Galapagos Penguin and Volcano Landscape
One of the western, largest and most amazing volcano landscapes is found on Isabela Island – it even looks like a seahorse! It is settled by six large shield volcanoes fused into one island (Ecuador, Wolf, Darwin, Alcedo, Sierra Negra (active!) and Cerro Azul). Each of them is populated with different species of tortoise. The archipelago`s highest point is located at Wolf Volcano (1,707 m; 5,600 ft). This volcano and the Sierra Negra (west) are the most active craters in the world. The island is home to penguins, flightless cormorants, marine and land iguanas and many marine birds. The small human population is settled in Puerto Villamil, in the south of the island. Commonly, day tour adventurers visit just attractions around Villamil Pier where it is possible to find pink flamingos feeding on tiny shrimp larva, zigzagging penguins, frigate birds posing on the endemic trees. From the small trail one has the chance to notice a variety of giant tortoises and the snorkel time gives the opportunity to swim next to blue sharks at Tintoreras tiny islets shore, whose name is honoring these sharks.
Galapagos Penguin and Blue Whitetip Sharks
Description
The departure is going to be at 6:15 am from the Puerto Ayora Pier where our guests will embark on an amazing marine and land wildlife expedition on Isabela Island, the largest of the Archipelago. First, passengers will be able to spot the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center where the naturalists will explain and show closely five different species of tortoises from the different volcanoes on Isabela, it is also possible to see different kinds of tropical birds. Then, we will go to Flamingo lagoon where all the visitors have the chance to see hundreds of sea lions and obviously the pink flamingos. Last but not least, Las Tintoreras, which is a paradise for the tipped reef sharks. This small bay is where the Galapagos penguins like to frequent as well. It is also possible to observe playful lava heron and gulls. This place is magical for snorkeling, but the adventurers have to be quick to get a glimpse of the penguins underwater. The biggest island journey offers the opportunity to watch closely several species of finches. The hot lunch will be enjoyed at one of the town’s restaurants.
It is recommended to wear a wetsuit in order to neutralize the sea temperature, because it falls below 20ºC from June to November and it is up to 27ºC from December to May.
Departure: at 6:15 am from Puerto Ayora Pier
Returning time: approximately at 5:30 pm
Travel Time: speed boat ride takes around 2 hours (August – October the seas can be quite rough). Adventurers with back or neck injuries are not advised to take this journey.
Difficulty Level: intermediate
Highlight activity: walking and snorkeling
Transportation: speed boat
Gear fit: a day before to the tour all passengers must be at 6pm in the Galapagos Path for wetsuit fitting. And, please, each has to have change USD 1.00 in order to pay water taxi at each island pier.
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Confirmation and payment policy: Payments are due based on the following schedule. All reservations require a deposit to confirm.
• 61 to 91+ days in advance Deposit 30% of program’s cost (or $100.00)
• 31 to 60 days in advance Deposit 50% of program’s cost
• 30 days in advance Deposit 100% of program’s cost
Cancellation Policy: Reservations are subject to the following cancellation schedule.
• 90+ days before trip No penalty
• 60 to 89 days before trip Fine 30% of program’s cost (or $100.00)
• 30 to 59 days before trip Fine 50% of program´s cost
• 0 to 29 days before trip Fine 100% of program´s cost
Discounts & benefits:
• For tour leaders is a 50% discount off meals and lodging for groups of 1 – 4 guests. For groups of 5 guests or more, meals and lodging are complimentary.
• For tour leaders, tour guide, or any companions we don’t offer discounts off navigation journeys.
• Kids under 2 are free. For ages 2 – 6, we offer a 10% discount off of meals, lodging, and navigation journey. Kids aged 7 or older pay the standard rates.
• We don’t offer discounts for senior citizens.
• We may be able to offer additional discounts for tour companies who send tour groups to the Galapagos Islands on a recurring basis. Contact us for more details.
Recommendations & clarifications:
• It is required the traffic control card issued by Galapagos Governing.
• Guests with medical conditions and/or special dietary restrictions must make them known to us in sufficient time for us to accommodate their request.
• Guests are required: wear mask, use hand sanitizer, and practice social distancing as required.
• Guests are strongly encouraged to: wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with sturdy, rugged soles.
• Bring sun protection such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat.
• Bring insect repellent.
• It is recommended to wear a wetsuit in order to neutralize the sea temperature, because it falls below 20ºC from June to November and it can be chilly at times so we recommend also bringing a windbreaker, hat, and scarf.
• Galapagos and Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency.
• Most vendors accept cash. We recommend that guests bring U.S. dollars with them if they might want to buy souvenir.
• The prices are according to the double/triple/quadruple room.
• Accommodations in our lodge or boat (cruise) are subject to availability. If the hotel or boat is full, we will arrange for our guests to stay in a hotel or boat of an equivalent category and provide transfers.
• Photography is encouraged always keeping mind the Galapagos National Park Rules for Visitors.
• All itineraries, dining options, accommodations, and journey experiences are subject to change without notice due to factors such as climate conditions, season, host availability, operational issues, and guest security.
• The described species in the program can be encountered during the tours but it is not guaranteed that always will be encountered as it depends on natural factors, climate, seasons, and marine currents.