8-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Tour: Isabela, Giant Tortoises, and Snorkeling
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About This Tour in Galapagos Islands
Why Visit Galapagos Islands?
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Galapagos Islands provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Galapagos Islands
You can reach Galapagos Islands, Ecuador by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.
What's Included
- Snorkeling equipment: mask, snorkel, fins and life vest.
- Transportation on and between the Islands as described in the itinerary.
- Airport pickup and drop off at Baltra Airport.
- 24/7 assistance in English, Dutch and Spanish.
- Transportation between Baltra Airport – Itabaca Channel each way.
- Accommodation in a single, double or triple room x 7 nights (based on number of travelers).
What's Not Included
- Round trip flights from mainland Ecuador to Galapagos Islands.
- Entrance fee for the Galapagos National Park.
- Migratory Control Card / Ingala Transit Card
- Isabela dock fee
- Water Taxi around $ 1 p.p. (small boat that takes you from the speedboat to the harbor and back)
- For rent: wetsuit (recommended between May – November): $ 5 p.p. per day cash only.
- Personal travel & health insurance.
- Optional tips for the guide.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Additional Information
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- It is recommended to book flights with an early arrival time to the Galapagos Islands and a late departure time from the Galapagos Islands to make sure you can enjoy all of the activities of the tour. Late arrivals and/or early departures mean you might miss some activities.
- If your flight is delayed or canceled and you cannot make it to Puerto Ayora in time to take the last speedboat to Isabela Island, which departs around 02:00 PM, the team assist you with finding accommodation on Santa Cruz Island but this will be on your own expense. You will miss the planned activities.
- There are no guides on the transportation by public speedboat between islands.
- Try to only bring small baggage/bags since public transportation on the Galapagos Islands is quite small.
- It is important that you will have current travel insurance including personal medical insurance. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.
- Tap water on the Galapagos Islands might contain bacteria and should not be consumed, not even for brushing your teeth. Bottled or purified water is always recommended.
- Inform yourself about food safety when traveling to tropical countries. Take the necessary precaution to avoid food poisoning (always wash your hands before eating, don’t eat ‘street food’, only eat peeled fruits, etc.).
- It is possible that pictures will be taken during your tour, so it is recommended to bring a USB.
- The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.
- In order to process your reservation please help us with all this information: round trip flights from and to Galapagos, room type (twin, matrimonial or triple), Whatsapp phone number (in case you use it).
- For all guests we need: passport numbers, date of birth, nationality, food restrictions, medical restrictions
- The exact amount for the fees mentioned in the 'What's excluded' section will be detailed in the voucher. If you want to know this information beforehand, please contact us through the platform.
- Accommodation is based on number of travelers, if you are traveling with a group, you will be sharing rooms (single rooms require an extra fee).
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Meeting and Pickup
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: Pickup available for all travelers
Itinerary
BALTRA – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND – ISABELA ISLAND
Option 1: Itinerary for flights arriving at Baltra... 6 hours
Option 1: Itinerary for flights arriving at Baltra before 12:00 PM At Baltra airport, an English speaking guide will pick you up to go to Puerto Ayora to enjoy your lunch. After lunch you’ll take the speedboat to Isabela Island. This can be a bumpy ride so provide yourself a waterproof jacket and motion sickness medication if necessary. Upon arrival on Isabela Island, a driver will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.
Option 2: Itinerary for flights arriving at Baltra... 6 hours
Option 2: Itinerary for flights arriving at Baltra after 12:00 PM If your flight is scheduled to arrive after 12:00 PM, you’ll stay at Santa Cruz Island on the first day because the last speedboat to Isabela Island leaves around 03:00 PM. You won’t have lunch in this case. The rest of the tour usually looks like this: Day 2: Santa Fe, Day 3 Tortuga Bay & Charles Darwin Station, Day 4 Santa Cruz highlands, Bahia bay tour, Day 5 morning boat to Isabela, Wetlands & Tintoreras, Day 6 Los Tuneles, Day 7 kayak in Puerto Villamil, visit Isabela highlands, Day 8 morning boat to Santa Cruz and transfer out.
KAYAK IN PUERTO VILLAMIL – ISABELA ISLAND HIGHLANDS
After breakfast your guide will accompany you for... 6 hours
After breakfast your guide will accompany you for a relaxing and beautiful kayak excursion in the bay of Puerto Villamil. Here you will be able to spot various endemic animals such as marine iguanas, sea lions, and penguins. After this, you will return to the hotel for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, you will make your way to the Highlands of Isabela and visit La Cueva de Sucre, The Mango viewpoint, and Campo Duro, which is another place of giant tortoises.
TINTORERAS AND WETLANDS
In the morning, you will have a tour...
In the morning, you will have a tour to The Wetlands where you will visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center to spot small and giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The next activity is a visit to The Wall of Tears. Additionally, you will visit a small lava tunnel. Above the tunnel you can see the intertidal landscape that offers a tapestry of Galapagos Sesuvium between El Túnel del Estero and Love Beach. * Please have in mind that the total length of the walk in The Wetlands area is approximately 3 to 4 hours.
After lunch, you will have a little break...
After lunch, you will have a little break and then you will visit Tintoreras Islet, where white-tip sharks known as Tintoreras come daily to rest at the bottom. You will go to the pier of Puerto Villamil, to board a boat to cross to the islet which is located across the bay. It will be necessary for passengers to use walking shoes or sneakers (closed shoes) to cross the volcanic rocks.
SNORKELING IN LOS TUNELES
Early in the morning, you will go on boat ride from Puerto Villamil 6 hours
Early in the morning, you will go on boat ride from Puerto Villamil. You will explore the brilliant scenery in Los Tuneles which is considered the most beautiful place to snorkel in Isabela Island. Around the Los Tuneles you will find a highly contrasted color for snorkeling with clear, calm water. You will get the chance to spot large quantities of seabirds and species feedings such as tortoises, swimming iguanas, sea lions, manta rays, Galapagos penguins, lobsters, and sea snakes. This exciting activity takes approximately about 6 hours including the boat rides and a snack before a short hike.
CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION – TORTUGA BAY
At 06:00 AM you will take the speedboat... 6 hours
At 06:00 AM you will take the speedboat to Santa Cruz Island where you’ll have breakfast. Then you’ll go to the Charles Darwin Research Station where the guides will explain more about the famous giant tortoises.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit Tortuga Bay
After lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit Tortuga Bay. Think: white sand, captivating blue water and observing marine iguanas, pelicans and flamingos. It is a 2.5 km (30-45 minutes) walk over a paved path from Puerto Ayora. You can swim here. It’s possible to return from Tortuga Bay to Puerto Ayora by boat. This costs $ 10 p.p. + $ 10 for the boat ride of the guide. The departure time is at 05:30 PM.
SANTA FE ISLAND
Brace yourself for an encounter unlike any other 6 hours
Brace yourself for an encounter unlike any other. Today you will either visit Santa Fe or Pinzon Islands. This will depend on the Galapagos National Park Regulations and will be decided on the day the tour operates. If you visit Santa Fe, you will discover a pristine bay with crystal-clear waters for a thrilling snorkeling adventure. Following this, a wet landing awaits at Playa Escondida or the Garrapatero Beach on Santa Cruz Island, giving you ample time to explore this mesmerizing beach. Alternatively, the Pinzon Island tour unveils an amazing display of marine iguanas and playful sea lions. La Fe, is a picturesque beach cradled by mangroves and rocky terrain, showcasing an array of captivating marine life from sea turtles to small sharks and colorful fish. During this specific day tour, you will also have the opportunity to experience "Pezca Vivencial" which is translated as "experiential fishing" focused on the enjoyment and personal connection, rather than just the catch.
BAHIA HALF DAY & SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS HALF DAY TOUR
With the Bay Tour you visit the highlights around Puerto Ayora by boat 6 hours
With the Bay Tour you visit the highlights around Puerto Ayora by boat. The first destination will be La Loberia where you find sea lions. Next you will go to Punta Camaño Islet. Here you will snorkel with sea lions and a large variety of fish. Your next activity will be a visit to the Channel of Love. This is another formation by fissure that results in a beautiful sleepy water channel with excellent scenic beauty. Finally Playa de Los Perros, a 15-minute walk until you reach the beach. In the afternoon you visit the highlands of Santa Cruz with the giant tortoises. You will do a small hike on a privately owned ranch and you can see the big tortoises in their natural habitat.
TRANSFER OUT – BALTRA
After breakfast, you will travel to Baltra Airport... 30 minutes
After breakfast, you will travel to Baltra Airport with a Spanish speaking driver, where you will depart to Quito or Guayaquil. End of services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure…
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
