Atravelyn,
I'll be sure to post my report from a bird-phobic viewpoint, but I bet there aren't too many Galapagos goers who share that.

I found a 4 nt cruise on the Coral I or II, and they go to Day 1: Santa Cruz (Dragon Hill & Venice, Day 2: Rabida (Jervise) and Santiago (Egas Port), Day 3: Fernandina (Espinosa Point) and Isabela (Tagus Cove), Day 4 Bartolome and Santa Cruz (BlackTurtle Cove) and finally, Day 5, Santa Cruz CD Research Stn.

Does this itinerary leave off some "must sees?"
I'm still considering the 7 nt with Lindblad's Islander, since I've read so many positive things about their guides and the expedition experience.

Would love to hear from anyone who's been on Coral I or II.

This includes a couple places I thought might be ommitted in 4 days--Rabida with red sands and Turtle Cove where you can see rays and sharks from paddle type boats. Maybe penguins from Isabella.

Hood or Espanola is not on there and that seems to be a favorite of many, me too. But its highlights are blue footed boobies and the waved albatross, perhaps not highlights in your book.

Correction: There are no paddle boats in Black Turtle Cove, just rowboats that are rowed, not paddled.

atravelyn,
Do you know if we stayed a night on Santa Cruz whether we could get a day trip to Espanola or is that too far away?

I talked to a Galapagos naturalist once who said that was possible. I was thinking about trying to go a couple of times to Hood. I think the problem may be that the visits to any of the islands are scheduled by the boats way in advance and are staggered for ecological reasons. A couple of people wanting to go to a certain island on a certain day may not be able to command a reservation.

I never pursued this. I talked with Galapagos Travel in Aptos, CA about staying an extra day or two in the highlands of Santa Cruz pre- or post-cruise. Maybe they could also arrange an island daytrip. Inca Tours spent several days on Santa Cruz (and maybe elsewhere) as part of their standard itinerary so they might have contacts. Then there is a local company that is continually mentioned on this site that might have an idea. If you find out, let me know.

Here is the local guy's email.

[email protected]

Thanks for the information, Atravelynn,
I've decided not to stay on the island...if I take the 4 nt cruise, I'll just have to be satisfied with the islands they visit.
I still haven't ruled out the 7 nt though, but I've decided to not do the Lindblad Islander because of the cost. Considering the Evolution booked through either International Expeditions or Columbus Travel, a Quito based agency.
Anyone have any experience with the Evolution or either of those agencies?

Thank you very much for your perspective on the birds, Elizabeth, nice to know that the Galapagos are possible for me. I will keep this thread for the great reccs! Happy travels,
Sally in Seattle