Step into the Galápagos Islands for a 7-day adventure across Santa Cruz and Isabela. See giant tortoises, snorkel with sea lions, hike volcanoes, and learn about vital conservation efforts while exploring one of the planet’s most unique ecosystems. This journey blends wildlife encounters, active exploration, and opportunities to understand the delicate balance of island life.
Afternoon: Check in at the hotel in Puerto Ayora. Explore Las Grietas by walking through a cactus forest to a volcanic swimming pool. Alternatively, hike to Tortuga Bay for an 8 km roundtrip walk through arid zones to a white sand beach, where calm waters allow swimming, kayaking, and spotting Tintoreras sharks, marine iguanas, or rays. Meals included: None.
Afternoon: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about captive breeding programs for giant tortoises and conservation projects aimed at eradicating invasive species. Explore dry native forest and giant cacti while spotting Darwin’s finches, mockingbirds, and flycatchers. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
Afternoon: Bike or walk to the Wall of Tears and surrounding wetlands. Explore beaches, lagoons, mangroves, and estuaries while watching marine iguanas, flamingos, and land tortoises. The 5 km journey includes multiple viewpoints of the southern coast of Isabela. Meals included: Breakfast (box lunch to go).
Afternoon: Optional visit to Concha de Perla lagoon for snorkeling through mangroves. Alternatively, upgrade to the Los Túneles tour for extended snorkeling and exploration of lava arches and tunnels, observing white-tip sharks, sea turtles, seahorses, stingrays, and tropical fish. Meals included: Breakfast (box lunch to go).
Afternoon: Option to visit Sulphur Mines by descending into fumaroles after a 3 km hike, observing volcanic activity, unique flora, and panoramic landscapes. If Los Túneles snorkel tour was not done on Day 4, it can be scheduled today.
Afternoon: Leisure time to visit Las Grietas, hike Tortuga Bay again, or explore Puerto Ayora. Meals included: Breakfast (box lunch to go).
The Galápagos Islands sit 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador, comprising volcanic islands with diverse ecosystems. Santa Cruz and Isabela offer a mix of lush highlands, arid zones, mangroves, and beaches. Wildlife is abundant, from giant tortoises in the highlands to penguins and sea lions along the coasts. Visitors can witness active volcanoes, lava tunnels, and unique marine environments.
Santa Cruz Island is home to Puerto Ayora, the largest town, featuring research centres, local markets, and easy access to natural sites. Isabela, the largest island, showcases volcanic landscapes, remote beaches, and hiking trails leading to calderas and fumaroles. Both islands provide a rare opportunity to experience unspoiled wildlife habitats in a responsible and educational manner.
Participants stay in mid-range hotels with options for single, twin, or double rooms. Rooms are comfortable with basic amenities and easy access to town and tour pick-up points. Hotels provide breakfast and access to water dispensers. Optional extras can include local excursions or private guided walks around town.
Hotels on both islands are selected for their proximity to key sites and ease of transfers to piers and tour locations. They offer a combination of comfort and practicality, ensuring restful evenings after full days of exploration. Rooms are cleaned daily and staff can assist with arranging optional excursions or local experiences.
Participants must be at least 9 years old and capable of moderate hiking and swimming. Physical fitness is recommended for volcano hikes, walking tours, and snorkeling. Participants should be prepared for varying temperatures, with 19–31°C air temperatures depending on the season and 17–24°C water temperatures.
Comfortable closed shoes, sun protection, and hydration are required. Optional activities such as snorkeling or kayaking are not mandatory but participants should have basic swimming ability. Health considerations, including seasickness or mobility limitations, should be discussed in advance.
The centre provides guided tours led by certified Naturalist Guides with extensive knowledge of Galápagos wildlife and ecosystems. Tours are designed to combine education, conservation, and exploration in a safe, enjoyable way.
All transfers, speedboats, and excursions are arranged for seamless travel between islands. The team prioritises small group sizes, responsible tourism, and personalised attention, ensuring participants leave with a deeper understanding of the Galápagos environment and its conservation needs.
The Galápagos Islands can be visited year-round, but January to June offers warmer waters around 24°C, ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The drier months, July to December, have cooler waters averaging 17°C and bring slightly drier conditions for hiking and exploring volcanic terrain. Wildlife behaviours differ by season, with breeding activity typically higher during warmer months.
During cooler months, water temperatures may require a long wetsuit for comfort while snorkeling. Afternoon showers are possible throughout the year, so a light rain jacket is recommended. Wildlife sightings remain abundant in all seasons, including giant tortoises, iguanas, penguins, and a variety of seabirds.
Hikes, volcano climbs, and walking tours vary in difficulty from easy beach walks to multi-kilometre routes on volcanic terrain. Sierra Negra volcano is the longest hike at 16 km over 5–7 hours, while the Wall of Tears and wetlands walk is around 5 km.
Snorkelling and optional cycling require basic swimming and stamina but are suitable for most fitness levels. Daily travel includes speedboats, taxis, and short walks to ensure ample rest. Closed, comfortable shoes are recommended for uneven surfaces and rocky trails.
Breakfast is included daily, with box breakfasts for early morning departures. Lunch is included on some excursions such as Tintoreras Bay and Charles Darwin Research Station visits.
Dinners are generally not included, allowing time to explore local restaurants in Puerto Ayora or Puerto Villamil. Budget $10–$20 per meal. Hotels can provide recommendations or arrange optional dining experiences for convenience.
Accommodations are mid-range hotels with single, twin, or double occupancy rooms. Rooms are equipped with basic amenities, daily housekeeping, and easy access to piers and tour pick-up locations.
Hotels are conveniently located near town centres, offering water dispensers, Wi-Fi, and staff assistance for booking optional activities. Special room requests can be made in advance to ensure comfort.
Yes, snorkelling excursions are guided with equipment including mask, snorkel, and fins provided. Guides offer instructions and supervise safety.
Locations such as Tintoreras Bay and Los Túneles have calm waters suitable for beginners. Wetsuits are available for rent to accommodate seasonal water temperatures. Children should be accompanied by adults during snorkelling activities.
Transfers between Santa Cruz and Isabela are via speedboat with water taxi services at each pier. Luggage inspections by the Galápagos Biosecurity Agency are required.
Tickets and municipal fees are paid in cash. Travel time is around 2.5 hours, with scenic views along the route. Guides coordinate all transfers to ensure smooth logistics.
Yes, optional excursions include snorkeling at Concha de Perla, Los Túneles, kayaking, or extended hikes. Optional activities may have additional costs and should be booked in advance to secure availability.
Optional activities complement the main itinerary without interfering with scheduled tours. Guides can advise on the difficulty and suitability of each activity before departure.
Expect to see giant tortoises, land and marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins, frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, flamingos, and various endemic finches.
Snorkeling brings encounters with sea turtles, rays, seahorses, and reef fish. Each island has unique ecosystems: Santa Cruz features highland tortoises, while Isabela showcases volcanic landscapes, penguins, and marine wildlife.
About the centre
Puerto Villamil
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