M/Y Coral I/II Galapagos Cruise: 4 Days
- Duration
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 4,145
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:
- AU$ 4,145
Itinerary View Trip Map
Mainland to Galapagos, Fausto Llerena Breeding Center (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.
In the afternoon, make a dry landing on Santa Cruz for a visit to the Galapagos giant tortoises breeding program, where the famous Lonesome George (last surviving specimen of Pinta Island) lived for decades. The center is conducted by the Galapagos National Park 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 capabilities to survive alone. Since the 70s, more than 2000 specimens have returned to their own islands. In addition, the Darwin Station works in several scientific projects, botanical research, providing environmental education to communities, schools within the Islands and tourists. If there is enough time, it is possible to visit Puerto Ayora.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: Flat
Duration: 1.5 hour visit
| Meal Plan | Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Nights |
| Accommodation |
M/V Corals |
| Location | View map |
-
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
Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz) and Bartolome
In the morning, walk by a brackish lagoon to see flamingos. The trail leads across a typical dry zone vegetation. Keeping up until Dragon Hill, there will be an important nesting ground for endemic land iguanas, offering lovely views of the anchored boats and neighboring islands. The forest is home to mockingbirds, Darwin's finches, yellow warblers, and Galapagos doves.
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Type of terrain: Rocky
Duration: 2 hour walk
This afternoon make a wet landing to discover a fascinating landscape formed by different volcanic parasitic cones -lava bombs, spatter, cinder cones - that resembles the moon. Going up to the summit there will be an impressive view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone Pinnacle Rock. We also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and blue-footed boobies.
Beach time is a great opportunity to do snorkeling and see the famous Galapagos Penguins, sea turtles and White-tipped Reef Sharks among a great variety of colorful fish. For many visitors, this may turn out to be the best snorkeling experience. Crystal clear water is the perfect spot to appreciate the incredible marine life it has to offer.
Due to its geographical location, the lack of vegetation is immediately noticeable however, there are pioneer plants including the endemic Tiquilia nesiotica and Chamaesyce (known as sand mat or spurge in English), lava cactus, and Scalesia bushes.
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Type of terrain: Trail made of 372 steps
Duration: 1.5 hour walk / 1 hour snorkel
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Rabida and Santiago Islands
This morning you will explore Rabida, also known as Jervis Island in English, one of the most diverse in terms of volcanic activity as it lies at the very heart of the archipelago's volcanic origin. In this deep red beach, surrounded by cliffs and steep slopes of volcanic cinder cones it is usual to find nesting colonies of brown pelicans, as well as, nine species of Darwin finches, fur seals, and Nazca boobies. Snorkel off the coast, where marine life is particularly active and colorful.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: Sandy
Duration: 1.5 hour walk / 1 hour snorkel / 1 hour dinghy ride
During the afternoon, you will visit Buccaneers Cove / Espumilla Beach in Santiago Island.
This is an amazing location, featuring the remains of an eroded shoreline that is home to seabirds, fur seals and the playful sea lions. Its different shapes have been made throughout a process caused by erosion of the waves and the wind. Espumilla Beach is a white-sandy beach in James Bay and is a popular place among visitors. There are mangroves and a small palo santo forest that lead to salty-water lagoons that are home to wading birds like flamingos. In the upper dunes are a nesting site for sea turtles. A good place to snorkel to see rays.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: White sand
Duration: 1 hour walk / 1 hour snorkel / beach time
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz) and Return to Mainland
This morning enjoy a dinghy ride on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, accessible only by sea, where four species of mangrove crowd form an internal lagoon. Turtles visit the calm waters, peaking their heads above the surface, while the fish and rays circle below. White-tipped reef sharks can be seen beneath the boat, plus seabirds including pelicans, herons, and egrets feed from the cove. This cove has been declared as a "Turtle Sanctuary".
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: None
Duration: 1 hour dinghy ride
Later, transfer directly to Baltra Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.
| 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.
17 Dec 2023
