A Journey of Discovery aboard the Boutique, 18-cabin Yacht Coral I 

December 11 – 21, 2026 (11 days)

All details presented on this tour’s webpage serve as complete tour information—there will be no detailed brochure (digital or printed) forthcoming for this program. This webpage includes all pricing, itinerary, and accommodation details, plus general information and terms and conditions. When you choose to reserve your space—either by using the online reservation form or by submitting a printed form—your submission will be treated as your official reservation request.

The Trip

Embark on a journey to the Galápagos Islands, exploring one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on Earth. Begin in Quito, Ecuador’s vibrant capital, with a welcome reception and dinner to meet your fellow travelers. From there, fly to Baltra Island to board the 18-cabin Coral I, your base for a Carleton-exclusive island-hopping voyage.

Each island offers unique landscapes, from volcanic craters and lava fields to lush highlands and secluded beaches. Encounter the wildlife that makes the Galápagos famous, exploring on foot, by small boat, and in the water. Swim and snorkel in clear seas or hike across lava fields and dormant volcanic peaks, experiencing the islands’ biodiversity and geological history up close.

Carleton Professor Matt Rand and three expert Galápagos naturalists enrich your journey, sharing insights into the islands’ ecology, evolution, and conservation. Their knowledge transforms each encounter, allowing you to see the Galápagos as few travelers do.

Galapagos Map 2026

Highlights:

  • Enjoy a Carleton-exclusive, seven-night charter on the 18-cabin Coral I, a boutique expedition yacht, exploring the Galápagos. 
  • Snorkel and kayak among playful and curious sea lions by day, and stargaze from the deck of Coral I at night. 
  • Marvel at wildlife, such as the giant tortoise; iguanas; penguins; blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca boobies; waved albatross; frigatebirds; mockingbirds; and the finches that made Darwin famous. 
  • Visit Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Rábida, Bartolomé, Isabela, Fernandina, and Santiago Islands, each with its endemic species that have evolved differently from 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. 
  • Enjoy shore visits led by the yacht’s professionally trained naturalists. 

Faculty Leader

Matt Rand

Dr. Matthew Rand, Professor of Biology, has been teaching courses in animal behavior, physiology, morphology, and reproduction, including a non-majors course on human reproduction and sexuality, at Carleton College for the past 30 years. In 2002 and 2009, he offered off-campus courses on animal behavior in the Galápagos Islands to Carleton students, and he has led four previous alumni trips to the Galápagos. Matt believes that these islands provide one of the best environments on Earth in which to observe animal behavior with a unique and diverse set of organisms. In early 2020, Matt was a co-leader on a very unique alumni trip to Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world. There they explored an amazing and unique biodiversity that is fast fading from existence. These trips through such unique “living laboratories” are perfect for observing and learning about biodiversity, speciation, and behavior under natural conditions. This will be Matt’s tenth visit to the Galápagos, where he will facilitate an appreciation for this extraordinary opportunity to view animal behavior under natural conditions.

Itinerary

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11 & 12: HOME / QUITO, ECUADOR
Depart home on an overnight flight to Quito, Ecuador. Upon arrival on December 12th, you will be warmly welcomed at the airport and transferred to the comfortable Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel, conveniently located near the airport. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel. Overnight at the Wyndham Airport Hotel (R,D)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13: FLY TO BALTRA ISLAND, GALÁPAGOS / BALTRA ISLAND, EMBARKATION, SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Fly from Quito to Baltra Island in the Galápagos. Upon arrival, transfer to the pier and embark the Coral I. This afternoon, explore Punta Carrion on Santa Cruz Island with a scenic dinghy ride through the turquoise waters of the Itabaca Channel. Keep an eye out for white-tipped reef sharks, blue-footed boobies, and a variety of colorful tropical fish. Coral I (B,L,D)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14: GALÁPAGOS: GENOVESA ISLAND
Explore Genovesa Island, one of the most spectacular birdwatching sites in the Galápagos. In the morning, visit El Barranco (Prince Philip’s Steps) to observe Nazca boobies, waved albatross, and other seabirds nesting along the cliffs. In the afternoon, continue to Darwin Bay, a picturesque coral sand beach teeming with frigatebirds, herons, and other nesting species. You may also spot Galápagos fur seals along the shore. Enjoy time to snorkel or kayak in the bay’s calm waters. Coral I (B,L,D)

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15: GALÁPAGOS: RÁBIDA ISLAND, BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND
Visit Rábida Island in the morning and admire its striking red sand. Take a short walk to observe Darwin’s finches, sea lion colonies, and brown pelicans. In the afternoon, explore Bartolomé Island, where you can snorkel around Pinnacle Rock among schools of tropical fish, Galápagos sharks, sea lions, and even penguins. Hike the Summit Trail to reach the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding islands and volcanic landscape. Coral I (B,L,D)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16: GALÁPAGOS: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Explore Santa Cruz Island in the morning with a visit to the Highlands Tortoise Reserve, where you can see wild giant tortoises up close and walk through impressive lava tubes. Continue to the Charles Darwin Research Station and Fausto Llerena Breeding Center to learn about ongoing conservation efforts in the Galápagos. In the afternoon, enjoy a panga ride in Black Turtle Cove, a protected turtle sanctuary, where you may spot turtles, rays, sharks, herons, egrets, and pelicans. Coral I (B,L,D)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17: GALÁPAGOS: ISABELA ISLAND, FERNANDINA ISLAND
Spend an unforgettable day in the western Galápagos. In the morning, head to Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island, a striking site framed by the sheer cliffs of an ancient eroded volcano. Watch brown noddies and Nazca boobies resting on the cliffs and dive into crystal-clear waters for snorkeling among vibrant tropical fish, Galápagos penguins, and green sea turtles. In the afternoon, journey to Fernandina Island and take a guided nature walk at Punta Espinosa, home to a thriving colony of marine iguanas and more Galápagos penguins. Conclude the day with optional snorkeling in pristine waters, surrounded by remarkable wildlife in their natural habitat. Coral I (B,L,D)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18: GALÁPAGOS: ISABELA ISLAND
In the morning, hike Urbina Bay, a remarkable site where massive coral formations were lifted from the sea during a dramatic geological uplift in 1954. At the base of Alcedo Volcano, watch for land iguanas and, during the wet season, Galápagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, venture to Tagus Cove, a historic pirate hideout famously visited by Charles Darwin and the HMS Beagle in 1835. Hike past Darwin Lake and through striking volcanic landscapes, revealing the island’s dramatic northern volcanoes. Finish the day snorkeling along a submerged wall with turtles, colorful fish, and penguins, or enjoy a panga ride or kayaking in the tranquil waters. Coral I (B,L,D)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19: GALÁPAGOS: SANTIAGO ISLAND
Spend the day on Santiago Island beginning at Egas Port, where striking black volcanic sand sets the scene for a dramatic shoreline walk. Observe a variety of wildlife, including a colony of endemic Galápagos fur seals basking on the rocks. In the afternoon, continue to Sullivan Bay on the eastern coast, wandering across solidified lava flows formed in the late 1800s, a surreal landscape that feels like another planet. Learn about the geology and volcanic origins of the Galápagos before enjoying a refreshing swim or snorkeling adventure with playful sea lions along a pristine coralline beach. Coral I (B,L,D)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20: GALÁPAGOS: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND, DISEMBARKATION / BALTRA ISLAND / FLY TO QUITO
Disembark on Santa Cruz Island and explore Bachas Beach, where you can enjoy swimming, a leisurely walk along the shore, and visit a lagoon inhabited by wading birds, marine iguanas and, occasionally, flamingos. Later, transfer to Baltra Island for your flight back to Quito. In the evening, gather for a farewell reception and dinner at the Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel to celebrate the conclusion of your Galápagos adventure. Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel (B,L,R,D)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21: FLY HOME
Transfer to the airport for return flights homeward. (B)

Pre-Tour Extension

Pre-tour extension will be available. Details will be sent to confirmed participants.

Standard Plus Twin Beds
Standard Cabin Double Bed
Coral I
Restaurant Bicubik

The Coral I

Cruise in comfort and style aboard the Coral I, a 131-foot luxury motor yacht accommodating just 36 guests for an intimate and personalized experience. Refurbished to combine modern amenities with elegant teak interiors, the yacht features panoramic windows that bring the beauty of the Galápagos inside.

Cabins range from Standard and Standard Plus to Junior Suites, all air-conditioned with private baths, ocean-view windows or portholes, and thoughtful amenities to ensure a relaxing stay.

Onboard, enjoy spacious social areas including a lounge and bar, three sun decks, and a rooftop hot tub, perfect for stargazing or taking in breathtaking island vistas.

Pricing (Per Person)

Standard Cabin (Cabins 1 & 2 / Yellow) – $7,990 double occupancy
Located on the Sea Deck, approximately 94 sq. ft. Features: private bathroom, air conditioning, porthole(s), 2 twins or 1 queen bed. Single Occupancy $11,990

Standard Plus Cabin (Cabins 3-10 / Orange) – $9,990 double occupancy
Located on the Sea Deck, approximately 118–129  sq. ft. Features: private bathroom, air conditioning, two portholes or picture windows, 2 twins or 1 queen bed. Single Occupancy $15,990

Junior Cabin (Cabins 11-19 / Purple), $11,990 double occupancy
Located on the Earth and Sky Decks, approximately 118–129  sq. ft. Features: private bathroom, air conditioning, larger picture windows, 2 twins or 1 queen bed

Prices do not include on-tour flights Quito/Galápagos Islands/Quito (approximately $575).

Coral I - Deck Plan

RESERVATIONS & PAYMENTS
To reserve space, return the completed reservation form with your $1,000 per person deposit to: Carleton Alumni Adventures, P.O. Box 938, 47 Main St., Suite One, Walpole, NH 03608-0938 or fax to 603-756-2922. Balance of payment is due 120 days prior to departure (August 14, 2026). We accept checks, payable to “Eos CAA-GalapagosCRI12/26” as well as VISA, MasterCard, and American Express for deposits. Reservations will be processed in order of receipt. Credit cards are NOT accepted for final payment.

Online Reservation Form

PARTICIPANT CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
Cancellations must be received in writing by Carleton Alumni Adventures. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person admin fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of booking; after that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. After the August 14, 2026 final payment deadline: All payments are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of booking date. For this reason, we strongly urge participants to purchase trip cancellation insurance. Refunds cannot be made to participants who do not participate in any part of the program, who do not complete the tour for whatever reason, or whose entry into any country and/or hotel or aboard any airline or vessel on the itinerary is delayed or denied.

Additional Information

To make a reservation or for more information: Reserve your space online, call 800-811-7244 or email Carleton College Alumni Adventures

What To Expect:
This Galápagos itinerary includes moderate physical activity and busy days with multiple excursions, often on uneven terrain and sandy or rocky surfaces. Daily walks range from short strolls to hikes of up to three miles over lava fields, coral formations, and volcanic slopes. Stairs may be steep and uneven, and some landings involve climbing in and out of small dinghies, pangas, or kayaks. Participants should be in good health, able to navigate stairs and small boats, and comfortable with outdoor activities.

Temperatures in the Galápagos in December generally range from the mid-70s to low 80s°F with moderate humidity, and occasional light rain. While the Coral I, hotels, and motorcoaches are air-conditioned, local transport and landing sites are exposed to sun and wind. Onboard, cabins are comfortable and well-appointed, and social areas include a lounge, bar, multiple sun decks, and a rooftop hot tub. Snorkeling, kayaking, and guided nature walks are included, providing intimate encounters with wildlife such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins, and a wide variety of birds.

The itinerary is designed for travelers seeking an active, immersive, and educational experience in a unique and remote environment. Onboard medical facilities are limited, so basic medical needs should be anticipated.

Travel Insurance:
Insurance for trip cancellation and interruption, medical problems, baggage loss and delays, etc., is highly recommended. Cancellation policies that apply are included in the terms and conditions. Information about travel insurance will be sent to confirmed participants.

Prices, itinerary, accommodations, and leader are subject to change.