Classic Galapagos
Did you know? The beginning of the breeding season of the marine iguanas varies from island to island, but generally take place between december and january over a period of slightly over three weeks. Males defend 1.2 -38.8 m2 display territories by boobing their heads or fighting head -to- head with intruders.
4N / 5D
989 USD (PER PERSON IN TWIN SHARE)
Single supplement
$ 357
Accommodation
- Tourist
Start & finish
Santa Cruz to San Cristobal Island
Daily departures on request
4N / 5D
1,239 USD (PER PERSON IN TWIN SHARE)
Single supplement
$ 769
Accommodation
- Tourist Superior
Start & finish
Santa Cruz to San Cristobal Island
Daily departures on request
NOTE: We recommend to book flights with an early arrival time to Baltra airport, Santa Cruz Island (before 11:00am) in order to make sure you can catch the local speedboat that leaves at 14:00 pm to Isabela Island.
If your flight is scheduled to arrive after 11:00 am you’ll stay at Santa Cruz island on the first day because the last speedboat to Isabela leaves around 14:00 pm. In case of this occurring Galatrails will do its best to accommodate your needs.
Baltra –Santa Cruz
Upon arrival to Baltra Island our local representative will wait for you in the arrivals hall and help you transfer from Seymour airport by an airport bus (10 min ride) and a ferry ride (5min) to the north side of Santa Cruz where our representative will take you to the town of Puerto Ayora in about 45 minutes.
Baltra –Santa Cruz – Isabela Island
Upon arrival to Baltra Island our local representative will wait for you in the arrivals hall and help you transfer from Seymour airport by an airport bus (10 min ride) and a ferry ride (5min) to the north side of Santa Cruz where our driver will take you to the town of Puerto Ayora in about 45 minutes.
The same afternoon you are sailing unaccompanied to Isabela Island by public speedboat (2 hours). Speedboat rides can be bumpy therefore prepare yourself with seasickness medication.
Isabela is the largest island of the archipelago, it has more than 58% of the entire land area of the Galapagos, and consist of a chain of six young volcanoes that are intermittently active.
Upon arrival to Puerto Villamil our representative will meet you at the port and take you to your accommodation.
Enjoy your free evening hours on this remote Island. Isabela´s sunsets on the beach are well known for their beauty.
Isabela Island/ tuneles (B,L)
This is a 5 hour tour approximately. First, we leave by local boat from Puerto villamil town, we pass by Union rock a formation in the middle of the ocean where you can see some marine birds, than we continue to “los tuneles” a unique rock formation an hour offshore. These unique formations are a series of above ocean archs which create tunnels for a unique snorkeling experience. We walk along the rock formations and get our closest encounter with blue footed boobies, these birds are amazingly completely unflustered by having humans around. Next we will snorkel, these formations are home to a variety of Galapagos wildlife where with some luck you can snorkel with penguins, sea turtles, parrot fish, sea horses or experience an underwater cave full of sleeping sharks and Golden rays.
We will all enjoy lunch on board and you will return to your hotel for some free time on the island. Make sure you don’t miss the beach view sunset on this enchanted island.
Isabela Island/Sierra Negra & Chico volcano (B,L)
Today you will visit one of Isabela’s most impressive attractions the Sierra Negra and Chico Volcano. Sierra Negra is one of the most active volcanoes of the archipelago and a recent eruption took place in 2005. Sierra Negra has the second largest crater in the world, with a diameter of 7.46 miles. Volcano Chico has an overwhelming “lunatic” landscape with fascinating lava formations.
The 16 km hike is a challenge because of its different terrains and depending on the climate can be hot, humid, muddy and/or rocky. For this hike it´s recommended to have proper hiking boots, sun protection, and 2 liters of water per person.
After this excursion if you have free time you can enjoy some activities (not included) such as:
- Snorkeling in “Concha y Perla” Bay
- Surfing
- Biking
- Visit Isabela Interpretation Center (Giant and babies tortoises from different volcanoes)
- Flamingos lagoon
- Visit the famous “Wall of tears”. This wall is an example of human history on the islands. Around 1946, this island was a penal colony. Prisoners were kept busy carrying sharp lava rocks to form this wall. Here you have beautiful view points and sometimes you can see giant tortoises walking around freely
After Sierra Negra or your optional excursion you can return to your hotel for a relaxing night before you return bright and early to Santa Cruz the next morning.
Included activity
- Hike to Sierra Negra and Chico volcano
Isabela / San Cristobal Island (B,L)
In the afternoon you take a short flight for 40 minutes from Isabela to San Cristobal island, at your arrival our guide will meet you and your tour starts with a visit to the Interpretation Center which will bring you closer to the human history of the archipelago. Learn more about the discovery and colonization of Galapagos. We continue with a walk to the Frigate bird hill where we can enjoy spectacular views over the island as well as the very well known Kicker Rock.
Included activity
- Interpretation Centre Visit
- Frigatebird hill
Departure day (B)
This morning you are transferred back to the airport where you catch your plane back to Ecuador mainland (flight is not included).
Please advise 15 days prior to the tour your arrival and departure flight details.
Check our multiple hotel locations available pending availability.
Touristic or similar / Isabela Island
https://www.hoteliguanagalapagos.com https://www.hostalgrantortuga.com
Touristic Superior or similar / Isabela Island
https://www.cormorantbeachhouse.com https://www.ecogalapagoshotels.com
Touristic or similar / San Cristobal Island
Touristic Superior or similar / San Cristobal Island
For your information this trip is not a group tour. You will be guided during activities by various naturalist guides from the Galapagos National Park. During the activities you will meet other passengers from other tour companies which makes a great chance to meet other travelers. Transiting in the speedboats from island to island you will be on your own but your well looked after as we take the hassle out of all the logistics. Tour Operations in Galápagos, are subject to space availability and itineraries may change, due to weather conditions, operational and logistical matters, so the number of excursions and visits are limited, so not specific excursion can be guaranteed.
INCLUSIONS
- 4 Nights Accommodation
- Naturalist Guide (during activities)
- Activities described in the itinerary
- Snorkeling Equipment during excursions
- 4 breakfast, 3 lunches
- $ 10 isabela island entrance fee
- Transportation
- 24/7 Emergency contact
EXCLUSIONS
- Flights between Quito, Guayaquil and the Galapagos.
- 100 USD park entry fee - cash only.
- 20 USD fee - cash only
- 15 USD meals not described in the tour, per person, per day.
- Tips
- Extra expenses
- Optional activities
