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About this trip
VENTURE. EXPLORE. DISCOVER.
The volcanic shores of the Galapagos Islands teem with life – thousands of species -- and with no natural predators, every single one greets you fearlessly. This is the world’s #1 “Bucket List” destination for good reason. No two islands are alike in this archipelago, a natural wonderland that will evoke your curiosity and awe.For eight days and seven nights, immerse yourself in this miraculous setting, where the land and water conspire to teach you, rejuvenate you and restore your sense of wonder. There is no better place for a new beginning.
IMAGINE. WONDER. GROW.
You will be guided by seasoned naturalists on snorkeling adventures and thrilling hikes to cloud forests and lava tunnels. Here are just a few of the adventures that await:
Hike the 600 meter wooden footpath of Bartolome Island, up and up, ever steeper! The reward for your climb? A perfect view of iconic Pinnacle Rock, an extinct volcanic cone and one of the world’s most photographed sights. As you go, keep on the lookout for lava herons and Galapagos hawks. (You can always say you want to snap a photo if you need to catch your breath!)
The shimmering, panoramic views of Santiago Island and Daphne Major lounging in the glittering Pacific will take your breath away. Back down at the beach watch for penguins at play and darting Sally lightfoot crabs, (whose colors look like a bag of Skittles that’s come to life!) Snorkeling enthusiasts will be wowed by a rainbow of fish, friendly sea lions and sea turtles, maybe even a shark or two.
Kayak on Tortuga (Turtle) Bay, a pristine beach on the southern coast of Santa Cruz that boasts soft white sand that trickles into the turquoise sea. Named for the black turtles that nest here each season, Tortuga is a sheltered, serene bay where marine life abounds. Kayaking allows you to draw close to rays, white-tip sharks, brilliantly colored reef fish, and of course, sea turtles.
Snorkel and marvel at the land and marine life at North Seymour Island, where the largest population of blue-footed boobies do their world-famous mating dance. Watch frigatebirds steal the boobies’ catch of the day and learn what it means to really relax by watching a shoreline full of sea lion bathing beauties!
Become a naturalist on Plazas, an island off the east coast of Santa Cruz. The extraordinary flora includes prickly pear cactus trees and the unbelievable color-changing succulent, sesuvium. The variety of birds will astonish you: red-billed tropicbirds, and swallow-tail gulls to name two. Here you’ll also find the smallest land iguanas of the entire archipelago. Now, doesn’t that make you wonder?
Explore the islands from a different perspective on a Santa Cruz Highlands Tour, which is unlike any of your sea-level destinations. The cooler temperatures nurture different flora and fauna. You will visit Los Gemelos, twin volcanic craters, and the large lava tunnels that occur throughout the island. Of course you will encounter the Giant Galapagos Tortoise in its natural habitat – a living wonder of evolution. Did you know that these creatures can go nearly a year without eating or drinking?
On these excursions you will find a new appreciation for your place in this miraculous world. Come discover how your personal story fits into this ancient, rugged and beautiful accident of evolution that we call “life.”
YOUR NEW BEGINNING
Excursions will help you see the world with new eyes, but imagine going home transformed, inspired, and able to respond to your day-to-day life with renewed joy and grace.
Erin Byron will be your personal guide on an interior journey of hope and inspiration. Erin's exciting background includes:
* Over 15 years experience leading retreats
* Co-author of Yoga Therapy for Stress & Anxiety which was #1 on Amazon's Hot New Release list and was recently featured in Yoga Digest, Yoga Journal and the Huffington Post
* Co-author of Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Mindful Living
* Psychotherapist for 15 years
* Co-founder of Yoga Therapist Training programme
* Trained 100's of yoga teachers and yoga therapists
* Presents at international conferences on Yoga Therapy
Erin’s insight will touch you: body, mind and soul. Erin brings compassion and a genuine interest in each individual. She listens deeply and teaches intuitively to honor your unique journey and to ensure that you feel heard and healed. With over 15 years experience facilitating transformational workshops, Erin brings passion and skill which will benefit each retreat participant.
Erin’s gift is her ability to genuinely connect with each and every person on the voyage. One of Erin’s skills is to integrate individual learning objectives with the larger themes of the workshops and excursions so that you will see your challenges with new eyes and new hope.
Through yoga practices and experiential workshops that weave seamlessly into your exploration of the islands, Erin will help you rediscover your origins of essential wholeness and resilience.
THIS IS YOUR TIME
You are connected to all living things. Come to the Galapagos to remember that you are a part of the diversity of life. Let this time away be your new beginning.
More information can be found at http://www.nourish-mindbodysoul.com/welcome-to-galapagos
What’s included
* room service charge & tax
* transfers from the airport to Semilla Verde on February 4 2017
* transfers from the Semilla Verde to the airport on February 11 2017
* breakfast, lunch & dinner each day including those identified as off property
* naturalist accompanied visit to the Charles Darwin Station
* naturalist accompanied day trip with snorkelling to Bartolome Island
* naturalist accompanied day trip with snorkelling to North Seymour Island
* naturalist accompanied day trip with snorkelling to South Plazas Island
* snorkelling and swimming on all day tour boat excursions
* naturalist accompanied Highland Tour (pit craters, lava tunnels, cloud forest and wild tortoises)
* all inspiring workshops
* all yoga
Not included
* travel insurance
* $20US Migration Card fee and the $100US Galapagos National Park fee and $5 Baltra airport transfer tax in CASH
* gratuities & any personal items you wish to purchase
* alcohol
Before You Go
Available Packages
This spacious north-facing room on the lower level has access to a private terrace with views to the gardens and tortoise pond via wall-to-wall sliding glass doors, queen-sized, en-suite shower/bathroom and walk in wardrobe This room has access to a second lounge with sofas, wood burner and panoramic views to the coastline and the flower gardens and coffee plantations.
This south-facing room on the mid level has access to a private terrace via sliding, glass doors to the south, queen-sized bed, en-suite bath / shower room. Windows offer views the the south, east and west.
This west-facing room on the mid level has access to a private terrace via wall-to-wall sliding glass doors to the west, queen-sized bed or twins, en-suite shower room. Windows offer views to the north, east and west.
A rustic wooden staircase leads to this extra spacious south-facing bedroom with a queen-size bed, wooden flooring, wall-to-wall sliding glass doors to the south, private balcony, en-suite bath / shower room and walk-through wardrobe. Windows offer views to the north, south, east and west.
These south-facing rooms have access to a private terrace via wall-to-wall sliding glass doors to the south, two twin beds (Rooms Sunset View & Sunrise View), king-sized bed (Room Sky View) en-suite shower room. The Finch Wing has its own lounge on the lower level with sofas, wood burner and views to the flower gardens
These south-facing rooms have access to a private terrace via wall-to-wall sliding glass doors to the south, two twin beds (Rooms Sunset View & Sunrise View), king-sized bed (Room Sky View) en-suite shower room. The Finch Wing has its own lounge on the lower level with sofas, wood burner and views to the flower gardens
These south-facing rooms have access to a private terrace via wall-to-wall sliding glass doors to the south, two twin beds (Rooms Sunset View & Sunrise View), king-sized bed (Room Sky View) en-suite shower room. The Finch Wing has its own lounge on the lower level with sofas, wood burner and views to the flower gardens