GALAPAGOS ISLANDS 2008 (and Peru)
25th March –13th April (21st )
After our last two amazing trips to the Galapagos Islands 10 and 12 years ago we were a little bit anxious that our third trip, in February 2006 would not meet our high expectations. We should not have worried, it was absolutely fantastic. There were hammerheads too numerous to count, dolphins snatching fish out of shoals right in front of us and more penguins and giant seahorses than the previous trips. We had no choice of course but to arrange another. Although it seems a long way off we have booked for the best time of year again so have had to plan some time ahead. Our next trip to Galapagos takes place at the end of March and the beginning of April 2008. We have booked the boat from the 28th March to the 12th of April 2008. Flights for the basic trip will be leaving the UK on the 25th of March and returning on the 14th April. For those of you able to extend the trip we will be arranging an 8/9 day tour in Peru, to include, Cusco, Machu Pichu and more. For those with less time there is a lot to see and do in Ecuador even if you only have an extra day or two.
The Galapagos Islands were discovered back in 1535 by the Bishop of Panama after he got lost and wandered around the Pacific. He named the islands after the giant tortoises he found there. (Galapaga is Spanish for tortoise). The islands are volcanic and have thrust themselves up the 3 kilometres from the depths of the surrounding sea floor relatively recently, geologically speaking. Some of the volcanoes are still active. In the 4 or 5 million years of the islands` existence visitors and castaways from both the plant and animal kingdoms have populated them to a greater or lesser degree. Even underwater, because of the variety of conditions and the distance to any other coastline, endemic species have evolved. Some creatures have done well as they were, whereas others have had to adapt in order to survive. These visible changes helped Darwin crystallise his theories on evolution.
The islands are 1000 kilometres west of mainland Ecuador, more or less on the equator. There are just over 20 islands of which 5 of the bigger ones are inhabited. The local population is about 17,000 whereas the annual number of tourists is 70,000. As Galapagos is a world heritage site visitor numbers are controlled; both the total number and the number of persons visiting each island each day.
The islands are at the confluence of 7 major oceanic currents, some warm and some cold, but all of them causing up-wellings of nutrient rich waters. It is these nutrients that grow the plankton that is the basis for the vast biomass of underwater life.
We will be there during the hotter season from January to May, when the southeast trade winds diminish and warmer water moves in from the north. The colder, windier, misty season is from June till December.
The trip is basically a `three trips in one`; the diving, the island tours and the exploration of mainland Peru. The diving is probably the best, most interesting and exciting diving that I have done. Underwater we should be able to see marine iguanas, seals, sea lions, penguins, frogfish, batfish, turtles, Galapagos sharks, mantas, schooling hammerheads, enormous shoals of pelagic fish such as tuna, giant seahorses - the list goes on and on. The marine life is spectacular with some species that are only found around the Islands. We get ample opportunity to explore the islands with a local guide and naturalist who will be with us on the boat. The islands are spectacular and the wildlife abundant and unafraid, just like a David Attenborough film but better. On land you are likely to see seals and sea lions, flightless cormorants, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos hawks, giant tortoises, marine and land iguanas, boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, flamingos and much much more. On previous trips a number of non-divers have accompanied us and had a fantastic trip. From the boat we should be able to see whales and dolphins as well as a myriad of seabirds.
The boat we are staying on is the Tip Top III. This purpose built, modern motor yacht was built in 2001. The boat will take 16 divers in comfort. The cabins are all air-conditioned and en-suite. There are also an air-conditioned saloon, bar and dining room. For those brave enough to risk the equatorial sun there is a sun deck. Tip Top is 30m long by 6.7m wide and has twin 525 hp engines. She is fully equipped with navigational and safety equipment and has two 14ft RIB dive tenders. There is plenty of room on board for the 16 guests and the boat crew and naturalists/guides.
The Boat/Dive Itinerary
The cost of the basic trip includes flights, transfers, hotels whilst transferring, full board on the boat, and is £3899. Not included are park fees and municipal taxes, crew/guide tips, alcohol on board and travel insurance, meals while transferring.
Tours and are at extra cost. The cost of the Galapagos trip including the extra days in Peru £5548. The Itinerary for the Peru trip.
To book a place on this trip of a lifetime we need a £600 deposit. Please also let me know if you can take the extra days for some exploring in Peru. There are also options for staying in Quito, Ecuador tours, club class supplement on main flights (£1130), single occupancy in hotels, stop over in Bonaire.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call (020 7381 5000) or e-mail: john@e-scuba.co.uk