Calipso Yacht: Route B 5D4N Starts Thursday

Calipso Yacht: Route B (Thursday - Monday)

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Overview

Explore the Galapagos Islands in comfort and style aboard the Calipso yacht. Completely refurbished in 2019, the Calipso liveaboard has 8 beautifully decorated cabins full of modern comforts. A choice of accommodation is available, from single, twin or double-bed options, all featuring plenty of storage space, charging ports, individual climate control, TV and an en-suite bathroom. Each stateroom on the main and upper deck also features picture windows with ocean-views. The large and open social areas offer the perfect place for guests to unwind and relax in-between adventure cruise activities. Enjoy delicious cuisine, freshly prepared and served at either the large indoor dining area with coffee station and fully stocked bar or out on the sun-deck, which also has al-fresco dining. The perfect place to enjoy the sea-breeze and incredible Galapagos landscapes. There are also comfortable sun loungers and a hot tub for further relaxation.

Islands you will visit:

San Cristobal
Bartholomew
Santiago
Fernandina
Isabela
North Seymour

Itinerary

DAY 1

SAN CRISTOBAL

Arrival in San Cristobal Airport and Transfer to the boat

AM
Arrival in San Cristobal Airport and Transfer to the boat
PM
San Cristobal: Witch Hill
Witch Hill
Located on the northern coast, this eroded hill and its surroundings present one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos with its white powdery sand and the abundance of animals. Wildlife includes sea turtles, rays, and various types of booby birds. The clear water provides an excellent opportunity for enjoying swimming and snorkeling.
Highlights:
Beautiful rock formations, sea lions, shore birds, finches and mockingbirds; snorkeling: nice tropical fish, anemones, sponge coral
Possible Activities:
Hike, dinghy ride, snorkeling & kayaking
Type of Landing:
Wet landing
Difficulty:
Easy walk along the beach

DAY 2

BARTOLOMé ISLAND

Bartholomew Island: Bartholomew&Chinese Hat Islet

AM
Bartholomew Island: Bartholomew
PM
Chinese Hat Islet
Bartholomew Island
Home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. A trail of stairs leads to the summit of the volcano, boasting one of the best views of the islands. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos penguin.
Highlights:
Pinnacle rock, panoramic view, moonlike landscape, penguins, pioneer plants, lava cactus; snorkeling: penguins, reef sharks, rays, and great colorful fish.
Possible Activities:
Dinghy ride, snorkeling & hiking (1.2 miles/ 2 km)
Type of Landing:
Dry and wet landings
Difficulty:
Moderate/difficult. Walk up to the top of volcano 114 meters, 375 wooden steps
Chinese Hat Islet
This small islet is located near the southeast coast of Santiago Island. Its name comes from the distinct shape of the islet's summit. This small islet is a great location to view many geological formations such as lava tubes and lava flows.
Possible Activities:
Hike & snorkeling (1,9 miles / 3 km)
Type of Landing:
Wet landing
Difficulty:
Easy / Moderate

DAY 3

FERNANDINA ISLAND / ISABELA ISLAND

Fernandina: Espinosa Point&Isabela: Tagus Cove

AM
Fernandina: Espinosa Point
PM
Isabela: Tagus Cove
Espinoza Point
No foreign species have ever invaded Fernandina Island, and therefore it is one of the world's most pristine island ecosystems. The volcano “La Cumbre” dominates the landspace with lava fields reaching the ocean. The island's highlight features the flightless cormorant nesting site. This area provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos hawk.
Highlights:
Flightless cormorant, marine iguanas, 'a'a lava, sea lions, penguins, active volcano “La Cumbre”
Possible Activities:
Hike (1.2 miles/2 km)
Type of Landing:
Dry and slippery at low tide
Difficulty:
Moderate
Tagus Cove
Tagus Cove is located across from Fernandina Island near the Bolivar Channel dividing the two islands. This spot has been frequented by ships since the 1800s using the area as an anchorage site. Trails winding by Lake Darwin up to a ridge display wonderful views. Punta Tortuga, just north of Tagus Cove, is another lovely beach surrounded by mangroves.
Highlights:
Penguins, flightless cormorants, Darwin Volcano & Lake Darwin
Possible Activities:
Long hike, snorkeling, dinghy ride
Type of Landing:
Dry landing
Difficulty:
Moderate / difficult

DAY 4

ISABELA ISLAND

Urbina Bay&Moreno Point

AM
Isabela: Urbina Bay
PM
Isabela: Moreno Point
Urbina Bay
Urbina Bay is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954 causing the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is also a great place for snorkeling.
Highlights:
Land iguanas (the biggest in the Galapagos), hawks, coral reef, giant tortoises; snorkeling: turtles, rays, tropical fish
Possible Activities:
Snorkeling, dinghy ride & hike, 2 trails: short (0.6miles/1 km), long (1.9miles/3km)
Type of Landing:
Wet landing
Difficulty:
Easy / moderate
Moreno Point
Moreno Point is located near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. The plethora of birds seen during a dinghy ride along the striking rocky shores or a hike along path through lava rock leading to tide pools and mangroves create a birdwatcher’s delight. In the tide pools, green sea turtles or white-tip sharks can be spotted.
Highlights:
Flamingos, gallinules, pintail ducks, turtles, white-tip reef sharks.
Possible Activities:
Snorkeling, dinghy ride & hike (1.2miles/2km)
Type of Landing:
Dry landing
Difficulty:
Moderate / difficult

DAY 5

SAN CRISTOBAL

Transfer to the Baltra Airport

AM
North Seymour Island
Transfer to the Baltra Airport
North Seymour Island
Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds are abundant on North Seymour Island. The island was formed by a series of submarine lava containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone.
Highlights:
Land & marine iguanas, frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, sea lions; snorkeling: rays, reef shark, fish, garden eels.
Possible Activities:
Dinghy ride & hiking (1.5 miles / 2.5 km)
Type of Landing:
Dry landing
Difficulty:
Moderate / difficult

Book This Tour

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Policy:

At the time of booking a deposit of 20% of the total tour price
The remaining balance is due a minimum of 65 calendar days prior to departure date

To issue final confirmation Palace tours requires 60 days prior to departure (or at time of reservation for last minute bookings) the following information for all passengers:

Complete passenger names
Passport copy
Nationality
Date of birth
Marital Status
Dietary or medical restrictions

Failure to provide the above information on time may result in delays and possibly passengers missing the tour completely. Palace tours will not accept responsibility or provide refunds if the above information is not provided in its entirety and on time.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be done in writing. If a cancellation is received more than 125 days prior to tour departure date a cancellation fee of 10% of the total price will be retained as cancellation fee.

If a cancellation is received between 125 days and 65 days prior to tour departure date, 20% of the total price will be forfeited.

In the case of a cancellation received less than 65 days prior to the boat departure the full amount will be retained.

*Christmas & New Year: special conditions apply. Please contact us for details.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Rates Include

All meals throughout cruise
Transfers in the islands
All excursions
Bilingual national park guide
Use of snorkeling equipment*
Use of Underwater Camera*
Wetsuit*
Free airport assistance*
1 hotel night in Quito or Guayaquil (the day before the cruise)*
Free airport transfers for Galapagos flights*

*Restrictions apply.Please contact us for more information.

Not Included

Mainland Ecuador-Galapagos-Mainland Ecuador airfare
Alcoholic drinks
US$100 Galapagos National Park fee
US$20 Transit Control Card
Travel / medical insurance
Tips
Personal expenses

Frequently Asked Questions & Tips

1 When is the best time to visit Galapagos?

Galapagos is a place that can be visited at any time. There are two season, and the warmest is between December and May. It is the time of year when the sky is always clear, and the sun shines strongly. If you love to dive in amazing places, the best time to visit Galapagos is from June to November. During this season the weather is a little cooler, but it gives you the chance to enjoy the best from Galapagos' famous marine reserve.

2 What should we bring?

Since the islands are situated very near the Equator, we recommend that you bring lightweight clothing and of course, don't forget your swimsuits, sun lotion, and good footwear.

3 How long is the flight from Ecuador to the Galapagos?

It depends from where you depart. Flights to the Galapagos leave from Quito and Guayaquil. It takes about half an hour to get from Quito to Guayaquil and roughly one and a half hours from Guayaquil to the islands.

4 Are there any immunizations required/recommended?

For the Galapagos Islands there are no required or recommended immunizations. If you, however, intend to spend more time in Ecuador, especially in the jungle, immunization is highly recommended. As this changes from time to time please check with your local health office (or the Institute for Tropical Diseases) a few weeks in advance of your trip.

5 Are single or triple suites available?

Most of our cruises will assign double cabins to all passengers unless you want to pay the single supplement if traveling alone. Triple cabins can also be arranged on request, depending on availability and the vessel you choose.

6 What is the time zone of the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands are 6 hours behind GMT (equivalent to USA Central Standard Time)

7 Does the equatorial line cross the Galapagos Islands?

The equatorial line does pass through the Galapagos, just north of Isla Santiago. Please refer to our Itinerary page to see which itinerary passes through the equatorial line.

8 What are marine currents like the Galapagos?

The Galapagos Islands waters have the Humboldt Current's influence that brings cold waters especially during the mist rainy season (cool weather) from July to December. The warm season is during the months of January to June. The southeast trade winds become weaker and the water from the Panama Basin remains warm. During this season there is more of a tropical climate with some occasional rains. "El Niño" current may cause a much greater flow of warm waters, making the surface warmer and rainfall increase.

9 What is the water temperature in the Islands?

Average water temperatures in Galapagos:
January - June: 70°F - 80°F (20°C - 26°C)
July - December: 65°F - 75°F (18°C- 23°C)

10 Can you snorkel in the Galapagos?

Snorkeling equipment is available on-board and is an activity on all of our Galapagos Cruises. All water sports convey a certain risk. Passengers participating in these activities do so under their own responsibility.

*Restrictions and fees might apply, please contact us for more information.

11 Special Diets:

Passengers with special dietary needs are asked to request the latest menu offered and in such cases that stated menu does not meet their needs to clearly convey their specific dietary needs. It is the responsibility of passengers with specific dietary needs to addressed additional requirements at least 30 days prior to the start of the cruise. Those general and specific needs not clearly conveyed cannot be met. Every reasonable effort will be made to cater to such requests within reason, subject to availability of products in Ecuador retains the right to refuse to cater such special needs.