MY Coral I or II Cruise - 3 nights - North Central Islands

Cruising the Galapagos Islands is a very special and unique experience. You can hike the trails as you spot blue footed boobies and giant tortoises. Admire mysterious creatures like the armies of marine iguanas, flightless cormorant birds that have lost their ability to fly and penguins at the equator line and other species that are endemic to this paradise. The rich marine life is fascinating for those who like to practice snorkeling. A world as wonderful as the one above surface, colorful fish in schools, manta rays, sea turtles, hammer head sharks, whale sharks, and magnificent reefs. The MY Coral I is a spacious motor yacht designed with teakwood and modern decorum to give a unique Galapagos tour an exclusive touch. Equipped with all the standards you would expect from a high-class yacht, the Coral is a modern ship in a timeless realm. The dining room and lounge demonstrate a refined taste and the yacht has three sun decks, one half-shaded, 2 separate social areas with a well equipped bar, TV and VCR, stereo, library, a well stocked bar, large picture windows, and best of all expansive observation decks with sun/shade areas, where during the day is the perfect spot for relaxation, at night the perfect place for meetings and barbecue. The size and agility of the operations, allow the Coral I to dock in close, even at the narrowest havens and shallow beaches, offering the most intimate experience with Galapagos wilderness.

As MY Coral I and MY Coral II sail together, there may be a chance of being confirmed on either one of these ships, considering both share the same departure dates and itineraries

North/Central Islands.

 Day 1

 AM – Baltra Airport

Departure from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island (approx. 2 1/2-hour flight). Arriving in the Galapagos, passengers are picked up at the airport by our naturist guides and taken on a ten-minute bus drive to the pier to board the M/Y Coral I or M/Y Coral II.

 PM – Punta Carrion (Santa Cruz Island)

Dinghy ride at the entry of the Itabaca Channel in a lagoon with turquoise water, where we can observe sharks, blue-footed boobies, and different kinds of fish.

Difficulty level: easy

Type of terrain: none

Duration: 1-hour dinghy ride

 Day 2

 AM - El Barranco Prince Philip´s Steps (Genovesa Island)

Be marvelled at the variety of sea life that uses the crevices of the lava cliffs for shelter. Red-billed Tropicbirds fly overhead, switching between their nests and the bay, and a small colony of fur seals may be found near the landing site. You will 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 you 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. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a Short-eared Owl.

Difficulty level: moderate

Type of terrain: rocky – lava

Duration: 45-minute walk

 PM – 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, visitors will see 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.

Difficulty level: moderate

Type of terrain: Sand and Lava

Duration: 2 1/2 hour walk approx / Snorkeling

 Day 3

 AM– Rabida Island

Wet landing. 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.

 Difficulty level: easy

 Type of terrain: sandy

 Duration: 1 1/2-hour walk/1-hour snorkeling/1-hour dinghy ride

 PM – Bartolome Island

Dry or wet landing. 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.

Difficulty level: intermediate

Type of terrain: trail made of 372 steps.

Duration: 1 1/2 hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

 Day 4

 AM – Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz Island)

Dry landing. In the mountains of Galapagos is possible to admire different kind of birds, such as: tree and ground finches, vermilion flycatchers, paint-billed crakes, yellow warblers, and cattle egrets (usually standing on the tortoise's’ 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 1/2 hour walk

 AM- Baltra Airport

After the visit, passengers will be transferred to the airport to their return flight to Guayaquil or Quito.

Your 3 nights cruise includes:

- Round Trip transfer from hotel to airport on the day the cruise starts, and airport to hotel in Quito/Guayaquil on the day the cruise ends.

- Accommodation aboard the M/Y Coral I.

- English/Spanish speaking guides.

- All meals scheduled on board.

- Briefing and Lecture services.

- 2 Daily visits to the islands conducted by multilingual naturalist guides, sightseeing, snorkeling opportunities, and transfers in the islands.

- Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee, Transit Control Card.

 Not included:

- Flights to/from Galapagos Island, Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, tax, gratuities, travel insurance, use of snorkeling equipment.

- If any other ticket to/from Galapagos is used, an operational non-refundable fee of USD 90.00 net per person must be charged. The company is not responsible if passengers miss the cruise or other services due to independent arrangements delays.

Please note:

- Your itinerary is subject to change in the event of weather conditions, seasonal changes, and safety concerns, rerouting of the ship or Galapagos National Park policies