M/V Galapagos Legend: 8 Days
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 5,587
FIRST-CLASS | CRUISE: Experience the diversity of the Galapagos Islands as you spend 8 days sailing aboard the luxurious Legend. Take the time to get close to wildlife as you hike and snorkel around the islands.
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Nowhere embodies the spirit of eco-travel like the Galapagos Islands. They have inspired nature lovers all the way back to Charles Darwin, and today draw visitors from all parts of the globe. As the world’s second largest marine reserve after the Great Barrier Reef, the Islands are perhaps best experienced on a guided cruise. See Blue-footed Boobies, sea lions, and the famed Galapagos Tortoise. Then relax after each day’s discoveries aboard your first class vessel. The Legend sleeps 100 passengers with a commitment to luxury and privacy. Multilingual naturalist guides are onboard, along with a concierge and 24-hour medical service.
At the base of Dragon Hill, Ballena Bay gets your visit off to a picturesque start, its beach highlighted by green olivine crystal sands. Marine iguanas and sea birds also dot the landscape. Land on a volcanic sand beach visited by Darwin in 1835. You’ll find a wide variety of bird and sea life here, including endemic fur seals, who keep cool in the volcanic rock pools. Pass lava lizards and Blue-footed Boobies as you hike to the summit of the island. You may even have the chance to swim with Galapagos Penguins, sea turtles and Whitetip Reef Sharks.
Make another dry landing at North Seymour. Many of the Islands’ biggest stars can be found here, including Blue-footed Boobies and sea lions. Spend a day at Bachas Beach. A prime nesting spot for sea turtles, the beach is also the final resting place of numerous US Navy barges operated here during World War 2. In fact, the name ‘Bachas’ is derived from how the locals pronounce ‘barges’.
Santiago and Rabida Islands are the epicenter of the Galapagos and home to its most diverse volcanic ecology. A number of birds nest here as well, including Darwin’s finches and Brown Pelicans from July to September.
Isabela is the largest of the Islands. Tour the coral reef that emerged following volcanic activity in 1954. Learn more about the eruptions that formed the archipelago, before following the trail to Darwin’s Salt-water Crater Lake, to see the effects of this history first hand. This is another haven for the Islands’ birds, including the Galapagos Penguin, the only penguin whose range extends into the northern hemisphere.
Large marine iguanas and sea lions can be found at Espinosa Point. You’ll also see flightless cormorants and the king of local predators, the Galapagos Hawk. Go deep water snorkeling at Bolivar Channel, admiring the coastal birds as you explore in a dinghy. Your final day is devoted to the giant tortoises of Santa Cruz.
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 5,587
Itinerary View Trip Map
Mainland to Interpretation Center and Tijeretas Hill (San Cristobal)
Depart from mainland Ecuador to San Cristobal (2.5 hour flight). You will be picked up at the airport by your naturalist guides and taken on a ten-minute bus drive to the pier to board the M/V Galapagos Legend.
This afternoon, you will make a dry landing at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, capital of the Galapagos Islands. Visit the Interpretation Center, an excellent place to learn about the natural history of the Galapagos. The Museum of Natural History displays information on the volcanic origins of the islands, their remoteness from the continent, ocean currents, climate, the arrival of the different species and their colonization. The human history is also showcased, chronologically narrating the most significant events related to the discovery and colonization of the islands.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: Flat
Duration: 1 hour
Continue to Tijeretas Hill which involves a high intensity walk through beautiful landscapes ending with a magnificent view nearby a large frigatebird colony.
Difficulty level: Difficult
Type of Terrain: Rocky
Duration: 1 hour visit
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 Nights |
| Accommodation |
M/V Legend |
| Location | View map |
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M/V Legend
This legendary, 100-passenger, first-class vessel offers all the amenities of a large cruise liner without sacrificing the intimacy you'd expect on a small sailing craft, and consequently allows you to have it all.
This legendary, 100-passenger, first-class vessel offers all the amenities of a large cruise liner without sacrificing the intimacy you'd expect on a small sailing craft, and consequently allows you to have it all.
Facilities
- Auditorium
- Boutique(s)
- Embarkation Area
- Fitness Centre
- Jacuzzi
- Medical Facilities
- Panoramic Views
- Pool
- Restaurant
Gardner Bay and Suarez Point (Espanola)
Wet landing on a beautiful white coral sand beach guarded by a colony of sea lions. There are no trails, so you will stay along the shore where you can spot Galapagos Hawk, American Oystercatcher, Galapagos Dove, Hood Mockingbird, Yellow Warbler, lava lizards, marine iguanas and three species of Darwin's finches. Swimming and snorkeling offers a great variety of Galapagos marine animal sightings including King Angelfish, Creole Fish, Damsel Fish, parrot fish, manta rays and White-tipped Reef Sharks.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: Sandy
Duration: 1 hour walk and 1 hour snorkel
This afternoon is a dry landing on an island of geological interest. You will explore volcanic formations and a riveting wildlife including large sea lion colonies, the Espanola mockingbird, Nazca boobies and the spectacular red billed tropicbird. You will also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards and the colorful Sally Lightfoot Crabs.
A somewhat lengthy hike will bring you among Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies, right up to nesting grounds that sometimes overlap the trail. Other birding favorites include Galapagos Dove, Galapagos Hawk, Swallow-tailed Gulls and the world's largest colony of Waved Albatross (an unequivocal highlight during mating season: May-December).
Admire the island's dramatic backdrop featuring the famous Soplador, a seaward blowhole that shoots water to some 23 m (75 ft) in the air.
Difficulty: Difficult
Type of terrain: Rocky
Duration: 2.5 hour walk
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Post Office and Cormorant Point (Floreana)
In the morning, make a wet landing to visit the Post Office on the north side of Floreana. The bay is so-named because in 1793 Captain James Colnett installed a wooden barrel which served as an informal post office for sailors passing through, who would take letters with them to their destinations. Today, visitors continue the tradition by placing unstamped postcards inside the barrel that should reach their destinations for free. It can take weeks, months, even years, not arrive at all, or even arrive before you!
You may also encounter Darwin finches, Yellow Warbler and lava lizards. This area also provides great snorkeling opportunities with Green Pacific Sea Turtles as well. However, the island is best known for its endemic vegetation: Scalesia villosa, Lecocarpus pinnatifidus, and Galapagos milkwort. Snorkelers can practice on the main beach amongst playful sea lions.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: Sandy
Duration: 30 min walk and 1 hour snorkel
This afternoon, make a wet landing on an olivine green sand beach. You hike from the black mangrove beds to a brackish lagoon, which usually holds one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galapagos. This island features some endemic plants such as Scalesia villosa, white and black mangrove, and holy stick. The trail continues to a beautiful white sand beach, one of the most important nesting sites of Green Pacific Sea Turtles. It is important to avoid walking in the water due to the Sting Rays that may be hiding in the sand which can be dangerous if accidentally stepped on. From the beach one can spot sea turtles and Blue-footed Boobies plunging into the water. The shoreline is also scattered with small reef sharks floating along in search of food.
A coral sand beach marks the end of the trail. You will head back to the olivine beach that you landed on to swim or snorkel amongst sea turtles, reef fish, sea lions and possibly white-tipped reef sharks. A small colony of penguins resides on Floreana and can sometimes be observed as well.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: Sandy and Flat
Duration: 1 hour walk and 1 hour snorkel
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Highlands and Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz)
After a dry landing, a 45 minute bus ride will take you to the Santa Cruz highlands located to the northwest of Puerto Ayora, where you will find a natural reserve with giant tortoises. These enormous and slow-moving reptiles are responsible for the island's name and therefore approaching them in their humid and forested abode is always an inspiring adventure. They can weigh between 250 and 300 kg and can live 150-200 years. Additionally, travelers can walk inside surprising lava tubes.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: Flat and muddy sometimes (depending on season)
Duration: 45 minutes drive and 1.5 hour walk
In the afternoon, make a dry landing at Santa Cruz. You will visit the station where the Galapagos giant tortoise breeding program takes place. This visit makes for a great photo opportunity. While at the station, take time to admire a prickly pear cactus forest and a variety of Darwin's finches and other land birds. The Darwin Station also works providing environmental education to communities and schools within the islands and to tourists visiting the Galapagos Islands. You will have some free time to visit the town and shop for souvenirs.
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Type of terrain: Flat
Duration: 1.5 hour visit
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Carrion Point and Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz)
Early this morning you will go to this rocky cliff that offers a great opportunity to explore more the various marine biodiversity of the islands. Do snorkeling among a variety of colorful fish, stingrays, and if lucky, there could be the chance to see the magnificent White tipped shark.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: Water
Duration: 2 hour snorkel
In the afternoon, you will enjoy of a dinghy ride on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove, accessible only by sea. Four species of mangrove crowd and form an internal lagoon, turtles visit the calm waters, peaking their heads above the surface while fish, rays circle below. White-tipped reef sharks can be seen beneath the boat, plus sea birds, including pelicans, herons and egrets. This cove has been declared as a "turtle sanctuary".
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: None
Duration: 1 hour dinghy ride
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Genovesa - El Barranco and Darwin Bay
This morning visit El Barranco, Prince Philip's Steps. Be marveled at the variety of sea life that uses the crevices of the lava cliffs for shelter. Red-billed Tropicbirds fly overhead, switching between their nests and the bay, and a small colony of fur seals may be found near the landing site. You will be dropped off at a steep stairway that begins on rocks at the foot of a path that leads through a seabird colony full of Nazca and Red-footed Boobies. At the plateau, the trail continues inland allowing you to see more nesting booby colonies in the thin Palo Santo forest. Near the end of the trail, over a rocky lava plain, Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrels can be observed flying in all directions. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a Short-eared Owl.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Type of terrain: Rocky - Lava
Duration: 45 minute walk
During the afternoon you will disembark onto a small sand and coral beach. A short trail heads west along a tidal lagoon and then up a rocky hill that leads to a point overlooking the cliffs and Darwin Bay. Along the trail near the tidal lagoon, visitors will see pairs of Swallow-tailed Gulls, Lava Gulls, Yellow-crowned and Lava Herons. The trail continues through Palo Santo trees, Opuntia cacti, and Saltbushes inhabited by Great Frigate birds and Red-footed Boobies. This is one of the few places in the islands where visitors are guaranteed to see Red-footed Boobies. It is estimated that more than 200.000 Red-footed Boobies live in the trees and bushes of Genovesa.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Type of terrain: Sand and Lava
Duration: 2.5 hours walk
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz) and Santa Fe
This morning, make a dry landing. Walk by a brackish lagoon where feeding flamingoes can be occasionally found. The trail leads across typical dry zone vegetation up to Dragon Hill, an important nesting ground for endemic land iguanas, offering lovely views of the anchorage and neighbouring islands. The forest is home to mockingbirds, Darwin's finches, Yellow Warblers and Galapagos Doves.
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Type of terrain: Rocky
Duration: 2 hours walk
In the afternoon, make a wet landing at Santa Fe. This island shows white sand beaches surrounded by sea lion colonies. Through the island path, an endemic cactus forest is passed, home of the Santa Fe land iguanas (the largest in the islands). This island is the habitat for a number of species, including the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snakes, rice rats (one of the few endemic Galapagos rodents), a variety of finches and one of the four mockingbird species of the archipelago.
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Type of terrain: Rocky
Duration: 1.5 hour walk / 1 hour deep water snorkeling
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz)
Wet landing on the north side of Santa Cruz. Behind the beach lies two flamingo ponds with iguanas, coastal birds, Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and gulls, as well as interesting native and endemic vegetation. This beach is one of the main nesting sites of sea turtles in the Galapagos. A female can lay eggs 3 or 4 times with an average 70 eggs each, but then will spend 3 to 5 years without breeding.
At this site, you will also find the remains of barges that sank long ago, once property of the United States Navy when they operated an airbase on Baltra Island during World War II. The name "Bachas" was how the locals pronounced "barges".
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 1 hour walking, 1 hour snorkeling/swimming
Later, you will go straight to the airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador where your tour concludes.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Itinerary A&B or C&D = Mondays
Itinerary B&C or D&A = Thursdays
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Shared arrival and departure airport transfers
- Roundtrip domestic flights from Quito (or Guayaquil) to Baltra Airport
- 7 nights in first-class cruise cabin, as selected, with air-conditioning and private facilities
- Two excursions per day with multilingual naturalist guides
- Access to briefings, lectures, shared areas and activities on board
- Welcome and farewell cocktail
- Galapagos Park National Park Tax
- Migration Control Card
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 7 lunches, 7 dinners
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Optional cruise activities
- Items of a personal nature
- Visa fees if applicable
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
OTHER INFORMATION:
NOTE: The domestic flights Quito - Galapagos - Quito (approx. $550 USD), Galapagos Park entrance fee of $100 USD and visitors ticket of $20 USD are included in the trip price. (Subject to change).
Itineraries: Due to government regulations designed to control and protect the impact of tourism, each vessel, based on length of cruise has its own distinct itinerary. The itineraries are designed to allow visitors to visit all regions of the islands and we suggest you request the advice of Goway's Latin specialists as to which itinerary would suit you best.
Optional on board services (available for pre-purchase):
• Scuba Diving during GO´s cruises: half day tour with 1-2 immersions and equipment included.
• Wet suits rental
• Kayak rental
• Transparent kayak
• Internet plans
• Alcoholic / non-alcoholic beverages
14 Dec 2023
