Join Sea Dog Divers as we explore the mysterious & enchanted world of Charles Darwin by land & sea......
Listed as one of the 7 underwater wonders of the world, the Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of 13 volcanic islands with another 50-60 minor Islets and associated rocks located in the Pacific Ocean about 1000 kilometers west of the coast of South America. The Galápagos archipelago is politically part of Ecuador. The official name in Spanish is Archipiélago de Colón. Due to the volcanic activity, some islets are still in the process of being formed. Indeed, the Galápagos islands are considered one of the most active volcanic areas in the world.
The Invitation to Adventure:
Many of you have suggested that it was again time for an exotic & unique adventure......one that you could plan for well in advance......well here it is!
As guests of the Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges, this expedition is the chance of a lifetime to become a true explorer and see firsthand the mystery & beauty of these remote islands that lie in isolation some 600 miles off the coast of mainland Ecuador. They have remained a source of scientific curiosity & controversy ever since Darwin first set foot on them in 1830. It was here that he made the major portion of his observation that led to his theories on evolution and the Origin of the Species.
The expedition has been structured so that there are activities, tours, and treks to appeal to everyone, so all divers, non-diver, & snorkelers are encouraged to join Sea Dog Divers for an adventure that you will be talking about for many years to come! Just have a look at the great tours & experiences that we have planned below.
Much of the same flora and fauna that inspired Darwin's The Origin of Species still thrives on the Galapagos today. Appropriately, ninety-seven percent of the island is a national park. The legendary marine and land iguanas, the giant tortoises, and seal colonies of the Galapagos are among nature's most fantastic beings. Visitors will gasp at these stunning animals, all of which are highly approachable as their isolated evolution has not conditioned them to fear humans. Iguanas and tortoises bask in the sun like bored movie stars, feet away from the photo-snapping Homo Sapiens. Though their indifference may make the animals seem humorously aloof, their very ignorance makes them vulnerable.
Your adventure will begin in Quito Ecuador, where you will enjoy an evening to unwind after your flight. In the morning we take a short 90 minute flight over to the Galapagos. During our adventure, we will stay at three different islands with which will serve as our base camps (Isabela, Santa Cruz & San Cristobal), but you will actually dive several more. At the end of or explorations, we will again return to Quito for one last night before departure back home, or perhaps some of you may wish to continue your adventure by exploring more of Ecuador........there is even talk of organizing an additional trek to Machu Pichu.....let us know if you are interested?
The Adventure Itinerary (details subject to change based on weather & conditions):
October 12:
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador. Check into included hotel. Dinner on own.
October 13:
Activity: Arrival in Galapagos, Beach and Bay Tour
Route: Mainland Ecuador - Santa Cruz
Description:
Morning: Buffet Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport for flight to Galapagos
Mid-Day: Ferry crossing to Santa Cruz Island (10 min-ride). Check-in Aventura Lodge. Lunch
Afternoon : Both Divers and Non-Divers: Snorkel with Sea Lions, Sting Rays and Baby Reef Sharks in the shallow, emerald waters of Tortuga Bay, then witness the nesting site of the famous Marine Iguanas. Equipment fitting. Welcome Cocktail. Briefing. Dinner.
October 14:
Activity: Diving, Charles Darwin Research Station
Route: Santa Cruz - Santa Cruz
Description:
Morning: Divers: Diving in North Santa Cruz with opportunities to see Eagle Rays, Manta Rays, Hammerheads, White-Tipped Reef Sharks, Galapagos Shark, Stingrays, Marbled Rays, Tiger Snake Eels, Moray Eels, Garden Eels, Sea Stars, Sea Turtles, Jacks, Blue and Gold Snappers, Flag Cabrilla, Creolefish, King Angelfish, Barracuda, Heiroglyphic Hawkfish, Frogfish, Yellowtail Surgeonfish, Spotfin Burrfish, Scorpionfish, Cardinalfish, Nudibranch and more.
Morning: Non-Divers: Tortoise Quest/Highlands Tour
Afternoon: Both Divers and Non-Divers: We depart for a guided tour of the fascinating Charles Darwin Research Station. After the Darwin Station, there will be some free time to shop for souvenirs or browse the shops along Charles Darwin Avenue. Dinner is at 7:00 PM at the Aventura Lodge.
October 15:
Activity: Diving
Route: Santa Cruz - Isabela
Description:
Morning: Divers: Diving in North Santa Cruz with opportunities to see Eagle Rays, Manta Rays, Hammerheads, White-Tipped Reef Sharks, Galapagos Shark, Stingrays, Marbled Rays, Tiger Snake Eels, Moray Eels, Garden Eels, Sea Stars, Sea Turtles, Jacks, Blue and Gold Snappers, Flag Cabrilla, Creolefish, King Angelfish, Barracuda, Heiroglyphic Hawkfish, Frogfish, Yellowtail Surgeonfish, Spotfin Burrfish, Scorpionfish, Cardinalfish, Nudibranch and more.
Morning: Non-Divers: Sea Kayaking
Afternoon: Both Divers and Non-Divers: Transfer to Isabela. After returning to the Aventura Lodge you will get ready to depart to Isabela around 1:30 PM on the public ferry. Upon arriving in Isabela you will have some time to relax and enjoy the spectacular white sand beach before dinner at 7:00 PM.
October 16:
Activity: Diving and visit to Cerro Orchilla and Wall of Tears.
Route: Isabela - Isabela
Description:
Morning: Divers: Diving in North Santa Cruz. You will depart for Isla Tortuga for 2 dives where you will have a chance to see Mantas, Stingrays, Sea Turtles, White-Tipped Reef Sharks, Hammerheads, King Angelfish, Yellowtail Surgeonfish, Barberfish, Blue-Chin Parrotfish, Bumphead Parrotfish, Galapagos Groupers, Galapagos Sheephead, Harlequin Wrasse, Grey Grunts, Tuna, Barracuda, Corals, Tubes and more. Possibility of Sunfish and Orcas.
Morning: Non-Divers: Snorkel at Concha y Perla
Afternoon: Both Divers and Non-Divers: We begin with a drive out of town along the most beautiful, white sand, palm-lined beach in the whole of the Galapagos, Long Beach. This travel magazine cover stretches on for 3 kilometers before we hit the National Park and begin with a stop to walk up the stairs for astounding vistas from the top of Cerro Orchilla.
As you drive down the road, you will very likely see the largest of the Galapagos marine iguanas sunning by the side of the road. And don't be surprised if you have to wait for a Galapagos tortoise to cross the road in front of you. You will visit the Muro de Las Lagrimas (Wall of Tears), which was built with backbreaking effort by prisoners of a local penal colony by carrying jagged volcanic rock long distances.
The path to the Wall of Tears is abundant with lava lizards. The males are larger and striped and the females red-throated. If you visit during breeding season, be careful not to step on or disturb the many nests along this trail. They appear as holes that a gopher might have dug, but in fact are nests. Birds are also incredibly abundant and your Naturalist Guide will assist you with identification.
Isabela has more tortoises in the wild than any other island with several sub-species, since lava fields created a barrier that limited their mobility to freely roam. On your way back to town, you will visit the Interpretation Center, a breeding center for the giant Galapagos Tortoises and the only place to view the rare, remaining flat-backed (so-called 'tabletop' shells) Galapagos tortoises, many of which still bear the scars of volcanic activity from Sierra Negra. Dinner in the Lodge at 7:00 PM.
October 17:
Activity: Diving and free afternoon to relax
Route: Isabela - Isabela
Description:
Morning: Divers: Diving Isabela. Diving in 4 Hermanos, this is a series of 4 islands and islets where you can have a chance to see Manta Rays, Sea Horses, Lobster, Nudibranch, Sea Cucumber, Octopus, Sea Horse, White-Tipped Reef Shark, Yellowtail Surgeonfish, Peruvian Surgeonfish, Wrasse, Sea Turtles, Tuna, Panamic Horse Conch, Tiger Snake Eel, Sea Stars and so much more.
Morning: Non-Divers: Sierra Negra tour
Afternoon: Both Divers and Non-Divers: Free to enjoy the white sandy beach or explore downtown Isabela, Puerto Villamil, and take in some of the unique island culture and flavor.
October 18:
Activity: Isabela Bicycle Highlands tour then flight to San Cristobal, visit El Junco
Route: Isabela - San Cristobal
Description:
Morning: Both Divers and Non-Divers: After breakfast you will depart for a bicycle tour of the highlands of Isabela before heading to the airport at 1PM for your flight to San Cristobal. Any luggage over 20 pounds will be sent on the early ferry at 6 AM to meet you in the afternoon in San Cristobal.
Afternoon: Both Divers and Non-Divers: After a spectacular flight with breath taking views of the islands you will arrive in San Cristobal. After checking in at the lodge you will depart to El Junco. We take a ride through the countryside to reach El Junco Lake. The lake itself is the caldera (collapsed cone) of an extinct volcano and is about 300 metres wide and is the only large fresh water reservoir in the Galapagos archipelago. This sweet water lagoon is surrounded by fern and sedges and various flowering plants. Arriving on top of the lake, you are awarded by spectacular views to the lagoon and the surrounding hills and far away Pacific ocean.
October 19:
Activity: Diving and Snorkeling
Route: San Cristobal - San Cristobal
Description:
Morning: Divers: It is time to dive Kicker Rock or Sleeping Lion.
Morning: Non-Divers: snorkel or/sea kayak at Kicker Rock
Afternoon: Both Divers and Non-Divers: Puerto Grande, depart to Lobos Island. return to San Cristobal. Arrive to the hotel, free time to go shopping and explore down town San Cristobal.
October 20:
Activity: Visit Cerro de las Tijeretas or Frigatebird Hill. depart to airport
Route: San Cristobal - Mainland Ecuador
Description:
Morning: Both Divers and Non-Divers : Depart for our last land tour in Galapagos to visit Cerro de las Tijeretas or Frigatebird Hill before heading to the airport for your flight out to the mainland.
Afternoon/Evening: Arrive in Quito, Ecuador. Check into included hotel. Dinner on own.
October 21:
Flights home from Quito, Ecuador........or continue your adventure in South America??
The Special Adventure Rates:
• Diver - $4425 per person, based on double occupancy
• Non-Diver - $3925 per person, based on double occupancy
Fellow explorers are welcome to join us at our rendezvous in Quito from around the world. Solo travelers are welcome, but due to the limited number of rooms available for this exclusive expedition, roommates will need to be found. We will try and assist where possible, but it is always best if you can bring a friend to join in the adventure. No single rooms will be available for this expedition.
RATES ARE PER PERSON (DBL) AND INCLUDE:
• Domestic Flight QUITO / Galápagos / QUITO
• One Hotel Night Inbound Hotel Sheraton or similar + Transfer + Buffet Breakfast
• One Hotel Night Outbound Hotel Sheraton or similar + Transfer + Buffet Breakfast
• 10% Service Charge included as per Ecuadorian Law
• Welcome drink
• All Galapagos meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included (different daily options of fixed menus with soft drinks DURING MEALS)
• Excursions with English speaking Naturalist guide.
• Use of bikes in Puerto Ayora and Isabela
• INCLUDES all dive gear (except dive computers which can be rented separately - $15/day)
• Buffet breakfasts in Quito (day before & day after Galapagos)
RATES DO NOT INCLUDE:
• Round trip flights from your home city to Quito, Ecuador
• Mandatory entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park ($100 for non-Ecuadorian visitors)
• Control Visitor Card ($10)
• Quito Departure Tax ($40.80)
• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Gratuities
• Dive guide & tour guide tips
• Meals & drinks in Quito other than mentioned above
We will obtain prices for group air from Chicago to Quito, but rates will not be available until we are within 12 months of travel. For reference, the 2010 rates for airfare for the same timeframe are only running about $700 P/P. They are sometimes a bit lower. If you are a guest originating from Chicago and would like to be put on the group air list for price information, please advise at the time you make your reservation. The airlines require a minimum of 10 passengers from the same city to qualify for group air rates.
The Adventure Payment Plan:
• $425 p/p non-refundable deposit required at time of reservation
• 2nd payment of $400 P/P due on or before Sep. 30, 2010
• 3 rd payment of $400 P/P due on or before Nov. 30, 2010
• 4 th payment of $400 P/P due on or before Jan. 31, 2011
• 5 th payment of $400 P/P due on or before Mar. 31, 2011
• Final balance must be received on or before July 1, 2011 to avoid cancellation. No refunds after July 1, 2011 unless you find a replacement for your spot (original deposit of $425 is not refundable)
This will be an extraordinary adventure and a unique experience for both divers and non-divers. Space will be limited, so take advantage of the special payment pan and join the adventure crew today. Contact
sieg@seadogdivers.com with questions & to arrange your deposit.
