The all white Coral I and Coral II Galapagos cruise ships float on the horizon in front of Kicker Rock in the Galapagos Islands.

A female traveler sits on lava rock with camera in hand as a red footed booby bird perches on a low hanging mangrove tree in front of her.

An inflatable zodiac boat filled with travelers in life jackets navigates the waters and rock formations around San Cristóbal Island

A sea turtle seen here with a snorkeler capturing an unforgetable moment in the Galapagos islands on the Coral I & Coral II

A group of passengers on the Coral cruise ships take a land excursion to hike a trail on the Galapagos Islands.

$1881^USD

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4-5

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South America Galapagos Islands Cruise

Coral I & Coral II Galapagos Cruises

Coral I or Coral II cruises to the Galapagos Islands combine the versatility and intimacy of a yacht with the comfort and space of a small ship. The Coral I & Coral II sister ships cruise the same itinerary side-by-side, offering the chance for larger groups, including extended families on Galapagos family cruises, to experience the Galapagos while maintaining a very intimate feel.

The 36-passenger Coral I and the 20-passenger Coral II each offer ample sun and observation deck space, an outdoor Jacuzzi and delicious cuisine. Three categories of cabins are roomy and comfortable but simple with private bathrooms, lower beds and windows or portholes. Activities on the Corals include hiking, snorkeling (deep-water snorkeling available on select itineraries), swimming and kayaking.

The Corals operate four Galapagos cruise itineraries (two 4-day cruises and two 5-day cruises), which can be combined in various ways to create longer 8-, 11-, 12-day or 15-day cruises.

The 4-day Corals Eastern Galapagos Cruise visits Baltra, North Seymour, Santa Cruz, Mosquera Islet, Santa Fe, South Plaza, Lobos Island and San Cristobal islands, with daily activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, swimming and hiking. For those interested, there may be scuba diving options (added cost upon availability). The Corals Eastern Islands Cruise can be combined with the Southern or Western Islands Cruise to create an 8-day/7-night itinerary.

The 5-day Corals Western Galapagos Cruise visits Baltra, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina and Santiago islands. The western exposure means opportunities for spotting Galapagos penguins and exploring the youngest and most volcanically active islands in the archipelago. Take advantage of daily kayaking, snorkeling, swimming or hiking, and for those interested scuba diving may be an option (added cost upon availability). The Corals Western Islands Cruise can be combined with the Central or Eastern Islands Cruise to create an 8-day/7-night itinerary.

The 4-day Corals Central Galapagos Cruise sails round-trip from Baltra, with a special visit to the bird-lover’s Genovesa Island and otherwise a focus on the central islands of Santa Cruz, Bartolome and Rabida Island. Take advantage of daily kayaking, snorkeling, swimming or hiking, and for those interested scuba diving may be an option (added cost upon availability). The Corals Central Islands Cruise can be combined with the Western or Southern Islands Cruise to create an 8-day/7-night itinerary.

The 5-day Corals Southern Islands Galapagos Cruise starts in San Cristobal and ends in Baltra, visiting the southernmost islands of Espanola, Floreana and the central island of Santa Cruz. Activities include kayaking, snorkeling, swimming and hiking. For those interested, there may be scuba diving options (added cost upon availability). The Corals Southern Islands Cruise can be combined with the Central or Western Islands Cruise to create an 8-day/7-night itinerary.

No matter the itinerary, a Coral Galapagos cruise is sure to be the trip of a lifetime. Want to make your own itinerary? Consider the 20-guest or 36-guest Coral ships for one of our private Galapagos yacht charters.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Galapagos cruises and Galapagos trips.

5-Day South Itinerary

The 5-day Corals Southern Islands Galapagos Cruise starts in San Cristobal and ends in Baltra, visiting the southernmost islands of Espanola, Floreana and the central island of Santa Cruz.

Galapagos cruise route map for 5-day Corals Southern Galapagos Cruise with visits to San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana and the central island of Santa Cruz.

Day 1

WED - Embark San Cristobal to Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill (San Cristobal)

Arrive in the Galapagos and be picked up at the Baltra Airport by your naturalist guide. Take a 10-minute bus drive to the pier to board the M/Y Coral I or M/Y Coral II. In the afternoon, make a dry landing in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos Islands. Visit the Interpretation Center, an excellent place to learn about the islands’ history. The onsite Museum of Natural History displays information about the volcanic origins of the islands, their remoteness from the continent, ocean currents, climate, the arrival of the different species and their colonization, among other points of interest. The human history is also showcased, chronologically narrating the most significant events related to the discovery and the island’s colonization.

Accommodations

Coral I or Coral II

Meals

lunch, dinner

Day 2

THU - Kicker Rock, Cerro Brujo & Punta Pitt (San Cristobal Island)

This morning enjoy a circumnavigation of Kicker Rock. 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.

Then make a wet landing at Cerro Brujo, an eroding tuff cone that at several locations is composed of AA lava formations. Cerro Brujo features a beautiful white sandy beach, great for snorkeling and sunbathing. There is a lagoon visit where migratory bird species can be seen: black-necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels, other sandpiper species and white-cheeked pintails.

In the afternoon, make a wet landing at Punta Pitt, followed by a high-intensity hike on rocky terrain. The trail includes a 300-foot-long olivine beach and a path that climbs to the top of a volcanic tuff, through several magnificent viewpoints. This is probably the only site where the three booby species of the Galapagos can be seen together, as well as two species of frigatebirds and a sea lion colony. It is also excellent for dinghy rides and snorkeling, where a good range of seabirds can be observed.

Accommodations

Coral I or Coral II

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3

FRI - Suarez Point & Gardner Bay (Espanola)

Begin today with a dry landing at an island of geological interest. Being one of the oldest islands in Galapagos, Espanola 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 Española 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, plus spot lava lizards and the colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs. A somewhat lengthy hike reveals 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 75 feet into the air.

This afternoon is spent at Gardner Bay. Make a wet landing on a beautiful white-coral sandy beach guarded by a colony of sea lions. There are no trails, so stay along the shore and spot Galapagos hawks, American oystercatchers, Galapagos ground doves, Hood mockingbirds, yellow warblers, lava lizards and marine iguanas. Also spot three species of Darwin’s finches: a subspecies of the large cactus finch, which is similar to the large ground finch; the small ground finch (Geospiza fuliginosa) and the warbler finch (Certhidea Olivacea), another endemic subspecies. Swimming and snorkeling offer a great variety of the Galapagos’ marine wildlife: king angelfish, Creole fish, damsel fish, parrotfish, manta rays and white-tipped reef sharks.

Accommodations

Coral I or Coral II

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4

SAT - Cormorant Point/Champion Islet & Post Office Bay (Floreana)

Today, begin at Cormorant Point, with a wet landing onto an olivine green, sandy 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 search of food. This coral-sand beach marks the end of the trail, so head back to the olivine beach 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.

In the afternoon, visit Post Office Bay via a 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’s 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. Possibly also encounter Darwin’s finches, yellow warbler and lava lizards. This site offers great snorkeling opportunities with green pacific sea turtles. 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.

Accommodations

Coral I or Coral II

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5

SUN - Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz) & Disembark Baltra

This morning begins with a dry landing and a drive to the mountains of Galapagos, where it 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, be transferred to the Baltra Airport for your return flight to the mainland.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodation in cabins with air-conditioning and private facilities; all meals, welcome and farewell cocktails and coffee station; two daily off-vessel excursions; English-Spanish speaking naturalist guides; snorkeling opportunities; glass bottom boat excursions; lectures and activities on board; fuel surcharge; luggage handling; airport shuttle service from Quito/Guayaquil hotels when domestic flight is purchased in combination with cruise. Please note that a logistics fee of $90 per person will be assessed if you do not purchase Galapagos flights in conjunction with your cruise.

Exclusions

International airfare; domestic airfare from Quito/Guayaquil to Galapagos; Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee (US $200 cash per adult and $100 for children under 12 years old); TCT-Galapagos Transit Control Card (US $20 per person); gratuities for guides, crew, drivers or local staff; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; other personal expenses; medical services or insurance of any kind; internet access (available at the following fee per device: $80 for 4-5 days; $100 for 8-days; $180 for 11, 12 and 15 days).

Equipment rentals (fees are per person; specific exclusions apply during holiday season):
Wetsuit: $25 for 4- to 5-day cruises; $50 for 8- to 12-day cruises; $75 for 15-day cruises
Double kayak: $40 per use per person

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $500 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 to 61 days – 100% of deposit
60 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

Most flights to the Galapagos will depart Quito or Guayaquil between 6:00am and 11:00am on Day 1 and return between 2:00pm and 6:00pm on the final day. We highly recommend travelers arrive to Ecuador two days prior to their Galapagos cruise. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page. Note: Your passport must be valid 6 months after your Ecuador trip concludes.

Internal Flights

Flights from mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) to the Galapagos are not included in the cruise price, but are arranged for you by AdventureSmith Explorations through your ship. Your Adventure Specialist will book these flights for you on the scheduled Galapagos flight for your particular departure. Airfares vary by departure; your Adventure Specialist will detail these for you in their proposal and on your invoice. On flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands, baggage weight limits are currently 50 pounds for checked items, and 17 pounds for carry-on plus a small personal item. Subject to change. Please note that a logistics fee of $90 per person will be assessed if you do not purchase Galapagos flights in conjunction with your cruise.

Activities

There are numerous opportunities to hike, kayak, swim and snorkel. The underwater experience is an integral part of any Galapagos cruise. We encourage all travelers to try snorkeling. Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, floating vest and net bag) are provided. Kayaks are available for rent for a fee. Wetsuits are available, either free of charge or to rent for a fee (see Inclusions and Exclusions), and are recommended from June to December.

For certified SCUBA divers, an optional (added cost) excursion is available by adding a pre- or post-cruise hotel night, or when combining this cruise with another itinerary (for an 8-day cruise), and includes 2 half-day immersions (45-60 minutes), pick up and drop off from cruise ship, transportation to/from dive site, dive equipment, lunch, snack and beverages. PADI license is mandatory. Diving excursions must be booked in advance, based upon availability. Contact your Adventure Specialist for pricing.

Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in pangas (inflatable skiffs). Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours round-trip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are “wet,” requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability and a 75% supplement during holiday season. For extended cruises (7 or more nights), passengers may be required to change ship in the middle of the cruise.

Families & Children

Kids under 12 years old at the time of sailing receive a 25% discount if sharing a cabin with one full-fare paying guest. The recommended minimum child age is 7 years old. Kids can enjoy different activities offered on board like stargazing, a special kids menu, a visit to the bridge to meet the captain and special crafts. There are special family departure dates when more children will be on board.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

We strongly recommend that you travel to Galapagos Province with travel insurance that contains medical coverage. Be certain to bring your insurance plan ID documents with you when you travel.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. Due to the active nature of volcanoes in the Western Galapagos, alternate excursions may be offered. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

5-Day West Itinerary

The 5-day Corals Western Galapagos Cruise visits Baltra, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina and Santiago islands.

Galapagos cruise route map for 5-day Corals Western Galapagos Cruise with visits to Baltra, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina and Santiago islands.

Day 1

WED - Embark Baltra to Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz)

Arrive in the Galapagos and be picked up at the Baltra Airport by your naturalist guide. Take a 10-minute bus drive to the pier to board the M/Y Coral I or M/Y Coral II. In the afternoon, visit Black Turtle Cove, accessible only by sea. Here, four species of mangrove crowd and form an internal lagoon: turtles visit the calm waters, peeking their heads above the surface; fish and rays circle below; and white-tipped reef sharks can be seen beneath the boat; plus sea birds including pelicans, herons and egrets. This cove has been declared as a turtle sanctuary.

Accommodations

Coral I or Coral II

Meals

lunch, dinner

Day 2

THU - Vicente Roca Point (Isabela) & Espinosa Point (Fernandina)

This morning, visit Vicente Roca Point on Isabela Island, for great deep-water snorkeling at one of the richest marine havens on Earth, the Bolivar Channel. Accessible by water, take a dinghy ride along the coast to observe a great diversity of sea and coastal birds; Nazca and blue-footed boobies, noddies, brown pelicans, penguins and flightless cormorants. The upwelling of cold water currents in this part of the Galapagos gives rise to an abundance of marine life, a perfect place for deep snorkeling.

After lunch make a dry landing at Espinosa Point to admire a wide view of Isabela Island across the Bolivar Channel, an area that boasts some of the highest diversity of endemic sea fauna in the Galapagos. Here the largest, most primitive-looking marine iguanas are found mingling with sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Fernandina displays a wonderful opportunity to encounter flightless cormorants at their nesting sites, Galapagos penguins and the king of predators on the islands, the Galapagos hawk. Pa-hoe-hoe and AA lava formations cover the majority of Fernandina terrain. Vegetation is scarce inland, with few brachycereus cacti. In the shore mangrove can be found.

Accommodations

Coral I or Coral II

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3

FRI - Urbina Bay & Tagus Cove (Isabela)

Today, anchor in Urbina Bay, and make a wet landing (might be difficult due to the tide) onto a volcanic black beach. Depending on the season, it is possible to find giant tortoises, land iguanas and the unusual flightless cormorant. After a short walk inland it´s snorkeling time, a chance to swim with sea turtles, sea lions and countless tropical fish. Urbina Bay features a wide variety of plants with the different range of colors in flowers, attracting different insects, birds and reptiles. One of the highlights of the island is the uplifted coral reef that resulted from the 1954 seismic activity; here the views of Alcedo Volcano are remarkable. When navigating from Urbina to Tagus Cove, whale watching is common from May through December.

This afternoon, visit Tagus Cove. Make a dry landing on Galapagos’ largest island and learn about the eruption of the five volcanoes that form it. The trail leads to Darwin’s saltwater crater lake and excellent views of lava fields and volcanic formations. Return by the same path for a dinghy ride along a shoreline full of marine wildlife and admire a variety of seabirds, such as the blue-footed booby, brown noddy, terns, the flightless cormorant and depending on the season, a large number of Galapagos penguins which are only roughly one foot tall; the only penguin species in the world to live in the tropics. The population of penguins on the islands is about 2,000 individuals, most of which live on this western portion of Isabela; others are scattered farther south. Enjoy an opportunity to snorkel in deep water. Graffiti believed to have been left by 19th-century pirates is a curious reminder of an intriguing past.

Accommodations

Coral I or Coral II

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4

SAT - Egas Port & Sullivan Bay (Santiago)

This morning’s make a wet landing at Egas Port—a black volcanic sand beach visited by Darwin in 1835. The first section of the trail is formed of volcanic ash (eroded tuff) and the other half is an uneven terrain of volcanic basaltic rock. The unique, truly striking layered terrain of Santiago shore is home to a variety of animals including the bizarre yellow-crowned night heron and marine wildlife including lobster, starfish and marine iguanas grazing on algae beds alongside Sally Lightfoot crabs. It is easy to see colonies of endemic fur seals swimming in cool water volcanic rock pools.

In the afternoon, make a wet landing at Sullivan Bay. This site located at the southeastern portion of Santiago Island is of important geologic interest. It features extensive relative young pa-hoe-hoe lava flows formed during the last quarter of the 19th century. In the middle of the lava flow, older reddish-yellow-colored tuff cones appear. Mollugo plants with their yellow-to-orange whorled leaves usually grow out of the fissures. Walking on the solidified lava gives the impression of being on another planet. Tree molds are found, indicating that large-size plants grew in small crevices until the lava flow of past eruptions burned down the flora of the island.

Accommodations

Coral I or Coral II

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5

SUN - Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz) & Disembark Baltra

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Exclusions

International airfare; domestic airfare from Quito/Guayaquil to Galapagos; Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee (US $200 cash per adult and $100 for children under 12 years old for entries beginning August 1, 2024); TCT-Galapagos Transit Control Card (US $20 per person); gratuities for guides, crew, drivers or local staff; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; other personal expenses; medical services or insurance of any kind; internet access (available at the following fee per device: $80 for 4-5 days; $100 for 8-days; $180 for 11, 12 and 15 days)

Payment & Cancellation

Terms & Conditions

Arrival & Departure

Internal Flights

Activities

Room Configuration

Families & Children

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you travel to Galapagos Province with travel insurance that contains medical coverage. Be certain to bring your insurance plan ID documents with you when you travel.

Itinerary Notes

4-Day Central Itinerary

The 4-day Corals Central Galapagos Cruise sails round-trip from Baltra, focusing on the central islands of Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Bartolome and Rabida Island.

Galapagos cruise route map for 4-day Corals Central Galapagos Cruise with visits to Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Santiago and Rabida Islands.

Day 1

SUN - Embark Baltra to Punta Carrion (Santa Cruz)

Arrive in the Galapagos and be picked up at the Baltra Airport by your naturalist guide. Take a 10-minute bus drive to the pier to board the M/Y Coral I or M/Y Coral II. In the afternoon take a dinghy ride at the entry of the Itabaca Channel in a lagoon with turquoise water, where stingrays, colorful fish, blue-footed boobies, and if lucky, a chance to see the magnificent white-tipped shark.

Accommodations

Coral I or Coral II

Meals

lunch, dinner

Day 2

MON - El Barranco & Darwin Bay (Genovesa)

At El Barranco, be marveled at the variety of sea life that uses the crevices of the lava cliffs for shelter. Red-billed tropic birds fly overhead, switching between their nests and the bay, and a small colony of fur seals may be found near the landing site. Be dropped off at a steep stairway that begins on rocks at the foot of a path that leads through a seabird colony full of nazca and red-footed boobies. At the plateau, the trail continues inland allowing one to see more nesting booby colonies in the thin Palo Santo forest. Near the end of the trail, over a rocky lava plain, wedge-rumped storm petrels can be observed flying in all directions. With luck, catch a glimpse of a short-eared owl.

At Darwin Bay, disembark onto a small sand and coral beach. A short trail heads west along a tidal lagoon and then up a rocky hill that leads to a point overlooking the cliffs and Darwin Bay. Along the trail near the tidal lagoon, look for pairs of swallow-tailed gulls, lava gulls, yellow-crowned and lava herons. The trail continues through palo santo trees, opuntia cacti, and saltbushes inhabited by great frigate birds and red-footed boobies. This is one of the few places in the islands where visitors are guaranteed to see red-footed boobies. It is estimated
that more than 200,000 red-footed boobies live in the trees and bushes of Genovesa.

Accommodations

Coral I or Coral II

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3

TUE - Rabida to Bartolome Island

Wake up with a visit to Rabida Island. Make a wet landing onto a unique, dark-red-sand beach. Home of sea lion colonies, Rabida is considered the epicenter of the Galapagos Islands due to the diversity of its volcanic geology. Nesting brown pelicans are found from July through September plus nine species of the famous Darwin’s finches. Here a dinghy ride along marine cliffs is done, to observe nesting seabirds. Snorkel off the coast, where marine life is particularly active.

At the center of the archipelago, Bartolome is one of the most frequently visited sites of all the islands. The highest point is only 374 feet above sea level and it has a surface area of 0.74 mi. The island is separated from the island of Santiago by Sullivan Bay. It is an excellent site for snorkeling, filled with the breathtaking volcanic landscapes that make this corner of the world so unique. The first landing possibility is by a dock, made out of lava and concrete, which soon turns into a wooden staircase built to avoid erosion and consists of 372 steps. It leads to the island’s summit, where you will find what probably constitutes the most photographed site in the Galapagos: the Pinnacle Rock.

Due to its altitude, the lack of vegetation is immediately noticeable. Pioneer plants can be observed, which are called this way because they are the first to establish roots on new ground. They include Tiquilia nesiotica (which is endemic to the island) and Chamaesyce (known as sand mat or spurge in English), lava cactus and scalesia bushes. Behind the beach are dunes covered by mangroves. The second type of landing possibility is at coralline beach next to Pinnacle Rock, which is a wet landing site. From this point, snorkel among tropical fish, perhaps sea lions and penguins as they rest on the lava floors of the intertidal zone and sometimes decide to take a dip.

Accommodations

Coral I or Coral II

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4

WED - Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz) & Disembark Baltra

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Exclusions

Payment & Cancellation

Terms & Conditions

Arrival & Departure

Internal Flights

Activities

Room Configuration

Families & Children

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you travel to Galapagos Province with travel insurance that contains medical coverage. Be certain to bring your insurance plan ID documents with you when you travel.

Itinerary Notes

4-Day East Itinerary

The 4-day Corals Eastern Galapagos Cruise visits Baltra, North Seymour, Santa Cruz, Mosquera Islet, Santa Fe, South Plaza, Lobos and San Cristobal islands.

Galapagos cruise route map for 4-day Corals East Galapagos Cruise with visits to Santa Cruz, Mosquera Islet, North Seymour, Santa Fe, South Plaza and San Cristobal islands.

Day 1

SUN - Embark Baltra to North Seymour

Arrive in the Galapagos and be picked up at the Baltra Airport by your naturalist guide. Take a 10-minute bus drive to the pier to board the M/Y Coral I or M/Y Coral II. In the afternoon, visit the popular island of North Seymour. 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. Enjoy 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. Also encounter sea lions, land iguanas, and on a lucky day, possibly a Galapagos snake.

Accommodations

Coral I or Coral II

Meals

lunch, dinner

Day 2

MON - Fausto Llerena Breeding Center (Santa Cruz) & Mosquera Islet

This morning visit the Darwin Station, where the Galapagos giant tortoise breeding program takes place as part of efforts to preserve the fragile Galapagos environment, and where the famous Lonesome George (the last surviving specimen of his species) lived for decades. Admire a prickly-pear cactus forest and a variety of Darwin’s finches and other land birds. The Darwin Station also works providing environmental education to the communities, schools and tourists visiting the Galapagos Islands. Also enjoy free time to visit the town and shop for souvenirs.

In the afternoon make a wet landing on Mosquera Islet, 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.

Accommodations

Coral I or Coral II

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3

TUE - Santa Fe & South Plaza

Wake up to a wet landing on Sante Fe Island. Santa Fe shows white-sand beaches surrounded by sea lion colonies; through the island path, an endemic cactus forest is passed, home to 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.

Spend the afternoon on South Plaza Islet. On the northern part of the Islet, begin the journey along an impressive cactus forest where colorful yellow and red land iguanas live (the population number is around 300 animals). During the dry season they survive on fruits and flowers of the opuntia cacti. A peculiar thing to see in South Plaza is the hybrid iguana (sea and land). When reaching the highest point, tropicbirds can be seen. During the dry season (June-January) the usually greenish and yellowish vegetation (sesuviumedmonstonei plant) change color and create a bright red landscape.

Accommodations

Coral I or Coral II

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4

WED - Lobos Island & Depart San Cristobal

Isla Lobos is approximately 20 minutes by boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The length of the trail is roughly one half mile long and the estimated travel time is one hour. There is a small population of blue-footed boobies and common frigatebirds nesting at this site. Look for the two species of sea lions present in the Archipelago. During the boat ride, watch for brown pelicans and several species of shorebirds. In the afternoon, make a dry landing in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the mainland.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Exclusions

Payment & Cancellation

Terms & Conditions

Arrival & Departure

Internal Flights

Activities

Room Configuration

Families & Children

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you travel to Galapagos Province with travel insurance that contains medical coverage. Be certain to bring your insurance plan ID documents with you when you travel.

Itinerary Notes