The Galapagos Islands
In-depth Exploration of Evolution's Playground
May 6 to 23, 2012

| At a Glance | Itinerary | Yacht | Costs | Sign-up | Other Details | Back to color itinerary |

The evolutionary story of the Galapagos Islands has been told many times but only through personal experience on these isolated islands can one truly appreciate the impressive forces that shape nature here and around the globe. Embark on the most in-depth itinerary currently possible to explore this tropical, volcanic archipelago rich in charismatic wildlife unafraid of you or your camera. This very special expedition caters to photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, delivering maximum time in the field with early and late landings to take advantage of the best conditions for photography. With our expert resident guides, you will discover the islands' famous reptiles, endemic land birds, breeding boobies, albatross, penguins, sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, sea lions, and much more through many landings and snorkeling opportunities. Our guides and the Captain and crew of the Samba are environmentally and socially responsible and are devoted to making your journey the trip of a lifetime, whether this is your first or twenty-first time visiting The Enchanted Isles.

At a Glance

Cost: $5,900 to $6,400 per person, double occupancy, depending on cabin. Not including airfare. Review cost details.

Boat: The Samba, 14-passenger yacht.

Leader: Juan Manuel Salcedo and assistant guide.

Participants: 14 participants with two leaders for maximum flexibility.

Days: 18

Conditions: A non-smoking safari for people who are very interested in all wildlife and spending the maximum time in the field.

Update: This itinerary was updated in March 2012.

Synopsis:

Note: Note: All routings and visitor sites in the Galapagos Islands are subject to change by the Galapagos National Park Service in an attempt to minimize traffic and impact on all visitor sites.

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Detailed Itinerary

May 6, Sunday: Flights to Quito (or arrive on May 4 for two-day cloud forest birding trip)
Arrive in Quito by the evening of May 6. Juan Manuel Salcedo or a transfer agent will be waiting for you at the airport to transfer you to the hotel. Dinner will be on your own this evening if not served on your flight. If you would like to arrive earlier, we can arrange your airport transfer and book extra nights at the lovely Patio Andaluz in historic old town Quito. You may choose to arrive on the evening of May 4 and join Juan Manuel on an optional two-day (May 5-6) birding trip to the highland cloud forest outside of Quito. Please contact us for details.
Lodging: Patio Andaluz

May 7, Monday: Free day to enjoy the city of Quito or optional city tour
Today you will have a full day to explore beautiful Quito. A tour of Colonial Quito and other local sites may be booked at additional cost. Contact us for details. Breakfast at the hotel is included, while lunch and dinner are on your own today.
Lodging: Patio Andaluz

May 8, Tuesday: Flight to Galapagos, embarkation and first landing at Bachas on Isla Santa Cruz
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for a morning flight to the Baltra Airport in the Galapagos Islands. On arrival, pass through immigration where each visitor pays the Galapagos National Park fee of US$100 (cash). Juan Manuel will coordinate getting to the dock via a short bus ride to meet the Samba, our home for this glorious adventure to the best landing and snorkeling sites in the Galapagos.

After introductions, lunch, and a safety briefing, we'll make our first landing at Bachas, a lovely white sand beach on nearby Santa Cruz Island. Here we will have our first introduction to the fearless wildlife of the Galapagos. Mangrove lagoons behind the beach may delight us with flamingos and shorebirds and we are likely to enjoy a glorious sunset. Once back on board, we will be served a welcome cocktail and meet all the members of this very friendly, professional crew, including the Captain, first mate, engineer, chef, and sailors.

The chef on the Samba serves excellent international cuisine and is happy to prepare special dishes to fulfill dietary requests (with advance notice). The majority of the food on board is organic and grown locally. The beef is from Santa Cruz Island, the poultry and pork from Floreana, and fish is specially provisioned from carefully chosen fisherman known to the Salcedo family who own the Samba. Given the endangered status of the Galapagos Islands, it is very important to buy from fishermen with responsible fishing techniques.

This evening, we will travel to Genovesa in the outer archipelago. Before dark, it's possible to view marine mammals and seabirds from the open deck. After dark, look for phosphorescence from ctenophores (comb jellies) and other plankton on the surface of the water. If you are lucky, you may even see these tiny invertebrates glowing on dolphins as they bow-ride with the boat after dark.
Lodging: aboard the Samba

May 9, Wednesday: Isla Genovesa (Tower): Darwin Bay and Prince Phillip's Steps
On arrival at Genovesa, we anchor in Darwin Bay, a huge flooded volcanic caldera. The walls of the caldera provide wonderful ledges for Galapagos Fur Seals, a very rare fur seal that we will find along their haulout area in the vicinity of the stone stairway known as "Prince Philip's Steps." There are also nesting sites for Red-billed Tropicbirds along the caldera walls. Our first landing will start with a hike up the stone steps for a great view of Red-footed and Nazca booby colonies on the way to the Wedge-rumped (Galapagos) Storm-Petrel colony. These three bird species need the open ocean for feeding so they tend to nest in the outer archipelago. The largest Red-footed Booby nesting site in the islands is here on Genovesa. They are adapted to hunting far out to sea and can only rear a single young every two years. Blue-footed Boobies, by contrast, fish in shallow water close to their nests and raise two or three young in a brood, if conditions allow. We will also keep a sharp eye out for the elusive Short-eared Owl that hunts for petrels during the day by hiding within their colony.

Snorkeling in the Galapagos is a very enjoyable experience with many beautiful species of tropical fish to discover along with the chance of seeing sea turtles and rays. This is a great place for the first snorkel of the trip in the calm caldera waters of Darwin Bay. Juan Manuel will assist you in the techniques of snorkeling if you have not yet tried this wonderful sport, which we equate to "birding underwater."

The grand finale of this very special day at remote Genovesa is a landing at the small beach in Darwin Bay. Genovesa's four species of Darwin's finches – the Large Ground Finch, Large Cactus Finch, Small-beaked Ground Finch, and Warbler Finch – show huge variation in bill size. All four species can be found here at this landing, making it one of the two most outstanding sites that we will visit for Darwin's finches (the other being the Highlands of Santa Cruz). Noted evolutionary biologist Rosemary Grant has done much of her research on Darwin's finches here at Darwin Bay. Also here, boobies and Great Frigatebirds nest with unparalleled density. Following the cliff edge, we will find ourselves in a flyway for incoming boobies and frigates, an ideal opportunity for photographing these incredible birds in flight. They are ceaseless with aerial displays of kleptoparasitism as they "dog-fight" along the cliffs for scarce nesting material. After dinner, we travel west to Marchena.

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May 10, Thursday: Isla Marchena: Snorkeling at Punta Mejia and Playa Negra
Our experience today will be truly unique to our voyage as the Samba has been granted the rare opportunity to visit this wonderful site. Landings are not permitted on Marchena but it is one of the best places for snorkeling and is well worth including in our itinerary. This in an excellent place for tropical fish plus we may see rays, sea turtles, sharks, and eels. There are also hermatipic coral formations here that are very uncommon in the rest of the archipelago. Our navigation to and from Marchena passes through some of the most whale-rich waters in the region, so keep your eyes to the horizon and anything can happen!

May 11, Friday: Isla Isabela: Punta Albermarle and Punta Vicente Roca
Punta Albermarle is yet another uncommon visitor site, yet is home to one of the loveliest Flightless Cormorant colonies in the Galapagos (and, thus, the world). This landing is the first of our explorations of the great island of Isabela, by far the largest in the archipelago and an island we think you will come to love.

The northwest tip of Isabela, called Punta Vicente Roca, sits at the edge of a sharp drop into deep, nutrient rich waters. While cruising Punta Vicente Roca, we may see Galapagos Penguins, Brown Noddies, Sea Turtles, Marine Iguanas, and Blue-footed and Nazca boobies. We will also be on the lookout for marine mammals and the unique and gigantic Sunfish (Mola mola). From here to Fernandina, we will again keep our eyes out for whales as this is an excellent place to see them due to the cold, deep water on the western side of the archipelago. These deep waters offer the chance to see Orcas, Pilot Whales, and larger species such as Sperm Whales. A study by Hal Whitehead, with the help of World Wildlife Fund, found Sperm Whales particularly abundant in an area 250 km long and 150 km wide west of Isabela Island where the subsurface Cromwell Current, traveling eastward along the Equator, meets land. It is likely that the whales find high densities of squid (their favorite food) in this region. Whitehead found that, like elephants, male Sperm Whales roam between female/calf groups, instead of one male dominating a harem.

May 12, Saturday: Isla Fernandina: Punta Espinoza, Isla Isabela: Urvina Bay
Across the calm Canal Bolivar separating Isabela from Fernandina sits Punta Espinoza, one of the most wildlife-rich sites of the trip. Isla Fernandina, the youngest of the Galapagos Islands, is known as one of the world's most pristine islands, where no known introduced animals have become established. Here we will observe and photograph the largest of the Marine Iguanas sunning in piles by the hundreds. The famous Flightless Cormorant also inhabits this island, as well as Galapagos Penguins, Lava Lizards, and pelicans. Take a walk along the relatively young basalt or "lava rock" to examine interesting formations made by different types of lava and find Brachycereus cactus growing directly out of what still seems like fresh lava. Snorkeling is no longer allowed in this location to protect the rich basalt coastline covered with algae that the Marine Iguanas depend on for food.

We cross back to Isabela for a very interesting landing at Urvina Bay this afternoon. In 1954, a portion of the coast of Isabela lifted out of the sea so suddenly that fish and even a sea turtle were trapped literally high and dry on a freshly changed coastline. We will explore this unusual site at Urvina Bay at the foot of Volcán Alcedo. Along our walk, we will find rocks full of bleached shells and massive coral heads now far from the sea. Large iguanas of both species, land and marine, live here as well as a few Giant Tortoises, the species for which the Galapagos Islands were named. At Urvina Bay, we will be snorkeling in some of the coldest water of the trip, but there is also great potential for discovery in these rich waters.

May 13, Sunday: Isla Isabela: Elizabeth Bay and Punta Moreno
Our morning begins with a visit to Elizabeth Bay, one of the most spectacular locations for panga cruising. We will join the swimming sea turtles as we cruise this paradise, following channels through the verdant green mangrove forests. The endemic Flightless Cormorant and the marvelous Galapagos Penguin are in their prime habitat here. Over lunch, we travel west along the coast of Isabela to the wildly stark landing site of Punta Moreno, or Dark Point. Here raw basalt coats the landscape for as far as the eye can see, rising into the slopes of the shield volcanoes of Cerro Negro and Cerro Azul. Yet amid the stark, seemingly sterile landscape, rich lagoons with surprising life can be found. This evening, we begin making our way around the southwest end of Isabela and then east toward Floreana, traveling through more nutrient-rich waters good for whale watching, so keep your eyes on the horizon!

May 14, Monday: Floreana: Asilo de la Paz, Cerro Alieri, La Lobería
After breakfast, we land at Puerto Velasco Ibarra for a ride up to the highlands of Floreana in a "chiva" (endemic transportation). On the way up to the humid zone, we'll stop to climb Cerro Alieri, where a good number of steps will reward us with a breathtaking view and the chance to see the famous Medium Tree Finch. The fantastic landscape of the highlands is decorated with lichens and epiphytes. Floreana holds a rich and compelling human history, which we'll have a taste of beginning with the pirates' cave carved out in the 1800s near the only fresh water spring on the island. At Asilo de la Paz, we will learn the fascinating story of the Wittmers, Doctor Ritter and Dora, and the famous Baroness and her three lovers. Share a wonderful lunch in the highlands with Claudio Cruz and his family, providers of many of the organic foods that we will enjoy on board. We'll also have the opportunity to photograph a group of Giant Tortoises that are kept in a large enclosure up here in the highlands. After heading back to town, we will visit the nearby lobería (sea lion rookery) where we can swim, snorkel, and/or kayak amidst a large colony of sea lions. It is a refreshing end to a wonderful day with beautiful afternoon light adding to the scenic views. Tonight we travel north to the island of Santa Cruz.

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May 15, Tuesday: Isla Santa Cruz: Highlands, Los Gemelos, and Charles Darwin Research Station
Upon reaching Santa Cruz, we will anchor in Academy Bay beside the bustling small town of Puerto Ayora. This is the islands' primary population center. Travel to the Santa Cruz Highlands to seek out some of the elusive island endemics in beautifully unique habitats. We will explore Los Gemelos, two incredible volcanic sinkholes surrounded by tall Scalesia forest. The genus Scalesia is excellent habitat for the highland Darwin's finches and a classic example of evolutionary adaptive radiation, a parallel to Darwin's finches. The elegant tall Scalesia tree evolved from beach composites, making it essentially the world's largest daisy. Here in the highlands it is possible to see the shy Galápagos Rail, Short-eared Owl, Large and Small tree finches, Vegetarian Finch, and the famous tool-using Woodpecker Finch. We will also walk through a wonderful lava tube left over from Santa Cruz's active volcanic island-building days. We return to Puerto Ayora in the afternoon for a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, the center of evolutionary science and conservation in the Galápagos. Our visit to the station will include the opportunity to see the resident tortoises, including, we hope, the famous Lonesome George (last surviving tortoise of the Isla Pinta race). Enjoy intimate looks at the captive breeding programs that are designed to return the Galápagos to a more pristine, pre-colonization state. This will be one of our best opportunities to photograph tortoises up close. Tonight we will travel back south for more of beautiful Floreana.

May 16, Wednesday: Isla Floreana: Punta Cormorant and Post Office Bay
Floreana is known for its excellent snorkeling, especially at the dramatic submerged volcanic cone known as Devil's Crown. We normally see many rays and sea turtles as well as surgeonfish, parrotfish, jacks, wrasses, and other tropical fish. In addition to an excellent snorkeling experience, we will land behind Punta Cormorant for a walk to the flamingo lagoon in search of teal and shorebirds alongside the flamingoes. Unfortunately, the flamingo population has declined in recent years, but we hope to see at least a few in the lagoon. The plant life here is unique and includes another species of the endemic composite Scalesia. The sand on Floreana contains a large proportion of fine crystals of olivine, a glassy volcanic mineral, giving it an olive-green tone. The waters around Floreana are great for dolphins so keep your eyes open! These waters are also rich with seabirds, such as Waved Albatross, three species of storm-petrels, Audubon's Shearwaters, and large flocks of diving boobies. After lunch we'll stop briefly at Post Office Bay, where you can follow in the whalers' tradition of dropping a letter or postcard in the box and taking one to deliver for someone else that was already here. This evening we head east for wonderful Espanola!

May 17, Thursday: Isla Santa Cruz: Black Turtle Cove; disembarkation and flight back to Quito
Punta Suarez, on the island of Espanola, is unique beyond description, as rich as any spot in the Galapagos Islands. Breeding birds and iguanas are present in huge numbers and, most significantly, it is the nesting site for the majority of the world's Waved Albatross. The albatross are well into their breeding season at this time of year. Young adults and birds that have recently paired will be displaying courtship behavior, a most enticing expression of the lifelong bond that breeding and survival depend upon and an unforgettable site to observe. We will also find the fearless Espanola Mockingbird, Blue-footed and Nazca boobies, Swallow-tailed Gull, Galapagos Hawk, Marine Iguana (a red and black race unique to this island), Lava Lizard, Galapagos Sea Lion, and beautiful seascapes complete with a blowhole for incredible photos.

For the afternoon, we sail east to Gardner Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in all of the Galapagos. A nearby snorkel is likely to find us in the water with playful sea lions, a great diversion before time on the beach. Galapagos Sea Lions populate the surf while the remarkably brave Espanola Mockingbird has been known to peck at shoelaces. Enjoy photographing shorebirds and sea lions, looking for the Large Cactus Finch (which looks very different from the subspecies on Genovesa), or just walking along the beautiful beach.

May 18, Friday: Isla de San Cristobal: Isla Lobos, Kicker Rock, and Punta Pitt
San Cristobal is geologically one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. It is home to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of Galapagos Province, and has the second largest population in the islands. Instead of spending our time in town, however, we will travel along the north coast for some excellent wildlife and snorkeling, visiting Isla Lobos and Kicker Rock. Kicker Rock, also called León Dormido (or Sleeping Lion), is a volcanic tuff cone that dramatically rises straight out of the water to the height of about 500 feet. Here we will look for frigatebirds, sea lions, Green Turtles, Blue and Red-footed boobies, tropicbirds, Marine Iguanas, Swallow-tailed Gulls, and dolphins. The afternoon will bring an opportunity to stretch our legs at the geologically striking Punta Pitt and examine some of the island's vegetation, which includes flowering plants such as Calandrinia Galapagosa and Lecocarpus darwinii.

May 19, Saturday: Isla Santa Fe: Barrington Bay, Isla Plaza Sur
This morning, we land on the island of Santa Fe. The short hike from the beach to a low plateau rewards us with great views and a beautiful species of Scalesia that thrives near a large forest of amazing Tree Opuntia. We will search among the Opuntia for Santa Fe Land Iguanas, a different species from the ones found elsewhere in the Galapagos. The Santa Fe Land Iguanas can be up to five feet in length!

The small yet incredible island of South Plaza is our afternoon destination. This is a beautiful island with abundant Land and Marine iguanas, enough of each that there are often a few hybrids near the shore. The landscape is colorful with a red and green ground cover of Portulaca, sometimes sprouting yellow flowers that the iguanas enjoy dining on. In the Tree Opuntia we can compare the Cactus Finch alongside Small and Medium ground finches, stars of the excellent book, The Beak of the Finch, the story of modern-day Darwinian evolution as deciphered by pioneers Rosemary and Peter Grant. At the top of the island we come to a cliff where bachelor sea lions escape from the competition of stronger males and Red-billed Tropicbirds fly gracefully by, circling again and again before slipping into their cliff-side nest holds at our feet. This evening we travel along the northeast coast of Santa Cruz and Baltra then head west to Santiago.

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May 20, Sunday: Isla Santiago: Sullivan Bay, Isla Bartolomé
If the light is good in the early morning, we will visit the surreal landscape of the Sullivan Bay Pahoehoe lava flow. The basalt here is only 100 years old and, as it is virtually un-eroded, looks like the lava might have flowed only yesterday. When Darwin was here 175 years ago, before the lava flow that we will enjoy a walk on, this coastline was quite different. The basalt in the flow retains a rainbowed patina that adds color to a study of natural flow, form, and pattern.

Right across from Sullivan Bay is the small island of Bartolomé. This afternoon, we will climb the boardwalk trail and steps to the summit (360 feet) for a gorgeous, iconic view of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding bays. Then a wet landing puts us on a beach for a short walk through mangroves and dune vegetation. Near Pinnacle Rock, Galapagos Penguins are often present in small numbers. Our snorkel here gives us a decent chance to snorkel with the penguins (or near them at least), and maybe even harmless, but exciting, White-tipped Sharks. Also enjoy colorful starfish, tropical fish, and amazing underwater lava formations. We'll have a short navigation tonight to the island of Rábida on the south side of Santiago.

May 21, Monday: Isla Santiago: James Bay, Isla Rábida
This morning we'll begin with a landing at the very special James Bay on the western side of Santiago. This is a beautiful place at any time of day and the morning light will make it even better for photography! Exploring the tide pools of James Bay at low tide is like going on a treasure hunt, where the grand prize is a visit to the Fur Seal Grotto. The collapsed lava tubes along the coastline here create a wonderful habitat and we are likely to find a number of Galápagos Fur Seals swimming in emerald pools. It is enchanting to watch and photograph not only fur seals but also bright red-orange Sally Lightfoot Crabs (so named because they contain very little meat). This site offers a great diversity of ecosystems and geological strata, as well as good snorkeling.

In the afternoon we'll head to the south side of Santiago and the nearby island of Rábida. Rábida is the red island of the Galápagos, a beautiful deep ochre red from the sand to the slope covered with Palo Santo. Adding to the striking landscape and delight of seals playing along the shore is a pelican colony at eye level on the beach, a magnificently close look for photography of the adults and young. Tonight we head back east to the small island of North Seymour, just off the northern tip of Baltra (also known as Seymour Island). Sadly, this will be our final evening onboard the Samba.
Lodging: Last night aboard the Samba

May 22, Tuesday: Isla Seymour Norte, Isla Baltra, flights to Quito
North Seymour Island will be our last landing site and the wealth of wildlife we find here is evidence that our fifteen-day itinerary is only just barely long enough! Wander past many breeding Blue-footed Boobies and a large colony of Magnificent Frigatebirds. We hope to find males of both species in full display, the boobies sky-pointing and showing off their bright blue feet and the frigates calling for females with their wings spread wide and their dramatic red throat pouches inflated, an unforgettable sight with fabulous photographic opportunities. We also have the chance to see Galapagos Sea Lions, Marine Iguanas, Striated Herons, Brown Noddies, Swallow-tailed Gulls, and Lava Gulls. The endemic Palo Santo and low bushy Opuntia plants add great scenery to the amazing abundance of Galapagos wildlife.

We must reluctantly depart for Baltra and our return flight to Quito, arriving back on the mainland in the late afternoon. This evening, we'll share a farewell meal together, in celebration of our wonderful exploration of Las Islas Encantadas.
Lodging: Patio Andaluz

May 23, Wednesday: Flights homeward
After breakfast, our agent will transfer you to the Quito Airport to arrive more than two hours before your flight home, or you may choose to extend your stay in South America.

Yacht

Yacht: The Samba is the perfect choice to experience the mystical isolation that shaped the life of the Galapagos Islands. This sturdy, stately, and very comfortable motor yacht is a true European Dutch classic and best in her class. A great ocean-going vessel with her specially designed high bow, she provides safe crossings and boasts a special stabilizing sail. Her main salon and aft dining facilities make her socially versatile while top-side settees and a flush and ample forward deck provide great getaways or extra space for group activities such as stargazing, whale watching, or simply sunbathing. The Samba accommodates 14 guests, a perfect number to enjoy the magic of the islands with privacy and flexibility. The professional, experienced, and friendly crew are committed to redefining your idea of quality of experience and excellence of service. The Samba is a graceful, top-quality craft and the crew take great care to make everything environmentally friendly as well as socially responsible. She is locally owned and all the crew members are from the Galapagos. Accommodations include six air-conditioned double cabins and one exterior double bed cabin, all with private bathrooms and hot water. Additional ship information, photos, and deck plan are available on our website or by mail upon request. View the deck plan and more details.

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Costs

Payments and Cancellations: All reservations require a deposit due at the time of making the reservation. Upon receiving your deposit and reservation form, we will send trip materials with additional information to help you prepare for your safari. Until the final payment due date, deposits are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $150 per person. This fee may go toward another tour if reserved within six months of the cancelled trip's departure date. There are no refunds given after the final payment due date. We reserve the right to charge for cost increases that occur between now and the date of travel.

Included:

• Fifteen days and fourteen nights on board the Samba.
• Landing fees and permits.
• Government fuel tax of an estimated $450 per participant.
• All meals from breakfast on May 8 through breakfast on May 23 plus breakfast on May 7.
• Three nights lodging at Patio Andaluz in Quito.
• Airport transfers in Quito.
• Non-alcoholic beverages while on board the Samba.
• Gratuities to airport and hotel porters and for service at the farewell dinner in Quito.

Not Included:

• Airfare is not included in the trip cost. International airfare is approximately $550-$950 from the USA to Quito, depending on origin. Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris will make the reservations for the Quito-Baltra round trip on your behalf. The cost of this round-trip booking ($500, quoted December 2011 and subject to change) will be added to the final trip balance.
• Airport departure tax of approximately $48 and any excess baggage fees.
• The Galapagos National Park fee of $100 and $10 tourist fee.
• Optional Quito city tour and two-day birding extension in cloud forest. Contact us for cost.
• Lunches and dinners in Quito, except for the farewell dinner on May 22.
• Gratuities to yacht crew and naturalist guide in Galápagos, and guides/drivers in mainland Ecuador – Tipping is, of course, discretionary, however we suggest budgeting about $340 per participant for the voyage and add some extra (about $20/day) for any mainland tours you've booked in/around Quito. Tips for the crew of the Samba and resident naturalist guide will be collect by the tour leader at the end of the voyage.
• Items of a personal nature, alcoholic beverages, room service, and items not on the regular menu (if you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your reservation form).
• Travel insurance.

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Sign-up

To Make a Reservation: Please contact us (there are many methods of contacting us) to assure space availability and to let us answer your questions. Then, print our reservation form, fill out one form per person, and post it to us in the mail with your deposit. Or fill out our handy online information request and we will send you more information.

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Other Details

Leader: Juan Manuel Salcedo was born in the Galapagos Islands. He grew up in Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island, living and learning in the outdoor evolutionary lab of the Galapagos. Outside of school, Juan spent time sailing on his father's boat where he developed his love and passion for observing and interpreting the wildlife of the archipelago. He moved to Quito to finish high school and begin his academic studies. Juan Manuel spent a year in Los Angeles studying sailing and navigation to gain a skipper certificate. Through all of his experiences, Juan has maintained and nourished his love and passion for the world around him. He finished his undergraduate studies at the University of San Francisco, Quito where he studied Applied Ecology with minor degrees in Biology and Geology. He has been involved in Environmental Education projects with several non-governmental organizations in the Galapagos Islands and on mainland Ecuador. Juan is pleased to be able to offer the most in-depth voyages possible in the Galapagos on board his own boat, the Samba.

Flight Information: Please let us know if you need help arranging your own air flights.

Arrival and Departure: Arrive in Quito no later than the evening of May 6 (or May 7 if you prefer not to have the free day and hotel night in Quito). Most international flights to Quito arrive in the evening. Depart from Quito the morning of May 23. Your airport transfers are included. Please contact us if you would like to arrive earlier or stay later. We will arrange your airport transfer (still included) and can book extra nights at the Patio Andaluz, unless you prefer to make your own arrangements.

Domestic Flights: The round-trip flights on TAME from Quito to the Galapagos will be arranged by Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris. The cost of this round-trip booking will be added to your final balance.

Travel Insurance: Emergency Medical Insurance is optional, but encouraged, for this tour. Read about travel insurance and our recommendations and requirements.

Seasickness: Don't let a fear of seasickness prevent you from signing up! Read our suggestions for coping with seasickness.

Trip Materials: Detailed information about your specific tour will be sent to you after you make your reservation with us. These trip materials include information about flights, packing, entry and departure requirements, airport transfers, gratuities, packing, etc. Please take a moment to read this important informtation upon receipt.

Conditions: We We have a strict non-smoking policy - smoking is not permitted at any time or any place during our tours. We try to spend as much time in the field as possible, sometimes resulting in long days but giving you a more in-depth experience. Travel to remote places is exciting, but understanding and accepting the risks, both medical and logistical, are important. Minor medical problems can usually be treated, but due to the fact that we often travel to locations far from medical facilities, there can be no expectation for immediate medical treatment or evacuation, even in cases of trauma. Anyone with health problems needing close medical supervision should not consider going on this trip. Bring enough medication for the duration of the trip for any chronic medical needs, since pharmacies are usually not available. When you send your tour deposit and signed reservation form, you certify to us that you do not knowingly have any physical or other conditions that would create a risk for yourself or for other trip participants. For all tours that are ship-based, please note that although we cannot guarantee a request for a specific cabin, we do guarantee that you will be in a cabin of equal or greater value specified in your reservation.

Mailing List: If you would like to be on our mailing list or request information, please use our online information request form or contact us to give us your name, address, email address and phone number. Please note we will never share your personal information with anybody!

Responsibility: Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris, Saratoga, California, act only as agents and shall not be responsible or become liable for any delay incurred by any person in connection with any means of transportation, nor for the loss, damage, or injury to person or property by reason of any event beyond the control of the agency or default of such agency suppliers. We reserve the right to cancel the tour prior to departure in which case full refund will constitute full settlement to the passenger. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour unless arrangements are made at the time of booking. All rates are based on current tariffs, exchange rates and fuel prices and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein. By sending your initial deposit, you agree to accept our payment schedule as a contract. If payments are still outstanding two weeks after the due date, your space may be forfeited. Baggage is at the owner's risk.

Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris is registered as California Seller of Travel #2063050-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris is a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation (TCRC). In event of a client canceling where a refund is applicable in accordance with the schedule above, or in the event that CES needs to cancel the trip, all payments for transportation or travel service not provided to the client shall be promptly refunded, unless the client instructs us otherwise in writing. All client payments are deposited into a trust account in accordance with California law. If for any reason a valid refund is not forthcoming, the client may request reimbursement from the TCRC within six months of the scheduled end of the tour. Please feel free to ask us for more information.

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All material © Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris.
All photos © Doug or Ted Cheeseman, unless otherwise credited.
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