Description:
Discover the best of the Galapagos on a tour of its three main inhabited islands. A direct encounter with the archipelago's iconic wildlife—frigatebirds, sea lions, iguanas, and sharks—in an itinerary that redefines the traditional format to offer you maximum comfort and autonomy.
We elevate the experience by eliminating the exhaustion of conventional travel: we replace long boat rides with a comfortable 45-minute inter-island flight, we designed a continuous forward itinerary without backtracking (entering through San Cristóbal and leaving through Baltra), and we offer you flexible excursions based on your profile on key days, leaving your evenings free to enjoy the local cuisine and atmosphere without ties or rigid schedules.
Itinerary:
DAY 1 · San Cristóbal - Welcome to the archipelago and the story of its origin
Upon landing at San Cristóbal airport, our team will accompany you during the transfer and check-in at the hotel. After lunch, the afternoon begins with a visit to the Interpretation Center, the ideal place to understand the geology, human history, and conservation challenges of the Galapagos.
Next, we will walk toward Cerro de las Tijeretas, a viewpoint surrounded by birds where the view of the archipelago is spectacular, before descending to a calm, shallow bay. This first snorkeling session serves as a gradual and easy introduction: there, the guide will assist you with the snorkeling gear and explain the guidelines for interacting safely and respectfully with the local animals, while you enjoy the company of sea lions, turtles, and tropical fish.
When finished, you will return to the hotel and have the afternoon and evening free to rest or have dinner on your own at the port.
Activities: walking, wildlife observation, snorkeling
Highlights: San Cristóbal, Cerro de Tijeretas
DAY 2 · San Cristóbal - Choose your adventure: Isla Lobos or Kicker Rock (León Dormido)
Today the group takes a break from the usual pace so you can enjoy the day as you please. When booking, you can choose between two very different ways to explore the sea of San Cristóbal:
Option 1 – Isla Lobos and Playa Ochoa (light hike and shore): Just 30 minutes away by boat, we will land at Isla Lobos which, as its name suggests, is home to a large colony of sea lions. Here you will take a walk among blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and marine iguanas, followed by snorkeling to swim in calm waters alongside sea lions and some rest time on the beautiful white sand of Playa Ochoa.
Option 2 – Kicker Rock / León Dormido (Open sea exploration): A 45-minute boat ride to this imposing volcanic rock in the middle of the ocean. Diving into its marine crevices will allow you to swim alongside sharks (including hammerhead sharks), rays, turtles, and tropical fish. A good swimming level is essential for this excursion. Diving is possible that day for an extra fee (a diving certificate is mandatory).
Whether you are looking for the adrenaline of the depths or the tranquility of a coastal walk, the afternoon and evening will be completely free at the port to slow down and choose where to have dinner by the sea.
Activities: snorkeling, wildlife observation, beach
Highlights: San Cristóbal, Kicker Rock, Isla Lobos, Playa Ochoa.
DAY 3 · San Cristóbal to Isabela - Inter-island flight and bay exploration
We optimize logistics by replacing the traditional (and exhausting) 3-hour boat trip with a 45-minute inter-island flight. You will arrive at Isabela fresh, rested, and with the morning free to walk to the Flamingo Lagoon or enjoy the beach next to the hotel.
In the afternoon, we head into Isabela Bay through your choice of two low-impact exploration activities:
Option 1 – Kayaking or Stand Up Paddle (SUP) in the bay: a peaceful tour by Kayak or Stand Up Paddle (SUP) ideal for observing sea lions and rays without disturbing their environment, followed by snorkeling in Concha de Perla. Sea lions and rays can be seen there.
Option 2 – Tintoreras Islet by boat: A tour along lava trails to observe marine iguanas and reef sharks, which can be seen from the surface resting in a crystal-clear water channel.
To end the day, we recommend enjoying the sunset at the beachside bars in Puerto Villamil.
Activities: snorkeling, wildlife observation, walking, kayaking, boating.
Highlights: Isabela, Tintoreras Islet, Flamingo Lagoon, Concha de Perla
DAY 4 · Isabela - Volcanic hiking at Sierra Negra and Volcán Chico
We move to the highlands for a hike toward two of the most impressive geological settings in the Pacific. Sierra Negra is home to the second-largest active crater in the world (10 km in diameter). The route continues toward Volcán Chico, where the landscape transforms into colorful lava fields with panoramic views toward the north of the island and Fernandina.
The full hike is 16 km (approx. 6 hours on flat/moderate terrain), but you can opt for the shorter version to the first crater viewpoint if you prefer a lighter day.
After the hike, we will enjoy a lunch with local products at a highland farm before returning to the coast. The evening in Puerto Villamil is free to rest or enjoy the town's relaxed atmosphere.
Activities: hiking, volcanic landscape observation
Highlights: Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela Island, Puerto Villamil, Fernandina.
DAY 5 · Isabela to Santa Cruz - Snorkeling at Los Túneles and arrival at Puerto Ayora
A 45-minute boat ride from the port takes you to Los Túneles, a network of volcanic rock arches surrounded by calm, shallow waters. On the surface, we will observe Galapagos penguins and, occasionally, blue-footed boobies.
In the water, we will experience one of the best snorkeling sessions of the trip: a natural labyrinth where giant sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, and seahorses swim. This is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful sites in the archipelago.
Optimizing logistical time, at the end of the tour we board the boat directly to Santa Cruz.
You have the evening free to explore Puerto Ayora, the city with the widest range of restaurants, shops, and nightlife in the archipelago.
Activities: snorkeling, boating, wildlife observation.
Highlights: Los Túneles, Santa Cruz, Puerto Ayora,
DAY 6 · Giant Tortoises in the wild and Tortuga Bay Beach
In the morning, we head up to the Santa Cruz highlands to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat within a private reserve, as well as exploring an underground lava tunnel.
After lunch, we will take a 3 km walk along a cobblestone path, passing through an Opuntia cactus forest until we reach Tortuga Bay. This white sand beach is perfect for swimming in calm bays and watching marine iguanas sunbathing.
We will walk back to the port at dusk, leaving the evening free to stroll along the Puerto Ayora pier and shop for souvenirs at your own pace.
Activities: walking, wildlife observation, beach, Tortoise nature reserve
Highlights: Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz
DAY 7 · Santa Cruz - Expedition to an uninhabited island
The last day of the expedition is reserved for visiting a completely uninhabited island (such as Bartolomé, known for its iconic lava landscape; North Seymour, famous for the nesting colonies of frigatebirds showing off their red pouches; or Santa Fe, home to endemic land iguanas).
The final destination will depend on the National Park's schedule and availability. This excursion allows you to access pristine ecosystems where human presence is strictly controlled, closing the trip with wildlife sightings in their purest state. Back in Puerto Ayora, you will have the last night free to choose where to dine and enjoy the end of the trip.
Activities: wildlife observation
Highlights: Seymour, Santa Fe, Bartolomé, Puerto Ayora
DAY 8 · Baltra - Farewell and return to the mainland
Our driver will pick you up at the hotel for the trip to the Itabaca Channel and Baltra Island.
During the journey, you will pass by the remains of the old US military base from World War II ("The Rock").
You will have continuous logistical support and accompaniment at every transport stage (ferry and shuttle) until we drop you off at the airport check-in point for your flight back to the mainland, ensuring a comfortable return.
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Included
- Personalized accompaniment at the Quito or Guayaquil airport to facilitate check-in and Galapagos entry procedures.
- Accommodation in double or triple rooms.
- Meals according to itinerary (details of inclusions will be confirmed by the agency)
- Daily excursions led by National Park authorized guides in English.
- Transportation on the islands and between islands (except during free time).
- Isabela port fee, water taxis, Lobito bus ticket in Baltra, ferry to cross to Baltra.
- Flight between San Cristobal and Isabela Island with a maximum of 23 kilos per person (including hand luggage).
- Snorkel equipment: mask, fins, tube, wetsuit and life jacket.
- Excellent equipment for adventure activities such as cycling, kayaking, rowing and diving.
- You will have the exclusive company of your guide on land, while on boat trips you will share the experience in small groups with a naturalist guide.
- Permanent assistance via WhatsApp from our multilingual staff.
Excluded
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($200 per adult and $100 per child).
- TCT Transit Control Card ($20)
- Round trip flight from Mainland Ecuador to Galapagos
- Additional costs for flight delays or cancellations
- Travel insurance (it is mandatory to have insurance that covers repatriation and loss of luggage)
- Tips for guides and boat crew (tips for transfers between islands are not included).
Additional information:
- Keep in mind that although we have pre-arranged packages, all of them can be customized.
- We can add or combine services according to your requirements.
- The program may change due to National Park regulations or weather conditions without prior notice.
- This tour begins at San Cristobal Airport (SCY) and ends at Baltra Airport (GPS).
- The Galapagos time zone is one hour less than that of Mainland Ecuador.
- The official currency of Ecuador is the US dollar.
