M/Y Coral I/II Galapagos Cruise: 4 Days
- Duration
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,928
FIRST-CLASS | CRUISE: Spend 4 days on board the 36-passenger luxury yacht M/Y Coral I and enjoy the opportunity to see many of the highlights of the Galapagos Islands including Santa Cruz, Floreana, Espanola and Daphne.
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Nowhere embodies the spirit of eco-travel like the Galapagos Islands. They have inspired nature lovers all the way back to Charles Darwin, and today draw visitors from all parts of the globe. As the world’s second-largest marine reserve after the Great Barrier Reef, the Islands are perhaps best experienced on a guided cruise. See Blue-footed Boobies, sea lions, and the famed Galapagos Tortoise. Then relax after each day’s discoveries aboard the Coral I. This first-class vessel is designed for space and comfort, sleeps 36 guests and offers connecting cabins for families or larger groups.
Start your 4-day journey with an inside look at the giant tortoise breeding program in Santa Cruz. These majestic creatures are one of the Islands’ stars' attractions, and a visit to Darwin Station gives you a superb insight into the work being done to preserve their habitat.
Visit Floreana Island, where the natural and human histories of the Galapagos meet. Stop in on one of the largest flamingo populations in the Islands. Trek through a mangrove forest to a pristine beach used by sea turtles for nesting. Unfortunately, a large stingray population makes it unsuitable for swimming, though Blue-footed Boobies remain undeterred as they dive for prey. At a nearby cove, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel amid sea turtles, sea lions and Whitetip Reef Sharks! In the afternoon, visit the post office – a wooden barrel established in 1793. In true period style, there are no guarantees on speed or delivery, but we understand it does happen, so feel free to drop in an unstamped postcard!
Espanola Island is a bird watcher’s haven, harbouring Galapagos Hawks, American Oystercatchers, Yellow Warblers and many others. Its remoteness has allowed a number of endemic species to thrive. There are some unique volcanic formations to explore as well. A long hike is rewarded with a view of Soplador, a seaward blowhole capable of shooting water up to 75ft into the air. Take a cruise around Daphne Islet before you depart.
Click here for the Galapagos Nature Calendar. A complete listing of which species is doing what and when in the Galapagos!
- Duration
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,928
Itinerary View Trip Map
Mainland to Galapagos, Santa Cruz
Today marks your departure from mainland Ecuador to Baltra (approx. 2 and half hour flight). You will be picked up at the airport by your guides and taken on a ten minute bus drive to the pier to board the Corals.
This afternoon make a dry landing. Visit the Galapagos giant tortoises and land iguanas breeding program, where the famous Lonesome George (last surviving specimen of Pinta Island) lived for decades. The center is managed by the Galapagos National Park's staff with the collaboration of scientists from the Charles Darwin Station. Here, eggs taken from Pinzon, Santiago and Santa Cruz Islands hatch without the danger of introduced species. After artificial incubation; the "galapaguitos" (newborn tortoises) are reared until the age of 5, when they are released in their native habitats, having the enough capabilities to survive alone. Since the 70's, more than 2,000 specimens have returned to their native islands. In addition, the Darwin Station works in several scientific projects and botanical research, providing environmental education to local communities, schools and tourists. If time helps, it is possible to visit Puerto Ayora town.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: Flat
Duration: 1.5 hour walk
| Meal Plan | Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Nights |
| Accommodation |
M/V Corals |
| Location | View map |
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M/V Corals
The M/Y Coral I and the M/Y Coral II have a total of 18 and 11 cabins respectively. The Ocean View, air-conditioned cabins have lower beds and private facilities in which matrimonial, double or triple options are available. We have interconnecting doors suitable for families …
The M/Y Coral I and the M/Y Coral II have a total of 18 and 11 cabins respectively. The Ocean View, air-conditioned cabins have lower beds and private facilities in which matrimonial, double or triple options are available. We have interconnecting doors suitable for families or friends traveling together. Each cabin includes: safe, entertainment system with LCD TVs, hair dryer, special bedding in each category, and remodelled furniture in each cabin. Our voltage is set for 110-220 volts/60 Hz.
Facilities
- Barbeque Area
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Sun Terrace
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Mosquera Islet and North Seymour Island
Today, you will make a wet landing. Mosquera Islet is located between North Seymour and Baltra Island. This flat, sandy island has a large colony of sea lions. It is also an excellent site to observe shorebirds such as herons and lava gulls. There is no trail on the islet, the visitor can enjoy the open area. Most of the islet is covered with sand and barren lava rock. Very little sesuvium portulacastrum plants grow on the sand.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: Sandy
Duration: 1.5 hour walk and snorkel
Later, you will make a dry landing. This is perhaps one of the busiest tourist destinations on the archipelago. Off of Baltra Island (where the airport is located) and not far from Santa Cruz, North Seymour is the most accessible for day trips out of Santa Cruz's main port, Puerto Ayora. An approximately two hour walk amidst large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent and great frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls for an in depth encounter with sea bird breeding cycles and as well as sea lions. You will also encounter sea lions, land iguanas, and on a lucky day, you might even come across a Galapagos Snake.
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Type of terrain: Rocky ground
Duration: 2 hour walk / 30 minute snorkel
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Santa Fe Island and South Plaza Islet
This morning, wet landing. Santa Fe shows white sand beaches surrounded by sea lion colonies; through the island path, an endemic cactus forest is passed, home the Santa Fe land iguanas (the largest in the islands). This island is the habitat for a number of species, including the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snakes, rice rats (one of the few endemic Galapagos rodents), a variety of finches and one of the four mockingbird species of the archipelago.
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Type of terrain: Rocky
Duration: 1.5 hour walk / 1 hour deep water snorkel
Later today, dry landing on the northern part of the Islet.The walk begins with an impressive cactus forest surrounded by land and marine iguanas; as we reach its highest point, be on the lookout for tropicbirds, a Nazca and blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls. In South Plaza there is a large colony of the smaller sized land iguanas. Approximately, there is a population of 300 individuals. They feed on all kinds of vegetation, but during the dry season survive on the fruits and flowers of Opuntia cacti. Due to their proximity with marine iguanas, this is the only place on Earth where we will find the Galapagos hybrid iguana.
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Type of terrain: Rocky
Duration: 2 hour walk
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Kicker Rock, Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve (San Cristobal) and Return to Mainland
Kicker Rock can be seen directly from the vessel. In the sea northeast of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is 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. It serves as home to many of the typical Galapagos sea animals, such as birds, sea lions, blue and Nazca boobies and frigate. With rare sightings of swallow turtle gulls, tropic birds, and pelicans.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of Terrain: Water
Duration: 1 hour circumnavigation
Cerro Colorado is a dry landing in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Passengers visit the San Cristobal Giant Tortoise Breeding Center to learn about the National Park's conservation programs. Enjoy a beautiful landscape on the way to the Reserve. Passengers will also have the opportunity to visit the village's port, have a drink or shop for arts and crafts and other souvenirs.
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Type of Terrain: Sandy
Duration: 40 minute bus drive to the Reserve / 1 hour visit
After the visit, you will go straight to the aiport for your flight out.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Sundays
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 3 night cruise aboard the M/Y Coral I or II
- Airport to cruise transfer in the Galapagos
- Shore excursions as listed
- Local naturalist guides
- Domestic airfare
- Park entrance fee and tourist ticket
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the cruise
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- International Airfare and taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities unless otherwise stated
- Items of a personal nature
- Optional excursions
- Beverages unless otherwise stated
- Visa fees if applicable
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from", per person, based Twin share. Other accommodation options available on request and subject to availability.
NOTE: The domestic flights Quito - Galapagos - Quito (approx. $550 USD), Galapagos Park entrance fee of $100 USD and visitors ticket of $20 USD are included in the trip price. (Subject to change).
Itineraries: Due to government regulations designed to control and protect the impact of tourism, each vessel, based on length of cruise has its own distinct itinerary. The itineraries are designed to allow visitors to visit all regions of the islands and we suggest you request the advice of Goway's Latin specialists as to which itinerary would suit you best.
10 Dec 2023
