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Galapagos 5 Day Cruise D | Coral I & II

5 Days
From AUD 4,974

Trip Code: ECTSC5CD

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Finish: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

SHIP: Coral I & II

DestinationDestination

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

DestinationDeparture Date

Selected Wednesdays

MealsMeals

All meals, water, tea & coffee while onboard your Galapagos cruise

TransportTransport

Group transfers in the Galapagos to & from your vessel 

TransportAccommodation

Cabin on board ship



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Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

Daily excursions, panga rides, shore landings and expert briefings while onboard

 

* Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.

OVERVIEW

Set along the equator, some 600 miles off the South American coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are a crown jewel of the natural world.

A visit to this enchanted archipelago lives up to dreams of a sheltered place far removed from the usual worries of the world. The skies are almost always sunny, and the sea breezes create that perfect air temperature that instantly relaxes the body. The ocean is an ever inviting turquoise blue, matched by long sandy beaches of crystal white, pink, black and looking-glass green. There are crystal coves and sheltered mangrove lagoons, as well as towering cliffs and caves...

 

* Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.

ITINERARY

San Cristobal Airport & San Cristobal Island

Take a flight from Quito or Guayaquil to San Cristobal. The flight from Quito to the Galapagos is approximately 2 ½ hours and from Guayaquil approximately 1 ½ hours. Arriving in the Galapagos, passengers are met at the airport by our naturalist guides and driven ten minutes by bus to the pier to board the M/Y Coral I or M/Y Coral II.

This afternoon, we travel to the Interpretation Centre & Frigatebird Hill located on San Cristobal Island for a dry landing. 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 views of both species of frigatebird, with the bonus of a beautiful view of the bay below.

Kicker Rock & Punta Pitt

This morning, we take off to visit Kicker Rock on San Cristobal Island. This ancient and eroded volcanic tuff lava named Leon Dormido or Kicker Rock is formed by two rocks approximately 148m, with its resemblance to a sleeping lion.

As we head to shore, we are first humbled by the immensity of the stunning cliffs of ëSorcererís Hillí. We can enjoy sharing the beach with sea lions, snorkelling from shore, or taking a walk to a hidden lagoon where we might spot black-necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels, and white-cheeked pintails.

Continue our exploration this afternoon with a visit to Punta Pitt. 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 Nazca’s 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 simply breathtaking.

Suarez Point & Gardner Bay

This morning we head off for one of the highlight visits of the trip. Punta Suarez seems to have everything – a naturalistís 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 blowhole. 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.

This afternoon we head to Gardner Bay located on Espanola Island. 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. Darwinís 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.

Punta Cormorant & Post Office Bay

This morning get ready for a 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 search of food.

This coral-sand beach marks the end of our trail, and we head back to the 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.

Later this afternoon we explore more of Floreana Island, heading to Post Office Bay. Located on the north side of Floreana, the bay was named because in 1793 Captain James Colnett installed a wooden barrel that 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 traveller, going to the letter destination, will take it back for free.
Keep an eye out for Darwin’s finches, Yellow Warblers and Lava Lizards on our travels, which are possible to see in this area. Great snorkelling opportunities with Green Pacific Sea Turtles also await you. Keen snorkelers can practice on the main beach among playful sea lions.

Highlands Tortoise Reserve & Baltra Airport

Enjoy your last exploration here in the Galapagos this morning with a visit to the Highlands Tortoise Reserve. Located in the central highlands of Santa Cruz Island, we have the best opportunity to interact at close quarters with totally wild, Galapagos giant tortoises. A short walk among these huge, 600lb, reptiles will also offer the chance for more highland species, especially several species of the famed finches.

After the visit you will be taken to the airport for your return flight to Guayaquil or Quito.

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Coral I & II

Coral I & II

These unique and functional yachts are a perfect combination of classic beauty and exquisite style. The materials used in their decoration convey a pleasing sensation of warmth and comfort that will transport you automatically into a marine environment. You will be a part of nature thanks to the ample panoramic windows. Every single detail has been taken into consideration to make your stay on board unique and unforgettable. The jacuzzi, sun and shadow decks will give you a perfect space to relax. The social areas and the bar will be a place to enjoy. Cards and cash are accepted for extra spending money while on board.

 

Ice Class: Length: Coral I: 39 metres, Coral II: 34 metres.
Breadth: Coral I: 8.9 metres, Coral II: 6.3 metres.Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 12 knots (both ships)
Electricity: N/A Passenger
Capacity:
36 (Coral I), 20 (Coral II)

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Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

Pricing per person & date

Galapagos 5 Day Cruise D | Coral I & II from AUD 4,974
Selected Wednesdays

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Important Information

  • All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.

    Please note kayak activities are subject to weather conditions. 

    Prices are based on per person, twin share* (unless otherwise stated) 

    Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time

    * Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.

  • INCLUSIONS

    Shipboard accommodation
    All meals whilst on board including snacks 
    All excursions
    Guiding and lectures by Galapagos Naturalist Guide 
    English-speaking Expedition team
    Welcome and farewell cocktails 

     

    EXCLUSIONS 

    Return airfares from mainland Ecuador 
    Galapagos National Park Entrance fee (US$200 per person from Aug 2024 - Subject to change) 
    Galapagos Transit Control Card (US$20 per person - Subject to change) 
    Visa Fees (if applicable)
    Travel insurance
    Gratuities for the crew
    Optional activities whilst on board 
    Wet suit rental 
    Soft drink & alcoholic drinks  
    Personal expenses
    Gratuities for crew/guides

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • A single supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please contact us for more information.

  • Seasonality, fuel surcharges, currency fluctuations and availability at time of booking.