The Galapagos Islands - Maple Leaf Adventures

Photo credits: Kevin SmithThe Galapagos Islands“The islands are magnificent.They were more than I couldhave hoped for.“Your compassion andsensitivity to guests is first class.Your planning and attentionto the specifics of what makesa memorable adventure isfantastic. Thank you!”K.S., TorontoMaple Leaf AdventuresPO Box 8845, Stn. Central,Victoria, B.C., V8W 3Z1 Canadatoll free 1-888-599-5323local 1-250-386-7245Activities & AccommodationActivities:Easy hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, wildlife and birdwatching, cruising.Accommodation:7 nights aboard the motor yacht. 3 nights in hotels.About the ShipYour trip will be aboard a luxury yacht - one of the topserving the Galapagos Islands.The ship is a 90-foot, fibreglass power boat withluxurous, spacious, double-occupancy, private cabins.Each cabin has a “head” (bathroom) with sink, walk-inshower, and toilet, as well as 2 side-by-side beds and anupper bunk. There is also ample storage.The ship has a dining lounge and a salon for readingand relaxing in, as well as an upper deck lounge.There are kayaks and snorkelling gear, and two inflatableshore boats (called “pangas”) for visiting theislands. The crew are excellent and very experienced,having worked together for a decade on the ship.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhere are the Galapagos Islands and how do Iget there?They are part of Ecuador and lie 1000 kilometres offits coast. Our trip starts and ends in Quito, the capitalof Ecuador, which you can fly to through Houston orMiami. From Quito our group takes a domestic flightto Baltra, in the Galapagos, where we meet our yacht.Why should I go to the Galapagos?We believe everyone should go there, at least once!The creatures that live on the Galapagos Islands andin the waters around them have no fear of humans,so the wildlife encounters are unparalleled. Comingface to face with a waved albatross as it sits on its nest,watching close-up the hilarious courtship rituals ofblue footed bobbies, seeing tiny penguins zip past youwhile you are snorkeling and having juvenile sea lionsplayfully twirl around you– these are unforgettableexperiences. And they only scratch the surface of theamazing things that happen on this magical trip.Will the islands be crowded?Only 6% of the National Park is open to visitors – agreat way to ensure that the wildlife on the islands isproperly protected. So you will often see other boatsin most of our anchorages. But the National Park goesto great efforts to avoid too many people on one siteat any one time, for the sake of the visitors but mostof all for the sake of the islands’ fauna and flora. Also,our Naturalist Guide is highly skilled at deciding whenour groups should go ashore, avoiding busy times sothat you have the best experience possible.What do we do in Quito?We spend a total of three nights in the beautiful OldQuarter of Quito, which is a UNESCO World HeritageSite. On the second day of the trip we have a fabuloustour of this area with a remarkable guide who hasspecial access to parts of churches normally closed tothe public . We stay in a lovely, historic hotel, eat greatfood and soak in the atmosphere of this fabulous city!What are the physical activities on the trip andwhat level of fitness do I need?You do not have to be very fit, but a level of agilityis important. In the Galapagos Islands we have twoon-shore visits a day. Each of these involves gettingin and out of Zodiacs – always with the strong armsof our crew members to assist you. On land, eachexcursion involves about two hours of walking. Thepace is slow, as we constantly stop to observe anddiscuss wildlife, but we are sometimes moving oververy uneven ground, such as lava flows and boulders.We also go snorkeling at least once a day for about 45minutes, and usually get in and out of the water fromwww.MapleLeafAdventures.com Dates and prices subject to change.

The Galapagos IslandsRegular StateroomMid-deck SuiteTop-deck Suite view 1Top-deck LoungeSalon & Dining LoungeMore About the ShipReina Silvia sails primarily with 12 passengers; however, she may still carry 16 passengers as 4 of the 6 staterooms can be configuredfor three persons. Reina Silvia accommodates her guests in 6 staterooms, each equipped with individually controlledair conditioner, telephone (internal calls and international satellite phone service), and a TV with DVD player. All stateroomscan be configured to have either two lower beds or one king-sized bed. Bathroom facilities are en suite with a full size shower,lavatory, and hair dryer.Top deck The top deck features a large shaded and enclosed lounge and bar. Sliding windows allow warm air through yetkeep the cold air out. The circular seating takes advantage of the almost 360 degree views. Drinks are served at the bar duringsunsets and Equator crossings. The cushioned lounge area is a great place to catch up on reading, daydreaming, and napping.Just forward of this area, with access from the port passageway, is the entrance to stateroom 1. With its large windows thisroom offers a superb view. It has a mini bar and a small writing desk and is larger than the other staterooms. It can be configuredas two twin or one king-sized bed.Main Deck At the aft of the main deck is the boarding and swim platform. Forward is an extended bow pulpit for whale anddolphin watching. From the well-equipped galley excellent cuisine is served in the dining salon. The dining and salon area hasan LCD projector used for informative presentations by the naturalist guide. Drinks are served at the bar and the library offersa selection of books and nature movies.Stateroom 2 is located forward of the bar. It features two lower twin beds that can be joined together to make a king bed; theen suite bathroom facility has a full size shower.Lower Deck From the salon/dining area, staircases lead down to the staterooms 3, 4, 5, and 6. Each has twin beds (nighttable in between) that can be moved together to make a king-bed. Hidden in the bulkhead of each lower deck stateroom isa Pullman-style berth that can be made up when the stateroom is reserved for three persons. The en suite bathroom facilityextends across the entire width of each stateroom and features a full size shower. Large, fixed portholes provide daylightand views; each with a metal cover that can easily be closed to block out light or for safety. In order to keep the impact tothe natural environment to a minimum, Reina Silvia is equipped with an IMO approved wastewater treatment plant and anoil-water separator. Only biodegradable soap, shampoo, and rinse are used on board. A desalination plant provides all thefreshwater needed.Top DeckTop-deck Suite view 2Maple Leaf AdventuresPO Box 8845, Stn. Central,Victoria, B.C., V8W 3Z1 CanadaMain Decktoll free 1-888-599-5323local 1-250-386-7245Lower Deckwww.MapleLeafAdventures.com Dates and prices subject to change.

“Thanks for the bestvacation ever.”– Carrie Novick, Oregon.Contact UsTo book a trip or for help with anyquestions you may have, we welcomeyour call or email.Maple Leaf AdventuresPO Box 8845, Stn. Central,Victoria, B.C., V8W 3Z1 Canadainfo@MapleLeafAdventures.comtoll free 1-888-599-5323local 1-250-386-7245www.MapleLeafAdventures.comBooking and Cancellation PolicyTo avoid disappointment, your reservation should be madeearly. The number of participants in each program is limited,and the demand is high. Our trips sell out early.North America TripsDeposit: A deposit of one third of the price of the trip willreserve your space for any trip.Balance: The balance is due 120 days prior to departure.Cancellations: If you are unable to participate andcancellation occurs at least 120 days prior to the departuredate of your trip, the full amount of your deposit isrefundable, minus a $200 admin fee. If cancellation occursless than 120 days prior to the departure date of your trip,we will do our best to try to fill your space on the trip,however no money will be refunded unless all the spaces onyour trip are filled.Galapagos Islands TripsDeposit: A nonrefundable deposit of US $1000 reserves aplace on the trip. On payment of the deposit you will receive:receipt/invoice, medical information form, agreement andrelease from liability form, itinerary and additional informationcovering packing lists, visa requirements, health issues,etc.Balance: The balance is due 3 months prior to departuredate. On payment of the balance you will receive: receipt,final trip bulletin including participant list and rendezvousinstructions.Single Supplement: Accommodations are based on doubleoccupancy. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodation,we will try to assign you a roommate. If thereis no one with whom you can share, or if you prefer singleaccommodation, you will be requested to pay a SingleSupplement, as listed for each trip.Cancellation Policy: At the time we receive written noticeof your wish to cancel your trip, the following fees will apply:* 90 days+ from departure date: 100% of deposit; * 89to 60 days from departure date: 50% of Land Cost; * 59 daysor less from departure date: 100% of Land CostGroup BookingsFor large group bookings, such as a family charter of theentire ship, the booking and cancellation policy may bedifferent - please do contact us for information.Cancellation InsuranceWe highly recommend cancellation insurance, which protectsyou if you have to make a late cancellation in certaincases (such as a medical emergency). Travel insurance canbe purchased through your travel agency or through ourtravel agent (contact us for info). This must be done at thetime your booking is confirmed.Pre-Trip Information PackageA comprehensive pre-trip information package willwelcome you “aboard” at the time of booking. It includesinformation on clothing and other items to bring, how toget to your trip,, insurance, visa requirements, etc.Getting to & from the ShipOur office staff can help you with these questions andarrangements - call or email any time.Design: www.LotusDesign.ca