The Galapagos Islands

Please contact Tours Department in our office by phone +7 (495) 234-6553 or send email with your request to tours@unifest.ru

Situated 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the archipelago consists of nineteen islands and more than forty islets. The islands were discovered in 1535 by Tomas de Berlanga, who sent the first known description of the Galapagos to the King of Spain; "…nothing but seals, and turtles, and such big tortoises that each could carry a man on top of itself".

The most important visitor to the Galapagos Islands was Charles Darwin, who arrived in 1835. He was amazed by the extraordinary life he found on the islands, and obtained very important samples and facts to develop his theory of evolution and natural selection. In fact, he was responsible for bringing the Galapagos to the world's attention in 1859, when he published The Origin of Species.

The Galapagos Islands remain largely intact thanks to the conservation efforts of the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station. In 1957 UNESCO declared them a World Heritage Site.

The Galapagos Islands offer a unique interaction with nature, and their name is synonymous with survival and the celebration of the diversity of species on earth.

Climate

From December to June there are possibilities of rain and temperatures range from 26?C to 35?C

During the period from July to November the Galapagos Islands welcome you with dry weather; temperatures range from 20?C to 26?C.

Eclipse

Accommodation

The Eclipse is unique in offering the generous accommodation of a larger vessel, while preserving the atmosphere and exclusivity of a smaller yacht.

The Eclipse accommodates up to 48 passengers in staterooms, all with sea views. Fully air-conditioned, the spacious cabins have either a queen or twin bed arrangement, and well-appointed bathrooms with fresh towels provided every day, as well as the complimentary use of bathrobes. All the twin beds can be converted to king size beds upon request.

Amenities

There are many opportunities to hike, swim, snorkel, bird watch and take great close-up photographs of the flora and fauna.

For land visits, passengers are divided into groups of a maximum of twelve people, each with its own guide. On the islands you will follow trails, walking at a leisurely pace, with your guide explaining the unusual sights you see. Afterwards, there is often an opportunity to swim, snorkel or kayak before returning to the Eclipse.

We also cater to the needs of Special Interest Groups (birdwatchers, geologists, photographers) and occasional private charters.

10-Day Galapagos Extension Aboard M/V Eclipse

DAY 1 (FRIDAY)

Lima – Quito
Arrival in Quito. Hotel transfer. Afternoon sightseeing tour of the city. Panecillo Hill.
Accommoation: Swissotel (Luxury Room)

DAY 2 (SATURDAY)

Quito – Galapagos
Transfer to the airport. Flight to the Galapagos Islands (approx. 2? hours). Short bus ride to the harbour. Transfer to the M/V Eclipse. Las Bachas Beach (sea turtles, flamingos).
Accommodation: M/V Eclipse (Stateroom)
Breakfast at Swissotel
Lunch and dinner aboard the Eclipse

DAY 3 (SUNDAY)

Galapagos
Puerto Egas (James Bay). The Fur Seals Grottos. Time at leisure to swim or snorkel. The island of Bartolome. Time to swim and snorkel around Pinnacle Rock. Climbing to the highest point on Santa Cruz Island.
Accommodation: M / V Eclipse ( Stateroom )
Breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard the Eclipse

DAY 4 (MONDAY)

Galapagos
Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill). The island of Rabida (red volcanic rocks surrounding a beautiful red sand beach, sea lions and a pelican nesting site). Snorkeling. Kayak.
Accommodation: M / V Eclipse ( Stateroom )
Breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard the Eclipse

DAY 5 (TUESDAY)

Galapagos
Tagus Cove (Isabela Island), historically used as an anchoring place for pirates, buccaneers and whalers. Darwin volcano. The channel between Fernandina and Isabela Islands. Elizabeth Bay on Isabela Island. Marielas Islets (flightless cormorants, herons).
Accommodation: M / V Eclipse ( Stateroom )
Breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard the Eclipse

DAY 6 (WEDNESDAY)

Galapagos
Punta Espinoza, on Fernandina Island. La Cumbre Volcano (Galapagos snakes, marine iguanas, penguins and the Galapagos hawk). Punta Vicente Roca, located on Isabela Island.
Accommodation: M / V Eclipse ( Stateroom )
Breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard the Eclipse

DAY 7 (THURSDAY)

Galapagos
Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island), the Galapagos's main center of population, where the Charles Darwin Research Station is situated.
Accommodation: M / V Eclipse ( Stateroom )
Breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard the Eclipse

DAY 8 (FRIDAY)

Galapagos
Gardner Bay (Espanola Island). Gardner Islet. Snorkeling. Punta Suarez known for albatrosses.
Accommodation: M / V Eclipse ( Stateroom )
Breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard the Eclipse

DAY 9 (SATURDAY)

Galapagos – Quito
Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz Island). Airport transfer. Flight to Quito.
Accommodation: Swissotel ( Luxury Room )
Breakfast aboard the Eclipse

DAY 10 (SUNDAY)

Quito – Depart

PRICE PER PERSON IN DOUBLE ACCOMMODATION:

NOT INCLUDED:

• International departure taxes (Peru): 950 RUB PER PERSON
• Air tickets Lima/Quito: 13 930 RUB PER PERSON
• Air tickets UIO/GPS/ UIO: 12 030 RUB PER PERSON
• Galapagos national park fee: 11 610 RUB PER PERSON
• International departure taxes (Ecuador): 1 240 RUB PER PERSON

Please contact Tours Department in our office by phone +7 (495) 234-6553 or send email with your request to tours@unifest.ru