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Giant Tortoise

Galapagos Southeast & North Central Islands

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Corals
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Experience a unique and exciting voyage through the sutheastern and north central islands of the Galapagos. Spend 8 days exploring the crystalline waters, stunning landscapes, and colorful beaches of this unique archipelago. Snorkel in warm waters filled with colorful species, roam picturesque volcanic landscapes, hike across isolated islands, and encounter fascinating native wildlife as giant tortoises, sea lions, flamingos, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and iguanas.
Overlook at Pitt PointSea lions bask in the sun on the beachPinnacle Rock of Bartolome IslandFlamingo wading in the waterGiant Tortoise
Highlights
  • Visit the San Cristobal Tortoise Breeding & Rearing Center for tortoises
  • Explore the white sand beach of Cerro Brujo, a perfect place for snorkeling
  • Land in Bartolome and observe a fascinating moonscape formed by volcanic cones
  • Explore Black Turtle Cove, a place declared as a “Turtle Sanctuary”
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: San Cristobal Airport | Embark | Interpretation Center & Frigatebird Hill, San Cristobal

Departure from Quito or Guayaquil to San Cristobal (2 1/2 hours flight). Arriving in Galapagos, passengers are picked up at the airport by naturalist guides and taken to the pier to board the M/Y Coral I or M/Y Coral II.

The interpretation center is full of interesting information and offers the perfect overview of the formation of the Galapagos, its significance in the world, threats and conservation efforts. Followed by a hike to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) have a great look at both species of frigatebird, with the bonus of a beautiful view of the bay below.
Difficulty level: easy/intermediate
Type of terrain: flat/stairs
Duration: 1-hour visit / 1-hour walk

Frigatebird Hill involves a high-intensity walk amidst beautiful landscapes and a magnificent view at the foot of a frigate bird nesting colony.
Difficulty level: difficult 
Type of terrain: rocky 
Activities: 1-hour visit

Day 2: Kicker Rock | Cerro Brujo | Pitt Point & Pitt Islet

Kicker Rock Circumnavigation (San Cristobal Island) 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 to a sleeping lion.
Activity: Circumnavigation

From the pangas, as you head to shore, first humbled by the immensity of the stunning cliffs of ëSorcererís Hillí. You can enjoy simply sharing the beach with sea lions, snorkeling from shore or take a walk to a hidden lagoon where you might spot black-necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels, and white-cheeked pintails.
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 1-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

Sea lions greets you as you land on the beach and prepare to climb to a high point on the steep eroded tuff cone. This is the only place in the islands where you enjoy the chance to see all three of the booby species in the same place. The red-foots are perched on the Cordia lutea and small trees, the Nazcaís on the ground near the cliff edge while the blue-foots are a little further inland. Frigatebirds are all around and the views are breathtaking.
Difficulty level: difficult
Type of terrain: rocky
Duration: 2½-hour walk / 40-minutes snorkeling or kayaking

Day 3: Suarez Point | Gardner Bay, Española

One of the highlight visits of the trip. Punta Suarez seems to have everything - a naturalistís paradise. A slew of marine iguanas and sea lions greet you at the landing site from where the walk continues with close encounters of boobies, endemic lizards, gulls and even a dramatic blow hole. The oldest extant island in the archipelago it is the only opportunity to commune with the endemic waved albatross during their breeding season between April and December. With luck, you can watch their complex courtship display.
Difficulty level: difficult
Type of terrain: rocky ground
Duration: 2 ½-hours walk

One of the most stunning beaches in all of Galapagos. The long, white, sandy beach, lapped by turquoise waters is home to a colony of Galapagos sea lions, indifferent to the humans that walk amongst them. The Hood mockingbirds, endemic to this particular island, are eager to inspect the visitors and satisfy their innate curiosity. Darwinís finches may also join the throng including the reclusive warbler finch. You can also snorkel here from the beach, in the shallows of the bay.
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 1-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

Day 4: Cormorant Point Or Champion Islet | Post Office, Floreana

Wet landing, on an olivine green, sanded 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 the search for food.

This coral-sand beach marks the end of the trail, and you head back to the olivine beach you landed on, 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.
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy & flat
Duration: 1-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

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 destination, takes 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.

You may also encounter Darwin’s finches, Yellow Warbler and Lava Lizards. Great snorkeling opportunities with Green Pacific Sea Turtles. As well, 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.
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 30-minute walk / 1-hour snorkeling

Day 5: Highlands Tortoise Reserve | Charles Darwin Research Station | Punta Carrion

Dry landing. In the mountains of Galapagos 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.
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: flat & muddy (depending on the season)
Duration: 45-minute drive / 1 ½-hour walk

Once home to the famous Lonesome George, the last tortoise of the Pinta race, the breeding and relocation center is named in honor of his long-time guardian. The center is set in the Galapagos National Park Service where various interpretative buildings are available to visit. The grounds, with large stands of native vegetation, are one of the better places to spot some of the seldom seen Darwinís finches such as the woodpecker, cactus and vegetarian finches.

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 6: El Barranco | Darwin Bay, Genovesa

Be marveled 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 are 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
Activities: 45-minute walk

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 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 on 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 & Lava
Duration: 2 ½-hour walk approx / Snorkeling

Day 7: Rabida | Bartolome

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 ½-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling / 1-hour dinghy ride

Dry or wet landing. 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 is an impressive view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone Pinnacle Rock. 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 ½-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

Day 8: Pit Craters, Santa Cruz | Baltra | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
The Pit Craters, geologically speaking, were not directly formed by volcanic action. They were created as a result of the collapse or sinking of surface materials into cracks or manholes. It’s a great place to spot vermilion flycatchers as you walk inside an endemic Scalesia forest. Great opportunity to observe giant tortoises.
Type of Terrain: Flat, sometimes the trails can be muddy.
Difficulty level: Easy
Duration: 45-minute drive / 1 ½-hour hike

After the visit, passengers are transferred to the airport for their return flight to Guayaquil or Quito.

Ship/Hotel

Corals

Corals during the sunset
Corals Jacuzzi
Sun Terrace  Moon deck  Coral II

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$3,997 2-3 travelers
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Standard Cabin
Two on Coral I and one on Coral II. Portholes, located on the Sea Deck. Average area of 75 sq ft. *Room design may vary depending on which yacht you will sail. Please contact your trip planner for actual cabin availability.
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Standard Plus Cabin
Eight on Coral I and four on Coral II. Portholes, located on the Sea Deck. Average size 128 sq ft. *Room design may vary depending on which yacht you will sail. Please contact your trip planner for actual cabin availability.
Coral I Junior CabinCoral II Junior CabinCoral I Junior CabinCoral II Junior Cabin
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Junior Cabin
Eight on Coral I and seven on Coral II. Picture windows, located on Earth & Sky Decks. Average size 129 sq ft. *Room design may vary depending on which yacht you will sail. Please contact your trip planner for actual cabin availability.

Child Discount

Children under 12 years old receive a 50% discount (25% for holiday season) when sharing a cabin with two full-fare paying guests. Child discounts are conditional and may not apply on certain departures. Please contact us for more information.

Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Gear Rental: Snorkeling Gear
  • Bilingual Naturalist Guide 
  • Adventure Life Pre-departure Services and In-Country Assistance (Quito Representative)
  • Transfers and Baggage Handling in the Galapagos
  • Shore Excursions, Swimming, Snorkeling and Glass Bottom Boat
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Galapagos Park Entrance Fee: $200 per adult, $100 per child under 12 (fees of $100 per adult and $50 per child valid on arrivals through Aug 1, 2024). Payable upon arrival to the Galapagos, only in cash dollars. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
  • Internal Flights: Mainland Ecuador - Galapagos - Mainland Ecuador: $475-675
  • Wetsuits are not included but are available to rent on board - $25 for 4-day and 5-day tours, $50 for 8-day, 11-day, and 12 day tours, and $75 for 15-day tours. 
  • Kayak available for $45/use

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
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