Galapagos Itinerary
M/S ALTA	This luxury vessel was completely refurbished in 1994 specifically for cruising the islands. It has some of the best, modern navigational and safety equipment available. The Alta is 140 feet long and 21 feet wide with a cruising speed of 14.5 knots. Accommodations are in spacious double cabins with lower twin, double or queen berths with private baths that have hot and cold fresh water showers. All cabins are outside and have opening portholes in addition to individually controlled air conditioning. The boat has comfortable public areas including a dining room, bar/lounge/conference area with VCR, T.V. and stereo equipment. Sun decks as well as spacious lounge areas with picture windows provide opportunities to enjoy the views and ocean when navigating. Complimentary snorkeling equipment is included & a limited number of sea kayaks are available for rent ($100 per double kayak - advance reservations required).
ON BOARD	A typical day on board begins with breakfast served in the dining room at 07:30. Afterwards, at about 08:30, we'll join our English-speaking naturalist (certified by the Charles Darwin Research Station and the National Park Service) for a 3-4 hour shore excursion. We'll board our panga, or small motorized dinghies, and travel to a specified visitor's site for disembarkation. We may have either a dry landing on a rocky beach or special jetty, or a wet landing where wading through knee or thigh deep water is required. Once on shore our guide will explain the unique features of this location and talk about the life forms we encounter as we hike along designated trails and beaches. There is typically time for about 45 minutes of snorkeling amid colorful tropical fish or swimming with sea lions before lunch which is served on the yacht at about 12:30. There is an opportunity to rest as we cruise to our next visitor site. In the afternoon we'll again head out for a 3-4 hour excursion that might also include cruising in the panga to view marine birds and wildlife along the cliffs if there is not a designated landing site. The guides will discuss the next day's activities and special features of the observation sites we'll visit before dinner is served on board at about 19:00.
TERMS & CONDITIONS	The trip balance is due 60 days prior to departure. Your signed & completed Trip Reservation Form (Iocated at the back of our Andes, Amazon & Galápagos Brochure) must be sent in within 10 days if you have reserved your place by phone. A comprehensive pre-departure packet will be sent upon receipt of your completed Trip Reservation Form. For Cancellation Fees and other policies please refer to the Terms & Conditions listed in Southwind Adventures' Andes, Amazon & Galápagos Brochure. wpdocs/custom/ci-2000/gmp0609.jwa