TRIP BEGINNING/END: Quito, Ecuador

PROPOSED ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrival in Quito:

Arrival in the evening and transfer from the airport to a colonial boutique hotel in the center of Quito's Old Town.

Day 2: Quito. (B,L,D)

After breakfast we take a "Hidden Places of Old Quito" walking tour with our esteemed and highly knowledgeable local guide. After lunch in a café, the afternoon is free to explore on your own.

We meet in the evening for a welcome dinner and briefing.

Day 3: Quito to Galapagos Islands, South Plaza Island (B, L,D)

After breakfast we transfer to the airport and board a domestic flight for a 3 hour flight to the Galapagos Islands. On arrival, we embark our mothership. While we settle into our cabins, enjoy lunch and meet our naturalist guide, our mothership sets sail for our first destination, the small island of South Plaza, just off the eastern coast of Santa Cruz Island. In the past we have watched killer whales feeding in these waters. South Plaza is an ideal introduction to the Galapagos, hosting a large colony of sea lions that are so unafraid of humans we have to walk around them as we go ashore! Not far from the landing point we encounter land iguanas wandering among the tree cacti. A short walk takes us to the edge of surf-sprayed cliffs, where swallow-tailed gulls, Audubon's Shearwaters and Red-billed Tropic birds wheel above us.

Day 4: Genovesa Island (B,L,D)

We cross the Equator during our overnight cruise to Genovesa Island, and in the early morning anchor in Darwin Bay, which is formed by the submerged caldera of an extinct volcano. Going ashore by dingy, we encounter a huge colony of great frigate birds. It is an unforgettable sight, especially if we are lucky enough to see the male frigate birds inflating their red pouches and calling to attract females flying overhead. We also view red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies and swallow-tailed doves. In the afternoon, we paddle and snorkel along the island's submerged crater walls where angelfish and parrot fish are in abundance. Finally, we climb the Prince Philip Steps to watch tropicbirds riding the thermals and storm petrels flying back to their lairs, and hopefully, we get a glimpse of the illusive short-eared owl.

Day 5: Santa Isabela and Fernandina Islands (B,L,D)

Heading westward at night, we cross the Equator once more to reach Tagus Cove on the west coast of Santa Isabela. Snorkeling and kayaking along the cliffs, we marvel at Galapagos penguins - the second smallest and most northern in the world - and the rare flightless cormorants. Meanwhile, blue-footed boobies execute risky diving maneuvers close by! Going ashore, we walk through a dramatic volcanic landscape, past a salt lake crater and up to a dramatic viewpoint. After lunch our mothership moves to Fernandina, one of the most volcanically active islands in the archipelago. We cross black lava flows where marine iguanas lie in heaps, warming up after a day of feeding in the sea., and we encounter more flightless cormorants, sometimes on their seaweed nests. We return to our yacht for dinner and from the deck of our mothership we keep a sharp lookout for the sperm whales that are often spotted in these waters.

Day 6: Santiago Island, Bartolome Island (B,L,D)

Today we reach James Bay, situated on the western side of Santiago Island. We explore the shoreline, looking for fur seals in the intricate grottos and caves, and marine iguanas on the beaches. We encounter a variety of herons, and with luck we spot the Galapagos Hawk. In the afternoon we cruise to Bartolome Island, where we climb many easy steps, through a stunning moonscape, reaching the 600 ft summit for some great views and photography. We also enjoy the great snorkeling on the shores of Bartolome, with the chance of swimming with Galapagos penguins.

Day 7: Puerto Ayora and the highlands of Santa Cruz Island (B,L,D)

During the night, our mothership reaches Academy Bay, and the small town of Puerto Ayora. We transfer to the lush greenery of the highlands of Santa Cruz, where we hike and look for giant tortoises. After lunch in a local ranch we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the institute's tortoise breeding programs. The rest of the afternoon is free for shopping in Puerto Ayora or using facilities in internet cafés. Please note: anyone interested in diving can opt to do this as an alternative to the provided activities. This not part of the program and can be arranged with local dive operators.

Day 8: Floreana Island (B,L,D)

On Floreana Island we walk along a beautiful beach to a lagoon, observing flamingoes and other wading birds. Next we visit a superb snorkeling location, for some very special underwater experiences! Our naturalist will have told us the intriguing human history of Floreana, and in the afternoon we will visit the legendary Post Office Bay. Its famed wooden barrel was first placed there in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. Since then, it has been used by whalers, yachtsmen and tourists alike as a post office. If you find a letter or postcard in the box that is addressed to someone living near your next destination, take it with you and continue an ancient tradition.

Day 9: Espanola Island (B,L,D)

From our anchorage in a protected bay on the north eastern shore of Espanola Island, we paddle and snorkel along the cliffs of Gardner Island, finding our way into a spectacular cave and playing with sea lions along the way! Later we transfer to a stunning white sandy beach dotted with hundreds of basking sea lions and many friendly mocking birds. After lunch we cruise along the northern shores of Española to Punta Suarez. Here we hike past marine iguanas sunbathing on the rocks, through large colonies of blue-footed and Nazca boobies, and up to the edge of steep cliffs which are the mating and nesting area of waved albatrosses. These huge birds have wing spans of over seven feet and they majestically soar above us on updrafts rising from the wave battered sea cliffs - a fitting finale to a magical week!

Day 10: Galapagos Islands to Quito (B,D)

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Quito. The afternoon is free to shop and explore on your own, before our farewell dinner in Quito's best restaurant.

Day 11: Flight home (B)

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flights home. Galapagos Tour Activities: Easy hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, wildlife and bird watching, photo workshops and one-on-one coaching. Galapagos Tour Accommodation: 7 nights aboard the motor yacht. 3 nights in hotels

Note: Trip itinerary and price may change slightly during 2007, due to changes in National Park policy and fuel surcharges on the yachts.