No visit to Ecuador is complete without the Galapagos Islands. Combine your horse riding holiday with a trip here. These islands are the crown jewel of the natural world, set along the equator, 600 miles off the west coast of South America. Darwin's theories of evolution were derived from his observations of the wildlife on these islands. There are no predators on the islands meaning all the wildlife inhabiting the 13 major islands can be observed up close. Birds will come to drink out of your hand with no fear at all and marine iguanas ignore cameras at 5 inch distance! Baby sea lions swim and play with guests in the water and colonies of boobies, frigate birds and sea lions are common sights as well as the giant condors at the right time of year. Land Iguanas can be seen in forests of opunita cactus. For many visitors, a trip to the highlands of Santa Cruz is their only opportunity to see the Giant Galapagos Tortoises in the wild.
The islands can only be visited as part of a cruise. Different species inhabit different islands and areas. All land visits are accompanied by a qualified wildlife guide, both for educational purposes and to ensure the wildlife is protected and observed without interference. The number of tourists allowed on the islands is strictly limited each year. We offer itineraries on 3 different cruise ships, see below for details.
Yacht La Pinta has been designed for the ultimate luxurious expedition adventure in the Galapagos Islands. The 63 meter (207ft) yacht accommodates 48 guests. After intense days of wildlife exploration, yacht La Pinta provides a haven of relaxation and tranquility with tastefully appointed accommodations and all the facilities for a stylish yet informal ambiance. For more information, yacht plans, videos and detailed itineraries see http://www.yachtlapinta.com
With a capacity of only 40 guests, our classic Yacht ISABELA II offers a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying an unforgettable Galapagos expedition, where guests fully experience their sense of discovery and bonding with nature. ISABELA II Galapagos Island Cruise offers all aspects of the Galapagos: an intimate contact with wildlife, active volcanoes, a vast Marine Reserve, adventure, comfort and safety. Yacht ISABELA II offers the most in-depth week itinerary (Tuesday to Tuesday). For more information, yacht plans, videos and detailed itineraries see http://www.yachtisabela.com
The flagship 90 guest Santa Cruz yacht is the best option for families and includes a number of children's programmes. In order for guests to get closer and understand more about the islands' marine world, the ship now has a hydrophone for listening to the calls of dolphins and whales, as well as a ‘splashcam' video camera which lets the guests film these creatures in action underwater from the pangas. The Santa Cruz also has a spotting scope for improved observation of wildlife. For more information, yacht plans, videos and detailed itineraries see http://www.mvsantacruz.com
The different cruises visit different islands and regions, a summary is provided below.
Eastern Galapagos Islands: San Cristobal, Santa Fe, South Plaza, Santa Crus, Exspanola, Baltra
Species:Galapagos sea lion, giant tortoises, Santa Fe land iguana, hybrid iguana, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, Galapagos doves, Galapagos mockingbirds, Chatham mockingbirds, Espanola mockingbirds, Darwin finches, Galapagos hawks, brown pelicans, greater frigates, magnificent frigates, swallow-tailed gulls, lava gulls, lava herons.
Highlight sites: Charles Darwin Research Station, Kicker Rock and Espanola's Blowhole.
Western Galapagos Islands: Baltra, North Seymour, Isabela, Fernandina, Santa Crus, Floreana
Species:Galapagos sea lion, Galapagos fur seal, giant tortoises, Galapagos land iguana, marine iguanas, Nazca boobies, Galapagos doves, Darwin finches, greater flamingoes, brown pelicans, greater frigates, flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, swallow-tailed gulls, lava gulls, lava herons.
Highlight sites: Post Office Bay, Darwin Lake, Urbina's Upheaval and the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Northern Galapagos species Islands: San Cristobal, Genevosa, Santiago, Fernandina, Isabela, Rabida, Santa Crus, Baltra
Species: Galapagos sea lion, Galapagos fur seal, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, Galapagos mockingbirds, Chatham mockingbirds, Galapagos doves, Darwin finches, greater flamingoes, Galapagos hawks, short-haired owls, brown pelicans, greater frigates, Galapagos penguins, swallow-tailed gulls, lava gulls, lava herons.
Highlight sites: Pinnacle Rock, Kicker Rock and Buccaneer Cove.
Central Galapagos Islands: Baltra, Santa Crus, Santa Fe, South Plaza, North Seymour, Bartolome, Santiago
Species: Galapagos sea lion, Galapagos fur seal, giant tortoises, Santa Fe land iguana, Galapagos land iguana, hybrid iguana, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, Galapagos doves, Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin finches, Greater flamingoes, Galapagos hawks, Brown pelican, Greater frigates, Galapagos penguins, Swallow tailed gulls, Magnificent Frigates, Lava gulls, Lava (striated) herons
Highlight sites: Pinnacle Rock, Chalrse Darwin Research Station
Southern Galapagos Islands: Baltra, Santa Crus, Santa Fe, South Plaza, North Seymour, Bartolome, Santiago
Species: Galapagos sea lion, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, Galapagos doves, Galapagos mockingbirds, Chatham mockingbirds, Espanola mockingbirds, Floreana mockingbirds, Darwin finches, Galapagos hawks, Brown pelican, Galapagos penguins, Swallow tailed gulls, Lava gulls, Lava (striated) herons, Waved Albatross
Highlight sites: Post Office Bay, Kicker Rock, Charlse Darwin Research Station
SAMPLE LA PINTA 3 NIGHT ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival by plane to San Cristobal Island and transfer to Yacht La Pinta for cabin assignment, introductory briefing and lunch.
A dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers takes guests to Cerro Brujo's white corlaine beach. The beach is a large expanse, great for walking, with rewarding birdwatching with good views of seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds and more shore birds. Also, look out for Galapagos sea lions. Highlights ashore include the Chatham mockingbird and Chatham lava lizard; both species are endemic to this island and seen nowhere else in the Galapagos. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristobal was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos.
Evening cocktail, briefing and dinner.
Day 2 Early disembarkation for what is the longest hike on the itinerary (4 miles). The trail goes up the slopes of San Cristobal's well eroded shield volcano. The trail takes guests through the arid zone, a great place to see Darwin's finches and other land birds including the endemic Chatham mockingbirds. Along the way, one can spot some of the last individuals of the San Cristobal giant tortoise population, living in the wild (tortoises here were almost hunted to extinction during the late 19th century by local colonizers). After the invigorating hike, enjoy a swim to cool off before returning back on board for lunch.
Afternoon disembarkation on the eastern tip of the island. Pitt point is an eroded tuff cone; the trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline. This is the only site in the Galapagos where the three species of boobies can be found together, as well as the two frigate species, plus a colony of bachelor sea lions along the beach. After the walk, if conditions are favourable, there is a chance to swim from the beach.
Expedition plan for the next day and dinner.
Day 3 Morning outing at Punta Suarez for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses, Nazca boobies, blue-fotted boobies, swallow-tail gulls and the famous blowhole. Among its land birds, the Hood island mockingbird, and three species of Darwin's finches are common highlights. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas. Back on board for lunch.
In the afternoon, disembark at a white coral beach for a short walk to observe the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkelling in this area; or guests can kayak or ride the glass-bottom boat.
Briefing and dinner.
Day 4 Morning disembarkment to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the 'rearing in captivity' programme for the giant tortoises. Here guests witness the efforts and results of all the field work done in the name of science. An impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds can also be seen.
Transfer by bus across Santa Cruz Island and a short ferry ride to Baltra. Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.
The itineraries and programme are subject to change without prior notice, due mainly to adjustments in the policies and regulations of the Galapagos National Park, weather conditions, seasonal changes and safety reasons.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Accommodations, all meals, tea and coffee, island sightseeing, naturalist guides and lecture services in English/Spanish only, snorkeling gear, taxes and transfers in the islands
For price details click here
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Wet Suits (available for rent), return air transportation to the Galápagos, Galápagos National Park entrance fee (US$ 100 subject to change without previous notice), Migration Control Card (US $ 10 subject to change without previous notice), alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage (apart from tea and coffee), gratuities, gifts and additional items, internet / Wi-Fi.
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What you see on our web site is exactly how much your invoice will come to and this will not change once booked. Unlike some other companies the prices on our web site are fully inclusive of often hidden extras such as: VAT, Sales Tax, state taxes, city taxes, service charges, non-optional tips, fuel surcharges which can add 20% or more to the advertised cost. Prices are available in £ sterling, Euros and US$. Once invoiced, prices are guaranteed against adverse currency fluctuations. Contact us for package prices which include flights from the UK and see each ride for exact details of all items in individual itineraries.
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Tel: +44 (0)1767 600606 Fax: +44 (0)1767 312555
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Email: enquiries@unicorntrails.com http://www.unicorntrails.com
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These extensions are the perfect end to Ecuadorian riding holidays such as the 
