The Galápagos: Wildlife of Santa Cruz & Isabela Islands
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
4412-9685
Start City:
Quito
End City:
Quito
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
First Class
Tour Length:
8 days
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Jan 18, 2025 | Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
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| Saturday, Nov 29, 2025 | Saturday, Dec 06, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Saturday, Dec 27, 2025 | Saturday, Jan 03, 2026 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
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Tour Itinerary
Set off on a snorkelling and coastal walking excursion at Los Túneles to spot wildlife, Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see and learn all about the giant land tortoises, Kayak at Garrapatero beach, Eat lunch in a private reserve to see lava tunnels and giant tortoises in the wild
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Day 1
Quito: Gateway to the Galápagos IslandsGaze out at the rolling countryside and mountain peaks as you approach Quito, dreaming of the faraway Galápagos Islands that are almost within your reach. Take in a breath of fresh mountain air as you step out of the plane, knowing that soon enough you will be in the equatorial warmth at sea level. We welcome you to Ecuador, and invite you to prepare for one of the most incredible wildlife destinations on the planet—the Galápagos Islands.
Transport: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Activity: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a welcome dinner afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation: Wyndham Quito Airport (or similar)
Meals: Dinner -
Day 2
Isabela Island: Welcome to the GalápagosThe journey is part of the adventure today as you make your way 1000 km from Ecuador's mainland to the Galápagos Islands. Home to creatures found nowhere else in the world, the surrounding marine reserve is a showcase of evolution and a true testament to the melting pot of species found in the islands, both on shore and in the water.
Transport: Sit back and enjoy the flight from Quito to Baltra, the gateway to the Galápagos.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of your private vehicle en route to your lunch stop. First, travel 10 minutes by public bus to the Canal Itabaca ferry for a short ride across, and then via private transfer the group will travel to the lunch stop in Puerto Ayora.
Transport: Cut swiftly through the water en route to the next stop (and hang on to your hat).
Free Time: Enjoy a few hours of free time to enjoy the views on the largest Island in the archipelago.
Accommodation: Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 3
Isabela Island: Los Túneles SnorkellingYou will see firsthand today how unbelievable the wildlife is in the Galápagos Islands, both beneath the water and on land. Strap on the mask to snorkel and swim though the calm, clear and shallow water at Los Túneles—a unique geological site formed by a series of lava flows that created various arcs and tunnels above and below the water.
Activity: Put on your swimsuit, grab a snorkel and head out to explore the waters to see what's living under the sea. In the morning the group will travel by boat to Los Túneles, about a 40 minute ride away from Puerto Villamil. The lava formations and mangroves make this an ideal place for snorkelling. Keep an eye out for eagle rays, sea turtles and large schools of colourful fish. Lunch will be had onboard the boat with excellent views over the water.
Free Time: After returning from snorkelling, the afternoon is yours to explore Isabela Island on your own. Opt to swim, catch some waves with a surfing lesson or hike along nearby coastal trails. Dinner later will also be at your leisure.
Accommodation: Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 4
Isabela Island: Your OMG DayToday you will be able to explore more of Isabela Island on your terms with the choice of two activities. Stick to the land and hike the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of five active ones located on Isabela Island, and rising to an altitude of 1124m. If you are looking for more snorkelling, take to the water and head to Las Tintoreras, an islet to the south of Puerto Villamil that forms part of the national park of the Galápagos Islands. The area is known for the reef sharks that can be seen swimming with fish and other marine life when the tide is low.
Activity: Option 1: Lace up your hiking boots to explore Sierra Negra Volcano, which has the largest basaltic caldera in the Galápagos. The volcano last erupted in June 2018. Hike to the rim of the 10km (6 mi) wide crater. Trek across the moon-like landscape of the lava fields and fumaroles, and enjoy spectacular views looking north toward Fernandina and the rest of Isabela Island. This hike is 7km in total (3.5 km each way). Lunch will be had at a local restaurant. Option 2: Snorkelling excursion to Tintoreras Shark Alley to observe the whitetip reef sharks found swimming in the channels between the rocks. Keep an eye out for sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas and rays as well as the sharks. It's the perfect place to glide along watching the magic unfold under the water's surface. Enjoy a small calm turquoise bay and loads of wildlife. Lunch will be had at a local restaurant.
Free Time: Spend a free afternoon on Isabela Island. Opt for more swimming or snorkelling, bike to the Wall of Tears or book a surf lesson. If you're looking for a more relaxing afternoon, spend it lounging in the sun with a good book.
Accommodation: Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 5
Santa Cruz Island: Tortuga Bay & Charles Darwin Research StationSwap islands today and travel to the second largest—Santa Cruz—located in the centre of the archipelago. You'll walk to Tortuga Bay, spend time at the beach named for its black sea turtles that nest there, and bask in the sun along this inviting stretch of white sand. Back in town, you will visit the research centre responsible for many of the studies conducted on the islands about the fascinating and prehistoric land tortoises.
Activity: Enjoy a walk along a lava stone pathway to the beautiful white beach of Tortuga Bay. Relax on the beach, walk along the mangroves looking for marine iguanas and birdlife or maybe rent a kayak. Look for sea turtles and manta rays in the shallow areas under clear turquoise waters on the south side of Santa Cruz Island. Keep an eye out for nearby pelicans, blue-footed boobies and other seabirds.
Transport: Cut swiftly through the water this morning en route to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.
Activity: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organization initiated in 1964, which works to preserve the Galápagos' ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers and volunteers. While the offices themselves are not open to visitors, the research station provides a study location for international scientists and environmental education for the local community. Walk around the grounds and visit the exhibition hall to learn more about this important and historical organization.
Accommodation: Angermeyer Waterfront Inn (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 6
Santa Cruz Island: Life in the Islands and KayakingTravel to the highlands to a private ranch to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat and visit some lava tunnels. After lunch, stop by a working sugar cane mill where you can learn about the different distilling processes and techniques before heading to Garrapatero beach for some kayaking, tidal pool gazing or wildlife spotting in the lagoon. Enjoy a signature cocktail-making experience in the evening at sunset.
Activity: Head to Santa Cruz's verdant highlands. This is a perfect place to hike through the grounds and see giant tortoises in their natural environment, before savouring an included lunch.
Activity: Visit a traditional sugar cane mill to learn about the local products produced by the Galápagos islanders, including different sugar cane distilling techniques. Learn also about the other organic products grown on site and on other parts of the islands like coffee, cacao and vegetables.
Activity: Paddle around the small lagoon and different coves near Garrapatero Beach. The group will travel here from Puerto Ayora and take a short walk along a trail past the small lagoon to the water. Once here, spend time kayaking the shoreline, swimming and relaxing in the sand.
Activity: Head to The Point and watch the sunset on the island of Santa Cruz with a cocktail-making experience, where you will learn how to prepare their signature drink along with a snack. Listen as the waves crash nearby and the sounds of wildlife close out the day.
Accommodation: Angermeyer Waterfront Inn (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 7
Quito: Back to the MainlandWhile it's time to bid the islands farewell, there's no doubt your days here will be remembered. Incredible up-close encounters with animals and immersion into ecosystems that remain largely unchanged in a pristine slice of paradise will remain etched in your memory forever.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of your private vehicle en route Baltra Airport. First, travel 40 minutes to the Itabaca Canal ferry for a short ride across, then the group will finish the journey to the airport via public bus.
Transport: Sit back and enjoy the flight from Baltra Airport back to Quito.
Accommodation: Hotel Hilton Colon (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 8
QuitoToday your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time.
Activity: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
Private vehicle, speedboat, ferry, walking.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your OMG Day: Hike Sierra Negra or Tintoreras Snorkelling Excursion, Isabela Island Your Local Living Moment: El Trapiche Visit, Santa Cruz Island. Complimentary arrival transfer. Welcome dinner. Snorkelling Excursion at Los Túneles. Tortuga Bay Walk. Charles Darwin Research Station Visit. Garrapatero Beach Kayaking. Highlands Giant Tortoises Visit. Sunset cocktail-making experience. Free time on Isabela Island and Santa Cruz Island. Internal flights. Farewell dinner. All tips included for activities and meals, except for CEO and porterage. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Health and Safety Protocols for G Adventures Tours
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Your safety, as well as the safety of employees and partners, has always been G Adventures top priority, which is why new physical distancing and cleaning measures have been put in place on all of the tours. New Travel with Confidence policy features new health and safety procedures from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, without taking away from having the time of your life. The policy will evolve as time goes on and as G Adventures continues to monitor local public health recommendations, but what won't change is the commitment to keeping you safe as you explore big, beautiful world.
Before you join us
Global Connection Officers
GCOs (the people who answer when you call us) are available 24/7 to help with any questions you have prior to your trip, so you can feel confident and safe before leaving. No matter what time of day, they're there to respond to you — even at 3AM. They'll be up to date on local regulations and restrictions and can guide you through your travel process as smoothly as possible. And if you don't feel well before travelling, there's the Book with Confidence policy that helps you reschedule your trip for when you do, which they can help you with too (terms & conditions apply). If you book flights with us and there are any changes, rest assured that the team will support you by making new arrangements on your behalf.
Smaller groupsGroups have always been small. This offers security, access, camaraderie, and a connection with your destination you won't get by travelling on bus tours or on your own. The average group size is 12, ensuring travellers can engage with each other without being squeezed together like sardines — and that was before physical distancing became a reality. Plus, if you have 8 or more friends you'd like to adventure with, you can reserve the entire trip!
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When you arrive
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- They can help you find local clinics if you're feeling sick
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- They have extensive local knowledge to proactively help you navigate wherever you're travelling
- Their local knowledge allows for greater flexibility when it comes to knowing the best time to visit certain highlights to avoid crowds whenever possible and suggesting the restaurants with the strictest hygiene practices or those where you can reserve your own table or room in advance
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Travellers' safety and wellbeing is G Adventures biggest concern. If you're not feeling well before your departure, G Adventures has a Book with Confidence policy that provides you with flexibility and freedom to delay leaving until you're back to 100% healthy (terms & conditions apply). If you have a fever or any other symptoms on tour, you may be required to have a doctor clear you before rejoining us. All travellers are requested to bring face coverings, whether they're buffs, face masks or bandanas (extra style points encouraged). G Adventures makes every effort to have hand sanitizer available, but recommend bringing your own.
While on tour
Planes, trains, automobiles and more
Small private transport vehicles
- Every surface in G Adventures well-kept fleet of private vehicles will get at least one daily deep cleaning
- Each traveller will have a daily assigned seat
- Hand-sanitizer will be required every time you board the vehicle
- Facial coverings will be recommended while on-board
- Every surface will get at least one daily deep cleaning
- High-traffic areas will receive more frequent cleaning
- Hand-sanitizer or hand washing will be required every time you board the boat, as well as before and after meals
- To support physical distancing, meals may have assigned seating and there will be assigned slots for activities and rooming
- Facial coverings will be recommended and welcomed on-board
- Your crew is trained in health and safety measures (including food handling) and all cooking staff will follow up-to-date advice from health authorities
- Use of local transportation will be limited wherever possible. Please reference the Trip Details for each individual tour for specifics
- If local transportation is used, precautions will be followed in adherence to local health and safety regulations to keep travellers safe and sound.
G Adventures has always carefully selected accommodation partners for high standards and local roots. Travelling in small groups means that the stay is in smaller hotels too, with fewer guests — which means less daily contact with others outside your group in public spaces. Now G Adventures is working with accommodation partners to optimize their health, safety and cleanliness procedures, as well as creating additional measures for physical distancing. Here are some of the things G Adventures is working on to help keep you safe:
- Daily deep cleaning and disinfecting of all surface areas inside your room with extra cleaning on light switches, door handles, TV remotes, and thermostats
- No hotel staff will enter your room after it has been cleaned
- Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting of all public restrooms and all surfaces in public areas. This might include the closure of public spaces such as gyms, bars, restaurants, and meeting rooms for periods throughout the day
- Wherever possible, groups will stay on the lower floors to limit elevator use
- Hotels will implement social distancing protocols in line with local regulations
G Adventures has always carefully selected food service partners and worked closely with them to ensure they are meeting health, safety, and cleanliness standards with their facilities, staff training, and food preparation and delivery. Wherever possible, G Adventures will reserve separate tables or private rooms at the restaurants visited on the trip, opt for more "al fresco" opportunities when it is possible (gotta love that fresh air!), and ensure breakfasts can be "grab and go" boxes, while avoiding family style or self-serve buffets for meals. G Adventures wants you to feel comfortable and safe as you savour every last bite.
ActivitiesYou've always had freedom and flexibility to do your own thing on tours with optional activities and experiences. Now, you'll still have those options with added measures to keep you healthy and safe. All equipment for activities on tour, including hiking poles, camping supplies, life jackets, snorkels, etc., will be cleaned thoroughly at least once a day and disinfected between use. When travellers are responsible for putting up their own tents on camping itineraries, you will be given the supplies required to disinfect your gear. G Adventures will also do their best to make activities and highlights stops happen during non-peak hours, so you can have fun and feel safe no matter what you're doing.
Before you leave
A healthy goodbye
If you're not feeling well at the end of your tour for any reason, let your CEO know and they can help get you access to medical care and support. Because we want you to head home after a life-changing experience feeling just as good (let's be honest, way better) than when you left.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
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Operator: GlobusStarts
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