamingos, stilts and pintail ducks. Champion is a wonderful snorkeling site abounding in colorful tropical fish, sea lions and the occasional shark and sea turtle. Difficulty level: Easy.
Day 5: San Cristobal Island and Lobos
San Cristobal Island – Cerro Brujo & Leon Dormido In addition to magnificent scenery, there is wonderful swimming at this visitor site. Cerro Brujo’s spectacular beach is home to a large number of sea lions, and it is the first place in the archipelago that Charles Darwin visited. Later you will sail by Leon Dormido, a 500 ft high rock formation which is a hang out for many bird species. Difficulty level: Easy to moderate. Lobos Is. Usually visitors can have close encounters with sea lion pups, especially while snorkeling. However, this small islet offers much more including blue footed boobies, frigates and even a glimpse at the second type of sea lion species found in Galapagos: the Fur Sea Lion. Difficulty level: Easy
Day 6: Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island - Puerto Ayora: Charles Darwin Research Station & Highlands On your visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station you will gain insight into the great preservation efforts being made by scientists, guides, and rangers. You will see the famous Galapagos tortoises that are the islands’ namesake. After the visit we will drive up to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, where you will search for giant tortoises in their natural surroundings. In the afternoon you will have free time for shopping and mingling with the locals, or you can simply relax on board. Difficulty level: Easy to moderate. **For those on our 5 Night Itinerary, this will be your departure day. In the morning you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and then be transferred to Baltra Airport for your flight back to the mainland
Day 7: Española Island
Española Is. – Punta Suarez Punta Suarez is home to large populations of Nazca & blue-footed boobies, as well as the beautiful waved albatross (seasonally). The 10,000 to 12,000 pairs of albatrosses on Española represent the vast majority of the population of this species on the planet. They perform one of the most spectacular courtship rituals of the animal world. Difficulty level: Difficult. Española Is. – Gardner Bay Gardner Bay offers the chance to enjoy a wonderful white sandy beach. In addition to being a nesting site for sea turtles, it is home to one of the most important colonies of sea lions in the archipelago. Activities include swimming and snorkeling. Difficulty level: Easy
Day 8: Daphne Island
Daphne Island Visitors are not allowed on this island due to its fragile ecosystem, but your guide will point out the island’s bird-life from the vantage point of the yacht’s deck, and explain the important research that is underway. Difficulty level: Easy. You will then be transferred to Baltra Airport for your flight back to the mainland
Athala II
Vessel Type: Motor Catamaran Length: 30 metres Passenger Capacity: 16 Cruising speed: 12 knots For those looking for a Galapagos adventure cruise in style, the 16-passenger Athala II provides a cozy…

Athala II

Vessel Type: Motor Catamaran
Length: 30 metres
Passenger Capacity: 16
Cruising speed: 12 knots

For those looking for a Galapagos adventure cruise in style, the 16-passenger Athala II provides a cozy small yacht atmosphere, comfortable accommodations, personalized service, a dedicated cruise director, and more; in order to offer the best service.

This Motor Catamaran was specifically designed and built to cruise the Islands providing comfort and excellent stability for those looking for a Galapagos adventure cruise in style.

The Athala II offers spacious and comfortable, fully-air conditioned accommodations and personalized attention. This beautiful catamaran is equipped with 8 double staterooms of which 4 have private balconies and are located on the main deck and 4 located on the upper deck; all the staterooms offer large picture windows and either queen or twin bed configurations.

The Athala II's upper deck features a bar and a beautiful open area for relaxation and al fresco dining. The sundeck is great for whale and dolphin watching or to simply relax in the Jacuzzi. The dining area can be found on the main deck, along with a really comfortable lounge. All meals are served as a buffet style with all soft drinks included.

Cabin layout for Athala II
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