This leg was originally to Galapagos and then onto the Gambiers. We have decided to change this to the above route due to the complexity and cost of sailing to the Galapagos Islands. The costs are high and still, to enjoy the area to its fullest, you have to partake in the expensive locally organised trips. This means that it is no cheaper than simply flying there, but without the complications. The advantage of the above route change, is that we have the chance to visit Easter Island, one of the most remote populated areas in the world. It will also give the opportunity to visit Pitcairn Island, which is famous because of "mutiny on the Bounty". And then there still could be extra time for The Gambiers, if it hasn't been used up waiting for weather windows. So I feel that the overall benefit of the alternative ports of call, far outweigh going to the Galapagos.
This is what was originally written regarding the Panama to Galapagos leg: -
"This part of the circumnavigation may not happen due to the cost and complexity of entering the Galapagos by yacht. If we can enough firm interest in this leg then we will do it but it would be the most expensive leg due to the charges set by the Ecuador government. These costs would be shared amongst all on the yacht and for this leg, I would not expect much change out of $2000 per person based on 6 persons (4 guests plus us two). I would hope this would cover departure costs from Panama, intermediate customs and immigration costs and then the expensive check in cost for the Galapagos. This is only a guestimate so could be less but may also be more. In addition, there would be the normal other shared expenses and daily cost. If this is something you and any friends may be interested in, let us know ASAP so that we can start to plan it, as 6 months prep time would be required. To take full advantage of this visit, the best way to see the Galapagos is by local trips out of the islands that we would sail to and also to possibly do a local scuba liveaboard. These trips obviously cost the participant extra money but usually trips booked on the islands are a lot cheaper than booked on the internet."So if you are seriously interested in this leg, and are willing to spend $4000US+ (for the 25ish days) to fully appreciate this area, and we can get a total of 4 persons (maybe 5), to share this leg, then let us know and we will then further investigate the possibility. If we don't enter the Galapagos islands, on the way to the South Pacific islands, we would then go directly to the Gambier Islands, from Panama."
So here are some links for this leg of the adventure
Another possible island to visit on the way to Easter Island is Isla Malpelo. It is part of Colombia and has some of the best scuba diving for sharks in the world. Whether you can dive there depends a lot on the military base there.
