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Galapagos Adventure

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Dear Friends,

I'd like to invite a few of you to join me on a trip I’ve dreamed about taking all my life, sailing the Galapagos Islands! There are precious few places left on the planet where you can experience nature and wildlife in a pristine state like it was before the arrival of humans. Having close encounters above and below the water surface will be the adventure of a lifetime. I’ve been leading our OCSC trips for 30 years and each one is different and extraordinary. What makes our travel so special is you and the wonderful community of people OCSC has attracted who will be our companions. Our shared love and respect for the outdoors and the power of real first hand contact with nature set us apart as special travelers and not just tourists. I look forward to exploring with you. Please call me personally and we can chat about how we can craft this adventure together.

Anthony Sandberg
President/Founder
OCSC SAILING

Galapagos... the Enchanted Islands

The Galapagos Archipelago, first visited by Charles Darwin 150 years ago aboard the bark BEAGLE is a wildlife paradise still largely intact due to its protection as an Ecuadorian National Park.

Rising out of the Pacific Ocean 600 miles west of the coast of Ecuador, the islands are host to abundant and exceptional wildlife that has no fear of man, and there is no place on earth where one can wander among the crags, the lava flows and the beaches, and not feel like an intruder.

The underwater world is as fascinating as what is above. Snorkeling is superb, with a dazzling array of tropical fish, marina iguanas, penguins (yes, there are penguins in the Galapagos-although not as many as in Antarctica, one must say) and sea lion pups that cavort around you playing underwater tag.

Aboard the deluxe motor sailing yacht Sagitta, we will cruise, and explore much like Darwin did. The pace is unhurried, and island crossings will be made mostly at night, so as to give us maximum daytime to hike, swim, snorkel and even kayak for those interested,

An experienced naturalist will guide us and will help us understand myriad aspects of this unique corner of the work, making lifelong nature enthusiasts and conservationists of us along the way.

Quick Itinerary

DAY:	TRIP 1	TRIP 2	DESCRIPTION	FOOD	HOTEL
1	30-Mar	2-Nov	Arrive in Quito Transfer to Casa Aliso Hotel		Casa Aliso
2	31-Mar	3-Nov	Quito Scenic Tour Visit Quito's colonial buildings, the Plaza Grande, & surrounding valleys. Welcome dinner for the group.	B D	Casa Aliso
3	1-Apr	4-Nov	To the Galápagos Islands AM: Fly from Quito to Baltra Island, via Guayaquil PM: Board the S/S Sagitta and sail to North Seymour Island	BLD	Sagitta
4	2-Apr	5-Nov	AM: Charles Darwin Research Station (Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz) PM: Highlands (Santa Cruz)	BLD	Sagitta
5	3-Apr	6-Nov	AM: Gardner Bay (Hood Island/Espanola Island) PM: Punta Suarez (Hood Island/Espanola Island)	BLD	Sagitta
6	4-Apr	7-Nov	AM: Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island) PM: Post Office Bay (Floreana Island)	BLD	Sagitta
7	5-Apr	8-Nov	AM: Punta Moreno (Isabella Island) PM: Elizabeth Bay (Isabella Island)	BLD	Sagitta
8	6-Apr	9-Nov	AM: Urbina Bay (Isabella Island) PM:Punta Espinoza (Ferdinandina Island)	BLD	Sagitta
9	7-Apr	10-Nov	AM: Puerto Egas (Santiago Island) PM:Bartholomew (Santiago Island)	BLD	Sagitta
10	8-Apr	11-Nov	AM: Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz Island) PM: Return to Baltra Island and board flight to Quito. End cruise and return to Quito	BLD	Casa Aliso
11	9-Apr	12-Nov	Fly home Transfer to the airport for homeward bound flight	B

Important Information

• 11 days in Ecuador exploring Quito and the Galapagos Islands
• Easy yacht travel, nature walks, swimming, snorkeling, and sea kayaking – all activities are optional.
• 7 nights aboard the S/S Sagitta motorsailer, 3 nights hotels in Quito
• Maximum elevation is 9,350' in Quito

2009 OCSC Departures

• March 30th – April 9th - Trip Leader: Anthony Sandberg (President OCSC Sailing)
• November 2nd – November 12th ~ Trip Leader: Greg Tarczynski (Noted Professional Photographer)

Land Cost

• Standard: $4,200
• OCSC Member: $3,990 (5% discount)
• Rates quoted are per person, based on sharing double accommodations.
• Single Cabin Supplement: Quoted on request

Supplemental costs (collected by OCSC)

Internal Airfare to Galápagos Islands and return (US $410) - $410 per person, age 12 and older (OCSC will book and issue these tickets for you)

Galapagos Entrance Fee (US $100) - The islands are part of the Ecuadorian National Parks system and the entrance fee of US$ 100 is required from all visitors entering the Galápagos National Park and/or Galápagos Marine Reserve.

Galápagos Transit Control Card (US $10) - A $10 Galápagos Transit Control Card is required for entry into the park.

Donation to WildAid (US $100) - OCSC is committed to supporting the communities we visit. Your participation in this adventure includes a contribution to WildAid. Information on the philosophy of WildAid's “Galapagos Forever” program is included in this packet (www.wildaid.org).

Tips (US $200) - OCSC is committed to supporting the local staff that provide us with good service and attention. Your participation in this adventure includes a gratuity (tip) pool contribution of US $200 for the guide, naturalist, crew, and local staff in Quito and Galapagos.

What’s Included

• OCSC leadership
• Experienced naturalist guide for the duration of the cruise
• Accommodations for all hotels before and after the sailing experience
• Cruise onboard the S/S Sagitta in double cabins with private facilities
• Meals as noted (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
• Airport transfers (airport-hotel-airport)

What’s Not

• International Airfare (to Quito, Ecuador – approx. US $800 - $1,200)
• Internal Airfare to Galápagos Islands and return (US $410 – subject to change)
• Galápagos National Park fee ($100 per person - subject to change)
• Galápagos Transit Control Card (US $10)
• Donation to WildAid “Galapagos Forever” Program (US $100)
• Tips to guide, naturalist, crew, and local staff in Quito and Galapagos (US $200)
• Supplementary trip insurance (we require you to purchase travel insurance of at least $100,000 for emergency medical benefits which include evacuation) Please ask.
• Meals not noted on itinerary
• Excess baggage charges
• International airport departure tax in Quito ($45 per person—subject to change)
• Items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Payment Policy

• All dates are from departure date.
• At time of reservation: $500
• 120 days prior to departure: $1500
• 90 days prior to departure: Balance of Land/Cruise Cost

Cancellation Policy

At the time we receive notice that you must cancel your trip, the following fees will apply (all dates are from departure date):

• From time of reservation until:
• 120 or more days prior to departure: $500
• 119 - 90 days prior to departure: 25% of Land/Cruise Cost
• 89 - 60 days prior to departure: 50% of Land/Cruise Cost
• 59 days or less prior to departure: 100% of Land/Cruise Cost

Deposits and payments are non-refundable, but fully transferable to someone else taking your spot on the trip, less a $300 processing fee.

Activity Level

OCSC adventures are designed for flexible, energetic people who like to be active and who have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Life on board a small boat requires physical agility and a flexible and social nature. Anyone who is in good health and leads an active life will enjoy this trip. Daily excursions from the yacht to the islands will be made in Zodiacs or pangas (dinghies). You’ll hike from a landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hour roundtrip with lots of time to study, photograph, and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are “wet”, requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. Crewmembers will be on hand to assist. Swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking are all optional activities that will add to your enjoyment of the trip.

Air Travel

Airfare to Ecuador is not included in the land cost of our trips. For air reservations, we recommend you contact the airlines directly, either by phone or the Internet. In addition, many travelers elect to use their “frequent flyer” miles when traveling with us. But please check with our staff before purchasing or obtaining your tickets. We need to verify your arrival and departure schedule and ensure we have enough participants to operate the trip.

Documentation

A valid passport is required to travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands (with at least six months validity before expiration date). No visa is required for U.S. passport holders & visitors are allowed to stay up to 90 days. Please enquire with your Ecuadorian embassy or consulate if an entry visa is required.

Snorkeling

There will be many opportunities for snorkeling. Although our vessel provides some snorkeling gear, we recommend you bring your own mask and snorkel to ensure a good fit and for sanitary reasons. Wetsuits (2-3 mm thickness) are definitely recommended for the cool season (April-October) when water temperatures range from 60-68°; some people prefer to wear a “skin” or 1-2 mm wetsuit in the warm season (November-March) when water temperatures range from 68-75°, as cool waters flow through the archipelago throughout the year. Wetsuits in your size may be available for rental on board. Arrangements must be made ahead of time through OCSC.

Seasonal Considerations

The Galápagos Islands are a year-round destination. The best time to visit is up to your individual preference. There are two seasons in the Galápagos: the warm season (November-March) and the cool season (April-October). No matter when you visit, there’s always a lot to see in the Galápagos.

April

Wildlife

• Arrival of waved albatross to Española with amazing courtship displays
• Frigate birds continue courting at North Seymour
• Flightless cormorant nesting at Fernandina
• End of hatching season of the giant tortoises
• Eggs of green sea turtles begin to hatch
• Eggs of land iguanas begin to hatch
• Galapagos martin could be seen near the Western Islands

Weather

The weather is still warm, but it is changing, and very quickly! Days are sunny, with occasional drizzles, but at night-time the temperature drops. There’s very little wind, so the seas are calm. Air temperature is around 27ºC (81ºF). A water-proof wind-breaker is advisable.

The water remains warm. Average temperature is around 23ºC (74ºF), depending on the site; it gets colder in the West (Isabella and Fernandina Islands). We recommend you to bring a wet suit if you are planning on going snorkeling. A wet suit or a Farmer John (shortie) is also a good idea to keep the sun away from your back!

November

Wildlife

• Waved albatross are raising their young at Espanola
• Frigate-birds continue breeding at North Seymour
• Nazca boobies are nesting
• Pupping of sea lions continue.
• Sea lions are sexually active on the eastern part of the archipelago
• Breeding season for brown noddy terns
• Band-rumped storm petrels begin their second nesting period
• There are male marine iguanas head-bobbing all over the place to establish and defend their territories prior to mating.
• Sea lion pups play aqua-aerobics next to snorkelers. Most pups here are curious enough to nibble at snorkelers' fins. The average age of most pups is 3-4 months.

Weather

November is one of the best months of the year. It’s transition time!

Little by little we are leaving behind those overcast days with drizzle or garúa, and welcoming blue skies. I can get hot during the day, but nights tends to be cooler. Average air temperature ranges between 25º (77ºF) and 18ºC (65ºF). We recommend you to bring a water-proof wind-breaker, and to take good care of your skin (sun protection) regardless the fact that days may be overcast.

Seas are calm. Water temperatures are slowly rising. The water temperature ranges around 20ºC (68ºF), depending on the site; it gets colder in the West (Isabella and Fernandina Islands). It is advisable to use a wet suit in case you want to snorkel. Snorkeling is at its best at this time of the year.

Accommodations and Resources

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Quito
The local OCSC representative will meet you outside the customs and immigration area at the airport. He or she will answer questions, brief you on the immediate arrangements, and escort you to the Casa Aliso hotel; a small boutique hotel that offers all of the style and comfort of a small luxurious home. Casa Aliso is located in the fashionable residential neighborhood of "La Floresta", a few steps away from the rush of the city and just a short taxi ride to some of the most popular tourist attractions in Quito. Welcome dinner for the group.

Day 2 - "Quito Scenic Tour"
Departure: 9 am
Duration: 3 hours
Altitude Average: 2800 ms / 9217ft
Special interest: Colonial, Artistic, Historic, Religious

Quito's year-round mild weather, rich colonial history and dramatic mountain setting make it a desirable place to visit. Its colonial buildings were declared by the United Nations a UNESCO or “World Cultural Heritage Site”. Quito became a center of art and sculpture in the New World, with the school of Quito producing remarkable art pieces inspired by Christian themes.

We will start our tour with the hill of San Juan and the gothic-inspired La Basilica church. Our tour will visit the heart of Colonial Quito, Plaza de la Independencia. This plaza is also known locally as Plaza Grande, the square is dominated by la Catedral (the Metropolitan Cathedral). The other sides of the Plaza are flanked by Palacio de Gobierno (Presidential Palace), the Archbishop´s Palace and City Hall.

We will visit the outstanding church La Compania. This Jesuit baroque church took 163 years to finish and it is the most ornate in the country. Another important site is the Plaza San Francisco, named for its monastery and church. Finally, we will take you to El Panecillo, a hill over looking the old city and topped by a statue of the Virgen of Quito, with an observation deck.

Return to your hotel, afternoon and night free to explore Quito.

Day 3 - "To the Galápagos Islands"
After breakfast at the hotel we have an early transfer to the airport. Fly from Quito to the Galápagos Islands with a stopover in Guayaquil (cost of flight not included in the tour cost).

On arrival at Baltra airport you will be met by our guide and transferred to the yacht where you will be assigned a cabin. The captain will then set course for North Seymour Island giving you the chance to become acquainted with the vessel and have lunch. On arrival, there will be a dry landing followed by a 2-hour walk during which Galapagos sea lions, blue footed-boobies, and magnificent frigate birds can be seen.

Day 4 – Charles Darwin Research Station and Highlands on Santa Cruz Island
During the morning we’ll explore Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island), where we will learn about the tortoise and land-iguana breeding programs, followed by some time in town for optional shopping & sightseeing.

During the afternoon we’ll have the opportunity to see Galapagos Giant Tortoises in the wild. This is also one of the best sites for watching land birds: Darwin's Finches and Vermilion Flycatchers. The land visit may last 2-3 hours (including a bus ride).

Day 5 – Gardener Bay and Punta Suarez on Hood Island/Espanola Island
During the morning we’ll explore Gardner Bay (Hood Island/Espanola Island), snorkeling along Gardner Islet, maybe kayaking, and a walk on the beach to observe sea lions and Hood Island mockingbirds.

During the afternoon we’ll explore Punta Suarez with an extensive nature walk to observe the large colonies of blue-footed and masked (Nazca) boobies, marine iguanas, albatross and swallow-tailed gulls.

Day 6 – Punta Cormorant and Post Office Bay on Floreana Island
During the morning we’ll explore Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island). We start off with a short walk to a lagoon, where we find flamingos and other wading birds. At the end of this trail we reach a beautiful white sandy beach where sea turtles nest. This will be followed by a short panga ride to Devil’s Crown, one of the most spectacular snorkeling site in the islands.

During the afternoon we’ll visit the historic Post Office Barrel.

Day 7 – Punta Moreno and Elizabeth Bay on Isabella Island
During the morning we’ll explore Punta Moreno (Isabella Island) with a two-hour walk across lava fields, and ‘oasis like’ lagoons rich in flora and fauna. We will see Galapagos flamingos and hopefully our first cormorants and penguins.

During the afternoon we’ll explore Elizabeth Bay (Isabella Island). There will be a panga ride to a quiet mangrove lagoon where sea turtles rest. Occasionally around Mariela Rocks, Galapagos penguins, cormorants, and blue-footed boobies may be sighted.

Day 8 – Urbina Bay on Isabella Island and Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island
During the morning we’ll explore Urbina Bay (Isabella Island). We will walk over different terrains, seeing large land iguanas, a variety of native and endemic plants, and sometime giant tortoises in their natural habitat. There are also remains of fifty years of oceanic up-lifting, which include exposed coral heads and other marine fossils.

During the afternoon we’ll explore Punta Espinosa (Fernandina Island). We will be walking over lava fields observing large colonies of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, penguins and sea lions.

Day 9 – Puerto Egas and Bartholomew on Santiago Island
During the morning we’ll explore Puerto Egas (Santiago Island); south of James Bay and on the west side of Santiago Island. There is a long, lava shoreline where eroded rock formations host an excellent variety of wildlife. This is a beautiful coastal walk exploring the great variety of tidal marine life, including Galapagos fur seals, sea lions, marine iguanas, and other surprises. There is good swimming off the beach and a broad array of marine life to view when snorkeling.

During the afternoon we’ll explore Bartholomew. A steep uphill walk to the summit offers magnificent views of Bartholomew Island and its famous Pinnacle Rock. We will also be swimming and snorkeling off the beach where we may see more penguins.

Day 10 – Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island and return to Quito
Before breakfast, we’ll explore Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz Island) by panga. This is a red mangrove lagoon which serves as a nursery for many sharks and rays. It is also a great location to observe mating black sea turtles. Sail back to Baltra in time for the flight to mainland Ecuador.

After exchanging farewells with the naturalist and crew in the late morning, we fly to Quito via Guayaquil, arriving in the late afternoon. (Lunch is included on the flight)

Day 11 – Fly home
Transfer to the airport for homeward bound flight.