Galapagos Islands Explorer - 7 Days

Welcome to Quito, South America's cultural heart and a UNESCO-listed treasure. Nestled at the foot of the Pichincha volcano, this colonial gem straddles the equator. Depending on your arrival time, wander its cobbled streets, uncover centuries-old plazas, and feel the pulse of history come alive in the old town. We'll gather with the tour leader and the rest of the group at 18:00, so everyone can get to know each other.

Airport transfers are not included on this tour, but we can arrange them for you.

Quito - Baltra Island (Galapagos Islands) - Puerto Ayora. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your included onward flight to Baltra Island in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred by ferry to Santa Cruz Island, crossing the Itabaca Channel.

Then we travel by car to the Santa Cruz highlands, home to the giant Galapagos tortoises, a lush, volcanic landscape with dense forests, unique flora, and dramatic craters. At a private ranch, search for tortoises and explore lava tubes formed by solidified lava streams.

Afterward, transfer to the hotel and spend the evening at leisure.

This morning, we embark on a half-day tour of Academy Bay. Take a short boat ride from Santa Cruz Island to the bay, where you will have the chance to swim and snorkel alongside sea lions, exotic fish, and other marine life. These curious creatures may even swim right next to you. As we sail, you might even spot the blue-footed boobies, renowned for their striking blue feet, which make them highly sought after by birdwatchers and photographers.

Next, head to a viewpoint where, if you’re lucky, you might spot white-tipped reef sharks swimming below. Afterward, make your way to Playa de los Perros, where you will walk along the beach and potentially see marine iguanas basking in the sun. The deep red colour of the rocks and the turquoise, sparkling ocean provide stunning photo opportunities.

Please note: Make sure to bring all necessary items like a change of clothes and a towel, complimentary snorkel gear is available for those who wish to explore underwater.

Puerto Ayora - Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Today, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the active conservation and preservation initiatives on the Galapagos Islands.

In the afternoon, we travel by speedboat to San Cristobal Island. Upon arrival, we will head to the hotel, where you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, we transfer to the dock for a boat ride across to Isla Lobos, located off the coast of the much larger San Cristobal. Along the way, you may spot various marine animals, such as sea lions, manta rays, and possibly even sharks or dolphins swimming alongside the boat.

Upon arrival, we embark on a tour of the island, exploring the white coral beaches to observe frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, manta rays, sea lions, and occasionally sharks, all thriving in the island’s waters and landscape. You will have some time to enjoy a walk along the beach, swim or spot more wildlife before returning to the hotel.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal) - Quito. Today, you will have the morning at leisure to explore San Cristobal. Later, we transfer to the airport for our included flight back to Quito.

On arrival back in Quito, transfer to the hotel, where you will have the rest of the day at your leisure.

Our tour ends today after breakfast. Your airport transfer is not included, so you can make your way to the airport or continue your travels independently.

Please note: We can arrange airport transfers and pre / post tour accommodation on request.