Combine 4 days of adventure on Santa Cruz combining a day of Scuba Diving (even if you never tried it!) and land tours to experience what Galapagos has to offer above and beneath the sea!
AM-Mid-Day: Ferry crossing to Santa Cruz Island (10 min-ride). Check-in Aventura Lodge. Lunch
PM: Snorkel with Sea Lions, Sting Rays and Baby Reef Sharks in the shallow, emerald waters of Tortuga Bay, then witness the nesting site of the famous Marine Iguanas. Equipment fitting and if Discover Scuba ( if you are not certified yet) 45 minute introduction to Scuba Diving Video. Welcome Cocktail. Briefing. Dinner.
AM: Diving in Santa Cruz. with opportunities to see Eagle Rays, Manta Rays, Hammerheads, White-Tipped Reef Sharks, Galapagos Shark, Stingrays, Marbled Rays, Tiger Snake Eels, Moray Eels, Garden Eels, Sea Stars, Sea Turtles, Jacks, Blue and Gold Snappers, Flag Cabrilla, Creolefish, King Angelfish, Barracuda, Heiroglyphic Hawkfish, Frogfish, Yellowtail Surgeonfish, Spotfin Burrfish, Scorpionfish, Cardinalfish, Nudibranch and more!
PM: Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the Charles Darwin Research Station. Founded in 1964 with the purpose of studying and preserving the natural wonder that is Galapagos.
The station is supported by over 100 scientists and researchers from around the world, instrumental in the conservation efforts of the islands. The Charles Darwin Research Station is also home to Lonesome George, also known as the worlds rarest creature.
He was discovered in 1971 on Pinta island and is the very last of his kind. Learn more about Lonesome George and much more fascinating natural history at this amazing center.
Activity: Tortoise Quest/Highlands Tour Santa Cruz
Route: Santa Cruz - Santa Cruz
Description:
AM: This tour begins with a trip to "Los Gemelos" (The Twins) - two enormous collapsed lava chambers, an awe-inspiring visual reminder of the power of nature.
The short, easy hike to each of the twins is teeming with endemic flora and fauna, including the remaining Scalesia Forest draped in Liverwort, large and small tree finches, the adorable Vermillion flycatcher and more.
Afterwards, we will visit a 600 acre private reserve where the famous, giant Galapagos tortoises freely roam, graze and sleep. After visiting the tortoises, we'll take a 5 minute ride to the entrance of a 450 meter (1350 feet) illuminated lava tunnel.
With a ceiling nearly 20 feet high in most places, this is an incredible opportunity to ramble through the remnants of one of the most powerful forces in nature...lava flows. Stalagmites, stalactites, sulphur and mineral colored walls and more await you here.
Depart 3 hours before your flight in order to arrive back at the Baltra Airport the requested 1.5 hours before your flight. Transport and guide included from the hotel to the airport.
Dive sites may changed based on what is on the itinerary due to weather conditions, currents, visibility, or the captains call due to the opportunity to see something out of the ordinary. There are many equally beautiful dive sites at each island and the captain will pick what is suitable for all on board.
All dives are 2 tank dives.
Red Mangrove Dive Center will provide all equipment as part of your package except dive computers which can be rented.
The number of dives can vary due to change of weather and/or conditions or the captains to ensure the safety of everyone on board. There are no refunds for missed dives.
The National Park of Ecuador is constantly changing the rules and regulations, the dive sites available today may not be available tomorrow so please keep in mind that your sites may change due to changes in rules and regulations that are out of our control.
As a certified diver it is your duty to make the final call if you are ok to dive or not. You must let your captain or DiveMaster know if there is a problem or if you do not wish to make the dive.
Please respect the environment, The Galapagos Islands are a treasure not only for Ecuador but for mankind. It is most important that you follow the rules of the National Park so we can preserve this treasure for future generations.
Germany 0800-180-6586
United Kingdom 0-808-101-2270
USA / Canada 1-888-254-3190
