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  Start the Pride month 2023 on board the catamaran Treasure of Galapagos. Instead of travelling with a very large amount of people, our small all-gay cruise will definitely make your nature and cruise experience more intimate and profound while discovering all the beautiful features the Galapagos has to offer. A cruise through the Galapagos Archipelago is a unique experience that you won’t easily
forget. The great outdoors of this National Park form an unrivalled destination for wildlife and bird observation.
Ecuador is one of 17 megadiverse countries in the world. In addition to the mainland, Ecuador owns the Galápagos Islands. This is what the country is best known for
Ecuador has 1,600 bird species and 38 more endemic in the Galápagos. In addition to over 16,000 species of plants, the country has 106 endemic reptiles, 138 endemic amphibians, and 6,000 species of butterfly. The Galápagos Islands are famous as the place of birth of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A once in a lifetime naturalist cruise:
It is not uncommon for dolphins to escort our
catamaran, or for frigate birds to glide for hours above the Sun Deck, which offers you
an excellent lookout for whale watching as well.
Leisure time in an inviting private ambiance:
Your impressive cabin resembles a floating
hotel room with an ample bathroom, private balcony, ample storage space, soft
carpeting and regular beds (20m2).
All the comfort you need within easy reach:
Whirlpool with jets on the Sun Deck. Spacious
solarium and shaded terraces with deck chairs. Cozy living room with a library, TV and
DVD player and board games.
Delicious food:
to make your mouth water: Our professional cook and kitchen staff will
treat you to a substantial breakfast, and mouth-watering warm lunches and dinners, all
served in abundant buffet style.
The Galapagos Islands are an excellent destination for wildlife and bird observation, and
of course also for photography and filming.
Discover the wide range of activities that are
included in our cruise programmed to
experience the closest and most intimate
encounters with wildlife, and to perceive the
unique nature of Galapagos from different
perspectives. Some activities depend on local
conditions and will be coordinated together
with the guide; others are optional, such as
strolling around touristic towns or leisure and
entertainment on-board.
The Biosphere and Marine Reserve team up to offer you abundant wildlife. You can enjoy
your journey looking out for incredible land mammals, or peering closely into the ocean
to spot beautiful sea creatures.
Enjoy amazing and unexpected encounters with the unique Galapagos wildlife. Meet
different types of animals that will open your eyes to species you have never seen before
and will never see again!
Our classic 4-night route to
the southeast Galapagos
Islands anchors at the most
paradisiacal bays and lovely
beaches. Some of these oldest
islands are true crown jewels
where you can become an
eye-witness of evolution.
Several (sub) species have had
enough time to transform
into emblematic figureheads,
which differ from island to
island. Moreover, the open
water passages take 4-6 hours
instead of long overnight navigations; our stable catamaran mostly floats at sheltered
anchorages, which helps you get a restful sleep.
Day 1 -
Flight to San Cristobal Airport (SCY). Upon arrival at San Cristobal
Airport, travelers pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants
or animals are introduced to the islands, as well as to pay the park entrance fee of $100 (unless it has been prepaid). A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and
escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor.
PM - Colorado Hill (San Cristobal)
Colorado
Hill Tortoises Protection and Growing Center, located at 40 minutes approximately by
bus to the south east of the island. This center
was built to improve the status of the population
of the island tortoises. The center includes a
large corral, a Visitors center, breeding center
and an interpretative trail. Along this trail is
possible to see different species of native and
endemic plants as well birds as the San Cristobal
Mockingbird, Yellow Warblers, and many species
of finches and the Galapagos flycatcher.
Day 2 -
AM - Gardner Bay (Española)
Located on the north-eastern coast
of Hood, Gardner Bay provides an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming, snorkeling,
kayaking, and the opportunity to observe sea lions. Here we can also observe sharks in
the crystal clear ocean waters.
PM - Suarez Point (Española)
This rocky land spot sustains
one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in the Galapagos. Along its
southern shore, high cliffs rise up from the sea affording the visitor spectacular views of
soaring birds and of the blow whole where water spouts up to 50-75 feet into the air
according to the intensity of the surf.
Day 3 -
AM - Post Office Bay - Baroness lookout (Floreana)
Historically, this
site is the location of a wooden barrel that was
placed in the 18th century by the crew of a
whaling ship. The letters found inside the barrel
would be picked up and delivered by sailors
returning home. There was no postage fee, and,
surprisingly, this mailbox and its honor system
are still in use today. Although the letters are
no longer important messages from sailors to
their loved ones, thousands of them are left by
tourists nowadays and many of them still make
it to their destination. Apart from being the
Post Office Barrel, this site was the landing area
for some of the first colonists. It is said that
Baroness Eloisa von Wagner loved this place
and spent several hours watching the horizon.
Within walking distance (30 m) are the ruins of
what is known as her house.
PM - Cormorant Point - Champion Islet (Floreana)
This site offers probably the best Flamingo lagoon in
the Galapagos; it is also one of the largest in the islands. It’s situated between two tuff
lava cones that give the area a special atmosphere. There are various species of
shorebirds to observe besides flamingos; the most frequent are common stilts, white-
checked pintail ducks and other migratory birds. It is very interesting to see the two
distinct beaches: “The Green Beach” (due to its high percentage of olivine crystals in the
sand) and the “Flour Sand Beach” which is made up of coral.
Day 4 -
AM - Santa Fe
Located in the southeastern part of the Galapagos, this
island was formed from an uplift instead
than a volcanic origin, this is why is
mostly flat. There are some theories
which assure this could be the oldest
island in the Archipelago. Santa Fe is the
home of a number of endemic species
like the Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos
snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats
and one of the two species of lands
Iguanas of the islands. After disembarkation in the beautiful and clear waters you will be
in contact with one of the many sea lion colonies. Along the trail many salt bushes can
be seen as well giant Prickly pear cactus, gigantism is a characteristic of oceanic islands.
PM - El Chato (Santa Cruz)
Santa Cruz also offers excellent opportunities for viewing wild
tortoises, both roaming through pastures in the agricultural zone and in the Tortoise
Reserve, which is accessible from Santa Rosa or Salasaca. Several farms serve food and
allow visitors to explore their grounds in search of tortoises. Descending through the
agricultural zone into the Transition Zone where the Tortoise Reserve is located, the
introduced vegetation of the farmlands is replaced by native vegetation. The pond at El
Chato is surrounded by forest where short-eared owls, Darwin’s finches, Vermilion
Flycatchers, Yellow Warblers, Galapagos Rails, and Paint-billed Crakes can be seen. As
the visitor walks into the forests overgrown with lichens, ferns, and other epiphytes, it is
time to listen carefully for the sound of heavy footsteps and the sound of shrubs being
slowly crushed as the tortoises make their way through the brush. Welcome Pride Month
dinner.
Day 5 -
AM - Twin Craters (Santa Cruz)
The Twin Craters are found on either
side of the road leading to Puerto Ayora. These impressive formations are not really
volcanic craters and were formed by magma domes, which hardened on the outside
while the lava continued flowing inside, leaving huge and empty magma chambers that
eventually collapsed, leaving two large holes. The craters lie within a lush scalesia cloud
forest, a high-altitude plant species that are endemic to the Galapagos. This area is also
home to the carpenter finch, which uses tools to search for food. There may also be
opportunities to see the vermillion flycatcher, a small red-breasted bird.
Transfer out to
Baltra Airport (GPS)
Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crewmembers, the dinghy
will bring you and your luggage to Baltra Airport, where we will take the shuttle back to
the airport.
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• Celebrate the start of Pride Month 2023 in the Galapagos Islands!
• First class and personalize service.
• Gay Friendly Luxury Hotels in Quito or Guayaquil.
• Discovering the enchanted Islands by cruise: Private Gay Charter on-board First-
Class The Treasure of Galapagos
• Gay Friendly staff and Top guides.
• Nature, sand-white beach, snorkel, and close-up endemic wildlife encounters.
• Private Transfer In (International arrival flight)
• Shared Transfer Out (Galapagos departure flight)
• 1 Night hotel in Quito or Guayaquil (night pre cruise departure)
- Quito: Swissôtel Quito (Swiss Business Advantage)
- Guayaquil: Hilton Colon Guayaquil Hotel (Deluxe)
• Airport assistance in Quito or Guayaquil
• Transfers in Galapagos (same day cruise operation)
• Accommodation on board in selected cabin with private facilities (4 Nights)
• All excursions as mentioned in the itinerary (itinerary subject to change) with English
speaking naturalist guide
• All meals, water, coffee and tea
• Welcome Pride Month: Special Dinner
• Snorkel Gear (masks, flippers and snorkel)
• Round trip airfare to/from Galapagos ($ 510 pp)
• Galapagos Entrance Fee ($ 100 pp)
• Galapagos Transit Card ($ 20 pp)
• Wetsuit: $ 35 per 5 Days Cruise
• Additional Tours
• Soft and Alcoholic Drinks | Tips | Meals, activities not indicated
• Travel & Medical insurance (mandatory)
• International Services / Flights. Early Check In / Late Check In. Bank fees.
M/C The Treasure of Galapagos, 4*
The Motor Catamaran Treasure of Galápagos is a spacious, first class vessel boasting large, elegant cabins and excellent amenities. Featuring a wonderfully eclectic decor that sumptuously blends art deco with modern styles, you will feel perfectly at home as you cruise around the enchanting archipelago.
Amenities on board are excellent. Every cabin features its own private balcony, allowing you to sit and drink in the islands' beauty in perfect privacy if you wish. Individually controlled air conditioning, delightful private bathroom, and a writing desk/vanity and plenty of storage complete the thoughtful touches.
Communal areas on board are large, bright and airy, and facilities include a jacuzzi on the upper sun deck, outdoor lounge and bar with shade as well as an elegant indoor lounge bar.
Treasure of Galápagos features a reading room with its own Natural History library, where your highly experienced naturalist guide will make the habitat and wildlife of the Galápagos come alive for you.
Dining on board is a first class experience, with a varied and plentiful menu that features the best of Ecuadorian and world cuisine, served buffet style. The well-stocked bar provides excellent local beers and wines, as well as premium spirits and cocktails. There is complimentary tea, coffee and water available 24 hours.
With only 16 guests maximum, your expert crew and naturalist guide will ensure your every need is catered for, and all your questions are answered. Complimentary snorkelling equipment allows guests to experience the marine habitat for themselves, and a wide range of excursions means you will truly come to understand the unique islands of the Galápagos.
Sun deck: Solarium area, shaded resting area & whirlpool.
Upper deck: Shaded terrace & barbecue area Indoor
Main deck: Air-conditioned lounge with living room, dining room, and bar
Amenities: Outdoor whirlpool for up to 6 people (with Jacuzzi jets); deck chairs, BBQ, TV/DVD, small library, board games
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