trip specifics

price

2013 - 5 Day/4 Night Cruise Only
Inclusive Package Includes 3 nights hotel, transfers, city tour, internal flights, park fees and taxes. View details 

The Corals Western Galapagos Cruise focuses on Isabela Island, the largest in the Galapagos, Fernandina Island and some smaller islands on the Western side of the archipelago. The western exposure means opportunities for whale watching. Fernandina is the youngest volcanic island and may be the only island in the world completely free of introduced species. Visit the largest marine iguanas in the Islands, sea lion colonies, tidal pools, hike to Darwin Lake and snorkel with sea turtles and Galapagos penguins. Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island is one of the few inhabited areas of the Galapagos. Visit Sierra Negra, a giant tortoise breeding center with a chance to see flamingos at a lagoon in town. This is also the best place to view migratory birds with over 20 species in one location. Punta Moreno has a panoramic view of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos.

The Corals Western Islands Cruise can be combined with the Central or Southern Islands Cruise to create an 8-day/7-night itinerary. View the Western Islands Cruise details below or click on the links to view details of other Corals Galapagos cruises.

Central Galapagos Islands 4 days/3 nights

Southern Galapagos Islands 4 days/3 nights

Northern Galapagos Islands 5 days/4 nights

Coral I & Coral II Galapagos Cruise Main Page

Day 1 - WED - Baltra, Ballena Bay - Eden Islet

Arrive to Baltra Island, transfer by bus to Puerto Ayora and board the Coral I or II. Receive a warm welcome and introductory briefing from the crew and enjoy a delicious lunch. Spend the afternoon on a cove of green sand at the base of Dragon Hill. The beach contains a large amount of olivine crystals, the same that originate from volcanic materials.

Accommodations: Coral I or Coral II
Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 2 - THR - Sierra Negra Volcano & Villamil Port

This morning hike to the oldest volcano on Isabella Island. The caldera of Sierra Negra is 10Km in diameter and is the second largest in the world, a fascinating sight! Next head down to the wetlands to observe migratory birds. These lagoons are perfect to see over 20 species of birds in just one spot. Head to Muro de las Lágrimas or the Wall of Tears. This important historical sight was a penal colony from 1944-1959; it became renown due to the extreme cruelty and torture inflicted on the prisoners. This famous weeping wall was constructed during this period. Finnish the day at the tortoise breeding center at Villamil Port for some educational background about these gentle giants.

Accommodations: Coral I or Coral II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - FRI - Elizabeth Bay & Moreno Point

Begin today with an Elizabeth Bay Dinghy ride. Spot blue-footed boobies perched on the rocks, flying overhead and diving in flocks after fish. Opportunity to see red and black mangroves where you may find sea turtles, small white-tipped sharks. Just outside the lagoon sit three islets known as Las Marielas, home to the largest concentration of Galapagos Penguins on the islands.

Moreno Point on Isabela Island has small and concentrated vegetation mainly in the mangrove area and around the lakes. The main attractions are coastal lagoons amid black lava flows where there are several species of birds. In the places where the roof of a large swirling black-lava flow gave way to form craters, crystal tidal pools have formed, some surrounded by mangroves. These are a magnet for wildlife, including flamingo, great blue herons and pintails. One can walk to the edge of the lava to look straight down at the inhabitants of the poools, including the occasional green sea turtle, white-tipped sharks and puffer fish. It also has a panoramic view of three volcanoes, the most active of the Galapagos that are Sierra Negra, Cerro Azul of Isabela Island and La Cumbre.

Accommodations: Coral I or Coral II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - SAT - Tagus Cove & Espinoza Point

This morning is spent at Tagus Cove - a natural harbor site. Learn about the eruption of five volcanoes that formed this island and marvel at the century old wall graffiti, water filled caldera, the spectacular view to coast and the Darwin volcano. Take a dinghy to observe marine life up close.

After lunch, head to Espinoza Point and see the biggest marine iguanas mingling with sally-light foot crabs, as well as flightless cormorants nesting sites. Here, there is a wide lava flow, pahoehoe and aa lava formations, Brachycereus or lava cactus, shore petunia, red, white and black mangrove, large colony of marine iguanas, sea lions, flightless cormorant nesting site, lava herons.

Accommodations: Coral I or Coral II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - SUN - Baltra Airport

Say farewell to your fellow travelers and transfer to the Baltra Airport for flights back to the mainland.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

GALAPAGOS CRUISE INCLUSIVE PACKAGE: For your convenience we offer an Inclusive Package with three nights hotel accommodations in Quito, all airport/hotel transfers, Galapagos flights, Galapagos National Park entrance fees and taxes, Galapagos migration card and your Galapagos Coral cruise. View details of our Galapagos Cruise Inclusive Package.

Travelers not interested in our inclusive package must purchase Galapagos flights in conjunction with their Galapagos Cruise.

GALAPAGOS CRUISE CUSTOM PACKAGE: If you are booking a cruise only program our experts can assist with hotels, transfers, flights and tours. Call AdventureSmith Explorations about customizing your tour or the possibilities of combining this trip with our Mainland Ecuador and Peru: Machu Picchu extensions. We are Galapagos cruise and Ecuador travel experts and our staff can help you customize the perfect Galapagos Cruise or Ecuador Tour Package.

Notes on Itinerary: Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itinerary may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation, or at the captains discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of Galapagos cruising unique.

Single Travelers: The Corals offer single occupancy at a 50% supplement (80% during holidays). There is no share program aboard the Coral I or Coral II. For solo travelers wishing to share we suggest the Galapagos Legend.

Triple Occupancy: There are no triple cabins for three adults aboard the Coral I or Coral II. For travelers seeking triple cabins we suggest the Galapagos Legend.

Family Travelers: Children under 12 years old at the time of sailing receive 25% off when sharing the cabin with 2 adults. Some Junior cabins are interconnected and are great for accommodating families and small groups. Minimum child age is 7 years old. Galapagos Family Cruises are available, call for details.

Included aboard Coral I and Coral II: Cruises include double accommodation in cabins with air conditioning, private facilities, all meals, welcome and farewell cocktail, water, 24 hour coffee station, two daily visits to Galapagos Islands with naturalist guide, snorkeling opportunities, activities on board, briefings, lectures, airport and port assistance, transfers to port and dinghy ride to ship.

Not Included aboard Coral I and Coral II: International airfare; Airfare from mainland Ecuador; Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee (US $100 per adult, $50 for children under 12 years old. This can be paid directly by passengers [cash only] or it is included in our INCLUSIVE PACKAGE TOURS), Galapagos National Institute Migration Control Card (US $10 per person; departure tax ($40.80), Gratuities for guides, crew, drivers or local staff; alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages; other personal expenses; medical services or insurance of any kind.

Wet suit rental available for US $25 per person per each 3-4 night cruise; Internet available $15 per hour or fraction.

Arrival and Departure: Most flights to the Galapagos will depart Quito or Guayaquil between 7:00am-9:00am on day 1 and return between 2:00pm-5:00pm on the final day. We highly recommend travelers arrive Ecuador 2 days prior to their Galapagos Cruise.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: A cruise deposit of $700 per person is required at the time of booking. For land packages a deposit of $300 per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. A special cancellation policy applies to Galapagos Coral I and Coral II cruises, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. When a trip cancellation is received inside of 70 days from departure, all trip costs are 100% non-refundable. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Accommodations Aboard: The Coral I and Coral II are deluxe mega yachts that accommodate 36 & 20 guests respectively. Other than a slight difference in size, these sister yachts are almost identical. Both vessels offer comfortable, well-appointed cabins and many on-board amenities. The crew is comprised of the captain, multilingual naturalist guides, barman/waiter, cook, engineer and deckhands. All meals are prepared and served by the crew on board. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on board. Yacht descriptions, deck plans Coral I or Coral II

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in pangas (dinghies). 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. There are numerous opportunities to swim and snorkel.

Snorkeling: 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 available to rent for the duration of the cruise. Shortie wet suits are also available for rent and are recommended from June to December.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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