M/V Eclipse

The Eclipse has 4 types of cabin, all of which have sea views: 4 Deluxe Staterooms, 8 Superior Staterooms, 12 Staterooms and 2 Single Staterooms.  All are fully air-conditioned and has a double or twin bed in with two bedside tables, a writing desk, chair, ample closet space, private safety deposit box and an internal communications system.

All twin beds can be converted to queen-size beds. Cabins are serviced three times a day. Room service is not available, but will be provided in the event of passenger illness. Deluxe and Superior Staterooms on the Boat Deck have picture windows and Staterooms on the Main Deck have portholes.

Each has private en-suite bathrooms which consist of a shower, toilet, sink, cabinet, hairdryer and a basket of toiletries. All cabins have both 110 & 220 volt electrical outlets. All Deluxe Staterooms on the Eclipse have a complimentary fully stocked minibar, the contents of which will not be replenished during the cruise.

On the boat are various other areas which include a weather Deck, two dining areas – lunch is usually served outside in the al fresco dining area, a lounge for relaxation and for the nightly briefings on the day’s discoveries and the following day’s activities. There is an indoor bar which is attended at all times and the outdoor bar’s opening hours may vary according to weather conditions.

The sun deck is one of the most popular areas on board the Eclipse as it is an observation/sun deck, ideal for stargazing, whale watching, or simply relaxing in the Jacuzzi or on the comfortable sun loungers. For the more active passengers the sun deck is also equipped with two elliptical machines. There is also a library/video room, which has a wide selection of books, videos and DVDs, as well as numerous board games.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Saturday)
Arrive at Baltra Island
Upon arrival at Baltra airport, you will clear immigration and be met by your guide, who will escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor. A motorized dinghy will then transfer you to the M/V Eclipse, where the captain and crew will welcome you aboard.

North Seymour Island
North Seymour is a perfect introduction to the Galapagos Islands. Although the island is characterized by arid vegetation, fauna abounds and you will soon find yourself surrounded by sea lions, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, frigate birds and more. Difficulty level: Moderate

Day 2
South Plaza Island
South Plaza Island is home to a large opuntia cactus forest, land iguanas and one of the largest sea lion colonies in the central region of the archipelago. You will also be able to see Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and other kinds of sea birds, as well as different types of finches. Difficulty level: Moderate

Santa Fe Island
During the hike you will see some of Santa Fe’s endemic species, including the Galapagos hawk, the Galapagos snake, various finches and the Galapagos mockingbird. Playful sea lions usually join swimmers and kayakers during beach time. Difficulty level: Moderate

Day 3
San Cristobal Island – Pitt Point
Pitt Point is located on the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island. You will hike up to a plateau where the view and landscape are so spectacular it is definitely worth the effort. The power hike is followed by kayaking, snorkelling or a dinghy ride. Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult

San Cristobal Island – Cerro Brujo
In addition to the magnificent scenery, there is wonderful swimming and a dinghy ride at this visitor site. Cerro Brujo’s spectacular beach is home to a large colony of sea lions, and it is famous for being the first place in the archipelago that Charles Darwin visited. Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate

Day 4
Floreana Island – Post Office Bay & Baroness’ Viewing Point
Post Office Bay is home to a unique “post office” inspired by 18th century pirates and buccaneers who used a wooden barrel as an unofficial mailbox. The tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home. The Baroness’ Viewing Point is the ideal place to take in the unique scenery that defines Floreana. Difficulty level: Easy

Floreana Island – Champion Islet & Cormorant Point
After snorkelling at Champion Islet, you will visit Cormorant Point, where there is a beautiful lagoon that is home to flamingos, stilts and pintail ducks. A great site for bird-watching. Difficulty level: Easy

Day 5
Isabela Island – Elizabeth Bay
Elizabeth Bay is one of the furthest points of the Galapagos that we will visit on our cruise. We will enter a sheltered cove that is only accessible by dinghy – a wonderful mangrove ecosystem that is a refuge for sea turtles, rays and herons. Difficulty level: Easy

Isabela Island – Moreno Point
Moreno Point, which is southwest of Elizabeth Bay, is famous for its large population of seabirds. You’ll be able to get close to them on a dinghy ride along the cliffs of the island, or on a hike through lava rock that leads to tide pools and mangroves teeming with life. You will also have time for snorkelling. Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult

Day 6
Santa Cruz Island – Puerto Ayora & Highlands
On your visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station you will gain insight into the extensive efforts underway to preserve the Galapagos Islands. You will also encounter the famous Galapagos tortoises that are the islands’ namesake. After the visit we will drive to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz to search for giant tortoises in their natural surroundings. In the afternoon you will have free time for shopping or mingling with the locals, or you can simply relax on board. Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate

Day 7
Española Island – Gardner Bay
Gardner Bay offers the chance to enjoy a pristine white sandy beach. In addition to being a nesting site for sea turtles, it is home to one of the most important colonies of sea lions in the archipelago. Activities include swimming snorkelling and kayaking. Difficulty level: Easy

Española Island – Punta Suarez
Punta Suarez is home to large populations of Nazca and blue-footed boobies, as well as the beautiful waved albatross (seasonally). The 10,000 to 12,000 pairs of albatross on Española represent the entire population of this species on the planet. They perform one of the most spectacular courtship rituals of the animal world. Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult

Day 8
Mosquera Islet
This tiny islet is home to a huge population of sea lions, as well as many shorebirds. Keep your eyes peeled, as there are occasional reports of dolphins and orcas around Mosquera. Difficulty level: Easy

You will then be transferred to Baltra airport for your flight back to the mainland.