Galapagos Islands Cruises - Scroll down for different ship option and $$$pecial$$$

Important: The ships featured here are just a small sample of a wide range of yachts and vessels that we can offer. Either call us on 1300 662533 or 03-9670 7304 or just send us an email: info@travelprojects.com.au for more information on a ship that is not listed here.

Galapagos Islands
One of Ecuador's most valuable and most famous natural treasures is not on the mainland at all. It is the Galapagos Islands, an enchanted, volcanically formed archipelago 622 miles off of Ecuador's Pacific coast. The Galapagos is a world unto itself composed of  13 major islands, six smaller ones and over two score of islets that became Charles Darwin's living laboratory of evolution and inspired him to write The Origin of the Species after visiting the islands in 1835. Darwin's Theory of Evolution emanated from this visit and the ensuing book.

When the first seafarers arrived in 1535, they found some of the strangest and most wonderful wildlife imaginable: birds that could no longer fly, seagoing iguanas and dragon-like lizards from prehistoric times, and the giant tortoises, Galapagos in Spanish, for which the islands were named. They found Antarctic seals and penguins living happily with tropical birds and animals, right on the equator! Best of all, they found that the animals of the islands were completely unafraid of man ... because over the centuries they had no reason to fear. This is the way that you will find the Galapagos Islands to this day, and that is why strict rules are enforced to protect and preserve the fragile and priceless environment.

Excursions to the Islands
There are 2 daily visits to the islands, in the morning and in the afternoon, accompanied by our naturalist guides. The visits usually include walking, hiking and snorkeling, and in some places beach activity, swimming and shopping.

Dry Landings: Passengers step directly from a dinghy to rocks or a dock, therefore we recommend: walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, water, insect repellent and a light jacket.

Wet Landings: The dinghy edges up to a beach, passengers step into knee-deep water assisted by crew members and guides, therefore we recommend: swimming suit or shorts, walking shoes or slippers, towel (that will be provided by the crew while disembarking), sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, plastic bag, well insulated cameras and a windbreaker.

Snorkeling
Marine life in Galapagos is abundant, for that reason, these is a great place for snorkeling. And for those people that do not have their own equipment, you may rent it on board.

Includes:

• Cruise duration
• All meals
• Shore excursions with naturalist guides

Important Information
Galapagos National Park Tax and any Municipality tax is NOT included in your program and MUST be paid upon arrival to be granted permission to visit the Islands. Combined Tax for 2009 is  US$ 100 per person (subject to change) - PLEASE NOTE: All cruises are presented as CRUISE ONLY (no airfare or fuel surcharge are included) and at least 1 night before and after the cruise must be spent in Quito or Guayaquil because of flight schedules. Best airfare from your departing city will be included, on request, for your departure time as well as the necessary additional nights. 

M/Y La Pinta
20% of prices in table below for all new FIT bookings received until 31st May for expeditions on board of M/V Sta Cruz and M/Y La Pinta for the months of May and June 2009.

Travel Projects is proud to present Yacht La Pinta, for the ultimate luxurious expedition adventure in the Galapagos Islands.  The 63-meter (207-foot) yacht accommodates 32 guests.

A full week discovery trip to the Galapagos Islands aboard La Pinta allows encounters with unique fauna, like the famous giant Galapagos tortoises in the wild, land and marine iguanas, flamingos, penguins, blue-footed boobies and the famous Darwin’s finches.

M/V Galapagos Explorer II

4 days We to Sat
5 days  Sat to Wed 
8 days  Wed to Wed or Sat to Sat

With capacity of 100 passengers. It has 50 air conditioned outside Suites, private bathroom and a small sitting area, TV, HHS and fridge and phone . Features aboard include swimming pool, solarium, spacious dining room, an electronic elevator, large conference room, lounge, three bar areas with music, Boutique and reading room. Six naturalist guides aboard lead daily shore excursions and offer nightly briefings to prepare passengers for the islands to be visited the next day. With international and Ecuadorian cuisine.. Standard crew size: 70.

M/V Galapagos Legend
Special rate of AU$1800 pp for following departures: Jun1-4 & Jun 15-18 and for the next 2 departures: Jul27-30 & Jul30-Aug3, the price is AU$2150 pp and the airticket Quito/Galapagos/Guayaquil.

4 days Mon to Thu 
5 days Thu to Mon 
8 days Mon to Mon or Thu to Thu 

This is a 90 passenger cruise 5-star fully air conditioned ship. with all the commodities of a cruise liner yet small enough for that intimate experience with nature that brings you to The Galapagos. Guests can benefit from the added comfort of extra space in our fully carpeted luxurious cabins. All with ocean views, wardrobes, and private facilities offering hot and cold water, hair dryer, safe deposit boxes and other amenities. We pride ourselves for having a highly trained hotel and ship crew. In addition the vessel also has the services of a 24hour duty doctor; and, naturalist multilingual guides.

M/V Santa Cruz
20% of prices in table below for all new FIT bookings received until 31st May for expeditions on board of M/V Sta Cruz and M/Y La Pinta for the months of May and June 2009.

4 days Mon to Thu 
5 days Thu to Mon 
8 days Mon or Thu

The M/V Santa Cruz is the only first-class ship built exclusively for Galapagos Islands cruising.  All 47 suites and cabins, distributed in three decks,  have private facilities and low berths. Fully carpeted and air conditioned, it is the right size cruise ship for a comfortable and relaxed vacation. The M/V Santa Cruzhas been totally refitted. The vessel has been refurbished, with extended decks in order to accommodate for upgraded and more spacious cabins as well as larger deck areas.

M/Y Isabella II

4 days Tue to Fri 
5 days Fri to Tue 
8 days Tue to Tue

The 40-passenger ISABELA II, with 20 outside cabins plus an owners suite, is the most luxurious yacht cruising the Galapagos, and offers an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere for experiencing the full adventure of the Islands. The yacht is fully air conditioned; all cabins are spacious and have private bathrooms. Its three public decks offer the amenities of a larger vessel, including bar-salon, dining room and sun deck. The library contains a variety of books on Galapagos and Ecuador, as well as excellent nature and conservation videos. From dining room to stateroom, one senses the superior quality at all levels of service. ISABELA's trained chefs prepare a superb a-la-carte selection of meals. Our helpful, warm staff attends to your every need.

Aida Maria I

8 days Sun to Sun
5 days Sun to Thu

The sixteen-passenger Aida Maria offers a great combination of comfort, style and economy. Each of the eight air conditioned double cabins has a private bath and shower with hot water showers. On board, there is an ample deck to enjoy sunny Galapagos days.
The Aida Maria is the perfect choice if you prefer to travel economically, yet with a certain amount of comfort.

Eden

8 days Sun to Sun or Thu to Thu
5 days Sun to Thu
4 days Thu to Sun

For those who prefer a more luxurious environment, Eden's elegant interior refined details are sure to please. She also offers a library, TV with VHS video, restaurant/bar and sundeck. This beautiful yacht was built in 1996 and totally refurbished in August 2002. 

M/Y Tip Top II

8 days Fri to Fri
5 days Fri to Tue or Mon to Fri

The Tip Top II is a 85 foot steel hulled motor yacht built in Guayaquil, Ecuador. It provides very comfortable accommodation and meals for your natural history tour of the Galapagos Islands. Fully refurbished in December, 1998, it accommodates 16 passengers in 8 double cabins each with private shower and toilet. There is a bar, dining room, library, sundeck and diving platform. All cabins and public areas are fully carpeted and air conditioned.

Motor Yacht Estrella del Mar

8 days: Monday/Friday
5 days: Monday
4 days: Friday
The motor yacht Estrella del Mar is elegantly furnished and thus, is one in a series of ships that cruises the Galapagos with style. All eight double cabins are air-conditioned with bunk beds in the Estrella del Mar I and twin beds in the Estrella del Mar II and hot water. Its spacious interiors, from the comfortable lounge to the dining room are designed to please. Its ample sun decks provide wonderful open and shaded space to take in the Galapagos breeze and equatorial sun.

The Weather in Galapagos
(Degrees Celsius)