Adventures Within Reach Travel Blog

Top Luxury Hotels in Chamonix, France

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Adventures Within Reach

Downtown Chamonix and the Sculpture of De Saussure and Balmat, the First Men to Climb the Mont Blanc

Before and after treks or climbs in the French and Swiss Alps, we place most of our travelers in the comfortable 2-star Hôtel de l’Arve located in the center of Chamonix, only a few blocks from the main square and the guide’s office. For clients looking for a more upscale experience, Chamonix also offers several luxury options.

After a challenging trek in the Alps or a climb to the summit of the Mont Blanc, consider spending a few nights in a great luxury hotel! We are pleased to be able to book almost any hotel in the Chamonix valley. Here are our top two picks.

Le Morgane

A Tasteful Junior Suite at Le Morgane

Le Morgane is about a 5-minute walk from the center of town. It boasts rooms with views of either the Mont Blanc or the Aiguilles Rouges and tasteful, modern decor. Professional photographs of the surrounding mountains decorate the common areas and the rooms. This 4-star luxury hotel also has a spa. Its restaurant, Le Bistrot, is run by chef Mickey Bourdillat. This chef who has earned a Michelin star sources “produce from the local area … in the Chamonix Valley, as well as items from neighbouring Switzerland and Aosta in Italy.” Rooms start at approximately $220 per night.

Le Hameau Albert 1er

Le Hameau Albert 1er with the Mont Blanc in the Background

Le Hameau Albert 1er is considered by many to be Chamonix’s finest property. The hotel has three types of lodging (standard rooms, traditional alpine rooms, and a private châlet) worthy of its 5-star Relais & Châteaux luxury hotel rating. The hotel has all the usual luxury trappings including a spa and a 2-star Michelin restaurant. Rooms with mountain views start at approximately $300 per night, rooms with out mountain views start at approximately $220 per night.

Posted in Alps, Europe, Travel Advice | Leave a comment

6 Best Beaches in Costa Rica

Posted on March 30, 2012 by Adventures Within Reach

While the plethora of sights and adventures in Costa Rica’s rain forest can easily keep anyone busy for a week and more, many of our travelers want to extend on the beach for a few nights and take advantage of the abundant sun and warmth of this beautiful country.

This has been especially true since we launched our 8-day Family Costa Rica tour which in reality is a fun trip for couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers too. Following a 7 or 8 day rain forest tour, we can arrange either a private or a semi-private shared shuttle between San Jose and the beach location. The shared shuttles, which operate every day, are very good value while the private shuttles are a nice option especially for families and small groups. There is also the option to fly back to San Jose, which we can also arrange.

Here are the top 6 beach destinations to add on to any tour in Costa Rica:

#1 Manuel Antonio

This is arguably Costa Rica’s #1 adventure hub on the Pacific Coast, allowing members in your party the maximum freedom to enjoy the activities they want to enjoy. For example, on one of your free afternoons, one person could go on a superman zipline, while the other relaxes on the beach and catches up on their favorite book. Prime activities around the area include excellent wildlife encounters at small Manuel Antonio National Park, sea kayaking in mangroves, mountain bike day trips from 2 hours to full days, horse riding, rafting from May-October (the rainy season), scuba, fishing, and more. Like many beach areas in Costa Rica, many of Manuel Antonio’s hotels are not right on the beach but rather set just off of it as a conservation measure.

# 2 Tamarindo

About a 5 hour drive from San Jose (and about 1 hour from Costa Rica’s other major international airport, Liberia), this is another wonderful beach / adventure hub. Located in the Pacific Northwest, the area is dotted with many beaches, some easier to get too than others, but many offering tranquility and uninterrupted sunshine. Playa Tamarindo, especially on it’s edges, is a classic beach area in Costa Rica, while Sugar Beach is a nice secluded beach haven just about 25 minutes away from the main town of Tamarindo. From October through February, sea turtles begin their nocturnal egg laying on the local black-sand beaches in locations like Marino Las Baulas National Park. Other favorite activities include scuba, swimming, horse riding, rafting on the Tenorio River in the rainy season, visits to Diria National Park, sea kayaking, and more.

# 3 Samara Beach

This might be the best beach area in Costa Rica that you’ve never heard of. Boasting a splendid strand of golden beach, this is one of the safest areas along the Pacific coast to swim (much of the Pacific coast harbors a potentially dangerous undertow to be aware of; when concerned about swimming conditions at any beach, please ask the locals). Besides horse riding on the beach, another favorite activity is to sea kayak to Isla Chora (about a 30 minute kayak from the beach) and swim & snorkel in a secluded locale. Samara is also home to a charming local fishing village that is increasingly “boutique” due to the influx of business-minded ex-pats and Ticos. Samara is also home to a nice variety of well-reviewed mid-range beach hotels. Samara is located about a 4 – 4.5 hour drive from San Jose.

# 4 Punta Islita

Looking for a special luxury hotel on the beach? The Punta Islita Hotel is one of the premier hotels in Costa Rica. Located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, along the open-ocean coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula, this luxury hotel features an exclusive beach club, an infinity pool facing the ocean, horse riding, cultural & conservation projects, a nearby executive 9 hole golf course, a full service Spa, and more. The surrounding rugged landscape and colorful local communities are rich in stunning beaches, mountains, vibrant culture, and charm. For a comprehensive luxury tour, check out our 8-day Luxury Costa Rica tour. Punta islita is about a 5 hour drive from San Jose.

# 5 Jaco Beach

Short on time? This is the closest and most convenient beach area to San Jose, at just 2 hours away. While not a safe place to swim (due to the dangerous undertows), it is an excellent place to walk or horse ride along the beach, surf, or simply enjoy a beach-side cocktail and lazily watch the breaks crashing near shore. There are plenty of places to stay as Jaco as a popular night-life spot as well.

#6 Punta Uva Beach

Looking to get away from it all? Punta Uva Beach, located on the south Caribbean coast just 5 km south from Puerto Viejo, might be just the ticket. Here you’ll find one of the more unique beach lodges in all of Costa Rica, the Tree House Lodge. Situated on 10 private acres, guests enjoy sublime privacy in a completely natural rainforest. The lodge has it’s own beach access to a secluded 300 meter stretch of beach front, so you won’t have to meet anybody else unless you want to, such as for the daily 4 PM volleyball games! Sea Kayaks are for rent here, and you can also snorkel in the protected waters. It’s a great place to swim and the accommodations are one-of-a-kind. We can help arrange a private car all the way from San Jose airport or we can arrange a less expensive shuttle transfer to Puerto Viejo then all you’d need to do is call a taxi (it’s about a 10-15 minute ride away). 3 or 4 nights here would be perfect. It’s located about 4 to 4 ½ hours from San Jose.

Posted in Costa Rica | Tagged beaches, Costa Rica trips, trip extensions | 2 Comments

10 Most Popular Tours in Cape Town

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Adventures Within Reach

Yes, these are the most common things to do in and near Cape Town, but there is a reason why — they are exceptional experiences.

Peninsula Tour
Tour to Wine Country
City Tour
Table Mountain
Robben Island
V&A Waterfront
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
Whale Watching in Hermanus (Sept-Oct)
Caged Shark Diving
Going to the Beach
Eating, Drinking, and Shopping

See Also:

1. Peninsula Tour

This is most commonly done in a guided full day tour from Cape Town down to the southern tip of South Africa. The tour takes you to west coast of Cape Town, south to Cape Point and back up the east side, but you may go clockwise instead.

Starting west of Cape Town, you will drive through many scenic and chic suburbs and beautiful beaches. Many tours stop briefly at Hout Bay with the Twelve Apostles string of mountains overlooking the town. Here you can do a boat tour to Druiken Island to see the fur seals or visit the World of Birds (9:00am – 5:00pm). South of Hout Bay is 10km of Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world.

Continuing south, you get to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve on the very southern tip where you can walk or take the Flying Dutchman funicular (9:00am-6:00pm / R45 round-trip) to lighthouse on the tip of Cape Point for nice views and visits with baboons (don’t fee them!). There is an old lighthouse, which proved useless in fog, and a new lighthouse, which is the most powerful in South Africa. Nearby is an Ostrich Farm here, which is popular with young kids.

Penguin Colony at Boulder's Beach, Simon's Town — Penguin Colony at Boulder’s Beach, Simon’s Town

Heading back up the east coast of the peninsula, your tour will stop at Boulder’s Beach near Simon’s Town to see the African penguin colony from viewing platforms. Kids may like the Warrior Toy Museum (10:00am-3:45pm) and Scratch Patch in Simon’s Town.

There are many cute towns along the way with nice restaurants and shops including Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay, and Muizenberg. The beaches along this coast are lovely and have some of the warmest water in the area for swimming. The St. James Tidal Pool is one of the most photographed beaches in the area because of the colorful bathing changing rooms, and Muizenberg is popular for surfing. It is a 30 minute drive back to Cape Town from Muizenberg.

Optional stops on the way back to Cape Town are at the one of the wineries along the Constantia Wine Route (Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Buitenverwachting, etc.) and/or the Irma Stern Museum, one of South Africa’s greatest painters.

2. Tour to Wine Country

The main towns in wine country are Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. Each town is worth a short visit, and there are many nice hiking opportunities in the area.

There are dozens of wineries to choose from as well as brandy distilleries.

This is typically done as a guided day tour, but you can also rent a car and spend a few days.

http://wineroute.co.za/

3. City Tour

This is a great way to become acquainted with the city highlights and layout. It can be done as a private tour or in a group. With a private tour, you can customize the day to include Table Mountain or the botanical gardens.

4. Table Mountain

Table Mountain is the iconic backdrop to Cape Town rising over 3500 feet and is a large national park. In the summer, clouds can develop creating a “tablecloth.” There are a lot of hiking options but also a comfortable cable car to take you to the top for incredible views of the city and the ocean. The cable car runs every 15 minutes 8:00am-7:30pm depending on the season. The cable car is a 10-minute ride and floor rotates 360 degrees so everyone gets a good view. It is slightly cheaper if you buy tickets online, and you don’t have to wait in line. There may be long lines at the top. The Platteklip Gorge Hike is the easiest and most popular hiking option (allow 2+ hours one-way, only go in good weather, and be very well-prepared). Table Mountain is often closed for maintenance July 15-September 1 but dates may differ each year.

http://tablemountain.net/

5. Robben Island

Robben Island is where Nelson Mandella was imprisoned for 18 years of his 27-year sentence. Technically, it means “Seal Island.” Tours are about 2.5 hours long, and a portion of the tour is guided by past prisoners.

You the boat at the V&A Waterfront at the Clock Tower at 9am, 11am, 1pm, or 3pm, and plan on 3-4 hours for the tour and boat ride. There is also a museum at the ticket office worth some time before or after the boat. You need to purchase tickets in advance as they do sell out. The boat does not run if the weather is bad, and your ticket is refunded in this case.

There are no restaurants or snack bars on the island, so enjoy a meal before or after the tour in the Waterfront area.

http://robben-island.org.za/

6. V&A Waterfront

The is the tourist hub of Cape Town with plentiful restaurants, shopping, and bars. There are also free performances at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheater at 5:00pm.

http://www.waterfront.co.za/

The Two Oceans Aquarium (9:30am – 6:00pm with feeding at 3pm) and Scratch Patch (polished rock factory) are good options for the kids.

You can also find the Cape Town Diamond Museum (9:00am-9:00pm).

https://www.capetowndiamondmuseum.org/

7. Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town — Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Kirstenbosch is a large botanical garden on the southeastern side of Table Mountain. It has an exhibition of flora from a number of South African regions, sprawling lawns, and miles of hiking trails. Allow at least one hour, but you can also easily spend half a day here. November-April are the best times to visit.

In the summer, there are concerts every Sunday night (Dec-Mar).

Open daily 8:00am-6:00pm or 7:00pm.

http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch

8. Whale Watching in Hermanus

Whale season in South Africa is June-November, but September-October are the best months. Hermanus is on the southern coast of South Africa, and whales can be seen from land (Hermanus Cliff Path) or in a whale watching boat.

There are also lots of other activities in the area:

Shark cage diving
Sea kayaking
Horseback riding on the beach
Playing and relaxing at the beach
Golfing
Quad bikes, ziplines, and paintball
Weekend markets

9. Caged Shark Diving

The great white sharks can be found near Simon’s Town (a 1-hour drive south on the peninsula) from March to mid-September and then near Gansbaai (a 2-hours drive southeast of Cape Town) from mid-September to February.

They can be seen breaching on the surface, so you can see them from the boat without diving.

For cage diving, the cage is on the surface right next to the boat. You do not need to be scuba certified and even kids can do it.

10. Going to the Beach

Very near Cape Town are a variety of beaches to enjoy. There are some good surfing areas, but the water is very, very cold. The coast is also great for watching the sunset.

Clifton Beach is perhaps the most popular beach, is very large, and is typically wind-free. It has 4 bays called 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. The 4th is the most popular as it has changing rooms, bathrooms, snack shops, and rentals. The 1st and 2nd are for surfers and beautiful people. The 3rd is for more alternative people.
Camps Bay is a wide beach good for beach games (kites if it’s windy). It has strong surf but nice tidal pools. The town has countless trendy restaurants and bars good for a sundowner.
Llandudno is quieter with rocky areas good for exploring and great sunsets.

11. Eating, Drinking, and Shopping

The V&A Waterfront is the hub for this sort of activity. There are also many restaurants, shops, bars, and discos along Long St. and Adderley St. It is worth the experience to have an ethnic meal in Bo-Kaap. Not to mention numerous shopping malls. Greenmarket Square is an open air market with lots of stalls and cafes surrounding the market (Mon-Sat 9am-4pm).

More Information

Tickets for Robben Island, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts, and more: http://webtickets.co.za/
Cape Town Tourism: http://www.capetown.travel/
10 Things To Do in Cape Town You Might Not Know About >>

Posted in South Africa | Tagged Cape Town | 6 Comments

Packing Essentials for the Haute Route Ski Tour

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Adventures Within Reach

Skier with the Matterhorn in the background

When you pack for the Haute Route Ski Tour you want to have all the necessary equipment and also travel as lightly as possible. The excellent huts mean that you don’t need any camping essentials, although if you are a self-guided group you should consider bringing along emergency equipment for your group (a stove, bivy sacks, etc). With the hut system you also do not need to worry about breakfasts and dinners!

You can break down the equipment needed into 3 categories: 1) technical equipment, 2) clothing and 3) other essentials.

1. Technical Equipment

Some Basic Equipment for the Haute Route Ski Tour

For technical equipment you’ll want a standard backcountry skiing kit plus glacier gear. Ideally you’ll want randonnée / AT ski equipment, but you can complete the tour with Telemark gear. Here’s what you need:

AT skis and boots with touring bindings and skins – a light set up is recommended! Be sure to use true AT boots that are comfortable for walking and that are crampon compatible.
Ski crampons that are compatible with your bindings.
Adjustable ski poles.
A repair kit for your bindings.
Ski straps (such as the rubber Voile brand) to hold skis together and to use in an emergency to keep skins on your skis.
A beacon, probe and snow shovel. A good metal shovel is highly recommended.
Crampons and an ice axe.
A harness and proper crevasse gear (carabiners, cordelettes). A belay device for rappels. A rope if you are self-guided.
A helmet (recommended, not required).
A 40 to 45 liter backpack for your gear – having a little extra room doesn’t hurt! Make sure you can attach your skis to your pack for portage and climbing.

2. Clothing

Hardshell pants and jacket (goretex or similar).
Proper under layers.
2 or 3 pairs of socks.
2 pairs of gloves.
Warm hat and balaclava.
Sleep sack/ sleeping bag liner. The huts have blankets – all you need is a light weight sleep sack.
Extra underwear and t-shirt for sleeping.

3. Other Essentials

SwissTopo Maps and a Guide Book

Navigation: maps, compass, altimeter and an optional GPS.
Water bottles: be sure to pack a thermos! Most huts include hot tea for your thermos in the mornings.
Food for snack and lunches. You can purchase some food in the huts.
Money. Bring cash in Euros and Swiss Francs.
Sun screen and toiletries.
Glacier glasses and goggles.
Emergency equipment: be prepared to make a sled for evacuation or to spend the night outside. Bivy sacks and/or the ability to build a snow cave are essential! If you are on a guided expedition your guide will take care of this equipment.
A cellphone or radio. A list of phone numbers for emergencies (mountain rescue, REGA). A list of phone numbers for your huts in case you are late or need to cancel. If you are on a guided expedition your guide will take care of this equipment.
Mountain rescue insurance! Don’t travel in the mountains without it! An evacuation usually costs over $10,000 – in Swiss and French law a victim is responsible for all costs and you will be billed.

Note: if you are unfamiliar with glacier travel we highly recommend hiring a guide or joining a guided group departure. Contact us for advice!

To learn more about a guided Haute Route ski tour, which runs every March through early May, visit our website:

Winter Haute Route Overview & Itinerary

Skier Along the Haute Route with a Typical Pack

Posted in Alps, Travel Advice, Travel Products | Leave a comment

Climbing the Toubkal, North Africa’s Highest Peak (Morocco)

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Adventures Within Reach

Trekking in the High Atlas mountains is an amazing experience for adventure travelers who love mountains and culture. It is also an opportunity to bag a peak, the Jbel Toubkal, North Africa and Morocco’s highest peak at 13,671 feet (4,167 meters) above sea level. You’ll also experience Berber culture in the several villages including Imlil, the heart of the Toubkal National Park.

Last April I had the opportunity to visit this amazing region and develop the treks offered by Adventures Within Reach. Trekkers have two options for visiting the region – choosing to visit during the snowy season or during the summer season.

Summer Season: Late May Through September: Most people visit the high Atlas during this period. You can trek to the summit of the Toubkal without worry about snow, although light snow cover is still possible in May. July and August are very hot in Marrakesh, but temperatures are fine in the mountains and great for camping at high altitude.

Snowy Season: October Through Early May: This period can be a great option for experienced mountaineers. October can still be pretty dry and an extension of summer trekking conditions although with cooler temperatures. By February enough snow has fallen to usually make for excellent ski touring conditions. April and May are Spring conditions and climbing the Toubkal usually still requires crampons and an ice axe.

In April 2011 there was still enough snow for ski touring at the higher elevations and enough snow to stop the mules about 1 kilometer before the hut. Here is a photo of snow conditions at the hut:

Despite the abundant snow at higher elevations there is still excellent trekking below 10,000 feet. For a clear idea of the conditions and experience you can view my video of my trip:

Please contact us if you’d like to consider a trip to this amazing destination!

– by Tilden Daniels

Posted in Morocco, Trekking | Leave a comment

13 Day Uganda Discovery with Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Murchison Falls

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Adventures Within Reach

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

We have a special group departure for a 13-day Uganda trip including

Game drives in the best parks
1 day of gorilla trekking
1 day of chimpanzee habituation
3 days in Murchison Falls including a boat ride on the Nile

Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are still available!

DEPARTURE DATE:

July 12, 2012
Other dates may be available.

ITINERARY:

Day 01/12 Jul: Arrival at Entebbe and Transfer to your hotel – overnight Central Inn (D)

Day 02/13 Jul: Transfer to Murchison Falls NP – overnight Sambiya River Lodge (B-L-D)

Day 03/14 Jul: Game Drive – PM Boat trip – overnight Sambiya River Lodge (B-L-D)

Day 04/15 Jul: Game drive – Top of the falls – overnight Sambiya River Lodge (B-L-D)

Day 05/16 Jul: Transfer to Kibale NP – overnight Rwenzori View Guest House (B-L-D)

Day 06/17 Jul: Chimpanzee Habituation Experience – overnight Rwenzori View Guest House (B-L-D)

Day 07/18 Jul: AM Transfer Mweya – PM Kazinga Channel overnight Hippo Hill Camp (B-L-D)

Day 08/19Jul: AM Game Drive – PM Transfer Ishasha – overnight Savannah Lodge (cottages) (B-L-D)

Day 09/20 Jul: AM Game Drive – PM Game drive – overnight Savannah Lodge (cottages) (B-L-D)

Day 10/21 Jul: AM Game Drive – PM Transfer Buhoma – overnight Ruhija Lodge (B-L-D)

Day 11/22 Jul: Gorilla trekking – overnight Ruhija Lodge (B-L-D)

Day 12/23 Jul: AM Transfer Lake Bunyonyi – PM relaxing – overnight Bunyonyi Overland Resort (B-L-D)

Day 13/24 Jul: Transfer to Entebbe for departure (B)

PRICING:

$3995/person
$500/person for the gorilla permit

Posted in Uganda / Rwanda | Leave a comment

Galapagos on the Athala II

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Adventures Within Reach

Galapagos on the luxury Athala II

The luxury Athala II is the sister ship to the Eclipse.

Built in 2007, it was completely refurbished in October 2011. Barbara of AWR visited the Athala II right after it was completed and can answer any questions you might have!

The Athala II has two 7-night itineraries starting a Saturdays depending on when your cruise date. There is also a 5-night option, which is the same, but you will get off the boat on Thursday.

SPECIAL PRICE

Discounted price of $3695/person for these dates for 2012:

April 14 and 28
May 5, 19, and 26
June 2, 9, 16, and 23

SPECIAL FEATURES

Small intimate yacht
Eight ample, comfortable cabins with large picture windows and ocean views
Galapagos -- Athala II stateroom

Main deck cabins have a private balcony
Upper deck cabins are interconnected for families
One-time, fully stocked mini-bar including fruit basket in all cabins
Spacious social areas including large dining room, lounge with modern technology for presentations, and al fresco area with outdoor bar
Galapagos -- Athala sun deck and jacuzzi

Large sundeck with Jacuzzi and awning to provide shaded area
Added stability of a catamaran (vs. a mono-hull of the same size)
Dedicated Cruise Director on-board for every cruise
Delicious and varied gastronomy catering to practically all preferences (including special dietary requests)
Wetsuits, snorkel gear and all non-alcoholic beverages included throughout the cruise
Access to the airport VIP lounges in Quito and Guayaquil on outbound flight to Galapagos as well as the VIP lounge outbound to the mainland from Baltra airport

ITINERARIES

OPTION WITH ESPAÑOLA

Galapagos -- Athala II outdoor dining

Saturday : Flight to Baltra Island, Galapagos / Afternoon Panga ride to Sombrero Chino Island

Sunday : Morning Dry landing at Cerro Dragon and swimming from beach, Santa Cruz Island / Afternoon Wet landing on Rabida Island for beach activities, deep water snorkeling,
kayaking and excursion

Monday : Morning Dry landing at Port Villamil, Isabela Island (excursion to the wetlands, snorkeling, kayaking, visit to the tortoise rearing center and “Wall of Tears” and relaxing
at the beach) / Afternoon same activities

Galapagos -- Athala II inside dining

Tuesday : Morning Dry landing and excursion on Floreana Island, visits to the Baroness’s
outlook point and Post Office followed by snorkeling or kayak / Afternoon Cormorant Point & Champion Islet with snorkeling or panga ride

Wednesday : Morning Disembark at Cerro Brujo for excursion, beach activities, snorkeling and panga ride / Afternoon Disembark at Isla Lobos for excursion, on the way sail by Kicker Rock Islet

Thursday : Morning Dry landing at Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin
Station, afterward bus ride to the highlands of Santa Cruz to see wild giant tortoises / Afternoon free for optional activities

Galapagos -- Athala II lounge

Friday : Morning dry landing at Punta Suarez, Española Island / Afternoon wet landing at Gardner Bay on Española Island for swimming and snorkeling from the beach or kayaking, deep water snorkeling at Gardner Islet

Saturday : Morning Circumference ride around Daphne Major with briefing by your guides from
the M.C. Athala’s deck / Departure from Baltra

OPTION WITH GENOVESA

Saturday : Flight to Baltra Island, Galapagos / Afternoon Panga ride to Mosquera Island

Sunday : Morning Dry landing at Sullivan Bay for hike and snorkel / Afternoon Wet landing on Bartolome Island for shallow or deep water snorkeling and Dry landing on Bartolome for hike or panga ride

Monday : Morning Wet landing at Urbina Bay for excursion / Afternoon Dry landing at Tagus Cove for power hike, panga ride or kayaking

Tuesday : Morning Dry landing at Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island and snorkeling / Afternoon Panga ride along Punta Vicente Roca or deep water snorkeling

Wednesday : Morning Wet landing at Puerto Egas, Santiago Island with Swimming and snorkeling from the beach / Afternoon Wet landing at Espumilla Beach for hike, panga ride, swimming or snorkeling

Thursday : Morning Dry landing at Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, afterward bus ride to the highlands of Santa Cruz to see wild giant tortoises / Afternoon at leisure

Friday : Morning Dry landing at El Barranco with Snorkeling, kayaking or panga ride / Afternoon Wet landing and excursion at Darwin Bay with Beach time, snorkeling or kayaking

Saturday : Morning Short hike at North Seymour Island / Departure from Baltra

PRICING

7-Night Cruise:

$4950/person regular season
$4655/person low season*

5-Night Cruise:

$4245/person regular season
$3990/person low season*

*Low Season Rates apply for all departures in October and November as well as for December 1st, 8th, and December 15th departures only.

Posted in Galapagos | Leave a comment

Galapagos on the Eclipse

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Adventures Within Reach

Galapagos cruise with the Eclipse

Two of our favorite luxury boats in the Galapagos are the Eclipse and the Athala II.

The Eclipse has many unique features, two amazing 7-night itineraries, one 5-night itinerary, and two special Photo Safari departures. Plus read what our customers have to say!