Group Size: From 22 to 36 participants
Price: Starting from $7,990 per person double occupancy
Co-sponsored with: Harvard exclusive
Trip Overview
Enjoy an exclusive seven-night charter of the 18-cabin Coral I, a boutique expedition yacht exploring the Galápagos. Experience a fascinating educational exploration with your Harvard Study Leader and enriched by a youth coordinator and expert naturalist guides. Throughout the cruise, the youth leader(s) conduct fun-filled, interactive learning activities for children of all ages. Snorkel and kayak among playful and curious sea lions by day and stargaze from deck at night. Marvel at wildlife, such as tortoise, iguanas, penguins, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, mockingbirds, and the finches that made Darwin famous. Visit San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Rabida and Bartolome islands, each with its endemic species that have evolved differently than on neighboring islands. Learn about the Galápagos Islands’ giant tortoises with visits to the Highlands Tortoise Reserve, Charles Darwin Research Station, and the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center.
Schedule by Day
- June 13: Depart from home city / arrive Quito, Ecuador
- June 14: Fly to San Cristobal Island / Embark Coral I
- June 15: San Cristobal Island
- June 16: Espanola Island
- June 17: Floreana Island
- June 18: Santa Cruz Island
- June 19: Genovesa Island
- June 20: Rabida Island / Bartolome Island
- June 21: Santa Cruz Island / Baltra Island / Disembark / Fly to Guayaquil
- June 22: Return flights home
Pricing
- Standard Cabin: $7,990 per person double occupancy / $11,990 single occupancy
- Standard Plus: $8,990 per person double occupancy / $14,990 single occupancy
- Junior Suite: $11,990 per person / double occupancy
Standard Plus cabins can be converted to a triple: The first two occupants pay the regular rate, and the third person pays $4,490.
Junior Suite cabins can be converted to a triple: The first two occupants pay the regular rate, and the third person pays $5,990.
Children 12 and under receive a $500 per person discount. (Not applicable to the third rate in a triple occupancy cabin).
Accommodations
- One night at Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel, Quito
- Seven nights aboard Coral I
- One night at Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel, Quito
Extensions
None
What to Expect
In order to make the most of what this expedition has to offer, the trip will be active, requiring you to be in good health and physical condition. The schedule will include long days, with some early departures, and activities scheduled throughout the day and into the evening.
In the Galápagos, daily excursions usually include two shore excursions each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, each lasting two to three hours. On some days the shore excursions can require up to two hours of walking, often over loose rocks and uneven terrain where stairs are unavailable or do not have handrails, and standing, often in the warm sun. Travel from the ship to the landing sites will be in pangas (large, motorized rubber boats). For these shore excursions, travelers, with assistance from the ship’s crew, must be able to step from the ship to the panga and vice versa, and the water can sometimes be choppy. There will be wet landings where you step off the panga into the water and walk a short distance through shallow water to shore. During the shore excursions there will be opportunities to hike, kayak, swim and snorkel. The degree of difficulty will be described in daily briefings, and all activities are optional, so each traveler may choose the activity level that best suits his or her ability.
Please note that the Coral I does not have an elevator.
This promises to be a memorable journey, but as with all travel, a flexible attitude, a spirit of adventure and a willingness to explore new areas will enhance your enjoyment of this program. You do not have to participate in all the scheduled activities, except when traveling to the next destination. We are sure you will be pleased with the exciting educational program provided, but we want you to be aware of the pace and activity level.
