MY Coral I & II - Galapagos Islands Cruise (5 days)
5 days duration
These enchanting islands are a paradise of many species of flora and fauna and lie on the Equator 1,000 km from Ecuador. An archipelago of 13 large islands, 6 small ones and 40 rocky islets, they were created by violent eruptions of submerged volcanoes. The archipelago is the most famous National Park in the world and takes its name from its symbol, the tortoise.
The M/Y Coral I and M/Y Coral II are first-class motor yachts with a capacity for 36 guests and 20 guests respectively. The ships have expert crew plus a specialist naturalist guides and are fitted with the latest navigational equipment, all complying with international maritime safety regulations. There are two sun decks, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a well equipped bar, jacuzzi and library aboard each vessel.
| Day 1 |
Wednesday |
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Arrive Baltra Island / Santa Cruz Island |
Fly from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island. You are picked up at the airport by our guides and taken to the pier to board the M/Y Coral I or Coral II for your four-night cruise of this remarkable archipelago.
Today you visit the second largest and most populated of the islands, Santa Cruz, with its most diverse landscape, vegetation, plant and animal life. You walk to a saltwater lagoon behind the beach, where on occasion many pink flamingos can be observed. This trail leads up to Dragon Hill, which offers a lovely view of the bay. This is a nesting site for reintroduced land iguanas, and there is a peculiar scalesia tree forest. (LD)
Day 2
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Thursday
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Ravida Island / Santiago Island |
Considered the geographic centre of Galapagos because it has the most diverse volcanic rocks on the Islands, Ravida Island's dark red, volcanic beach is frequented by sea lions. Here you can hike to a salt water lagoon, where flamingos can sometimes be found. From July through September, you can observe brown pelicans nesting in the salty bushes. Boobies and 9 species of Darwin’s finches can also be found. You can also take a dinghy ride by the reefs, as well as snorkel.
On Santiago Island, you can see great blue herons, striated herons, yellow-crowned night herons and American oystercatchers. You will also see marine iguanas grazing upon algae beds alongside red sally light-foot crabs and a colony of fur-seals swimming in pools of cool water. This is where you can swim, snorkel and look for squid, starfish and a variety of colourful tropical fish. (BLD)
Day 3
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Friday
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Fernandina Island / Isabela Island |
On Fernandina Island, you will see the biggest marine iguanas mingling with sally-light foot crabs, as well as flightless cormorant nesting sites, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks, and sea lions. Among the flora and volcanic formations, you will spot brachycereus cactus, and “pa-hoe-hoe” lava and “AA” lava formations. Numerous mangrove beds extend into the sea.
This afternoon, we visit the Galapagos' largest island, Isabela Island. You will learn about the eruption of five volcanoes that formed this island. A trail leads to Darwin’s salt water lagoon and an excellent view of the lava fields and volcanic formations.
Later, you’ll take a dinghy to observe marine life. Galapagos penguins are seen here frequently and there'll be an opportunity to enjoy some snorkeling. Graffiti, believed to have been made by 19th century pirates, helps us better appreciate the relationship between the islands and tourism today. (BLD)
Day 4
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Saturday
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Bartolome Island / Santa Cruz Island |
You arrive at Bartolome Island and will see volcanic formations like lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. After a hike to the summit you’ll be impressed by the view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock. During the hike to the summit, you will often see colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards, tiquilla, lava cactus, Scalecia tree and others. You will also be able to snorkel and see the Galapagos penguin, sea turtles, and white tipped sharks from a safe distance.
Located near Las Bachas beach on the north side of Santa Cruz Island, you will take a dinghy though the mangrove where the motor is turned off to allow close observation of marine turtles, white tipped reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, and yellow rays. (BLD)
Day 5
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Sunday
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Santa Cruz Island / Depart Baltra Island |
On Santa Cruz Island, you will be taken to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a sanctuary for the breeding of giant tortoises and a centre of scientific investigation. Here you will be able to observe the giant tortoises that are part of the reproduction program and the world’s most famous tortoise, Lonesome George, the last surviving specimen of his species. There is also the prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds to admire. Later on, you’ll have some free time to walk around town and shop for souvenirs.
After disembarking at Baltra, you will take a bus to the airport for your flight back to Guayaquil or Quito. (BL)
Inca Tours does not own any of the hotels, lodges or service providers utilised in making up the tours. As a result Inca Tours is only acting as an agent for the operators and as such does not accept responsibility for any negligence, omissions, errors or differences in standard experienced by passengers when utilising the operators' products or services. Please Note: for full booking terms and conditions please see the back of our booking form.
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