Grand Majestic Cruise Route D 4 Day Program D

Grand Majestic Yacht Route D (Monday - Thursday)

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Overview

Newly built in 2018, the Grand Majestic liveaboard is one of the fastest yachts offering luxury small-ship cruises in the Galapagos Islands. She is fitted with moderns and stylish living areas, including a large sun deck with jacuzzi and al fresco dining. On the main deck is an open plan living, dining and bar area with panoramic windows. On the lower deck are 6 spacious cabins with double or twin beds and porthole windows. Located on the main deck is one double with panoramic windows and the Master Suite with his and her bathrooms, sofa and panoramic windows. All cabins are fitted with AC and private en-suite bathrooms.

Get up close with the amazing nature of the Galapagos Islands on this once in a lifetime cruises. Activities include snorkeling with sea-lion pups and a wide variety of marine-life, hiking to viewpoints with access to stunning scenery, and visits to the breeding centre to see Giant Tortoises.

Islands you will visit:

San Cristobal
Floreana
Española
Santa Cruz

Itinerary

DAY 1

SAN CRISTOBAL

Monday: Arrival in San Cristobal Island

AM: Arrival in San Cristobal Airport and Transfer to the boat
PM: El Junco Lagoon
The Junco Lagoon, located about 700 m above sea level, is one of the few permanent freshwater bodies in the Galapagos. Frigate birds are often seen here washing the salt from their feathers as well as white-cheeked pintails and common gallinules. Its name comes from a type of plant that is common in this area called “junco”.
Highlights:
One of the few permanent freshwater lakes, frigates, white-cheeked pintails
Possible Activities:
Bird watching
Type of Landing:
Dry landing
Difficulty:
Easy

DAY 2

FLOREANA ISLAND

Tuesday: Floreana Island

AM: Post Office Bay
In the 18th century whalers passing through the islands placed a wooden barrel on Floreana Island for use as an unofficial mail box. The tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home.
Highlights:
Post office barrel, nice sandy beach
Possible Activities:
Short hike (less than 0.6 miles/1 km) & snorkeling
Type of Landing:
Wet landing
Difficulty:
Easy
Baroness Viewing Point
Baroness Viewpoint is a fantastic place to absorb the environment of the Galapagos. Once inhabited by an indulgent baroness and her three lovers, the history of this island is intriguing. The legends about this baroness are associated with a fascinating murder mystery. There are easy trails in this area for exploring the flora and fauna of Floreana.
Highlights:
Great view, sea turtles, mysterious story about the first inhabitants of the islands
Possible Activities:
Short hike (0.6 miles/1 km), Snorkeling, Kayaking and Panga Ride
Type of Landing:
Wet landing
Difficulty:
Easy
PM: Cormorant Point
This site hosts a large flamingo lagoon where other birds such as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails can also be seen. The beaches on this island are distinct: The “Green Beach” named so due to its green color, which comes from a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, and the “Four Sand Beach” composed of white coral.
Highlights:
Flamingos, green-colored beach
Possible Activities:
Dinghy ride & hike (1.2 miles /2 km)
Type of Landing:
Wet landing
Difficulty:
Easy
Devil's Crown
One of the best snorkeling sites in the Galapagos, this volcanic crater has been eroded by the waves leaving the northern and southern sides poking out of the water. The coral reef in the middle is perfect for attracting marine life. Snorkelers enjoy the variety of marine life and exciting currents that rush through the crown creating an exhilarating experience.
Highlights:
The best snorkeling site in Galapagos Islands with sharks, rays, rock formations, lots of tropical fish.
Possible Activities:
Snorkeling
Type of Landing:
No landing
Difficulty:
Moderate / difficult

DAY 3

ESPAñOLA ISLAND

Wednesday:

AM: Suarez Point
This area is great for spotting blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and Nazca boobies. A beautiful site on the ocean front, the large waved albatrosses use the cliff as a launching pad. The famous attraction is the magnificent blowhole, spurting water high into the air. This site presents wonderful photograph opportunities.
Highlights:
Hood mockingbirds, Nazca boobies, waved albatrosses, red-billed tropicbirds, lava lizards, Galapagos hawks, blue-footed boobies, blowhole, amazing landscape
Possible Activities:
Hike (1.9 miles/3 km)
Type of Landing:
Dry landing
Difficulty:
Difficult
PM: Gardner Bay
Gardner Bay, on the eastern side of the island, is the breeding site of nearly all of the world´s 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. It has an ample white sandy beach with a myriad of sea lions, perfect for relaxing. Its rocky shores make this site a great place for diving and snorkeling.
Highlights:
White sandy beach, sea lions, mockingbirds; snorkeling: colorful fish, sea lion nursery
Possible Activities:
Snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking, short hike of (0.6 miles/1 km)
Type of Landing:
Wet landing
Difficulty:
Easy

DAY 4

BALTRA ISLAND / SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

Thursday: Santa Cruz Island

AM: Los Gemelos (Twin Craters)
Los Gemelos, or the Twin Craters, are located opposite each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only figurative; not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. The view is breathtaking.
Highlights:
Pit craters, Scalesia forest
Possible Activities:
Short hiking
Type of Landing:
Dry landing
Difficulty:
Moderate
After this tour, transfer to Baltra Airport

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.