Save 25% on Galápagos Island cruises

Specialist tour operator Journey Latin America is offering over 25% off selected cruises in the Galápagos Islands in 2009 to help travellers celebrate the bicentenary of Charles Darwin’s birth.

The Galápagos Islands are already one of the ‘must see’ destinations of 2009 thanks to a plethora of anniversaries which also includes the 150th anniversary of the publication of Darwin’s The Origin of Species, the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Galápagos National Park and the bicentennial of Ecuador’s independence.

Journey Latin America’s 25% discounts are valid on a number of cruises departing between the 2nd January and the 25th March 2009, with prices starting from £1,695 per person for the seven nights, reduced from £1,919 per person. The price includes domestic flights from Simon Bolivar Airport in Guayaquil, Ecuador (GYE), all meals, transfers in the islands and shore excursions with an English-speaking guide.

Journey Latin America managing director Sarah Bradley comments: “The Galápagos Islands are already a popular destination for travellers to South America thanks to the fantastic wildlife, beaches and diving opportunities. We are however expecting even higher numbers in 2009 for Darwin’s anniversary.

“Journey Latin America offers a number of Galápagos Island packages, including walking tours and family adventures, but arriving by boat, as Charles Darwin did more than 100 years ago, is a truly unique experience that is a must for visitors to the islands in 2009,” she added.

The below itineraries are all priced per person, based on two sharing and exclude international flights.

MV Parranda – first class yacht
Prices start from £2,328 per person (previously £3,129).
Departs 17th January, 31st January and 21st February 2009 for seven nights.
This 38m motor cruiser accommodates 16 passengers in double or twin lower berth cabins. The boat has stabilisers to reduce the effects of the swell, a huge sun-deck and an ample lounge as well as seven crew and a naturalist guide.

MY Grace – first class yacht
Prices start from £2,448 per person (previously £3,303).
Departs 3rd January, 17th January, 7th February and 14th February 2009 for seven nights.
Grace has been named after her late owner, Princess Grace of Monaco, who spent her honeymoon on board. The distinguished motor yacht has nine cabins accommodating up to 18 passengers in five double rooms and four twins. Facilities onboard include an indoor/al fresco eating area, library, bar/lounge, sun deck, Jacuzzi and kayaks.

MV Cachalote - tourist class Motor Sailor
Prices start from £1,695 per person (previously £1,919).
Departs 7th January through to 27 March 2009 for seven nights.
This 29m schooner/motor sailer has the capacity for 16 passengers in eight upper/lower berths distributed over three wooden decks, each with two portholes. She is an old-style boat appealing to those who prefer a true sea-borne experience in a cosy informal setting. Meals are served in the Victorian-style dining room and there are six crew and one naturalist guide on board.

For more information about Journey Latin America’s packages to the Galápagos Islands, log on to Journeylatinamerica.co.uk.