Itinerary 4 Days - Petrel Catamaran - Galapagos Cruise

Upon arrival, we clear the Galapagos National Park checkpoint. Customs agents check passports and the transit control card, after check-in, we enterthe islands. 

We are welcomed by our naturalist guide and staff at the airport exit, please remember to collect your luggage from the belt. 

Next we take a short coach ride to the dock to board the pangas (this is how the locals commonly referto dinghies) to the M/C Petrel where crew members await to welcome you with a cold drink and show you your cabins. 

A briefing is given about the ship's facilities, a safety drill is conducted by your cruise concierge and your cabin is assigned. Lunch is served and afterwards we start with the first visit. 

La Galapaguera 

Landing type: Dry landing, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. 

Possible activities: Walking. 

During the XVII and part of the XVIII century, the Galapagos island was a popular hideout for pirates and buccaneers that used its resources to resupply their ship holds. A popular source of meat at the time were the Galapagos tortoises; their capability to survive without food or drink for extended periods of time made of this one of the most valued goods that the island had to offer. But the extensive hunt of this animal destroyed entire populations and even drove some of them to extinction. In the present, huge efforts have been undertaken in order to ensure the survival of this species, one of them is the creation of Galapagueras. Nurseries created specifically for Galapagos tortoises where they are taking care of since they are small eggs, until they are in conditions to be released in the wild. 

We visit the Galapaguera of San Cristobal, where we are able to see these peaceful giants during all their live stages. From small eggs, no larger than a chicken’s, to cute hatchlings that require lots of care, to the amazing adult Galapagos tortoise that can weigh up to 400 pounds. We learn more about the efforts undertaken to preserve these animals and the persons in charge of this noble task. 
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner

Idyllic beaches of white sand bordered by turquoise waters, and kissed by the equatorial sun, Española surely is a piece of heaven on Earth. 

Gardner Bay 

Landing type: Dry landing. 
Possible activities: Short hike, snorkeling, kayaking, panga ride. 

As we learned from our previous visit to Santa Fe, the age of an island plays an important role in how life develops on said island, and Española is no exception. Located east from the hotspot that gave birth to the archipelago, erosion from winds and tides have created a unique habitat where life has flourished into hundreds of shapes and forms. From beautiful coral reefs on its seabed, to magnificent marine birds that fly overits skies, Española is certainly one of the most beautiful islands in the archipelago. 
We disembark at Gardner Bay, welcomed by bright white sand and crystal clear waters, home to sea lions and marine iguanas that rest peacefully in front of us, it is a beach that is truly postcard-worthy. A tranquil bay invites us to do some snorkeling and discoverthe lush life of the rich Pacific Ocean. 
A dinghy ride takes us to the Osborn Islet, a small rocky formation that has become the favorite nesting place for many marine birds, such as blue footed boobies and lava gulls. Another opportunity to do some snorkeling here and enjoy the wonderful world hidden underwater. 

Suarez Point 

Landing type: Dry landing, good shoes are required. 
Possible activities: Hike. 

A large colony of marine iguanas greet visitors at the dock of Punta Suarez. Marine iguanas are the only ones that are able to dive in orderto feed from the algae that grows in the volcanic walls of the islands. Their peculiar appearance earned them the name “imps of darkness” as it was recorded in Darwin's journal. Despite the unflattering name that marine iguanas received, they are one of the most interesting species of the Galapagos. 
We continue exploring the island using the path that leads to a wonderful lookout point over a small cliff, from here we can see a very unusual formation, a blowhole. Capable of elevating water columns a few feet over the cliff, this blowhole is one of the many attractions in Española and certainly a fun spectacle for all to enjoy. 
Española is also home to an incredibly special bird, the waved albatross. With a wingspan of over 6.5 ft., the waved albatross is the most magnificent bird to colonize this island, and Española is their only nesting site. During mating season, an intricate courtship dance takes place that will join pairs forlife, since albatrosses are a monogamous species. 
Truly a visit that will forever be remembered 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 

Floreana, from green sandy beaches to turquoise waters and bright pink flamingos a festival of colors awaits to be discovered. 

Cormorant Point & Devil's Crown 

Landing type: Wet landing. 
Possible activities: Hiking, panga ride. 

Our morning visit takes us to the green beach of Punta Cormorant. A high concentration of olivine crystals gives the beach its distinctive coloration. A short walk along the beach brings us to a trail that leads to a saltwater lagoon. Here, bright pink flamingos can be found feeding from the various crustaceous that live in these waters, and whose pigmentation gives the bright colors to the feathers of these gracious birds. 
After enjoying the sight of the lagoon and its illustrious visitors, we will head to what is considered the best place for snorkeling in the entire archipelago, the Devil’s Crown. A pointy rock formation that bulges over the calm ocean and forms a circular shape gave this place its name. Despite the curious and intimidating name, a magical underwater world awaits you here. Thousands of fish gather here to find shelter in the rocky walls that descend to the seabed and colonies of colorful corals form the perfect habitat for small fish, seahorses, rays, and many other creatures that dwell in these waters. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to swim with some of the most beautiful creatures in what is one of the most important marine reserves on the globe. 

Post Office Bay 

Landing type: Wet landing. 
Possible activities: Hike. 

To end a day of exciting adventures, we visit Post Office Bay. Once the most effective way of communicating with loved ones back home, Post Office Bay was the home of a very unorthodox postal office that allowed sailors and whalers during the 18th century to send news of their voyages to their homelands. This ingenious method consisted of a simple wood barrel where sailors would deposit their letters and rely on the goodwill and camaraderie of fellow sailors returning back home to deliverthe mail. No stamps orfees were required and the system depended on trust and the kindness of strangers. 
To this date this tradition continues among fellow sailors; letters and postcards are left inside a wooden barrel, waiting to be picked up by a kind stranger that is willing to deliver the letter to its destination. Be part of this quaint tradition and leave a letter or a postcard for a loved one back home, and if you can, take one or two letters with you to their final destination. Help to keep this tradition based on trust and fellowship alive. 
This marks the end of our visit to Floreana Island. But before you set sail to our next destination,remember to ask your guide to tell you a bit about the human history on the island. We are sure you will enjoy the peculiar history of the man and women that colonized this picturesque place. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The Charles Darwin research station was established in 1964 in orderto provide the scientific community with resources to conduct their research and support the conservation efforts carried out by scientists from all overthe world. 

One of the most iconic conservation programs carried out by the Charles Darwin Foundation is the breeding and care of the Galapagos tortoises. We visit them in all their stages, from small eggs and hatchlings that can fit in the palm of your hand, to the 400 pound gentle giants that gave its name to the islands. 

After this visit, we transfer our ground transportation to the airport, the guide and a member of the crew will assist you during the check-out process and accompany you to the security gates, they will say goodbye and wish you a safe trip back home. Please rememberto show yourtransit control card when requested. 

Meals included: Breakfast.