Though this trip is completely sold out (in a week!) we have a waiting list. Contact jeff@wagg.com for more details.

Pre and Post Tour Info:

Pre-Tour

We’ll be arranging a tour in Quito and the surrounding area on March 26th. We’re hoping to visit the marketplace, the equator, and to have lunch at a volcano. Also, if we’re lucky, we’ll get to try the local delicacy, cuy. While it’s not hard to find outside of Ecuador, it is hard to find it prepared just this way in the U.S., Canada or the UK. Pricing is still up in the air, but we’re aiming for around $50 a person. You’ll need to fly in a day earlier and get another hotel night.

Post-Tour

You’re coming to Ecuador, why not visit the Amazon Rainforest? We have a chance to visit the unique Sacha Lodge for a bit of eco-tourism on a black water lake. After a flight over the top of the Andes in a small plane, we’ll take a motorized canoe up the river, and then walk for about 30 minutes (porters carry the luggage). From there, we’ll be paddled in non-motorized canoes across the lake to get to the lodge. Guides will be on hand in the well-equipped facility to coordinate our daily activities as we explore the surrounding jungle and river way. Definitely not luxurious; the emphasis is on wildlife viewing and not on creature comforts, however this is the most comfortable lodge of its kind.  There are private baths in the hut-like rooms and the meals are very good. 4 days/3 nights Friday to Monday. The trip leaves and comes back to Quito. Pricing will be near $1250 per person, with a 50% supplement if you want to travel as a single. Triples are available.

Starting at $2000 per person, including airfare from Quito to the Islands.

When Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos in 1831, he had no idea that what he saw there would cause him to change the world. When we travel to the Galapagos in March 2013, we’ll be able to appreciate them in ways Darwin never could.

Our home for this incredible voyage will be the Motor Yacht Coral 1, which we will have all to ourselves. Our guides are Galapagos natives, who will lead us daily on wet and dry tours of these amazing islands.

Our adventures will not be limited to the islands themselves, as we’ll be swimming and snorkeling with the curious wildlife that abounds. You will dive with sea lions, penguins, sea turtles, and other creatures, and they’ll be as curious about you as you are about them.

After the day’s adventure, we’ll return to the Coral 1 for cocktails and gourmet meals made with native meats and produce. Evenings are spent gazing at strange constellations, watching lava gulls fish for squid, and socializing in the lounge on board. Group activities will be scheduled as interests and energy levels dictate.

Space is EXTREMELY limited, and we’re running on a strictly first come, first served basis. If you’re at all interested, consider putting down a deposit and reserve your cabin. Deposits are fully refundable until July 31st, 2012.

Dates

The flight from Quito to Baltra departs the morning of Wednesday, March 27th. We will return the afternoon of Sunday, March 31st. Depending on flight schedules, you may wish to spend a day or two in Quito on either side of the trip. We’ll help arrange hotels and side tours.

Itinerary

While the final itinerary is subject to change, we’re scheduled to visit the following ports of call:

• Baltra
• Venice
• Rabida
• Egas Port
• Tangus Cove
• Batholomew
• Black Turtle Cove
• Charles Darwin Station

Ship

The Motor Yacht Coral 1 was built in Germany and completely refitted in 2005. She is fully outfitted with the latest safety and navigational equipment. Her maximum speed is 12 knots, which is more than enough to take us through these picturesque islands. Cabins are modern and efficient, and while they’re a little smaller than you might find on a large cruise liner, they all have private baths and beds that convert from queen to twins depending on the desires of the occupants. (Cozy cabins have a non-convertible full-sized bed.)

The lounge is rich with wood and brass, and features a well-stock bar, library and computer with Internet access (fee). Our meals will be in the separate dining room, and there’s also a small boutique if you’ve forgotten something. For the best views, however, you’ll want to be outside on the multi-level deck which features a BBQ, hot tub, and many lounge chairs.

In Galapagos, smaller is better. A smaller ship has less impact on the environment, and less impact on you as well. There will be no long lines, no getting lost in the crowd, and you’ll have a real chance to bond with your fellow travelers as well as the local fauna.

Cabins

All cabins have their own bathrooms, flat screen TV and telephones.

	Cozy Cabins- Available at a bargain rate, these two small cabins at the very front of the ship are perfect for a couple. They features one full-sized bed, a port hole, and ample storage. $2000 per person, double-occupancy. SOLD OUT
	Sea Cabins- Located on the Sea Deck beneath the public areas, these cabins feature beds that convert from queen to two twins, making them suitable for roommates as well as couples. They have two light-filled port holes. $2600 per person, double-occupancy. SOLD OUT
	Earth Cabins- Larger than the Sea Cabins, the two Earth Cabins are located right in the middle of the public areas, providing easy access to the lounge and dining room. Large picture windows provide a great view of the passing scenery. These cabins require the least use of the stairways. $2800 per person, double-occupancy. SOLD OUT
	Sky Cabins- Located above the public deck, Sky Cabins are the largest cabins aboard and feature a private external entrance leading to a balcony that wraps around the top of the vessel. Picture windows on this higher deck offer the best views aboard, regardless of weather. These are the quietest and most private cabins, and should be favored by photographers. $2900 per person, double-occupancy. SOLD OUT

What’s Included

• A berth on the Coral I
• All meals on board
• All tours, guided by highly-trained local naturalists
• Onboard programming
• Airfare from Quito to Baltra ($500*)
• Transfers to and from Baltra Airport
• Park Entrance Fee ($100)
• Fuel Surcharge ($100)
• Various Taxes and Fees

*Airline tickets are issued 30 days before the voyage, and there is the small chance of a surcharge if prices are unusually high.

What’s Not Included

• Airfare to Quito from your home airport
• Tips
• Alcoholic beverages and other bar drinks
• Snorkel equipment rental, including wet suit (nominal charge)
• Hotel and transfers in Quito, if required
• Travel insurance, highly recommended

Details

$500 per person refundable* deposit is required to reserve a berth. You will be given the opportunity to choose your specific cabin on a first come, first served. A second payment of $1000 will be due by August 31st, 2012, and the final payment will be due November 30th, 2012.

*Deposit is refundable up until August 31st, however if you decide you’re not going to be able to join us, please let us know ASAP so we can free the cabin for someone else.

PaymentPlease call 312-569-9244 or e-mail jeff@skeptours.com to arrange payment. Because this is a charter, we are forced to add 3% to any credit card payments. Checks are gladly accepted.

Questions? Any questions at all, please contact Jeff Wagg at jeff@skeptours.com

Deck Plan

Click to enlarge.