GALAPAGOS ISLAND HOPPING VS. CRUISES
8 DAYS TOUR
Additional Daytrip Bartelome plus extra night hotel Santa Cruz
- $ 849*
*Additional Daytrip Española (with Waved Albatros) plus extra night hotel Santa Cruz (April – November when the Albatros are present)
- $ 349*
Prices excluding flight and park entrance fees. Mínimum 2 persons.
- $ 349*
- *Prices per person
Payment methods
All payments must be made via bank transfer, credit card, (we use the platform WETRAVEL (2.9% fee) or deposit. All payments are required 30 days BEFORE the program begins.
Read the itinerary
- Galapagos Land Tours: Our island hopping full 8a day package gives you the chance to enjoy the wonderful Galapagos Islands and stay in decent, conveniently located two and three stars hotels. Other that breakfasts, we don’t include meals so you can chose where and what to eat. Flights, and park entry fees are also excluded;
- You may re-arrange the program to your suit your available time and budget. Additional yacht day trips are available for:
- Viewing the Waved Albatros on Espanola Island from April to November when the birds are breeding;
- Scuba diving.
- More Flexible & Affordable: Cruises lock you into fixed itineraries and are at least double or triple the price compared to what we offer;
- Cruises are outrageously expensive for families;
- Island hopping allows you to choose trip length, activities, and accommodation that fits your budget, anything from simple guesthouses to boutique hotels.
- More Time on Land, Less on a Boat: With island hopping, you sleep on land and only take boats when needed (fast ferries take just 2 hours), giving you more relaxed nights and more hours exploring;
- More Comfortable for those prone to Seasickness: Sleeping on land means you avoid the constant rocking of the ship;
- While Islandhopping, you still take boat rides to nearby islands, but only for a few hours at a time;
- Island hopping lets you experience the unique vibe of each island town: Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal), Puerto Villamil (Isabela);
- Easier for Families with Children: Land-based stays give kids space to run around, swim safely at nearby beaches, and enjoy downtime;
Itinerary
Arrival in San Cristóbal & Transfer to Santa Cruz
- Fly into San Cristóbal Island, where your Galápagos journey begins.
- Upon arrival, meet the friendly sea lion colony lounging in the harbor of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno;
- Visit the Interpretation Center for an introduction to the Galapagos islands’ natural and human history;
- In the afternoon, take the speedboat ferry to Santa Cruz;
- Once in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, enjoy a relaxing stroll along the lively boulevard, before indulging in a delicious dinner at one of the open-air restaurants on Charles Binford Street, known for its charming “Quatier Latin” in Paris ambiance:
- Overnight in a comfortable mid-range hotel near the arbor.
Highlands of Santa Cruz
- After breakfast, head into the lush highlands. Explore Los Gemelos, two dramatic twin sinkholes, and then visit Rancho Primicias, where giant tortoises roam freely in their natural environment;
- With a flashlight in hand, descend into a nearby mysterious 400-meter-long lava tunnel formed by ancient eruptions. Be prepaired for a few meters of very low ceiling;
- In the afternoon, ascend Cerro Mesa (800m) for sweeping views across Santa Cruz, Baltra, and the surrounding ocean. From here, you’ll clearly see the contrast between the fertile green highlands and the arid, shrubby lowlands;
- Nearby lies the island’s largest sinkhole, another striking geological wonder.
Yacht Excursion to Bartolomé Island
- Day trip on a yacht to the volcanic wonder of Bartolomé Island. Walk across surreal lava fields dotted with lava lizards and brilliantly colored Sally Lightfoot crabs (Abuete Negro);
- Hike to the summit of the volcano for the iconic view of Pinnacle Rock, one of the Galápagos’ most photographed landmarks;
- Later, snorkel in the waters around Pinacle Rock, where you swim alongside playful Galápagos penguins, tropical fish, and sea turtles;
- Return to Puerto Ayora in the evening.
Isabela Island & Tintoreras
- Take the speedboat ferry to Isabela, the largest of the Galápagos Islands;
- Your excursion to Las Tintoreras Islets reveals a natural haven of wildlife: tiny bays where Galápagos penguins dive and play, a trail crawling with sunbathing marine iguanas, and a lagoon where white tiped sharks rest;
- Snorkel in the sheltered bay among colorful fish, rays, and turtles;
- Just before dawn, visit the Flamingo Lagoon;
- Spend the night in Puerto Villamil, a laid-back beach town.
Sulfur Mines & Return to Santa Cruz
- In the morning, take an excursion to the Sulfur Mines, a fascinating landscape shaped by volcanic activity;
- After returning to Puerto Villamil, board the afternoon speedboat back to Santa Cruz;
- Spend the evening wandering along the boulevard or savoring dinner at your favorite spot on Charles Binford Street. Overnight in Puerto Ayora.
Darwin Station & Las Grietas
- In the morning, visit the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station, home to conservation programs for giant tortoises and land iguanas;
- Afterward, refresh with a swim in the turquoise waters of Las Grietas, a narrow volcanic canyon surrounded by towering rock walls;
- Spend the evening at leisure, strolling the boulevard and enjoying dinner under the stars;
- Overnight in Puerto Ayora.
Relax at Tortuga Bay
- Dedicate your day to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galápagos: Tortuga Bay. Its long stretch of white sand is ideal for walking, sunbathing, or kayaking in the calm lagoon. Marine iguanas, sea turtles, and shorebirds are common companions here;
- Return to Puerto Ayora to dine once more at Binford Street or the boulevard, and enjoy your last evening in town.
Departure
- After breakfast, transfer to Baltra Island Airport. While waiting for your flight, you may spot land iguanas that inhabit the dry landscapes around the terminal;
- Board your flight to Guayaquil or Quito, carrying unforgettable memories of your Galápagos adventure.
Let s Start
