Galapagos Islands information

Every island in the Galapagos is different one from the other and all this is due to how they were formed. If the 4,600 million years of Earth´s history will be simulated in 24 hours, the Galapagos Islands had been formed in the last two minutes of that day. The 19 islands and 219 islets were created by successive volcanic eruptions over a hot spot located on the seafloor of the Nazca Plate. The first of them emerged in the middle of the Pacific Ocean about 5 million years ago. The islands are settled on the Nazca Plate and move about 5 centimeters a year eastward. That is why the oldest islands of the archipelago are far about 200 kilometers east from the youngest islands that are still above the hot spot.

Explore the Enchanted Islands

1) Isabela Island. 2) North Seymour Island. 3) South Plaza Island. 4) Santa Fe Island. 5) Santa cruz Island. 6) Bartolome Island. 7) Mosquera Island. 8) Santiago Island. 9) Rabida Island. 10) Floreana Island. 11) Genovesa Island. 12) Española Island. 13) San Cristobal Island. 14) Fernandina Island.

North Expedition (A) | 4 Days - 3 Nights

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through the enchanting Galapagos Islands. Each day brings unique adventures, from exploring pristine landscapes and observing diverse wildlife to discovering the islands’ rich ecosystems. With detailed daily plans, expert guidance, and breathtaking experiences, this itinerary is designed to immerse you in the natural wonders of the Galapagos. Click on each day to uncover the activities, locations, and highlights awaiting you!

Sunday - Wednesday (4 days)

Information

Experience unforgettable Galapagos adventures with our weekly departures. Our itineraries include full board, two daily guided excursions, and optional activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and dinghy rides. You can also extend your trip with diving programs and extra nights in Galapagos upon request.

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Coral Yachts Itinerary North Expedition: A traveller with a baby sea lion

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Penguins of Bartolome

Snorkel at Bartolome Island and swim alongside the Galápagos penguin, the second smallest penguin in the world and the only one found north of the equator!

Corals Yachts Itinerary North Expedition: Bartolome Island

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Pinnacle Rock Vista

Hike Bartolome Island’s summit for the most iconic view in the Galápagos—Pinnacle Rock against a backdrop of volcanic formations and turquoise waters.

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Playful Sea Lions

Snorkel at Rabida Island, where curious sea lions dart playfully around swimmers. Spot Galápagos doves and vermilion flycatchers along the red sand beach.

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 - Sunday

MORNING:

✈ Baltra Airport. Departure from either Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island is a 2 ½ hour flight. Upon arrival in the Galapagos, passengers are greeted at the airport by our knowledgeable guides who will accompany them on a short ten-minute bus ride to the pier where they will board the Coral I or Coral II.

AFTERNOON:

Punta Carrion (Santa Cruz Island). 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: Low
Type of terrain: None
Duration: 1 hour dingy ride

Coral Yachts Itinerary North & West Expedition: Punta Carrion (Santa Cruz Island)

Day 2 - Monday

MORNING:

El Barranco Prince Philip´s Steps (Genovesa Island). Be marveled at the variety of sea life that uses the crevices of the lava cliffs for shelter. Red-billed Tropicbirds fly overhead, and a small colony of fur seals may be found near the landing site. You will be 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 Redfooted Boobies.

Difficulty level: Medium
Type of terrain: Rocky - lava
Duration: 30 min kayaking, 1 hour 45 min hike, 1 hour deep snorkeling, 30 min glass bottom boat.

AFTERNOON:

Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island). From within the flooded caldera of Tower Island, we set foot onto a sandy beach to be greeted by swallow-tailed gulls often said to be the most beautiful gull in the world. In the trail we can see at nesting red-footed boobies and great frigatebirds.

Difficulty level: Medium
Type of terrain: Sandy
Duration: 45 min kayaking, 1 hour 15 min hike, 45 min glass bottom boat, 1 hour deep or beach snorkeling.

Coral Yachts Itinerary North & West Expedition: Genovesa Island

Day 3 - Tuesday

MORNING:

Rabida Island. Lying at the archipelago's heart, this dramatic island with a distinctive red-sand beach is home to sea lions, mockingbirds, finches, endemic Galapagos doves, and vermilion flycatchers. A walk takes us through a forest of palo santo and cacti to a beautiful overview of the bay.

Difficulty level: Medium
Type of terrain: Flat / Semi-rocky
Duration: 1 ½-hour walk, 1-hour snorkeling, 1-hour dinghy ride

AFTERNOON:

Bartolome Island. Considered the most iconic landscape of the entire archipelago the view from the top of Bartolome Island, overlooking the famous Pinnacle Rock and the austere Santiago Island, Our subsequent snorkel here might put us face to face with Galapagos penguins, whitetipped reef sharks, and playful sea lions.

Difficulty level: Medium
Type of terrain: Trail made of 372 steps.
Duration: 1 hour snorkeling, 1 hour 45 min hike, 30 min Panga ride

Coral Yachts Itinerary North & West Expedition: Bartolome Island

Day 4 - Wednesday

MORNING:

Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz Island). In the central highlands of Santa Cruz Island, we have our best opportunity to interact at close quarters with totally wild, Galapagos giant tortoises. A short walk among these huge, 600lb, reptiles will also offer the chance for more species, especially several species of the famed finches.