Home > Galapagos Islands > Galapagos Adventures >

Birding Galápagos with WINGS

11-day adventure aboard the Integrity

Optional San Cristóbal Extension
includes Galápagos airfare

A special collaboration with WINGS Birding Tours. This unique departure is a treat for birders and wildlife enthusiasts. You will have the company of two experts: Galápagos guide extraordinaire Richard Polatty and international birding leader Rich Hoyer.

This wonderful itinerary will not be possible after 2011. New rules prohibit visiting our favorite islands in a single week's cruise; in 2012 it will take a two week cruise to accomplish the same ends.

Come see the creatures Darwin saw and more—a mind-boggling array of fascinating, fearless birds and other animals. This is a perfect adventure for both birders and non-birders alike.

In addition to seeing nearly all the endemic birds (among which are a couple of gulls, 13 finches, a flycatcher, four mockingbirds, a dove, a penguin, a cormorant, a rail, and a martin), we'll have ample opportunities to spend time with the storied seabirds, sea lions, and marine iguanas, as well as the many other endemic species worth looking for, including lizards, a few small snakes, a butterfly, a dragonfly, and even a scorpion. We'll also have almost daily opportunities for snorkeling among the abundant sea life, from schools of colorful fish to sea turtles.

The Integrity is widely acknowledged as one of the most luxurious small boats operating in the Galápagos, and time spent aboard is a delight in itself. This tour is structured so that participants can take just the boat charter or participate in the land-based events following the cruise.

This special adventure trip price includes round-trip Galápagos airfare.

Highlights

8-Day Galápagos Islands cruise aboard the yacht Integrity

Experience with two renowned naturalists: Richard Polatty and Rich Hoyer

See nearly all the endemic birds, as sell as many other endemic species

Optional extension to San Cristóbal to see the San Cristóbal Mockingbird

Itinerary Summary

Day 1

Arrive in Quito, Ecuador. Overnight in Quito.

Day 2

Fly to Galápagos Islands. Visit Santa Cruz Island's lush highlands to look for endemics and giant tortoises. Welcome dinner and overnight on Santa Cruz.

Day 3

Return to highlands for more endemics and visit to lava tunnels. Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Board the Integrity at dinnertime. Start our Island cruise!

Day 4-9

Live aboard the yacht and spend as much time exploring the islands as park rules permit. We have at least two shore visits each day, timed to avoid the large cruise ship groups. We have several chances to swim and snorkel during our week. Each night we travel on to another unique island.

Day 10

Have breakfast on board Integrity, then disembark and fly back to Quito for dinner and overnight.

Day 11

Depart for home, or on to other adventures.

San Cristóbal Island Extension

Day 10

Have breakfast on board Integrity, then disembark and take a boat taxi to San Cristóbal. Search out the eponymous mockingbird and more finches. Overnight on San Cristóbal.

Day 11

Early morning birding on San Cristóbal. Fly back to Quito for dinner and overnight.

Day 12

Depart for home, or on to other adventures.

For a deeper look at this adventure, please read the Detailed Itinerary.

Galápagos Birding with WINGS

2011

Nov 10 - Nov 20

San Cristóbal Extension

Nov 20 - Nov 21

Prices & Supplements

2011

$5750

San Cristóbal Extension

$1250

Single

Single Supplement, Land Only: $375

Single Supplement San Cristóbal: $125

Additional Inclusions

Includes flights from Quito, flights between Baltra and San Cristóbal (on extension), Galápagos National Park fees, all gratuities.

Fuel Surcharge

On April 15, 2011, the Ecuadorian Government decreed, without warning and effective immediately, a 30% increase in the price of fuel for all yachts and ships in the Galápagos Islands.

After fruitless protestations and appeals, the yacht owner has reluctantly imposed a per person Fuel Surcharge of $175 on the Reina Silvia and $200 on the Integrity, effective for all departures after July 1, 2011.

This applies to all travelers including those already booked.

Notes

Included

Included are: roundtrip flights between Quito and Galápagos, flights between Baltra and San Cristóbal (on extension); Galápagos National Park entrance fee; roundtrip airport transfers as specified in itinerary; all yacht and hotel accommodations (double occupancy, unless Single purchased) as specified in itinerary; all meals while on yacht and as specified in itinerary; all nonalcoholic beverages and draft beer while on Integrity; all guides, activities, tours and sightseeing arrangements as specified in itinerary; use of kayaks and snorkel equipment while on yacht as specified in itinerary; all gratuities.

Not Included

Not Included are: airport transit fees and taxes, roundtrip airfare between your home and Quito, meals not included on your itinerary, alcoholic beverages except beer while on Integrity, Galápagos yacht Fuel Surcharge, wetsuits, excess baggage charges, or other items of a personal nature. Price also excludes any insurance coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, travel accident, travel delay, baggage delay or baggage theft (we recommend you obtain coverage for these items).