Galapagos - Family Trip - April 7 – 18, 2009
The Galapagos Islands are located 600 miles west of Ecuador and offer some of the most spectacular wildlife found anywhere in the world. Nowhere else on this planet will you find penguins which live on the equator (The Galapagos Penguin) or iguanas which swim and feed in the ocean (The Marine Iguanas)! Because these islands have only recently been invaded by man, the literally 1000s of animals that inhabit these islands have never learned to fear us. This means that you can literally walk right up to hundreds of blue-footed boobie birds, red-footed boobie birds, masked boobie birds, albatrosses, penguins, land iguanas, marine iguanas, lava lizards, sea lions, fur seals, red-chested frigate birds, flamingos, finches, tropic birds, lava gulls, giant tortoises, and flightless cormorants.
We are leading a group of families to these wonderful islands. This trip will be based on a Southern itinerary so we may focus more on land based activities suitable for children and adults. We will usually do up to 2 dives, plus one or two land excursions, plus snorkeling each day. As always, we will have a two naturalists on board to lead us on our excursions and ensure that we get the most out of our adventure.
We will fly into Quito on Friday April 7 and overnight. On Saturday morning we will travel into the Andes to visit the open air Indian markets at Otovalo. We will spend the night at Hacienda Cusin, a restored 17th century estate. On Sunday we will tour the countryside around Otovalo and visit some of the neighboring villages before our return to Quito. On Monday we will fly to the Galapagos for a 7 night cruise through the islands aboard the Deep Blue. The ship carries 16 guests in 9 air-conditioned cabins see specifications link.
On Monday April 17 we will return to Quito and overnight before flying home the next day. There are several additional activities worth exploring in mainland Ecuador. We are happy to discuss these options with you.
Details: Trip includes:
7 nights aboard the Deep Blue
All meals and non-alcoholic beverages while onboard
Three overnights in Quito
One night in Otovalo
Return airfare between Quito and the Galapagos Islands
Airport transfers in Ecuador
Cost: $3750.00 per person - estimated
Not included:
Flights between the US and Quito - We can offer discounted rates on American Airlines and Continental Airlines
National Park fees – mandatory - $100
Port fees – mandatory - $70
Chamber fees – mandatory - $35
Nitrox – optional - $100
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Dive insurance
Optional side trips
Machu Picchu
Amazon Jungle
Hacienda stays
The Deep Blue
SPECIFICATIONS:
Length: 106 ft.
Beam 24.45 ft
16 passengers
SPEED 10.5 KNOTS (One of the fastest yachts in Galapagos !)
A large dive staging area with fresh water showers
air compressor, tanks, weights and some rental gear
2 Camera tables
Air conditioned throughout
9 double cabins all with individual climate control, private bathrooms and hot water
Fresh towels provided daily
All Lower beds
Small library
TV / DVD
A large sun deck, covered back deck
2 Generator ONAN 75 KW
2 Engine CUMMINS 440 HP
Crew 8 plus 1 guide on naturalist trips, 2 guides on dive trips
All safety equipment complies with international Coast Guard Regulation.
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