The Plan
where to be and when to be there

The dive trip begins on June 14th, and ends on June 24th, 2010 (10 nights onboard).

You’re required to stay in Ecuador at least one night before and one night after the Galapagos trip. At least two nights before is probably better, in case of flight delays, missed connections, or lost luggage. You can spend those nights in Guayaquil or in Quito. Quito is definitely worth seeing — the city is a historic UNESCO World Heritage Centre set in a spectacular mountain backdrop. Josh and Liz will be in Quito.

For those of you also staying in Quito, it would be nice if we could meet for a couple of sundowner drinks late in the afternoon of on June 13th (Sunday, the day before the trip starts). We’ll get to know each other a little and be able to go over any last minute details as well. If you're keen, let's aim to meet at Cafe Mosaico (Manuel Samaniego N8-95 and Antepara, Itchimbía, Old Town) at 5pm — this place is high on a hill and has the most spectacular view over the Old Town (worth bringing your camera). The Ecuadorian-Greek-American food is pretty good, too, and we plan to stay on for an early dinner if you'd like to join us.

On the morning of June 14th (Monday), we catch our domestic flight to the Galapagos:

Before you check-in, all your bags need to be x-rayed to scan for fresh produce, which you aren't allowed to bring into the Galapagos.

Also before check-in is the time to pay the $10 Galapagos Control Visitor's Card, please have your cash ready.

Checked luggage allowance is 35kg (75lbs). Carry on is 10kg (22lbs). Most of us will be overweight! The excess weight charge is based on the ticket price, and amounts to approximately $2.50/kg. Please lock your bags.

On arrival at San Cristóbal airport you will pay your Galapagos National Park entrance fee, $100. Have your cash ready — clean and new notes are best. Please keep your Park fee receipt.

An Aggressor crew member will be at the airport to welcome us, take our luggage, and transport us to the ship. Journey time is 10 minutes.

There will be a check-out dive that afternoon — with some friendly Galapagos sea lions.

On the last afternoon of the charter (Wednesday, June 23rd) the ship heads into port to re-provision for the next charter. That's when we’ll go ashore for a tour of the Charles Darwin Research Station. That evening there’ll be a drinks party on the ship, followed by dinner ashore. Please bring cash for this meal.

Disembarkation time on Thursday, June 24th is around 8:00am - 9:00am. The crew will transfer us to the airport and assist with check-in. Return domestic flight details:      

      Flight AeroGal (2K) #31
      depart San Cristóbal at 12:45pm
      arrive Quito at 4:45pm
      * again, this flight makes a quick stop in Guayaquil

There will be a few hours to kill between check-in and boarding, so you can pop back into town to hit the shops or have an early lunch.

Once you're in Ecuador, if you have any problems you need help with:

- you can reach Josh & Liz at the Mansion del Angel in Quito: phone +593 2 2557721, or fax +593 2 2237819

- or, call the Aggressor office in Guayaquil: +593 42681950, or cellphone +593 98418853, or fax +593 42681955.