2022 GALAPAGOS - Wild Earth Expeditions
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2022 GALAPAGOS
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
LAND & SEA ~ THE COMPLETE EXPERIENCE
10 – 26 JAN 2022 ● 17 DAYS ● 14 GUESTS
Experience all that the Galapagos Islands has to offer on a nature lovers and marine enthusiast's
complete adventure. Nineteen remote islands make up the Galapagos archipelago and are among
the most pristine and natural places on earth. Sprinkled almost 1000km off Ecuador's coast in the
eastern Pacific Ocean, they are a UNESCO World Heritage site for both land and sea. The diverse
and unique islands offer breathtaking landscapes, green highlands, volcanic peaks, powder white
sandy beaches, and clear seas with magnificent underwater seascapes. Uninhabited by man for 150
years, has allowed wildlife to flourish. With a plethora of endemic birdlife and reptiles on land and an
abundant sea filled with life and healthy vibrant reefs, made the Galapagos Islands the inspiration
for Charles Darwin's ground-breaking 'Origin of Species' book published in 1859. Follow in Darwin's
footsteps onboard our privately chartered yacht, with a specially designed 2-week itinerary to
showcase why the Galapagos Islands are unlike any other place on earth.
Start your journey in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. A lively mix of history and culture, blending
indigenous styles, European and Moorish architecture in a city constructed on ancient Incan
foundations. Fly to the Galapagos Islands and embark on our privately chartered yacht for what
promises to be the ultimate exploration on land and sea of this unique and incredible island
archipelago.
Due to a lack of natural predators, the amount of life in and around the islands thrives. 80% of land
birds, 97% reptiles and land mammals, 30% of plants, and over 20% of marine species are endemic
to the Galapagos, found nowhere else on earth. Let our expert guides take you through the majestic
volcanic islands and scenic bays inhabited by awe-inspiring wildlife. Due to the lack of human
presence, the wildlife has no fear of humans, allowing for intimate interactions and sightings.
For bird lovers, 22 out of the 29 resident land birds in Galapagos are endemic. Blue-footed and Red-
footed booby's, cormorants, albatross, hawks, frigates, doves, flycatchers, herons, crakes, owls, and
mockingbirds, to name just a few. Add to this, free-roaming giant tortoises, iguanas, and penguins,
with sea lions and fur seals frolicking on the beach. The diverse geology of the islands has created
a unique environment and an abundance of life.
The Galapagos is home to the world's 2nd largest marine reserve and is hailed one of the top spots
in the world to Scuba dive. After a week of island exploration, topside and snorkeling, take the plunge
to see how the Galapagos earnt this reputation. The waters have given rise to a wealth of unique
marine creatures where major ocean currents collide. The islands are home to the world's only
marine iguana and the most northern-living penguin. Spot pelagic action close to shore and in the
deeper waters. Dive amongst schooling Scalloped hammerheads, Silky sharks, Galapagos sharks,
manta rays, Green sea turtles, Spotted eagle rays, barracudas, and tuna. Swim alongside fur seals,
sea lions, and dolphins. Dive spectacular seascapes, through impressive arches, around volcanic
rocks, plateaus, and ridges teeming with life.
Combine your adventure with the mighty Amazon rainforest, the Avenue of volcanos, and the
misty Cloud forests of Ecuador
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HIGHLIGHTS
• Explore the best of the land & sea that the Galapagos has on offer on a 2-week exclusive yacht
journey
• Dive amidst schooling Hammerheads, Galapagos- and Silky sharks on world renowned dive sites
• Admire the endemic giant Galapagos tortoise roaming in its natural habitat
• Explore cavernous underground lava tunnels and view the geological wonders of the volcanic
islands
• Stroll alongside marine iguanas basking in the sun, sea lions and fur seals frolicking on the beach
• Swim alongside dolphins, mantas, sea turtles, the “Ocean sunfish” Mola-mola, and other large
pelagic species
• Take guided walks with local experts to spot land iguanas, penguins, nesting sea birds and
endemic species like the Mockingbird, hawk and the Galapagos snake.
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS – Land & Sea ~ The Complete Experience
10 - 26 JAN 2022 ● 17 DAYS ● 14 GUESTS
Day 01 | Jan 10 Depart Home / En Route to Quito, Ecuador
Day 02 | Jan 11 Quito / Welcome dinner
Day 03 | Jan 12 Fly to Galapagos / Board M/Y Blue Spirit
Day 04-16 | Jan 13 - 25 Explore the best of the Galapagos Islands above and below the water
Day 17 | Jan 26 Disembark / International flights home
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ITINERARY
GALAPAGOS – LAND & SEA ~ THE COMPLETE EXPERIENCE
Day 01. Jan 10, 2022. Depart Home / En route to Quito Airport, Ecuador
Depart your home and journey to Ecuador, arriving into Quito international airport. We highly
recommend arriving at least a day before the expedition departure so that you can acclimatize, are
well-rested, and, most importantly, don’t miss the trip. We can assist you with booking extra nights
at the 5* star Hotel Casa Gangotena or another hotel of your choice.
Day 02. Jan 11, 2022. Quito / Welcome Dinner
On arrival into Quito, transfer to the city center and the acclaimed 5* Hotel Casa Gangotena. Meet
your Wild Earth expedition leaders and the rest of the Wild Earth Explorers for a special welcome
cocktail and dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Casa Gangotena (D)
Day 03. Jan 12, 2022. Fly to Galapagos / M/Y Blue Spirit
After breakfast, it is time to fly to the Galapagos and our home for the next two weeks, the superior
class yacht M/Y Blue Spirit. The personalized service and expert guides combined with cozy cabins,
spacious lounges, and dining areas and delicious food make this well-facilitated yacht the perfect
base for our 2-week Galapagos adventure. The Galapagos Islands are renowned for their distinctive
plant life, and an enormous number of native species present nowhere else in the world. We have
designed this bespoke and unique itinerary to showcase the depth of beauty and wealth of life that
is present in the Galapagos above and below the water.
Overnight: MY Blue Spirit (B, L, D)
Day 04 -16. Jan 13-25, 2022. Dive / Explore the Islands
Below are examples of the islands that we plan to visit. The exact day to day itinerary is dependent
on weather and sea conditions, so please note this is subject to change. With our planned bespoke
itinerary and private charter, we have managed to obtain special permission to complete both the
naturalist tours and the diving from the same yacht. Due to regulations, the first half of the sailing will
be based on land tours/snorkeling, and the second week will be focused on diving to comply with
the regulations and guidelines in the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
Isabela
Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago, was named in honor of Queen Isabela of Spain. It
occupies 60% of the total landmass of the Galapagos, with the Equator passing directly through it.
Two of the volcanos in Isabela, Wolf, and Cerro Azul reach above the cloud cover at 1707 meters
(Wolf is the highest peak in the Galapagos). The island is home to more wild giant tortoises than all
the other islands combined.
Isabela is also very well known for its bird nesting sites, especially cormorants and Galapagos
penguins. Snorkel at the famous Punta Vicente Roca, where you can see high concentrations of sea
turtles and the “sunfish” (Mola mola). This is one of the most famous and most beautiful snorkeling
sites in the Galapagos Islands.
Marshall cape
Marshall cape is located on the northeast side of Isabela. It is famous for its population of giant
mantas and Mobula rays, enormous schools of Barracudas, Galapagos sharks, and sea lions.
Marshall cape has another important attraction, the flightless cormorants, which can be seen resting
on the shores. See sharks teeming around the impressive underwater volcano at Roca Redonda.
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Punta Vicente Roca Punta Vicente Roca is situated on the northwest coast of Isabela. At this spectacular site, you can observe turtles galore, Peruvian grunts, flatworms, sea lions, frogfish, octopus, nudibranchs, Galapagos bullhead shark, Mola molas, penguins, schools of black-striped salemas, sea horses, dolphins, and tuna. Onshore you can find nesting Nazca and blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and other sea birds. Fernandina On the westernmost island in the Galapagos Islands lies the volcanic chain’s most active volcano: Fernandina, the third-largest island of the archipelago. With an area of 642 square kilometers and an altitude of 1,494 meters, you may be lucky to witness small volcanic eruptions. The island is the home to the Galapagos penguin, sea lions, and many other extraordinary species. At Punta Espinosa, in the northeast of Fernandina, you have the opportunity to see hundreds of marine iguanas sunbaking in the sand. Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, the 2nd largest island and situated in the heart of the archipelago, is home to a great diversity of wildlife and exotic vegetation. Puerto Ayora offers a relaxed and peaceful coastal town feeling. Head through the highlands to see the varied vegetation and fauna, as the altitude and weather changes. See the giant Galapagos tortoise roaming freely in its natural habitat and explore a cavernous underground lava tunnel, one of the geological wonders of the volcanic islands. Puerto Ayora is also home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, set up in memory of the famous scholar. After visiting the Galapagos Islands in the early 1800s, Charles Darwin became fascinated with the islands’ wildlife inhabitants and how they had adapted to this unique environment. He published his observations in the now famous ‘The Origin of Species, ’ which has become a controversial resource in the scientific view on the biological origins of life. For decades CDRS has worked on conservation, restoration, and sustainable development projects to ensure that the archipelago is well-managed. More than a hundred scientists, educators, research assistants, support staff, and volunteers from all over the world have participated in this effort. At the center, learn more about the evolution of the various species and why the Galapagos Islands are so unique. Marchena Marchena is an active shield volcano that last erupted in 1991. With 3/4 of the island covered with black lava and fumaroles (steam vents), it is a very arid and hot place. Marchena is an excellent dive site that is often overlooked. Home to many endemic species, you can find large schools of Galapagos sharks, Hammerhead sharks, rays, sea lions, dolphins, sea turtles, moray- and garden eels, cow-nosed rays as well as blue-striped snappers, surgeonfish, scorpionfish, and the very unusual red-lipped batfish. The island was also embroiled in the famous ‘Floreana Mystery.’ Here the dead bodies of Rudolf Lorenz, one of the Baroness consorts and the captain of the ship he was on, mysteriously washed-up onshore in the 1930s. The story inspired a documentary film in 2013 called ‘The Galapagos Affair: Satan came to Eden.’ Wolf This very remote island was named after the German geologist Theodor Wolf. It is located almost 200km northwest of Isabela, on the Wolf-Darwin volcanic ridge. Darwin and Wolf Islands are the most remote in the archipelago. The first terrestrial visit took place in 1964 with the aid of a helicopter. Both Wolf and Darwin are the remaining tips of a massive, mostly subsurface volcano that rises over 1000m above the seafloor. The island is a sanctuary for its abundant and diverse marine wildlife and seabird population, including frigates and boobies. Underwater find the unusual red-lipped batfish, schooling Hammerheads, Silky, and Galapagos sharks, dolphins, seals, and eagle rays. With famous dive sites like La Banana, Punta Shark Bay, Islote la Ventana, the diving here is fantastic, with El Derrumbe considered one of the best dive sites in the world. The currents and conditions create a whirlwind of WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 5 INFO@WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM
life underwater with schooling Hammerheads, Galapagos-, Whitetip- and Silkie sharks cruising along the walls. Studies have shown that Wolf is one of the largest shark biomass sites in the world. Darwin Rich with its variety of pelagic species and one of the smallest islands in the archipelago, Darwin is a mind-blowing dive site and considered to be one of the 7 “Underwater Wonders of the World.” With its impressive stone arch formation, known as Darwin’s Arch and big drop-off, there is an explosion of life underwater at the dive sites El Arco and El Arenal. Expect to see schooling hammerheads, angelfish, tuna, grunts, garden eels, moray eels, manta rays, sea lions, and much more on these epic dive sites. The island is also home to many sea birds, which frequently visit the boat. Santiago Dolphins, sharks, sea lions and flamingos are part of the wildlife that make their home on this island. Be delighted by the incredible lava formations of Sullivan Bay, created by the Pahoehoe lava flow. The lava shoreline has provided the island with many of its attractions. Cousins Rock is a small islet with platforms full of black coral where you can see schooling Barracuda, sea lions, Salema, yellowtail surgeonfish, Hammerhead and whitetip reef sharks, manta and eagle rays, lots of nudibranchs and sometimes frogfish and sea horses amongst the small hard corals, red sponges, and sea fans. Rabida Rabida Island is a tiny island located south of Santiago, with a rocky coastline. Its distinctive red appearance comes from the presence of iron. Visitors can see pelicans, and 14 species of finches can be found here. The reddish hue of the sand and soil, combined with the fantastic flora and fauna, makes this a unique stop on your itinerary. Bartolomé Bartolomé is a barren islet in Sullivan Bay to the east of Santiago Island. Bartolomé is home to a distinctive and very iconic site in the archipelago. Pinnacle Rock is a volcanic cone, formed when magma was expelled from an underwater volcano; the sea cooled the hot lava, which then exploded, only to come together and form this colossal rock made up of many thin layers of basalt. The island is a nesting site for the Galapagos penguin. A 600m trail leads to the 114m summit of the rock to give an incredible panoramic view of the surrounding islands and islets. Green turtles, sea lions, stingrays, white- and blacktip reef sharks, spotted eagle rays can be seen in the surrounding waters. Las Tintoreras The wetlands in this group of small islets form an intricate network of trails that are essential wildlife corridors. See marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos sea lions, patrolling whitetip reef sharks and green turtles. North Seymour An island covered with bushy vegetation and many endemic species that make it remarkable and it is the home of one of the largest populations of blue-footed booby birds, noddies, swallow-tailed gulls, and magnificent frigate birds. Many Land Iguanas can be spotted around the island too. Mosquera Mosquera is a reef of rocks, sand, and corals. It is a flat island and is the product of a geological elevation. It has a length of 160m and a width of 600m. It has one of the largest populations of sea lions and is home to lava gulls, many sea birds, and crabs. WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 6 INFO@WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM
Floreana Island Floreana Island is one of the oldest and smallest islands in the archipelago. Floreana has, arguably, the most interesting human history of all of the Galapagos Islands. It is the site of the first “post office,” established in 1793 by whalers, and it was the home to the first Galapagos resident, an Irishman named Patrick Watkins who lived there from 1807-1809. Floreana was the first island to be colonized by Ecuadorians in 1832. It was a penal colony that didn’t last long because of the lack of freshwater. A pregnant Margret Wittmer with her husband Heinz arrived in 1932. They built a house and also established an agricultural lifestyle before giving birth to their son Rolf, the first person to be born in Galapagos. Punta Cormorant has a unique green-sand beach, containing olivine crystals. The island is also home to a variety of native and introduced birds including shorebirds, flamingos, stilts, owls, rails, white-cheeked pintail ducks and migratory birds. South Plaza South Plaza is a small island that was formed by a stream of lava from the bottom of the ocean. It is especially famous for its extraordinary flora. Depending on the season, the vegetation changes its color. This island is home to land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, sea birds, brown pelicans, red-billed tropicbirds, and frigate birds, and it is one of the best places to get close to sea lions. Santa Fe With volcanic rocks, said to date back over 4 million years, Santa Fe is one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. Opuntia Cactus is part of its characterized dense forest vegetation; there are also salt bushes along the trails and giant prickly pear cactus. Santa Fe is the home to a picturesque cove and many endemic species like the Galapagos snake, the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos mockingbird, sea lion colonies, rice rats, and one of the two species of endemic land Iguanas of the islands. Sea lions can be found lazing on the beaches. Overnight: MY Blue Spirit (B, L, D) Day 17. Jan 26, 2022. Disembark / International flight home After an epic 2-week adventure and a final breakfast bid farewell to our friends onboard the M/Y Blue Spirit and make your way to the airport for your homebound flights. If you would like us to arrange accommodations in Quito or Guayaquil due to flight connections, please let us know. End of services (B) WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 7 INFO@WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM
M/V BLUE SPIRIT The M/V Blue Spirit yacht offers premium service, naturalist-guided exploration, world-class diving, and high comfort levels. M/V Blue Spirit has ten cozy cabins, each with air-conditioning, private en-suite bathroom, and storage space. Four cabins are located on the upper deck with sea views, and six on the lower deck. The beautiful lounge and restaurant make the perfect setting to enjoy delicious, freshly prepared cuisine, informative sessions, and photo presentations. The sundeck with loungers is ideal for relaxing in between dives or star-gazing in the evening. The Blue Spirit yacht has a wide diving platform for the comfort of use and is equipped for all planned activities. After your dives, return to hot towels in the spacious, warm enclosed dive deck. It has Al- Fresco hot showers, areas to clean your equipment, tables to clean your underwater cameras, a recharging station, and individual gear bins. The experienced and professional crew of the Blue Spirit yacht are ready and waiting to welcome you aboard, for a trip of a lifetime. WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 8 INFO@WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM
COMBINE FOR THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE
ECUADOR – Amazon, Avenue of Volcanos & Cloud Forest
02 - 12 JAN 2022 ● 11 DAYS ● 14 GUESTS
On this adventure, step into a country world-renowned for its biodiversity, varied terrain, and wildlife
habitats thriving with wildlife and natural beauty. Hike through the primary rainforest as you journey
into the heart of the Amazon. Be in awe of the pristine nature surrounding you as you glide down the
river on canoes. Observe the speed and agility of a variety of dazzling hummingbirds in the cloud
forest. Head up into the Andes for breathtaking views of high-altitude volcanos and valleys dotted
with traditional villages. Delve into the rich Ecuadorian history and indigenous culture for an authentic
experience like no other.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Day 01 | Jan 02 Depart Home / En Route to Quito, Ecuador
Day 02 | Jan 03 Arrival / Quito city tour / Welcome cocktails & dinner
Day 03 | Jan 04 Fly to Ecuadorian Amazon
Day 04-06 | Jan 05-07 Explore the Amazon
Day 07 | Jan 08 Fly to Quito / Discover the Mindo Cloud Forest
Day 08 | Jan 09 Cloud forest / Avenue of Volcanos ~ Cotopaxi
Day 09 | Jan 10 Cotopaxi / Riobamba
Day 10 | Jan 11 Devil’s Nose Train / Quito
Day 11 | Jan 12 Depart Quito on your homeward journey or fly to Galapagos Islands
Explore our Ecuador expedition and brochure for more details on the ultimate adventure.
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COST & INFO
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS – Land & Sea ~ The Complete Experience
10 - 26 JAN 2022 ● 17 DAYS ● 14 GUESTS
Double Occupancy: USD $15,980 per person sharing
Single Supplement Surcharge: USD $12,700 per person
INCLUDED
All accommodations in twin/double share rooms/cabins as outlined in the itinerary; Exclusive 2-week
private yacht charter onboard the M/Y Blue Spirit in Galapagos; All group meals; Welcome and
farewell cocktail receptions; Soft drinks, drinking water, tea and regular filter coffee during meals; 1
glass of wine with dinner onboard yacht; Drinking water in rooms and while on tours; All group
transfers and baggage handling; All tours, excursions, diving and snorkeling as outlined in the
itinerary; Exclusive services of English speaking professional guides, naturalists and Marine
Biologists; Services of 2 Wild Earth Expedition Leaders; All gratuities to porters, guides, drivers, dive
crew, and wait staff; Government- Service- and Room taxes; All permits including USD$100
Galapagos park fee, tourist fees, harbor fees, entrance, and landing fees; Complimentary slideshow;
Donation to local environmental conservation project.
NOT INCLUDED
All international and domestic airfares (domestic group flights based on 2020 prices are currently
$490 per person in economy class for the Quito-Galapagos-Quito flights (Business Class upon
request currently priced $575). Please note that flight prices are subject to change until ticketed).
Any airport arrival and departure taxes; Passport and visa fees; Immunization costs; Meals and
tours/activities outside the group travel itinerary; Mandatory Travel insurance (including medical,
medical evacuation and accident including scuba diving); Excess baggage charges; Personal items,
such as laundry, any alcoholic beverages or bar charges (unless specified above), Wi-Fi, telephone,
fax calls; Tips for your 2 Wild Earth Leaders and any non-group services; Nitrox ($150); Dive- and
Snorkel gear hire (must be pre-ordered).
Any sudden increase in price, due to currency fluctuations, a steep hike in fuel cost, change in
government tax policy, or for any reason beyond our control, will be adjusted with the final invoice
due 6 months prior to the expedition.
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
We only have 2 single spaces available on this expedition, and single occupancy rates apply. If you
want to share accommodations, a roommate will be assigned to you, and double occupancy rates
apply. If we cannot pair you with a roommate, the single supplement surcharge applies.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This expedition is only suitable for experienced Scuba Divers (not snorkelers) for the second
week of diving. All Wild Earth Expeditions are very active, and participants need to be in good
general health. For most activities, a good level of fitness is required. This expedition is active and
will include hiking nature trails on sometimes rough terrain, and the scuba diving will consist of drift
dives where currents will be present; You must be able to climb in and out of boats and other physical
activities. All divers must be Nitrox and Advanced Diver certified with a minimum of 60 logged
dives.
WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 10 INFO@WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COMAccommodations we have chosen are at the 5* Gangotena Hotel in Quito and in comfortable cabins
onboard our privately chartered yacht the M/Y Blue Spirit, all with a/c, hot water, and ensuite
bathroom facilities. Due to the regulations and restrictions enforced in the Galapagos, only two land
tours are permitted per day during the 7-day naturalist land exploration of the expedition. We have
arranged the itinerary and visits to account for this and to maximize our time onshore and to cover
as much as possible of the expansive scenery and wildlife. The first week will be solely land-focused
activities (with snorkelling, no diving permitted). The second week’s focus will be diving, with a
planned 4 dives per day.
Detailed Pre-departure information will be sent to you 6 months prior to the expedition. Your
expedition will be led by 2 Wild Earth Expedition leaders, including a Marine Biologist and an
Expedition Leader/ Dive master and the best, most experienced local naturalist guides.
ITINERARY
Wild Earth Expeditions will make every reasonable effort to operate the expedition as advertised,
but alterations may occur, usually due to flight schedule changes, weather, sea conditions, tides, or
wildlife sightings. We will discuss our planned itinerary daily with our local expert guides and will
always choose the best available option. Accommodations and arranged tours are subject to change
or cancellation at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond Wild Earth
Expeditions control. Please note that 2022 flight schedules and airfares will only be released 11
months prior to the expedition date.
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
Although we have reported honestly and accurately about our sightings and experiences, we would
like to point out that we are working in the wilderness. Despite all our good intentions and utmost
preparation, Mother Nature may not cooperate with us at times. We believe that with good planning
and a realistic approach, you will have a successful time witnessing the natural behavior of the
wildlife we have set out to see.
PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas & Natalia Baechtold, M/V Blue Spirit, & Adobe Stock
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