Galapagos: Coral I or II | 5 days

From San Cristobal Island to Baltra Island
  • Ecuador
  • Galapagos Islands
  • Small Ship Cruising
  • Wildlife and Nature
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Tour Description

Our Galapagos Coral Cruise itineraries offer an unforgettable Galapagos experience. 

When you visit Galapagos you can be as active or as relaxed as you like. Snorkel, swim and kayak among playful penguins and fur seals, hike next to lava lizards and Giant Tortoises; or simply recline on the ship’s deck or on one of the famous Galapagos beaches. All of the cruise ship's facilities are at your disposal as well as our friendly crew and expert guide who will join you on daily excursions and educate you about the fascinating natural history. Enjoy a land of incredible biodiversity when you join us on a Galapagos cruise. 

This 5 day Galapagos cruise will explore begin in San Cristobal Island, exploring iconic Galapagos sights including Kicker Rock and a Frigate bird nesting colony. Then cruise south to explore Espanola and Floreana Islands, then a stop at Santa Cruz to visit the Galapagos Giant Tortoises.

Accommodation will be onboard either the Coral I or Coral II, comfortable yachts with a capacity for 36 and 20 guests respectively.

After a different duration?  The Coral I or Coral II offer weekly departures allowing you to experience 4, 5 and 8 day cruises (or longer if you wish to combine cruises), with  full board, two daily guided excursions daily including activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, dinghy rides and walks ashore.

Viva's Best Bits...

Visiting the islands is an excellent opportunity to learn more about this unique destination, animals that have adapted to live on volcanic grounds and crystal clear beaches and are friendly to humans. Enjoy activities both in the morning and afternoon.

Coral Yachts offer a cozy cruising experience at an affordable cost, great for families and independent travelers alike. The onboard and inland activities are great opportunities to bond with fellow travelers and the crew and share experiences throughout.

Enjoy a range of local and international dishes onboard. Breakfasts and lunches are buffet-style, while dinner is Ă  la carte options. Snacks and beverages will also be offered at the return of every excursion; along with a popular Ice Cream festival!

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
San Cristobal Island

Coral I or II Yacht 5 day itinerary

*Galapagos excursions are subject to change without prior notice. Changes in plans may arise due to weather conditions, National Park regulations, or other unforeseen circumstances.

*Please be advised that itinerary modifications due to avian influenza may be in effect until further notice. For additional information, kindly consult your destination specialist.

Arrival on San Cristobal Island and transfer to the boat.

Interpretation Center & Frigatebird Hill
The interpretation center is full of interesting information and offers the perfect overview
to the formation of Galapagos, its significance in the world, threats and conservation efforts. Followed by a hike to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) we will have great looks at both species of frigatebird, with the bonus of a beautiful view of the bay below.

Day 2
San Cristobal Island

Kicker Rock & Cerro Brujo
Kicker Rock Circumnavigation (San Cristobal Island) This ancient and eroded volcanic tuff lava named Leon Dormido or Kicker Rock it is formed by two rocks approximately 148 m, named for its resemblance of a sleeping lion. From our pangas, as we head to shore, we are first humbled by the immensity of the stunning cliffs of Ă«SorcererĂ­s HillĂ­. We can enjoy simply sharing the beach with sea lions, snorkeling from shore or take a walk to a hidden lagoon where we might spot black- necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels and white-cheeked pintails.

Punta Pit
Sea lions will greet us as we land on the beach and prepare for our climb to a high point on the steep eroded tuff cone. This is the only place in the islands where we will enjoy the chance to see all three of the booby species in the same place. The red-foots will be perched on the Cordia lutea and small trees, the NazcaĂ­s on the ground near the cliff edge while the blue-foots will be a little further inland. Frigatebirds will be all around and the views are breathtaking.

Day 3
Espanola Island

Punta Suarez
One of the highlight visits of the trip. Punta Suarez seems to have everything - a naturalistĂ­s
paradise. A slew of marine iguanas and sea lions greet us at the landing site from where our
walk continues with close encounters of boobies, endemic lizards, gulls and even a dramatic blow hole. The oldest extant island in the archipelago it is our only opportunity to commune with the endemic waved albatross during their breeding season between April and December. With luck, we can watch their complex courtship display.

Gardner Bay
One of the most stunning beaches in all of Galapagos. The long, white, sandy beach, lapped
by turquoise waters is home to a colony of Galapagos sea lions, indifferent to the humans
that walk amongst them. The Hood mockingbirds, endemic to this particular island, will be
eager to inspect the visitors and satisfy their innate curiosity. DarwinĂ­s finches may also join
the throng including the reclusive warbler finch. We can also snorkel here from the beach, in
the shallows of the bay.

Day 4
Floreana Island

Punta Cormorant / Champion
Wet landing, on an olivine green, sanded beach. We hike from the black mangrove beds to a
brackish lagoon, which usually holds one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galapagos. This island features some endemic plants such as Scalesia villosa, white and black mangrove, and holy stick. The trail continues to a beautiful white sandy beach, one of the most important nesting sites of Green Pacific Sea Turtles. It is important to avoid walking in the water due to the Sting Rays that may be hiding in the sand, which can be dangerous if accidentally stepped on. From the beach, one can spot sea turtles, blue-footed boobies plunging into the water, and small reef sharks floating along the shoreline in the search for food.
This coral-sand beach marks the end of our trail, and we head back to the olivine beach we landed on, to swim or snorkel amongst sea turtles, reef fish, sea lions and, on a good day, white-tipped reef sharks. A small colony of penguins resides on Floreana and can sometimes be observed as well.

Post Office
Wet landing. Located on the north side of Floreana, the bay was named because in 1793 Captain James Colnett installed a wooden barrel which served as an informal post office for sailors passing through, who would take letters with them back to their destinations. Today, visitors continue the tradition by placing unstamped postcards inside the barrel, hoping that some other traveler, going to the letter destination, will take it back for free. The chances are that the letter posted can take a long time to arrive at its destination. However, there have been cases where it has arrived before the sender.
We may also encounter Darwin’s finches, Yellow Warbler and Lava Lizards. Great snorkeling opportunities with Green Pacific Sea Turtles. As well, the island is best known for its endemic vegetation: Scalesia villosa, Lecocarpus Pinnatifidus, and the Galapagos Milkwort. Snorkelers can practice on the main beach among playful sea lions.

Day 5
Santa Cruz Island Baltra Island Departure

Highlands Tortoise Reserve
Dry landing. In the mountains of Galapagos is possible to admire different kind of birds, such
as: tree and ground finches, vermillion flycatchers, paint-billed crakes, yellow warblers, and cattle egrets (usually standing on the tortoises’ shell). The journey to the reserve offers great opportunities to see the contrasts that the island offers in reference to the variety of ecosystems. The road goes from the coast through the agricultural zone and straight up to the dense humid forests. Often, Galapagos Giant Tortoises are also seen on the way, wandering through pastures in the paddocks. This spot is a birdwatchers’ haven, since almost every land bird present on the island lives or migrates here.
After the visit, passengers will be transferred to the airport for their return flight to Guayaquil
or Quito.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 Standard Plus Cabin with ensuite
  • Included Copy 31 Cabin upgrades available
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals onboard
  • Included Copy 20 Coffee / tea station, welcome and farewell cocktails
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Two daily guided excursions with a certified English-speaking naturalist guide
  • Included Copy 20 Briefings, lectures and more activities onboard
  • Included Copy 20 Snorkelling, hiking and dinghy rides
  • Included Copy 31 Kayak and wetsuits rental
  • Included Copy 31 Scuba Diving
  • Included Copy 31 Internet plans available on board
  • Included Copy 7 Galapagos Islands National Park Entrance Fee & TCT USD$220 (Subject to change)
  • Included Copy 7 Return flights to the Galapagos
Transportation

Coral I or Coral II

Coral I: 36 passengers Coral II: 20 passengers Passengers

Activities

  • Included Hiking - go on guided hikes through the unique landscapes of the Galapagos Islands.
  • Included Snorkling - Dive into the crystal-clear waters and swim alongside marine life, including sea turtles
  • Included Spot endemic bird species and other wildlife from your kayak
  • Included Relax at the sunset or in the jacuzzi of the yacht
  • Included Diving - explore underwater volcanic formations and encounter may different fish species
  • Included Dinghy rides - cruise along rugged cliffs, sea caves, and rocky shores while keeping an eye out for
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

5 days

Price from

$3,104 USD

Per person, sharing

Based on a Standard Plus cabin

Departs select Wednesdays