Embark on an epic adventure through the Galápagos Islands, where every corner reveals stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. From the crystal-clear waters of Tortuga Bay to the dramatic volcanic scenery of uninhabited islands like Bartolomé, Seymour, Santa Fe, or Plazas, you'll experience nature in its purest form. Explore the rugged terrain of Santa Cruz's highlands, where lush forests and volcanic craters create a truly captivating environment. Whether you're snorkeling alongside playful sea lions or hiking past towering lava formations, every moment offers an opportunity to connect with the raw beauty of the islands. Along the way, encounter extraordinary species that can't be found anywhere else on Earth, from blue-footed boobies to marine iguanas. As you journey through this living paradise, you'll forge unforgettable memories of a land that thrives in its wild, untamed splendor.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival – Santa Cruz Island – Tortuga Bay
Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you’ll be transferred to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. After checking in at your selected hotel and enjoying lunch, you'll set off on an excursion to the stunning Tortuga Bay. The beach is reached via a scenic 45-minute walk along a well-maintained trail surrounded by the island’s distinctive vegetation. Once there, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking white sand beach where you may swim alongside sea turtles and observe marine iguanas and coastal wetlands. After your visit, return to Puerto Ayora. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant, followed by an overnight stay at your hotel. -L/D
Day 2. Full-Day Excursion to a Nearby Island (Bartolomé, North Seymour, Santa Fe, or Plaza) B/L/-
After breakfast, you'll embark on a full-day boat excursion to one of the nearby uninhabited islands, depending on availability.
Bartolomé Island offers a dry landing and is known for its dramatic volcanic landscape and iconic Pinnacle Rock. From the summit, you'll enjoy panoramic views of surrounding islands and two pristine beaches. In the afternoon, a wet landing allows you to walk through shallow water to reach the beach, where you'll have time to explore or relax.
North Seymour Island, reached via the Itabaca Channel, is home to abundant wildlife including blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls. Its dry landing and low vegetation make it ideal for spotting these unique species up close.
Plaza Island, located east of Santa Cruz, is known for its vivid red vegetation, dramatic cliffs, and rich fauna including land iguanas, sea lions, and nesting seabirds. Here, you may also have the opportunity to snorkel in calm, clear waters.
Santa Fe Island, accessible via Puerto Ayora’s pier, is a larger and more rugged island featuring forests of giant Opuntia cacti and cliffs teeming with birdlife. You may spot sea lions, land iguanas, lava lizards, and sea turtles, and enjoy snorkeling in the tranquil lagoon.Lunch is served onboard during your excursion. After your island adventure, you’ll return to Santa Cruz for a free evening and overnight at your hotel.
Day 3. Bay Tour – Highlands – Twin Craters & Giant Tortoises
After breakfast, you’ll set off on an exciting Bay Tour along the coast of Santa Cruz Island, heading toward Academy Bay. One of the highlights is a visit to “La Lobería,” a small islet where you can snorkel and swim alongside playful sea lions—a truly unforgettable experience. The tour also includes stops at several fascinating sites, such as the Channel of Love, Shark Channel, crevices, and Playa de los Perros (Dog Beach). Keep an eye out for white-tip reef sharks, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and other native wildlife. The tour lasts approximately three hours.
After a free lunch, your adventure continues into the highlands of Santa Cruz. Here, you’ll visit the impressive Twin Craters—large sinkholes formed by collapsed lava chambers, surrounded by lush, mist-covered forest teeming with endemic birdlife. Next, you'll explore a local farm where giant Galápagos tortoises roam freely in their natural habitat. As you walk through the area, your guide will explain the conservation efforts led by the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station to restore tortoise populations, once nearly wiped out by introduced predators and human activity. Your evening is free to enjoy dinner at your leisure, followed by an overnight stay at your hotel. B/-/-
Day 4. Excursion to Bartolomé, Seymour, Santa Fe, or Plaza
Based on availability at the time of confirmation, one of the four island excursions—Bartolomé, North Seymour, Santa Fe, or Plazas—will be scheduled for the day. Breakfast will be provided at the hotel, followed by a full-day excursion including lunch. After exploring the selected island, you’ll return to Santa Cruz. The evening is free for dinner at your leisure, with overnight accommodation at your hotel. B/L/-
Day 5. Departure from the Galápagos
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your scheduled transfer to the airport for your return flight. B/-/-
The Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee,paid upon arrival in the Galapagos Islands,is a mandatory tax for all visitors. For international visitors over 12y.o.,the fee is $200. Children under 12 pay $100.
Verified