Cruising Galapagos: M/Y Coral I: 5 Days
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,671
Enjoy a 5 day cruise of the world famous Galapagos Islands while sailing aboard Coral I, a modern vessel but with classic beauty. See the sights by hiking, snorkeling and exploring.
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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.
This 5 day journey starts at Ballena Bay, at the base of Dragon Hill. The Bay’s green sands are caused by volcanic olivine crystals, creating a truly unique snorkeling experience. You’ll share the bay with marine iguanas and a range of sea birds.
On the Galapagos’ largest island, Isabela, follow the trail to Darwin’s Salt-water Crater Lake. Then explore the shoreline to see a wide variety of birds including Blue-footed Boobies, cormorants and around 2,000 Galapagos Penguins – the only species found north of the equator. The widest range of endemic sea fauna in the Galapagos can be found at nearby Fernandina Island, including sea lions and Sally Lightfoot Crabs.
Back on Isabella, cruise around the mangrove covered coast and visit a volcanic ‘black beach’, where giant tortoises, land iguanas and flightless cormorants roam, depending on the season. Snorkel amid sea turtles, sea lions and tropical fish. Then see a coral reef lifted by volcanic activity in 1954. On Santiago Island, flamingos descend on the lagoon near Sullivan Bay. There are a number of fascinating inlets here, including Buccaneer Cove, a safe haven for pirates and whalers in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Spend your final day exploring the highlands of Santa Cruz, where giant tortoises roam in the wild, before your return to Quito.
Click here for the Galapagos Nature Calendar. A complete listing of which species is doing what and when in the Galapagos!
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,671
Itinerary View Trip Map
Mainland to Galapagos, San Cristobal
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.
Later today you will make a dry landing. San Cristobal is home of the capital town of the Galapagos Province, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. You will visit the interpretation center, which is an excellent place to learn about the nature and history of the islands, displaying information of Galapagos volcanic origins, their remoteness from the continent, ocean currents, climate, arrival of the original species, among other points of interest. The human interaction is also showcased, chronologically narrating the most significant events about the colonization of the islands. Later on a high-intensity hike can be done to visit Tijeretas Hill, a beautiful landscapes ending with a magnificent view of a nearby large frigate bird colony. If there is enough time, a town visit can be planned.
Difficulty level: Easy / Intermediate
Type of terrain: Flat / stairs
Duration: 1 hour visit / 1 hour walk
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 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
Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal) and Pitt Point
Today, you will start with a wet landing at Cerro Brujo, an eroding tuff cone that at several locations is composed of AA lava formations and a beautiful white sand beach that is ideal for snorkeling and sunbathing. You will visit a lagoon where migratory bird species can be seen including Black-necked Stilts, Ruddy Turnstones, Whimbrels and White-cheeked Pintails. Cerro Brujo offers beautiful views of Kicker Rock, the southern part of San Cristobal and the adjacent coast.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: Sandy
Duration: 1 hour walk and 1 hour snorkel
This afternoon, you will make a wet landing on Pitt Islet followed by a high intensity hike on rocky terrain. The trail includes an olivine beach 90 meters long and a path that climbs to the top of a volcanic tuff, passing several magnificent viewpoints along the way. This is probably the only site where the three booby species of the Galapagos can be seen together. This is an excellent area for dinghy rides and snorkeling as a wide variety of sea birds can be observed.
Difficulty level: Difficult
Type of terrain: Rocky and steep
Duration: 2.5 hour walk
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Suarez Point and Gardner Bay (Espanola)
Today, you will start with a dry landing at Suarez Point, Espanola, an island of geological interest, being one of the oldest in Galapagos, it has a high percentage of endemism due to its isolation from the rest of the islands. Due to the great variety of wildlife, this is one of the most attractive spots in the Galapagos. Here, it is possible to explore volcanic formations and see large colonies of sea lion and seabirds including the Espanola mockingbird, Nazca boobies, and the spectacular red-billed tropicbirds. Here, the singular marine iguanas have a turquoise color with reddish parts during the breeding season, lava lizards, and the colorful Sally light-foot crabs. A somewhat lengthy hike brings visitors to nesting grounds that sometimes overlap the trail. Other birdwatchers favorites include the Galapagos dove, the Galapagos hawk, swallow-tailed gulls and the world's largest colony of waved albatross, an unequivocal highlight during mating season (April-December). Admire the island's dramatic backdrop, featuring the famous "Soplador", a seaward blowhole that shoots water up to 23 m. (75 ft.) into the air.
Difficulty level: Difficult
Type of terrain: Rocky ground
Duration: 2.5 hour walk
This afternoon, you will make a wet landing on Gardner Bay, a beautiful white coral sandy beach guarded by a colony of sea Lions. Here, there are no trails, so visitors stay along the shore, spotting the Galapagos hawk, the American oystercatcher, the Galapagos dove, hood mockingbirds, yellow warblers, lava lizards, marine iguanas, and three species of Darwin finches , cacti finch (Geospizafuliginosa), the small ground finch (Geospizafuliginosa) and the warbler finch (Certhideaolivacea). Swimming and snorkeling offers a great variety of Galapagos marine wildlife: king angelfish, creole fish, damsel fish and parrot fish.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: Sandy
Duration: 1 hour walk / 1 hour snorkel
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Cormorant Point, Devils Crown, Champion (Floreana)
You will start the day with a wet landing, on an olivine green, sanded beach. 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.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: Sandy and flat
Duration: 1 hour walk / 1 hour snorkel
Later today, you will make a wet landing to visit Post Office. 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.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: Sandy
Duration: 30 minute walk / 1 hour snorkel
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz) and Return to Mainland
This morning you will have a 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.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: Flat and muddy (depending on season)
Duration: 45 minute drive / 1.5 hour walk
Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Wednesdays
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 4 night cruise aboard the M/Y Coral I or II
- Island transfers
- Tours
- Local guides
- Meals as indicated
- Domestic airfare
- Park entrance fee
- Tourist ticket
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.
13 Dec 2023
