
Western Galápagos Cruise
5 Days Galápagos cruise on board the Coral I & II
From USD 2,381
Western Galápagos Cruise
5 Days, Max. 36 passengers
7 Reviews
A 5-day Expedition Cruise
7 Reviews
The Trip Highlights
The best snorkeling in Galapagos: Vicente Rock Point
Thousands of Marine Iguanas at Espinosa Point
Giant Tortoises in the wild on Santa Cruz
Buccaneers' history at Tagus Cove
Galapatours 'Plus' Experience
Charming, classic motor yachts
Small group sizes for excursions
English-speaking guide for all activities
Lectures in the evening
Get to know the highlights of Galápagos with this Naturalist cruise on board the beautiful Coral I & II! On this Expedition Cruise, you will discover the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos Islands: Fernandina, the youngest island, will blow your mind with its rugged lava landscapes. The youngest island in the archipelago, it is still being formed by volcanic eruptions and makes for a wonderful, otherworldly contrast to the other islands. Isabela, the biggest of all islands in the Galápagos, offers you fantastic hikes, views and arguably some of the best snorkeling spots in the Archipelago. During your time on Santa Cruz, you will have the chance to observe the famous Galápagos Giant Tortoises in the wild and learn more about the preservation and scientific study of these amazing animals. On Santiago, an island formerly inhabited by pirates, you will be able to enjoy hikes and dinghy rides.
Your ship: Coral I & II
- Scuba Diving upon request;
- High-end refit with high-tech features;
- Beautiful classic motor yacht decor throughout;
- Boutique adventure cruising.
Unique amongst the Galápagos fleet, these "twins" were the first to operate in this manner. Other firsts we've discovered - the first boats with an on-board barbecue, and the first with solar powered pools! Your captains are Javier and Fabian, and in talking with the crews we discovered that 95% of them have been working on the Corals for 10 years or more - a real sign of quality and smooth running. The Coral twins have an unrivalled repu … Read more about Coral I & II
Amenities
Transfers to and from ship
Snorkel gear (free of charge)
French guide possible
100% CO2 carbon footprint offset
-50% for children ≤ 12
Scuba outing possible
Kayaks on board
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Single travellers can share cabin
Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices
German guide possible
Triple cabins
English guide
All meals
Food & Drinks
The food on our Galapágos Cruises is among the very best you will find in South America. Most of the on-board chefs are internationally trained and have prior experience working in the best hotels and restaurants in Ecuador and indeed around the world.
You can expect a first-class selection of food, including a good variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced poultry and fish/seafood, rice and pasta dishes. Most boats will always include some typical Ecuadorian dishes on the menu during your cruise. If you have specific dietary requirements then these can usually be accommodated by the chef providing you have given advance notice. Please make sure you tell us about any allergies or dietary requirements you have at the time you book with us. If you leave it until you arrive at the dockside, then it may well be impossible to accommodate your needs.
Most boats serve a range of options at meal times in a relaxed buffet-style. At the first class and luxury end of the market, some boats have more formal dining where you will be served at your seat. However the atmosphere is always relaxed on board our cruises, and never stuffy or formal.



No dates selected
Multiple Addons possibe
Optional Module Before First Day
Day 1
AM
Baltra • Arrival at Baltra airport+transfer to ship

Welcome to Galápagos! Once your flight has landed and you went through the immigration process, you'll be met in the Arrivals lounge by our English-speaking guide who will take you to your transfer vehicle for the short journey to your waiting ship.
Baltra Island, where your arrival airport is, was used as an important Air Force base in the Second World War. This is the primary airport for the Galápagos Islands and you'll be rubbing shoulders with fellow tourists, international naturalists and conservationists, researchers and academics, and Galápagos residents alike. The airport has been built as a "green" airport, and as well as using recycled materials in its construction, it's special design keeps the buildings relatively cool without the need for any air conditioning.
Once on board your ship, you will be introduced to the crew and given a welcome briefing as well as an important safety drill. After this you'll be shown to your cabin. While you're served a well-deserved and delicious lunch, the captain will cast off and your adventure truly starts.
Note: If you plan to spend a few days prior to the cruise in Puerto Ayora and want to do the cruise later this is no problem at all. The transfer from Puerto Ayora to Baltra is very easy.
PM
Santa Cruz • Santa Cruz Highlands

Santa Cruz is the only island on the Galápagos that allows you to travel through every habitat type that exists in the archipelago. This makes the journey north from the coast up into the highlands a fantastic opportunity to experience the breadth of life that exists on these islands.
Your bus journey starts from Puerto Ayora on the coast and you slowly start to climb through the agricultural zone where open fields begin to give way to lush, green, mist-covered forests. This is a marked contrast to many of the islands which are at much lower elevation and much more arid. This rich verdant landscape is predominantly made up of dense Scalesia forest.
Your expert Galapatours guide will stop several times along the route to allow you to explore various different sites. Among the stops will be a Giant Tortoise reserve, and also a visit to the famous lava tubes. Over half a mile long, a walk through these natural volcanic features is eerie and unforgettable.
Also along the way you will stop for refreshments, and you'll be able to try locally-grown Galápagos coffee - we think it's among the best we've ever tasted!
Day 2
AM
Isabela • Vicente Rock Point

Galapatours clients regularly rate Vicente Rock Point as one of the best snorkeling and SCUBA diving sites in Galápagos, or perhaps even in the world! There is no landing here, and snorkeling is done directly from the boats. The scenery around the Point is stunning - the remains of two ancient volcanoes made this formation, and the cliffs and caves around the bay provide an amazing backdrop.
The bay is well sheltered from ocean swells, making it ideal for snorkelers of any experience. The cold-water currents bring a rich stock of food to these waters, and the bay around Vicente Rock Point is often home to feeding frenzies, with groups of whales, dolphins, Galápagos Sea Lions, tuna, Blue-footed Boobies and other marine birds all feeding together, making for spectacular sights.
Many boats also take visitors on a panga ride along the shore, offering the chance to explore some of the caves and to encounter some of the other species such as Galápagos Flightless Cormorants and a small colony of Galápagos Fur Seals.
PM
Fernandina • Espinosa Point

Fernandina Island has never been colonised by any non-native species, and this makes it ones of the world's most pristine island ecosystems. Coupled with its young age (Fernandina was only formed a few hundred thousand years ago) this makes a visit to this Galápagos island very special indeed.
At Espinosa Point on the northeastern shore of Fernandina the vista is dominated by "La Cumbre", the volcano whose lava fields formed the island. A visit to Espinosa Point is high on many people's list thanks to the number of iconic unique Galápagos species you will see here. As well as the noisy and fun-loving Galápagos Sea Lions, Espinosa Point is a great place to see Marine Iguanas, the wonderful Galápagos Penguins and the unique and endangered Galápagos Flightless Cormorant. If you are very lucky and keep your eyes skyward you may also catch sight of a Galápagos Hawk circling overhead looking for its next meal.
Day 3
AM
Isabela • Urbina Bay

Urbina Bay is one of the youngest features in the Galápagos. It was mainly formed in 1954, when a sudden uplift of the land raised the seabed by over 5 metres, and pushed the coastline over 1 km further away. This has resulted in the astonishing site of heads of coral stranded far from the water. Exposed to the air and elements, the coral heads are rapidly deteriorating and are one of the sights of the Galápagos that won't be around for much longer.
Once ashore, a long hiking trail will take you away from the beach and into the island's arid zone. In this habitat, you are likely to see wild Galápagos Giant Tortoises and Galápagos Land Iguanas. As the trail circles back towards the shore line you'll come across colonies of the unique Galápagos Flightless Cormorant.
This is a pleasant area for snorkeling, and as you enter and leave the water you might do so watched by some Galápagos Penguins, who have a colony nearby. This is also one of the best sites to see Galápagos Marine Iguanas feeding underwater.
PM
Isabela • Tagus Cove

Tagus Cove is a sheltered deep-water bay on the western coast of Isabela Island, overlooking Fernandina Island. This natural anchorage has been a popular destination for ships since the 1800s, and when you come ashore you can see ancient graffiti left by whalers and buccaneers.
A steep (but thankfully short) hiking trail then takes you up to the salt water Darwin Lake, formed inside a volcanic cone. How did salt water get all the way up here? Scientists think tsunamis caused by eruptions or landslides on Fernandina may have deposited seawater originally, and then evaporation has made it even more salty over time.
From Darwin Lake, a series of 160 steps takes you to a stunning viewpoint where you will not only enjoy amazing views over the Galápagos, but may also see some unique wildlife, such as Galápagos Hawks, Vermilion Flycatchers, and species of Darwin's Finches.
Your panga ride along the shoreline back to your ship gives a great opportunity to see Galápagos Flightless Cormorants, Galápagos Penguins, Galápagos Martins, and the friendly Galápagos Sea Lions.
Day 4
AM
Santiago • Egas Port

Puerto Egas (Port Egas) is a sheltered landing site at the southern end of James Bay on the northwestern coast of Santiago. This landing site is the trailhead for two hiking paths.
The first trail runs along the coast to visit the so-called "Fur Seal Grottos". The Galápagos Fur Seals like to seek shade from the equatorial sun, and they prefer rocky shores with caves or other nooks and crannies in which they can keep cool. The grottos here are perfect for them, and the tidal pools are also popular with Galápagos Marine Iguanas who can be seen feeding in and around them.
The second trail from Egas Port heads inland to the "Salt Mine Volcano". This hike is just under 2 miles long and takes you to the rim of a salt mine crater. This "mine" is actually a small volcanic cone that is filled with a salt water lagoon that dries up in the dry season. At several points in the 20th century individuals or companies attempted to mine salt from it, but without commercial success. The name of your landing site is after the owner of the last company to try salt mining here, Hector Egas.
The lagoon is often home to Galápagos flamingos and other birds, and the wonderful Galápagos Hawk can often be seen circling above this area.
PM
Santiago • Sullivan Bay

Sullivan Bay is on the eastern coast of Santiago Island. This visitor site is all about the geology and volcanic origins of the Galápagos, and although there is little wildlife here, the eerie landscape that was formed only 150 years ago has a real beauty all of its own.
On the hiking trail you will walk along lava that bubbled up from the ground, flowed and solidified in the second half of the 18th century. We recommend good sturdy shoes for walking in these lava fields. The landscape here is eerie and apparently barren - some of our Galapatours guests liken it to a "lunar landscape".
As the trail moves inland, the textures and colors change as you encounter much older lava fields. Here you can start to see signs of nature beginning to colonize this "new land". The small green plants that have started to grow in the cracks and crevices are called Mollugo.
Your Galapatours expert guide will be able to explain more about the volcanic processes that formed Santiago and all the Galápagos Islands, as well as how species begin to colonize the bare landscape.
Day 5
AM
Santa Cruz • Bachas Beach

The name "Bachas Beach" (or "Las Bachas" in Spanish) actually comes from a mispronunciation! After the second world war, American forces stationed on Santa Cruz abandoned some of their barges there - "bachas" was the nearest some of the locals could get to pronouncing the English word, and the name has stuck. You can still see the remains of one of the floating docks the soldiers set up on one of the two beaches that make up Las Bachas Beach.
This beach is covered in white coral sand, and it's a major nesting site for Galápagos green turtles. There's also a lagoon just behind the sand which often hosts flamingos, ducks and migratory birds. You can also often find marine iguanas feeding on the rocky outcrops near the tide line.
The main beach is perfect for swimming, being very sheltered from the ocean swells, and is a very pleasant spot to cool off and to indulge in some snorkeling.
Baltra • Transfer to Baltra airport

Your Galápagos adventure ends with the arrival of your ship back at Baltra Island. After what many guests describe as an emotional goodbye to your ship and its crew, you'll board the transfer vehicle that will take you on the short journey to the airport in plenty of time for your flight back to the mainland.
Baltra airport serves both Guayaquil or Quito, and we can arrange flights that fit best with your onward plans - particularly if you are continuing a South America tour. Speak to one of our travel experts as we are often able to beat even internet pricing on flights to and from Galápagos.
Note: If you plan to spend a few days in Galápagos after your cruise this is no problem at all. Just let us know and we will arrange for the logistics. The transfer from Baltra to Puerto Ayora, for example, is very easy.
Multiple Addons possibe
Optional Module After Last Day
Reviews
Patti S
Amazing trip to the Galapagos Galapatours website is easy to use and very informative. Our point of contact was Thomas who was very helpful. There was a mix-up with our flight to the Galapagos Island when Thomas was informed he took the necessary steps to ensure that the flight was changed. Our cruise was on the Coral II. The boat was great, the cabins were clean, and the bed was very comfortable. Delicious food, great staff and great guides. We loved the visits to the different islands and daily snorkeling and saw different animals/birds/sealife every day. Definitely will recommend Galapatours and this particular ship to our friends. Source: TripAdvisor
ExplorerJLW
Spectacular cruise with many surprises We had a spectacular time. We went on a 7 night tour. I wouldn't go on anything shorter to see the variety of life on the different Islands. The Coral I has 36 passengers , the Coral II 20. They won't guarantee which boat you will go on. They usually travel together but the Coral II was in dry dock when we went. Being on this size boat gets you into places where the bigger boats aren't aloud.So only a total of 36 people split in 2 groups. My upper deck cabin had 2 single beds, a bathroom, and opened to a walk way. I would recommend this size. The cheaper cabins are smaller and open on to a inside corridor. My Sister an husband who sail liked them. The food was good served buffet style. More than enough food 3 times a day. The best was the bar-b-que on the tip deck. The staff was great especially Mosquito and Alex. One thing I liked is that an announcement would come over the speakers to give you time to get ready for the activities(getting up, eating, activities) We had two hikes a day( easy, stop a lot) but wear good shoes and walking sticks are available when need to walk over the lava fields. Also 1 -2 snorkels a day. A typical day is get up 7 am eat breakfast, go for a hike come back, snorkel, eat lunch, siesta,hike, snacks , drink, dinner, Itinerary, bed. You can participate in as much or little as you want. Everyday there was a new surprise.We saw Orcas, Minke whales, Galapagos sharks, penguins, blue footed boobies, & Iguanas to name only a few. I traveled with my husband,27 yo sons,& sister & husband
ExplorerJLW
Spektakuläre Kreuzfahrt mit vielen Überraschungen Es war eine sehr schöne Zeit auf der Coral. Wir waren auf einer 8-Tages Fahrt, ich glaube kürzer wäre für uns nicht in Frage gekommen, man schafft es schließlich nicht jedes Jahr auf diese Inseln. Welches Schiff man von den beiden Corals bekommen, bleibt eine Überraschung. Die Coral I und II sind sowieso zusammen unterwegs. Die Corals haben uns in Ecken gebracht, wo größere Schiffe nicht hinkommen konnten. Die 36 Passagiere wurde bei Ausflügen in zwei Gruppen aufgeteilt. Das Essen wurde im Buffet-Stil serviert. Es war mehr als genug für alle. Am meisten hat uns das BBQ gefallen. Die Besatzung war spitze! Vor allem Alex und Mosquito. Ich fand es großartig, dass durch Lautsprecher angekündigt wurde, wann es wohin gehen wird. An einem tag gab es zwei Wanderungen, dafür empfehle ich gute Schuhe dabei zu haben. Schnorchel trips gab es auch. Man kann an so viel oder so wenig wie man möchte teilnehmen. Jeden Tag erwarteten uns neue Überraschungen. Wir sahen Orcas, Wale, Galapagos Haie, Pinguine, Blaufußtölpel und Echsen (das war nur der Anfang). Wir waren zwei Familien und reisten zusammen auf der Coral.
Michael Schmidt (Germany)
Perfect boat size, perfect trip I don't even know where to start. The crew of Coral I, made this short cruise of 8 days an unforgettable experience. The food was delicious, the cabins comfortable and the service unparalleled. Most importantly, however, our two guides made this probably the nicest vacation we have had in... ever? Thank you, Benno and Galapatours, for the great customer service and making the reservation process so seemless!
Michael Schmidt
Perfekte Schiffsgröße, perfekte Kreuzfahrt Ich weiß gar nicht wo ich anfangen soll. Die Besatzung auf der Coral machte diese 8-Tages Tour zu eine, unvergesslichen Erlebnis für mich. Das Essen war köstlich, die Kabinen gemütlich und der Service hervorragend. Am wichtigsten zu erwähnen ist jedoch, dass unsere 2 Naturführer an Bord diesen Urlaub zum besten Urlaub machen. So viel Wissen und Begeisterung steckt an. Vielen Dank an Benno und Galapatours für die tolle Betreuung und Unterstützung! !