Audley has launched a new Galapagos brochure, giving an extensive choice of itineraries and cruise options to ensure that each client finds the experience that is best suited to them.    They have also included more land-based options and more information on where else in South America to go for those wanting to extend their trip.

Audley's specialists have extensive first-hand knowledge of the Galapagos Islands.  They have hand-picked and fully inspected every boat, lodge and hotel they use, all of which have excellent environmental credentials and top naturalist guides.

Galapagos Expedition Vessels
There are benefits to each of the different boats on offer which range in size, carrying from just 14 guests up to 100 guests. They include motor boats, sail boats and catamarans.  The brochure gives a full description of each, including whether or not they charge a single supplement as the Galapagos is an increasingly popular destination for single travellers. 

Audley have also included a new budget option which is the Montserrat – a simple but comfortable motor boat which holds a maximum of 20 guests.  A week's cruise on the Montserrat costs from £3,735 per person to include return flights, transfers and full board whereas the equivalent trip on one of the more luxury boats costs from £4,575 per person.

In addition there is a boat that is aimed just at divers.  The Galapagos Sky is custom built to carry a maximum of 16 divers with two dive masters and up to four dives a day.  Diving in the Galapagos is only for the experienced diver due to strong currents, cooler water temperatures and frequently difficult entries and exits from the dive boat. For the majority of guests snorkelling is just as rewarding and available from all the boats.  

Land-based Explorations

Audley offer options for expedition cruises, hotel stays, walking or island hopping tours from four days up to two weeks in the islands.  The land-based tours are particularly good for families with more emphasis on activities such as hiking, snorkelling and kayaking and the chance to combine wildlife viewing with time spent by the pool.

Audley suggest a 12 day Colours of Ecuador and the Galapagos itinerary which combines a four night cruise with some of Ecuador's highlights, including staying in a traditional hacienda, exploring Quito and visiting Otavalo market, with the final few days spent relaxing at a hotel on Santa Cruz.

Trip Extensions

Many visitors to the Galapagos want to make the most of their time in Latin America and visit some of the region's other attractions.  Audley offer various ideas in mainland Ecuador as well as in neighbouring Peru and Colombia and the Central American countries of Panama and Costa Rica as there are convenient flight connections to each of these.

For example they suggest a 15 day Cormorants, Coffee and Cartagena tour which combines a five night Galapagos cruise with time in Colombia exploring the coffee region and rolling plantations as well as quaint colonial towns and the fortress city of Cartagena.  It costs from £5,790 per person to include all flights, transfers, full board on the cruise and accommodation with breakfast included in Colombia.

For further details on the Galapagos Islands and for a copy of the brochure contact Audley on 01993 838 635 www.audleytravel.com 

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Issued on behalf of Audley by:
Jemma Hewlett PR
Tel: 01491 614660
jemma.hewlett@btinternet.com