Guest
Handbook
Facilities and Service | A
B| Facilities and Service
Dear Guest,
Welcome to Isabela –Galapagos Is. and welcome to The Wooden House Lodge. We are delighted to have the opportunity of hosting you. Our main and most important goal is to provide a safe, friendly, efficient and professional service that will make your visit to Galapagos a very enjoyable, pleasant and memorable experience. The purpose of this handbook is to give you a better idea of what to expect of your stay in our hotel, as well as more information of Isabela and our suggested day tours, whether you prefer diving, snorkelling, mountain bike, trekking or you would like get even more out of your holidays and take a cruise tour on board of our M/S Encantada. The options to enjoy your stay are varied and our staff will gladly assist you.We hope you enjoy your stay with us on the Galapagos Islands. Thank you for choosing Scuba Galapagos & The Wooden House Lodge.
Carlos Pacheco B. General Manager
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Handbook
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FACILITIES AND SERVICES ................................................ 5 1. WATER .............................................................................. 7 AIR CONDITIONING BAR DINING ROOM MEALS HOURS ...................................................................... 8 ELECTRICAL CURRENT KEYS MEDICAL SERVICES BEACH AND SWIMMING POOL ............................................. 11 SMOKING POLICY TAX AND SERVICE CHARGE LAUNDRY SERVICE FOOT WEAR ......................................................................... 12 PERSONAL CHARGES SUGGESTIONS FOR TIPPING NEW TO DIVING?? ............................................................ 15 DISCOVERY DIVE | Introductory Diving ................................ 16 SNORKEL IN ISABELA ....................................................... 19 SNORKEL SITES...................................................................... 20
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Handbook
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LAND EXCURSIONS ........................................................... 25 1. MOUNTAIN BIKE: WALL OF TEARS | GIANT TORTOISE ......... 26 2. TREKKING TO THE VOLCANOES.......................................... 29 MOUNTAIN BIKES FOR RENT REMARKS ........................................................................... 30 1. What to take on your visits and excursions 2. Galapagos National Park rules ....................................... 31
M/S ENCANTADA CRUISES................................................. 33 THE SOUTHERN ISLAND LOOP ................................................ 34 THE NORTHERN ISLAND LOOP................................................ 49 THE WESTERN ISLAND LOOP .................................................. 60 M/Y ECLIPSE DAILY DIVING TOURS.................................. 75 BOAT SPECIFICATIONS | Facilities.......................................... 76 REQUERIMENT TO DIVE WITH US............................................. 79 WHEN AND WHERE | Departures........................................... 80 DIVING SITES......................................................................... 84 DIVING EQUIPMENT................................................................. 88
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Facilities
and
Services
T
he following information is provided with the hope that it will answer many of your questions. However, always feel free to ask at the reception, anything that will make your experience more enjoyable.
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1. WATER Even though we are surrounded by water, there is not enough fresh water in the islands. This implies that the natural resource should have an adequate management and only with everybody’s cooperation we can optimize the use of the valuable resource. We invite you to use and refill your water bottles at the bar with water or your favorite drink. In that way, we minimize the volume of plastic garbage and we save this important water source.
2. AIR CONDITIONING All rooms are air conditioned. To accomplish our initiative of efficiently using the energy source, we kindly ask our guests to keep the windows shut while the unit is operating.
3. BAR The bar and coffee shop of the Hotel are open from 6:00 AM until 10:30 PM. Our staff will gladly stay when guests wish to stay longer at the Bar.
4. DINING ROOM Open seating for all meals. The dining room has no strict etiquette. However, we ask your cooperation for not entering the dining room with wet bathing suits. Guests are kindly requested to observe the established meal hours.
If you have any special requirements regarding meals, please contact the Hotel Manager. Our meals always feature vegetarian options.
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5. Meals hours are: Breakfast from:
7:00 AM
until
9:00 AM
Lunch from:
12:30 PM
until
2:00 PM
Dinner from:
7:00 PM
until
9:00 PM
6. Electrical Current All electrical outlets in your room are 110V. If you require 220V please ask at the reception. The Hotel owns an emergency electric plant that will activate automatically in case of power failure. The electricity in Galรกpagos is provided by diesel generators. Therefore, to minimize a negative impact on the environment we kindly ask you to help us save energy.
7. Keys A key will be given to you at the moment of your registration. If you want an additional key, please inform at the reception. In the event of losing your card-key, you will be charged in you personal account the cost of US $15,00.
8. Medical Services The Finch Bay Eco Hotel does not have a physician. However, please contact the reception if you need medical assistance
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9. Beach and swimming pool The beach in front of the hotel is situated in a natural setting and is worth it to enjoy it. Our swimming pool is open from: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. None of these amenities are supervised by a lifeguard. All water activities are under your own responsibility, therefore, we suggest that you take all precautions.
10. Smoking Policy For the consideration of non-smoking fellow guests, please note that all indoor areas, including rooms, dining room and reception, have been designated as non smoking areas. Smoking is therefore allowed exclusively outdoors. Thank you for respecting our smoking policy. Additionally, National Park rules prohibit smoking on the visitor’s sites and during boat outings. (See National Park rules for more details)
11. Tax and Service charge The Wooden House Lodge is subject to Ecuadorian tax laws. All bar charges are subject to the 12% IVA or (Value Added Tax). Additionally, the law requires a 10% Service Charge on purchases of all beverages.
12. Laundry service Please don´t wash your clothes in the bedrooms it floods and produces damages in wooden structures. Don´t hang your clothes outside your rooms. The Wooden House hotel have laundry service with an additional cost. ($3,00 USD pero kilo). Ask for this service at the reception.
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13. Footwear The continuously changing Galápagos environment can at times bring adverse conditions to easy traveling. We may find rain, dirt, mud (mostly up in the highlands), water, sea lion droppings, etc., and we kindly request our visitors to properly clean all shoes before entering your room or any indoor public areas. Remember, the islands are all volcanic in origin, and so their terrain is uneven. The kind of shoe attire for walking depends entirely on the day’s activities. We always recommend tennis shoes for any walk, where a good sole grip is a must.
14. Personal charges All your purchases done at the hotel will be charged in your personal account. For your convenience, you can settle your account the night before your departure. The hotel accepts cash, and credit card - credit cards with an aditional 8% fee operation (Mastercard, Visa and American Express).
15. Suggestions for tipping: • Hotel Staff per Guest, per day $6,00 USD. • Naturalist guide per Guest, per day $7,00 USD.
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New
to
Diving??
T
he best experience you can have in the underwater world with a certified instructor who will lead you to learn the basic device functionalities, its management in an aquatic environment and give confidence to a depth of 5 meters.
Facilities and Service | 15
DISCOVERY DIVE | Introductory Diving (First time in the water with scuba equipment) You will have also the opportunity to learn about underwater communication, basic signals for emergency and identification of marine species, establish your buoyancy to enjoy your dive without damaging the ecosystem.
How long does it take? 1. Signing disclaimers and release forms,
Review of information
Introductory scuba diving theory and testing diving equipment (1 hour)
2. Exercise or practice and navigation around Santa Cruz. (2-3 hours depending on the site and environmental conditions) ** We require a minimum of 2 passengers to confirm departures
16| New to Diving ??
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18| Facilities and Service
Snorkel in Isabela
A
s part of the innovation and development of more and better products in the Galapagos Islands. We have a range of snorkeling tours with confirmed daily departures from Puerto Villamil - Isabela to attractive and unique marine visitor sites.
Facilities and Service | 19
SNORKEL SITES H
LEVEL: Beginers - Advanced • SUITABLE: Children | Adults 1.
CAPE ROSE | TUNNELS This site is located at 40 minutes by boat southwest of Puerto Villamil. The sighting of birds and marine animals from the lava platform is one of the most important attractions. While snorkeling at this site, experience enclose encounters with many species of fish, rays, sea turtles, penguins and sea lions.
TOUR LENGHT:
APPX 6 HOURS
DEPARTURES:
DAILY
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
INCLUDES:
TRANSPORTATION, GUIDE, BOX LUNCH
2. TURTLE ISLET This is one of the most beautiful site to watch land and marine fauna. This islet is an extinct volcanoe that collapsed many years ago forming a half moon. This place is located 30 minutes by boat and offers great oportunities for bird watching and excellent snorkelling.
TOUR LENGHT:
APPX 6 HOURS
DEPARTURES:
DAILY
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
INCLUDES:
20| Snorkel in Isabela
TRANSPORTATION, GUIDE, BOX LUNCH
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3. 4 HERMANOS ISLETS After about 45 minutes navigation from Puerto Villamil you will encounter Los Cuatro Hermanos which is a bird sanctuary of four small islets where hundreds of marine birds shelter. It is ideal for snorkeling.
TOUR LENGHT:
APPX 6 HOURS
DEPARTURES:
DAILY
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
INCLUDES:
TRANSPORTATION, GUIDE, BOX LUNCH
4. CARTAGO BAY Cartago is located at 1h30 min. navigation (aprox) east of Isabela. This charming place is protected by mangroves, surrounded by lava plates and small white and black sand beaches. This is also a snorkeler’s dream, here the marine life is spectacular, what make a difference is that the snorkeling zone is not deeper than 5 meters, thus it suits to all snorkelers levels.
TOUR LENGHT:
APPX 6 HOURS
DEPARTURES:
DAILY
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
INCLUDES:
TRANSPORTATION, GUIDE, BOX LUNCH
Snorkel in Isabela| 23
Land Excursions
1. MOUNTAIN BIKE: WALL OF TEARS | GIANT TORTOISE You will visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center of Isabela, where you will be able to see a variety of species of giant tortoises in captivity. You will also hear how this center has successfully been able to breed and raise the giant tortoises in order to preserve many of their endangered subspecies. Afterwards, we will visit the Wall of Tears (Muro de las Lagrimas). Between 1946 and 1959 Isabela Island was used as a penal colony by the Ecuadorian goverment, and the prisoners were obligated to construct this wall out of the sharp and hard volcanic rocks. The wall is 100 meters long and 7 meters high, and the name is derived from the arduous and painful nature of the conditions in which the prisoners were forced to work and through which many prisoners lost their lives. On the way back you will make a visit to a Lava Tunnel near the Wall, as well as visits to Estero de Isabela, and Playa del Amor.
TOUR LENGHT:
DEPARTURES: DAILY
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
INCLUDES:
26| Land Excursions
APPX 4:00 HOURS
TRANSPORTATION, GUIDE, BIKES
2. TREKKING TO THE VOLCANOES SIERRA NEGRA IS LOCATED 13 MILES FROM PUERTO VILLAMIL AND BOASTS THE WOLRD´S SECOND LARGEST VOLCANIC CRATER. Early in the morning (8:00 am aprox.), after breakfast, you will prepare yourselves for the Sierra Negra Volcano hike by putting on comfortable walking shoes and possibly a rain jacket, making sure our cameras are stored in waterproof bags, making sure to bring sunscreen, water, and hats, and finally by preparing our box lunch at the hotel to take with us. You will then travel approximately 45 minutes by truck or bus to begin the 12 km hike (appx. 3 hours). The hike is long in terms of distance, but not very difficult as the inclines and declines are quite gradual. Sierra Negra Volcano has the second largest crater in the world, measuring approximately 6 miles in diameter and 300 feet deep. You will reach Volcan Chico before heading back, which should provide a spectacular view of the incredible moonlike terrain.
TOUR LENGHT:
DEPARTURES: DAILY
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: CHALLENGING
TOTAL TREKKING DISTANCE:
INCLUDES:
APPX 8 HOURS
14 KILOMETERS TRANSPORTATION, GUIDE, BOX LUNCH
MOUNTAIN BIKES FOR RENT You may rent the equipments in the hotel for a small fee.
Land Excursions | 29
Remarks 1. What to take on your visits and excursions
GB
• Hat with a brim • Sunscreen • Sunglasses • Bottle of water • Appropriate footwear • Personal medications • Cameras and binoculars • Extra film, memory cards, discs • Spare batteries • Small ruck-sack • A walking stick if you need one • A light raincoat (depending on the weather) • Insect repellant
2. Galapagos National Park rules The Galapagos Islands were UNESCO´s first natural World Heritage site. To preserve the islands, the Galapagos National Park has established rules for all visitors which your guide is required to both explain and enforce. Please adhere to the regulations. The basic rules are: • Follow the instructions of your guide • Do not touch or feed the animals • Do not get too close to the animals • Do not disturb or chase any animals • Do not litter • Do not smoke on the islands • Do not take food or drinks onto the islands (water is allowed) • Do not remove any animal, animal remains, plant, plant remains or rock material from the islands • Stay on the marked trails • Stay with your group and guide at all times • Whenever you leave the visitor sites please clean your shoes and feet to avoid transporting seeds. • Shore visits are between 6 AM and 6 PM • TAKE ONLY PHOTOS and LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS
M/S Encantada Cruises Length: 69 ft, 21 m Beam: 17 ft, 5.2 m Speed: 7 knots 5 crew members + 1 bilingual naturalist guide Snorkel equipmentt
T
he M/S Encantada is a superior tourist class yacht, loved for her charming candy-apple red style and her small, cozy atmosphere. The boat offers 6 cabins with twin bunk beds to accommodate a total of 12 passengers. All cabins have air conditioning and private bathrooms with hot water.
The Southern Island Loop
Itinerary A 6d / 5n
Sunday to Friday
Encantada Expedition
Sun Mon Tue
am
Transfer In
Baltra
pm
Playas Bachas
Santa Cruz
am
Plazas Islands
Santa Cruz
pm
Santa Fe Island
Santa Fe
am
Kicker Rock Lobos Island
Wed
San Cristobal
pm
Interpretation Center
San Cristobal
am pm
Suarez Point
Española
Gardner Bay Gardner Islet
Española
Osborn Islet Thu
am
Post Office Bay Baronesa Look Out
pm
Cormorant Point Champion Islet
Fri
am
Floreana Floreana
Charles Darwin Station
Santa Cruz
Transfer Out
Baltra
Snorkel Panga Ride Circumnavigation
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N GENOVESA
MARCHENA
(Dowes of tower)
(Bindloes)
E
W SANTIAGO
(San Salvador or James)
S BARTOLOME FERNANDINA
SEYMOUR DAPHNE BALTRA
(Narborough)
PINZON
Playa Bachas
(Duncan)
Isla Plazas SAN CRISTOBAL (Chatham)
Ayora Port
SANTA ISABELA (Albemarle)
Leรณn Dormido
SANTA CRUZ
(Indefatigable or Chavez)
SANTA FE
Isla Lobos
(Barrington)
Baquerizo Moreno Port
Villamil Port
Centro de Interpretaciรณn
Punta Suarez ITINERARY A Airport ........................................................ Headlight ................................................... Port ............................................................ Snorkeling .................................................. Dive site ..................................................... Circumnavigation ..................................... Panga Ride ................................................
ESPAร OLA
Velasco Ibarra Port
FLOREANA
(Santa Maria or Charles)
(Hood)
Punta Suarez
Islote Osborn Bahia Gardner
BALTRA - SANTRA CRUZ Sunday AM: Baltra / Transfer in You land on the island of Baltra where the U.S. Air Force built a runway during WWII to strengthen U.S. presence in the Pacific. Upon arrival you are met by yacht staff and drive from the island of Baltra to the Itabaca canal where the Encantada is waiting. We board the yacht, settle in to our cabins and enjoy lunch. PM: Bachas Beach Then it’s a short cruise to the north side of Santa Cruz Island for a visit to Bachas Beach. The perfect introduction to the Galapagos, we walk along the beach and you are introduced to the wonder of the flora and fauna of the islands. There are Sally Lightfoot crabs, perhaps sea turtles, various wading birds, pelicans flying, and much more. We return to the boat in our dinghy to enjoy sunset over the Galapagos. Then, in the night, we begin our voyage across the sea towards Plazas Island.
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PLAZAS ISLAND - SANTA FE Monday AM: Plazas Island Plazas Island is a small island with steep cliffs. We transfer by dingy to the shore to walk along a wellmarked trail, passing cactus and a number of iguanas, both land and sea. In fact this is one place where the two have hybridized. There is a large sea lion colony here and their barks can be heard during our walk. PM: Santa Fe After our visit we return to the boat and cruise to Santa Fe island, located roughly halfway between Santa Cruz and San Cristobal islands. There is a small and picturesque bay here where we drop anchor and then head to shore to walk. It’s a lovely island for exploring, replete with prickly pear cactus and an endemic land iguana. There are many other species to view including lava lizards, Galapagos hawks, Audubon Shearwaters, brown pelicans, Galapagos mockingbirds, yellow warblers and more. We overnight in this protected harbor and enjoy the sunset.
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SAN CRISTOBAL Tuesday AM: Kicker Rock Morning finds us at San Cristobal Island. Our first stop is Leon Dormido or Kicker Rock that juts from the sea in geologic splendor. It’s one of the most notable places in the Galapagos and one where past trips have seen dozens of dolphins. It’s a fantastic place to snorkel, swimming through a passage between the rocks. Colorful sea stars dot the walls, hundreds of brillian fish swim by and we often see rays, sharks and sea turtles. Lobos Island After this memorable snorkeling we cruise about 40 minutes to Isla Lobos or “sea lion island. This is a special place to snorkel and swim with playful young sea lions who seem to get as much delight from us as we from them. As we snorkel, pelicans and boobies fly overhead. PM: Interpretation Center After lunch we continue on to the port town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The second largest town in the islands, it is the provincial capital of the Galapagos and the location of one of the two main airports. Over a hundred years ago this town started out as a penal colony. Today it has a lovely waterfront where sea lions lounge. Our highlight is the excellent National Park Interpretation Center which provides an excellent overview to the Park’s natural and human history. After our visit here we walk back into town and you have time to explore a bit before returning to the boat.
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ESPAÑOLA Wednesday AM: Suarez Point Wildlife is truly a highlight of Española and the best-known star is the waved albatross. Because of their large wings they have difficulty taking off and landing, and the island’s steep cliffs make for the perfect runways for these large birds. Española’s remote location helped make it a unique jewel with a large number of endemic creatures. Secluded from the other islands, wildlife on Espanola adapted to the island’s environment and natural resources. The subspecies of Marine iguana from Espanola are the only ones that change color during breeding season from a reddish hue to a shade of green. The Hood Mockingbird is endemic to the island and these birds have no fear of people, sometimes landing on the shoulders or heads of visitors. As we visit the Suarez Point landing site, we see all this plus lava lizards, various finches, blue-footed and masked boobies and more. There is also a spectacular blowhole where ocean waves are forced into a narrow opening and blow into the sky. PM: Gardner Bay From Suarez Point we cruise to Gardner Bay for an afternoon of more exploration. There’s a lovely beach here as well as good snorkeling. With any luck you snorkel with sea turtles, sea lions and naturally, dozens of colorful fish.
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FLOREANA Thursday AM: Post office Bay An overnight cruise takes us to Floreana Island and a stop at the famous Post Office Bay where 18th century whalers left messages in a wooden barrel as an unofficial mail box. Baroness Lookout We pass through the small port town on our way to explore the highlands of the island that has an intriguing human past. From the interior are views of the coast and landscape around. PM: Cormorant Point We return to the sea and cruise to Punta Cormorant where we go ashore for a wonderful walk along a sandy beach and visit a lagoon where pink flamingoes along with other shore birds wade and feed. The beaches are very special here as well. One is a green sand beach, created from olivine crystals that come from silicates made up of magnesium and iron. Another beach is known as “flour beach” with powdery white sand. Championg Islet We then continue to the small islet called “Champion” which is considered one of the top snorkeling spots in all the islands. With masks and fins you explore an underwater wonder world and are likely to be snorkeling with sea turtles, many colorful reef fish, white-tipped reef sharks and possibly even Galapagos penguins. Back on board the Encantada we enjoy the sunset and dinner. Later in the night the engines start for a cruise north to Santa Cruz Island
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Charles Darwin Station - Santa Cruz Friday AM: Charles Darwin Station We wake in the harbor of Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz, the largest town in the Galapagos Islands. A short walk takes us to the Charles Darwin Research Station and an opportunity to learn more about conservation work in the Galapagos. After a relaxed morning in town we transfer across the island by bus, across the Itabaca canal by ferry, and then another 10 minutes by bus to the airport on Baltra. A two-hour flight gets us to Guayaquil.
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GENOVESA
N
(Dowes of tower)
Darwin Bay
El Barranco
MARCHENA (Bindloes)
E
W SANTIAGO
(San Salvador or James)
Bainbridge Chinese Hat FERNANDINA
S Sullivan Bay BARTOLOME North Seymour DAPHNE
PINZON Black Turtle Cove
(Narborough)
BALTRA
(Duncan)
SAN CRISTOBAL (Chatham)
Ayora Port
SANTA CRUZ
SANTA ISABELA
Charles Darwin Station
(Indefatigable or Chavez)
(Albemarle)
SANTA FE (Barrington)
Villamil Port
ITINERARY B Airport ........................................................ Headlight ................................................... Port ............................................................ Snorkeling .................................................. Dive site ..................................................... Circumnavigation ..................................... Panga Ride ................................................
Baquerizo Moreno Port
Velasco Ibarra Port
ESPAÑOLA SANTA MARIA (Floreana or Charles)
(Hood)
The NORTHern Island Loop Itinerary B 5d / 4n
Encantada Expedition
Friday to Tuesday
Fri
Sat Sun Mon
Tue
Baltra / Transfer In
Baltra
Highlands
Santa Cruz
pm
Charles Darwing Station
Santa Cruz
am
Prince Phillips Steps
Genovesa
pm
Darwin Bay
Genovesa
am
Bartolome
Bartolome
pm
Sullivan Bay
Bartolome
am
Bainbridge
Santa Cruz
pm
Chinese Hat
Santa Cruz
Black Turtle Cove
Santa Cruz
North Seymour
Seymour
Baltra / Transfer Out
Baltra
am
am
Snorkel Panga Ride Circumnavigation
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charles darwin station - santa cruz Friday AM: Charles Darwin Station You land on the island of Baltra and drive 10 minutes from the airport to the Itabaca canal where a five-minute ferry ride takes you to the island of Santa Cruz. From here we travel across the island, stopping to see some of the giant Galapagos tortoises at a nature preserve along the way. Upon arrival in the seaside town of Puerto Ayora there is time to visit the Charles Darwin Research Center. Later in the afternoon we board the yacht and settle in to our cabins. After dinner we pull anchor and begin our travels towards the island of Genovesa.
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GENOVESA Saturday AM: Prince Phillip Steps We arrive in the morning at the island of Genovesa and have a dry landing at El Barranco, or Prince Phillip’s steps where a steep, rocky path leads to the top of a high cliff. There are spectacular views from here and the opportunity to observe red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, Galapagos doves and Galapagos swallows. PM: Darwin Bay We return to the boat and continue to Darwin Bay to find a white-sand coral beach and a half-mile trail that winds through mangrove trees filled with various birds. We should see Nazca boobies, redfooted boobies and swallow-tailed gulls among other birds. There are also tide pools to explore and interactions with curious, playful sea lions.
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BARTOLOME Sunday AM: Bartolome We arrive at the island of Bartolome, an extinct volcano where lava and rocks are shaded in red, black and green. This is the home of the iconic Pinnacle Rock and we climb a trail of stairs to the summit of the volcano for panoramic views across the island and to distant islands. We return to a lovely beach that is perfect for snorkeling and a chance to see the Galapagos penguin – and with any luck, a chance to snorkel with them! PM: Sullivan Bay Then we continue to Sullivan Bay where there is a large lava field of fascinating patterns, the result of explosions of gas or water coming forth from the once-molten lava.
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ISLETS / SANTA CRUZ Monday AM: Bainbridge Today we visit Bainbridge Rock, also known as James Bay. A trail follows the coastline where there are tide pools and grottos filled with sea life. This is an excellent chance to see the Galapagos fur seal bathing in the sun. Chinese Hat We also visit Chinese Hat which is a place of fairly recent volcanic activity and a few intact lava tunnels. This is another place to snorkel and swim in tranquil blue waters, watching colorful fish and playing with young sea lions. PM: Black Turtle Cove After lunch on the boat we head to the northern part of the island of Santa Cruz to visit Caleta Tortuga Negra, a small bay surrounded by mangroves and only accessible by dinghy. It’s a safe home for marine life such as white tip reef sharks, sea turtles and various rays such as manta rays and eagle rays.
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BARTOLOME Tuesday AM: North Seymour Our last day on the Encantada has still more discovery. We go to the official visitor site of Seymour North where there is a large breeding colony of frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. The trail leads up among their nests while you watch your step as there are also land and marine iguanas. It’s a special place to end our Galapagos adventure and then return to the Itabaca Canal for a short transfer back to the Baltra airport and a flight to Quito or Guayaquil.
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The WEStErn Island Loop
Itinerary C 6d / 5n Encantada Expedition
Tuesday to Sunday Tue Wed
am
Baltra / Transfer In
Baltra
pm
Dragon Hill
Santa Cruz
am
Tintoreras Islet
Isabela
pm
Wall of Tears / Wet Lands Tortoise Breeding Center
Thu Fri Sat
am
Moreno Point
Isabela
pm
Elizabeth Bay
Isabela
am
Espinoza Point
Fernandina
pm
Tagus Cove
Isabela
am
Egas Port
Santiago
pm
Espumilla Beach Bucanero Cove
Sun
Isabela
am
Daphne / Baltra
Santiago Baltra
Snorkel Panga Ride Circumnavigation
60| M/S Encantada Cruises
GENOVESA
N
(Dowes of Tower)
MARCHENA (Bindloes)
E
W SANTIAGO
(San Salvador or James)
Tagus Cove Espinoza Point
Bucanero Cove Espumilla Beach Egas Port
S
BARTOLOME
DAPHNE FERNANDINA (Narborough)
Elizabeth Bay
Dragon Hill
(Duncan)
SAN CRISTOBAL (Chatham)
Ayora Port
SANTA ISABELA
SANTA CRUZ
(Albemarle)
Wet Lands Wall of tears Villamil Port Breeding Center Tintoreras Islet
Airport ...................................................... Headlight ................................................. Port .......................................................... Snorkeling ................................................. Dive site .................................................... Circumnavigation .................................... Panga Ride ...............................................
BALTRA
PINZON
Moreno Point
ITINERARY C
SEYMOUR
(Indefatigable or Chavez)
Velasco Ibarra Port
SANTA FE (Barrington)
Baquerizo Moreno Port
ESPAÑOLA (Hood)
FLOREANA
(Santa Maria or Charles)
DRAGON HILL - SANTA CRUZ Tuesday AM: Baltra You land on the island of Baltra and you are met by Encantada yacht staff and drive from the island of Baltra to the Itabaca canal where the Encantada is waiting. We board the yacht, settle in to our cabins and enjoy lunch. Then it’s a short ride to the north side of Santa Cruz Island for a wonderful hike at Dragon Hill. PM: Dragon Hill This is one of the longer trails in the Galapagos and offers a good variety of flora and fauna. We hike to the top of a small hill, past a brackish lagoon where there may be flamingos and pintail ducks and walk along a trail where we encounter our first land iguanas. We return to the boat to enjoy sunset over the Galapagos. Then, in the night, we begin our voyage across the sea towards Isabela Island.
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SANTA ISABELA Wednesday AM: Tintoreras Islet Isabela is the largest of the Galapagos Islands and also one of the youngest, so there is still volcanic activity. The most recent eruption was in October of 2005. We anchor in the harbor of the small town of Puerto Villamil and take a dinghy a short distance to Tintoreras island. The island is a stark, rocky place with sharp volcanic rocks that shelter hundreds of marine iguanas. We walk along a narrow trail and peer into a small lagoon filled with white-tipped reef sharks. Further along the trail we are likely to see sea lions lounging and perhaps a Galapagos penguin or two. We have time to snorkel near the island and then return to the Encantada for lunch. PM: Wall of Tears After lunch we head into the small town of Puerto Villamil, a fishing village with sand streets and a laid-back feel. Our destination is outside of town to a place called the Wall of Tears. From 1945 to 1959 there was a penal colony here and part of the forced labor program was constructing a huge wall some 65’ high. It’s an interesting part of the human saga of life on the Galapagos Islands. From here we head to a nature trail that takes us to an inland lagoon with mangroves and shallow water creating the perfect habitat for various birds including flamingos, common stilts, gallinules, pintails and whimbrels.
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santa isabela Wednesday PM: Tortoise Breeding Center The trail ends at one of the Galapagos National Park tortoise breeding centers where the local ranger explains the mission of the center and their success in helping increase the tortoise population on Isabela.
Thrusday AM: Moreno Point We wake up near Elizabeth Bay and Moreno Point on the west side of Isabela island and go ashore for a hike through a lava rock landscape. The mix of mangroves and tide pools make for an area rich in life and diversity. We see a number of birds, sea turtles and perhaps white-tip sharks and flightless cormorants as we explore. PM: Elizabeth Bay After lunch on the boat we had to nearby Elizabeth Bay that has a number if islets that we visit by dinghy. There are penguins and blue-footed boobies along with other birds and sealife.
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FERNANDINA Wednesday AM: Espinoza Point We arrive early at Fernandina island, the youngest and furthest west of all the Galapagos Islands. Fewer boats make it this far and it’s the least-visited of all the Galapagos Islands. For some, Fernandina is the highlight of the trip as there are literally thousands of marine iguanas, along with almost incredulous numbers of other animals. We land to walk along a lava trail on Punta Espinoza. Wildlife sightings include the flightless cormorant, hawks, tortoises, herons of varying species, crabs, sea lions (of course) and more! Because it is so remote, this is the most pristine of all the Galapagos Islands and no species of mammals were ever introduced here. PM: Tagus Cove After lunch on the boat we cruise a short distance to Tagus Cove on Isabela Island. This cove has been used as a sheltered anchor point for ships since the 1800s. We disembark for a hike to one of the most spectacular views found anywhere in the Galapagos. At the end of our hike we’re perched on a cinder cone with views down to Darwin Lake, a small saline lake within a volcanic tuff cone. Along the way we’re likely to see Galapagos hawks and flightless cormorants. We return to the Encantada to watch the sunset and with any luck, perhaps see some dolphins and whales. The water in this area is some of the coldest in the Galapagos, coming from cold Antarctica and bringing rich nutrients. These in turn feed a wide variety of wildlife including the Galapagos penguin which is more numerous in this area than anywhere else in the islands and is a big reason our chances of seeing whales near here are better than in many other parts of the islands. 68| M/S Encantada Cruises
santiago Saturday AM: Egas Port We wake up at Santiago Island and Egas Port, also known as James Bay. British buccaneers came to this bay to anchor in the 1600’s and later and found it a good source of firewood, water, tortoises and salt. Indeed our anchorage is near the old salt mine of Puerto Egas. No people live here now of course, but there are sea lions and brown pelicans among other creatures that offer welcome. We walk along a lava shoreline with marine iguanas basking, land iguanas saunter along and Sally Lightfoot crabs scatter from us. Then we walk about an hour along a dusty trail through of scattered forest of Palo Santo trees. We ascend to the edge of a crater with wonderful views of a salt lake and mine below us. Upon our return to the water’s edge there’s time for snorkeling to see a wide variety of tropical fish and perhaps some playful sea lions. PM: Espumilla Beach We return to the boat for lunch, then head to Espumilla Beach, an excellent snorkeling location. Hundreds of Sally Lightfoot crabs live here, providing food for herons and other shorebirds. While snorkeling you may see eagle rays, eel and reef sharks. Bucanero Cove We continue to Buccaneer Cove, a favorite of the pirates and a place with steep cliffs and many birds.
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DAPHNE Sunday AM: Daphne We pass by Daphne Island where Peter and Rosemary Grant have done important research relative to Darwin’s finches (we highly recommend you read the book “The Beak of the Finch) and then head to the Itabaca canal. Here we say good-bye to our yacht crew and head to the airport on Baltra to fly back to Guayaquil or Quito.
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M/Y Eclipse Daily Diving Tours
S
cuba Galapagos is proud to introduce the Eclipse Yacht for daily diving tours based on Santa Cruz Island.
Enjoy the Eclipse´s daily departures to a variety of dive sites that are detailed in our itinerary. Discover the magical diving sites around Santa Cruz Island and marvel at the incredible underwater flora and fauna for which the archipelago is renowned.
Boat Specifications • Year of construction: 2008
• Ship speed: 12 knots
• Length: 14.6m
• Zodiac disembarkation
• Width: 6m
• Capacity: 8 passengers
• Capitano Bauer Compressor onboard
• 2 Detroit Diesel motors
• First aid equipment
• 1 John Deere 40kw generator • Fresh water production (desalinization)
Facilities • 2 double cabins • Lounge - Dining room • Sundeck • Hot-water showers
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boat for 10 passengers
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REQUIREMENTS TO DIVE WITH US Safety is our priority aboard the Eclipse. This is why we require some information about divers before you arrive:
• Type of diving certification you have (level and type of training) • How many deep dives have you done? • The date of your last dive • Experience diving in currents, wall dives, deep dives • Experience diving in cold water, in 6mm wetsuits
It is especially important for us to know what your expectations and interests are to provide the best individualized service.
Ask us for individual, small group, and charter rates.
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WHEN AND WHERE • We depart from Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island • Hour of departure is approximately 7:00 am • Hour of return is approximately 5:00 pm (The hour of return depends on the dive site visited)
Departures DAY
AM
PM
Sunday
1. Daphne Minor 2. Seymour (NE)
1. Daphne Minor 2. Seymour (NE)
Monday
1. Cousin Rocks 2. Bartolome Point
1. Bartolome Point 2. Felipe Rock
Tuesday
1. Gordon Rocks 2. Gordon Rocks
1. Seymour (NE) 2. Mosquera Islet
Wednesday
1. Santa Fe (Barranco) 2. Santa Fe (Fondeadero)
1. Santa Fe (Barranco) 2. Santa Fe (Fondeadero)
Thursday
1. Mosquera Islet 2. North Seymour (Channel)
1. Mosquera Islet 2. North Seymour (Channel)
Friday
1. Cousin Rocks 2. Bartolome Point
1. Bartolome Point 2. Felipe Rock
Saturday
1. South Plazas 2. Gordon Rocks
1. North Plazas 2. Gordon Rocks
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REQUIREMENTS TO DIVE WITH US Safety is our priority aboard the Eclipse. This is why we require some information about divers before you arrive:
• Type of diving certification you have (level and type of training) • How many deep dives have you done? • The date of your last dive • Experience diving in currents, wall dives, deep dives • Experience diving in cold water, in 6 mm wetsuits
It is especially important for us to know what your expectations and interests are to provide the best individualized service.
Ask us for individual, small group, and charter rates.
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Diving Sites DAPHNE DEPTH RANGE: 3 TO 30 m (10-120 FT.) VISIBILITY:
6 TO 20 m (20-65 FT.)
CURRENTS:
MODERATE TO STRONG
SURGE:
MODERATE TO STRONG
DIFFICULTY: INTERMEDIATE WHAT TO SEE: HAMMERHEAD SHARKS, MANTA RAYS, TURTLES NORTH SEYMOUR DEPTH RANGE: 5 TO 25 m (15-90 FT.) VISIBILITY:
9 TO 15 m (30-50 FT.)
CURRENTS:
MODERATE TO STRONG
SURGE:
CAN BE STRONG ON THE SURFACE
DIFFICULTY:
ALL LEVELS
WHAT TO SEE: HAMMERHEAD SHARKS, GARDEN EELS, WHITE TIP REEF SHARKS
COUSIN ROCKS DEPTH RANGE: 5 TO 25 m (15-90 FT.) VISIBILITY:
9 TO 18 m (30-60 FT.)
CURRENTS: MODERATE SURGE:
MODERATE ON THE SURFACE
DIFFICULTY: INTERMEDIATE WHAT TO SEE: HAMMERHEAD SHARKS, MANTA RAYS, SEA HORSES BARTOLOME DEPTH RANGE: 6 TO 30 m (18-100 FT.) VISIBILITY:
9 TO 25 m (30-80 FT.)
CURRENTS: MODERATE SURGE: GENTLE DIFFICULTY: INTERMEDIATE WHAT TO SEE: EAGLE RAYS, MANTA RAYS, GALAPAGOS SHARKS
GORDON ROCKS DEPTH RANGE: 6 TO 30 m (18-100 FT.) VISIBILITY: 6 TO 20 m (20-65 FT.) DEPENDING ON CONDITIONS CURRENTS:
STRONG ON THE SURFACE / MODERATE AT DEPTH
SURGE:
SRONG ON THE SURFACE
DIFFICULTY: ADVANCED (AT LEAST 30 PREVIOUS DIVES + EXPERIENCE IN STRONG CURRENTS) WHAT TO SEE: HAMMERHEAD SHARKS, TURTLES, MANTA RAYS, EAGLE RAYS SANTA FE DEPTH RANGE: 9 TO 20 m (30-65 FT.) VISIBILITY:
9 TO 12 m (30-40 FT.)
CURRENTS:
LIGHT TO MODERATE
SURGE:
DEPENDS ON THE WINDS
DIFFICULTY:
ALL LEVELS
WHAT TO SEE: SHARKS, SEALIONS, TURTLES M/Y Eclipse Daily Diving Tours| 87
DIVING EQUIPMENT • SCUBAPRO wetsuit (suit, hood, gloves, boots) • Mask and fins • BCD • Instrument console • Compressed air tanks • Lead weight belt
ONBOARD SECURITY • Life raft for 25 people (standard) • Navmex Garmin GPS (Sonda/Radar) • Fire detection and prevention system
PERMITS AND REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES • Galapagos National Park Official Registration Certificate • Marine Reserve Operation (8 passengers) • National Traffic Permit • Civic responsibility insurance 88| M/Y Eclipse Daily Diving Tours
ISABELA:
Av. Conocarpus S/N - 200 mts from the deck Phone:(593-5) 252 9235 | 301 6946 info@thewoodenhouse.com.ec Galรกpagos - Ecuador
QUITO:
Av. Amazonas N23 - 71 Y Wilson Phone:(593-2) 250 3740 / 255 2389 / 250 5756 Fax: (593-2) 255 2121 info@scubagalapagos.com | operaciones@scubagalapagos.com Quito - Ecuador
www.thewoodenhouse.com.ec