Coral I & II – 4 Day Cruise North Central Galapagos

Overview:

The Coral I & II are gorgeous, comfortable, sister yachts offering charming social areas distributed on three decks, with both outdoor and interior spaces allowing you to enjoy an intimate expedition experience in your own way.

With a capacity for 36 and 20 guests respectively, the vessels offer open deck areas with a Jacuzzi to make the best of your relaxing time while cruising the islands. The restaurant serves delicious Ecuadorian and international cuisine even extending to a BBQ dinner on the open-air Moon Deck. 

This 4 day itinerary focuses on the north and central islands and offers unforgettable experiences, with two daily guided excursions with optional activities such as snorkeling, kayaking and dinghy rides.

Ships that operate this itinerary:

Coral I
Coral II

Islands Visited:
- Santa Cruz
- Bartolome
- Rabida
- Santiago 

Included:

• Accommodation onboard cruise
• All meals
• Coffee station available 24 hours
• Wi-Fi zones with internet service
• Pool, Jacuzzi and sun beds
• Use of Kayaks and snorkeling equipment 
• Galapagos National Park bilingual Guide

Exclusions:

• Airfares
• Travel Insurance
• Gratuities
• Alcoholic beverages
• Any additional transportation and personal services
• Galapagos Conservation Tax – $100 USD pp payable in cash only upon arrival to the Galapago

Day 1: Arrival to Baltra and embark cruise

Arriving in the Galapagos, passengers are picked up at the airport by our natural guides and taken to a ten-minute bus drive to the pier to board the Coral vessel. The perfect vacation starts when you arrive on board and the staff will be ready to receive all our guests with a refreshing cocktail.

PM – Charles Darwin Research Station & Fausto Llerena Breeding Center (Santa Cruz Island) 

This afternoon we will visit the Station where the Galapagos giant tortoise breeding program takes place as part of our 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 variety 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. You will also have some free time to visit the town and shop for souvenirs.

Note: Itineraries are subject to change due to many different elements such as weather, park authorities and regulations, airline operations, guide experience and safety concerns.

AM – Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island) 

Today's landing will be a dry landing where you'll walk by a brackish lagoon to see the Galapagos flamingos. The trail leads across typical dry zone vegetation. Keeping up until Dragon Hill, see 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.

PM – Bartolome Island 

We 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 views 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.

AM – Rabida Island 

Dark-red sand covers the unique beaches of this island, home of sea lions 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. 

PM – Buccaneers Cove / Espumilla Beach ( 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.

AM – Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz Island) 

Today we head to the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, accessible only by sea, four species of mangrove crowd and form an internal lagoon, turtles visit the calm waters, peaking their heads above the surface while fish, rays circle below. 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”.

PM – Baltra Airport

In the afternoon, passengers will be transferred to the airport for their return flight to the mainland and onward flights.