Galapagos

South Galapagos Islands (D)

5 Days aboard Coral I & II. From USD $2,610pp.
Details

Overview

Our Galapagos itineraries offer unforgettable experiences, with our weekly departures allowing you to experience tours including: full board, two daily guided excursions with optional activities such as snorkelling, kayaking and dinghy rides. These cruises can be combined with Diving program extensions
and additional nights in Galapagos (upon request).

Itinerary Highlights

  • Explore the volcanic eruption of the five volcanoes which formed the largest island of the Galapagos Islands.
  • Learn about the Galapagos giant tortoise breeding program.
  • Explore volcanic formations and the famous Soplador blowhole.
  • Hike through mangroves and see one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galapagos.
  • Swim and snorkel amongst sea turtles, reef fish and seal lions.

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Santa Cristobal Airport - Interpretation Center & Frigatebird Hill (San Cristobal Island)
  • Day 2: San Cristobal Island: Kicker Rock & Cerro Brujo - Punta Pitt
  • Day 3: Española Island: Punta Suarez - Gardner Bay
  • Day 4: Floreana Island: Punta Cormorant / Champion - Post Office
  • Day 5: Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz Island) - Baltra Island Airport

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Santa Cristobal Airport - Interpretation Center & Frigatebird Hill (San Cristobal Island)

Departure from Quito or Guayaquil to San Cristobal (2 1/2 hours flight). Arriving in Galapagos, passengers are picked up at the airport by our 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 to the formation of Galapagos, its significance in the world, threats and conservation efforts. Followed by a hike to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) we will have great looks at both species of frigatebird, with the bonus of a beautiful view of the bay below.

Day 2: San Cristobal Island: Kicker Rock & Cerro Brujo - Punta Pitt

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 of a sleeping lion.

From our pangas, as we head to shore, we are first humbled by the immensity of the stunning cliffs of ëSorcererís Hillí. We can enjoy simply sharing the beach with sea lions, snorkeling from shore or take a walk to a hidden lagoon where we might spot black- necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels and white-cheeked pintails.

Sea lions will greet us as we land on the beach and prepare for our climb to a high point on the steep eroded tuff cone. This is the only place in the islands where we will enjoy the chance to see all three of the booby species in the same place. The red-foots will be perched on the Cordia lutea and small trees, the Nazcaís on the ground near the cliff edge while the blue-foots will be a little further inland. Frigatebirds will be all around and the views are breathtaking.

Day 3: Española Island: Punta Suarez - Gardner Bay

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 us at the landing site from where our 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 our only opportunity to commune with the endemic waved albatross during their breeding season between April and December. With luck, we can watch their complex courtship display.

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, will be eager to inspect the visitors and satisfy their innate curiosity. Darwinís finches may also join the throng including the reclusive warbler finch. We can also snorkel here from the beach, in the shallows of the bay.

Day 4: Floreana Island: Punta Cormorant / Champion - Post Office

Wet landing, on an olivine green, sanded beach. We 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 our trail, and we head back to the olivine beach we 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.

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, will take 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.

We 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.

Day 5: Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz Island) - Baltra Island Airport

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.

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

Next Departure Date: 22 Jan 2025
DatesCabinFromSpecial Offer
22 Jan 2025 - 26 Jan 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
Standard CabinUSD$2610ppContact us
Standard Plus CabinUSD$3233ppContact us
Junior Cabin USD$3686ppContact us
05 Feb 2025 - 09 Feb 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
19 Feb 2025 - 23 Feb 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
05 Mar 2025 - 09 Mar 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
19 Mar 2025 - 23 Mar 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
02 Apr 2025 - 06 Apr 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
16 Apr 2025 - 20 Apr 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
30 Apr 2025 - 04 May 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
14 May 2025 - 18 May 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
28 May 2025 - 01 Jun 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
11 Jun 2025 - 15 Jun 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
25 Jun 2025 - 29 Jun 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
09 Jul 2025 - 13 Jul 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
23 Jul 2025 - 27 Jul 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
06 Aug 2025 - 10 Aug 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
20 Aug 2025 - 24 Aug 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
03 Sep 2025 - 07 Sep 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
17 Sep 2025 - 21 Sep 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
01 Oct 2025 - 05 Oct 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
15 Oct 2025 - 19 Oct 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
29 Oct 2025 - 02 Nov 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
12 Nov 2025 - 16 Nov 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
26 Nov 2025 - 30 Nov 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
10 Dec 2025 - 14 Dec 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers
24 Dec 2025 - 28 Dec 2025 USD$2610ppExpand to view offers

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Standard Cabin

7sqm/75sqft, located on the Sea deck, 2 single beds or 1 double bed, private bathroom, air-conditioning, portholes, safe, entertainment system with LCD TV's, hairdryer, 110-220V/60Hz, reading lights and sitting area.

Standard Cabin
Standard Cabin
Standard Plus Cabin

12sqm/129sqft, located on the Sea deck, 2 single beds or 1 double bed, private bathroom, air-conditioning, portholes, safe, entertainment system with LCD TV's, hairdryer, 110-220V/60Hz, reading lights and sitting area, some rooms can accomodate extra single bed on request.

Standard Plus Cabin
Standard Plus Cabin
Junior Cabin

12sqm, 129sqft, 2 single beds or 1 double bed, located on the Earth and Sky decks, twin beds, extra bed (available in 2 cabins on the Coral I and 1 cabin in the Coral II), private bathroom, air-conditioning, picture windows, safe, entertainment system with LCD TV's, hairdryer, 110-220V/60Hz, reading lights and sitting area.
(Interconnecting doors suitable for families/friends travelling together)

Junior Cabin
Junior Cabin

Coral I & II Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

Ship Specifications: Coral I

  • Length: 131 ft (40 m)
  • Wide: 28 ft (8.5 m)
  • Decks: 4
  • Made in: Germany
  • Rebuilt: 2004
  • Refurbished in: August 2016
  • Guest Capacity: 36
  • Crew: 11
  • Speed: 12 knots
  • Cruise speed: 10 knots
  • Guides: 3 multilingual naturalists
  • Life Rafts: 4 for 25 pax each
  • Dinghies: 2 for 20 pax each
  • Kayaks: 2 double, 1 single
  • Safety: ISM, SMC, ISSC, IOPP, DOC
  • Electricity: 110v & 220V

Ship Specifications: Coral II

  • Length: 113 ft (34.4 m)
  • Wide: 20.80 ft (6.3) m)
  • Decks: 4
  • Made in: Holland
  • Rebuilt: 2006
  • Refurbished in: September 2017
  • Guest Capacity: 20
  • Crew: 9
  • Speed: 12 knots
  • Cruise speed: 10 knots
  • Guides: 2 multilingual naturalists
  • Life Rafts:
    • 2 for 25 pax each
    • 2 for 8 pax each
  • Dinghies: 2 for 17 pax each
  • Kayaks: 2 double, 1 single
  • Safety: ISM, SMC, ISSC, IOPP, DOC
  • Electricity: 110v & 220V

Whats included?

  • On-board accommodation
  • All meals during your cruise
  • Activities/shore excursions as specified
  • Bilingual naturalist guides
  • Transfers

What’s not included?

  • International and internal airfares 
  • Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable 
  • Travel insurance
  • Fuel surcharges
  • Galápagos National Park fee: US$200 per person
  • Transit control card: US$20 per person
  • Kayaks and wetsuit equipment
  • Gratuities 
  • Any items not mentioned as included

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Galapagos

This once in a lifetime destination is a nature lovers dream. Watch the famous Galapagos tortoises and blue footed boobies in the morning and snorkel with sea lions in the afternoon, then relax on your cruise to the next destination tomorrow!

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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South Galapagos Islands (D)

5 Days aboard Coral I & II. From USD $2,610pp.