The Galápagos: Wildlife of Santa Cruz & Isabela Islands - 8 Days



Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female50%
- Male50%
Average age
Start / End
- Quito
- Quito
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 16Meals included
15Highlights
- Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see and learn all about the giant land tortoises
- Eat lunch in a private reserve to see lava tunnels and giant tortoises in the wild
- Set off on a snorkelling and coastal walking excursion at Los Túneles to spot wildlife
- Kayak at Tortuga Bay
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Summary
Picture sunset cocktails, snorkelling with wildlife, kayaking in turquoise waters off of pristine beaches and spending time tucked away in a boutique hotel overlooking some of the most impressive scenery in all of the Galápagos Islands. The perfect balance of activities, wildlife and free time, this eight-day adventure is packed full of the essential highlights and local flavours of Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands. Stay active in the water and on land with snorkelling excursions and walks along diverse coastal terrain. Savour deliciously fresh cuisine and have lunch at a private reserve featuring giant tortoises in the wild. You’ll learn how important this fascinating, diverse, remote span of islands is to the world, all while hitting the reset button during a tropical island getaway.
Itinerary
Day 1
Quito: Gateway to the Galápagos Islands
Arrive to Quito at any time and transfer to the nearby airport hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, enjoy a welcome dinner in a private room of the hotel, featuring an array of traditional Ecuadorian plates and ingredients.
Day 2
Isabela Island: Welcome to the Galápagos
Start early for a flight to Baltra from Quito. Travel ten minutes by public bus to the ferry port across Canal Itabaca then transfer by private vehicle to Puerto Ayora. Grab some lunch before taking a speed boat to Isabela, keeping an eye out for whales and dolphins along the way. Check into your OMG Stay on the island and spend some free time exploring before an included dinner of delicious local specialties with the group.
Day 3
Isabela Island: Los Túneles Snorkelling
Transfer to the dock after breakfast where your boat awaits. Cruise along to Los Túneles for a thrilling snorkelling excursion to spot marine life under the water, then walk the coastal trail to look for blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and more. Eat lunch onboard the boat on the way back to Puerto Villamil and take the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. Explore on your own, relax in the pool of the hotel or try out one of the many bars and restaurants in town.
Day 4
Isabela Island: Your OMG Day
This morning, choose between a volcano hike or snorkelling excursion. Both options include lunch at a local restaurant on the island. The remainder of the day is free for optional activities offered on Isabela Island, or for lounging by the pool at the hotel property.
Day 5
Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Station & Tortuga Bay Kayaking
Hop on a morning speedboat to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Transfer to the hotel, check in, then visit the Charles Darwin Research Station before lunch. Afterwards, walk to Tortuga Bay for free time to enjoy the beach and kayak in the calm waters. The day ends with a speedboat ride back to town just in time to catch sunset overlooking the ocean.
Day 6
Santa Cruz Island: Life in the Islands and Beach Time
Spend another day traversing Santa Cruz Island from the highlands to the coast, watching the landscape undulate under waves and hills alike. Look for wildlife like sea lions, flamingos and blue footed boobies from along the beach before visiting an organic farm to try the local coffee of the area. Arrive back to town just in time for an optional group dinner.
Day 7
Quito: Back to the Mainland
Spend the day travelling back to Quito. Enjoy a private transfer to Canal Itabaca, board the ferry across, then take a short public bus ride to the Baltra Airport. Fly to Quito and check in to the hotel before a farewell dinner with the group in the historical centre of the city.
Day 8
Quito
Today your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nts).
Meals
Breakfasts: 7, Lunches: 5, Dinners: 3
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Airport Transfers
Arrival OnlyAn airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Aug 25
from £3,380Oct 25
from £3,723Dec 25
from £3,860Jan 26
from £3,860Feb 26
from £3,860Mar 26
from £3,860Apr 26
from £3,723May 26
from £3,723Jun 26
from £3,478Jul 26
from £3,478Aug 26
from £3,478Sep 26
from £3,478Oct 26
from £3,723Nov 26
from £3,723Dec 26
from £3,860
- Save 2%Sat 30 Aug 2025 > Sat 6 Sep 2025Guaranteed Departure🔥1 space of 16 left£3,449Best offer£3,380
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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