galapagos islands day tours

Day Tours in Galapagos

A day tour in Galapagos is an adventure that you will always remember. Visits to these islands are made only by day trips departing from Santa Cruz , San Cristóbal and Isabela islands. These excursions are done aboard a yacht and have various activities such as: walks, snorkeling, experiential fishing, and you can also admire landscapes, volcanoes, birds, land and marine animals, and unique flora only found in Galapagos. Tours of 4, 5 or more days visit: Tours to Galapagos.

Tours from Santa Cruz Island

Being in the middle of the Galapagos map, Santa Cruz island provides easy access to several islands such as: Bartolomé, North Seymour, Daphne, Santa Fe, and Pinzon.

Bartolome Island Tour

Get to know the magnificent landscapes offered by Bartolomé island and its iconic Pinnacle. Enjoy snorkeling with colorful fish, sharks and penguins. Activities: 80% Hiking and 20% Snorkeling. From $245 per person.

North Seymour Island Tour

Seymour Island is home to birds such as male red-chested frigates, blue-footed boobies, and yellow land iguanas. Activities: 80% Hiking and 20% Snorkeling. From $230 per person.

Tour to Isabela Island

Visit the giant tortoise breeding center, wetlands, flamingo pool, penguins, and Tintoreras Islet. Activities: 80% Hiking and 20% Snorkeling. From $185 per person.

Tour 180° from Santa Cruz Island

In this 180° tour you will visit Santa Cruz, Pinzon and Daphne islands, snorkel and see starfish, sea lions, whitetip reef sharks and sea birds. Activities: 90% Snorkeling and 10% Hiking. From $200 per person.

Tour to Cormorant Point in Floreana Island

On this tour, you will visit Cormorant Point to observe the majestic flamingos, as well as snorkel at Enderby Islet with sea turtles, sea lions and starfish. Activities: 80% Snorkeling and 20% Hiking. From $185 per person.

Tour to Pinzon Island

Here you can enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles, Galapagos sharks, white tip sharks, sea lions and more. Activities: 95% Snorkeling and 5% Hiking. From $155 per person.

Tour to Santa Fe Island

Here you can play and snorkel with sea lions because the island has one of the largest sea lion colonies. In addition you can see fish and sea turtles. Activities: 80% Snorkeling and 20% Hiking. From $145 per person.

Tour to Floreana Island

Learn about the history of the first settlers of the Galapagos Islands, pirates, colorful iguanas, and beautiful landscapes. Activities: 80% Hiking and 20% Snorkeling. From $185 per person.

Bay Tour on Santa Cruz Island

Visit the area around Santa Cruz Island, discover La Lobería, the Canal de Tiburones, the Canal del Amor, the Playa de los Perros and las Grietas. Activities: 50% Hiking and 50% Snorkeling. From $60 per person.

El Chato Reserve Highland tour

"El Chato Reserve is located in the highland of Santa Cruz Island, in this highland tour you can admire the giant galapagos tortoises and the lava tunnels. Activities: 100% Hiking. From: $120 (1 or 2 people)

Tour to Plaza Sur island

Admire the beautiful landscape that this island offers, also meet the unique and amazing hybrid iguanas exist in the Galapagos Islands. Activities: 80% Hiking and 20% Snorkeling. From $260 per person.

Tours from Isabela Island

This island is located 2 hours away by ferry from Santa Cruz Island. From here you can do activities such as the excursion to the Sierra Negra volcano and snorkeling in the Tunnels.

Tour to Los Tuneles, Cabo Rosa

The volcanic Lava Tunnels is an unforgettable experience. You will be able to see seahorses, penguins, sea turtles, and birds. Activities: 80% Snorkeling and 20% Hiking. From $160 per person.

Sierra Negra Volcano Tour

Get to know the largest active volcano in the Galapagos Islands. Walk on volcanic lava in one of the best places for trekking in South America. Activity: 100% Hiking. From $65 per person.

Sierra Negra Volcano Sulfur Mines Tour

Visit the Sierra Negra volcano and admire the sulfur mines. Activity: 100% Hiking. From $100 por persona.

Kayak tour Islote Tintoreras Isabela

Tour the area around the Tintoreras islet in a kayak or paddleboard; you can see sea lions, blue sharks, turtles, and fish. Activities: 100% Kayak. From $68 per person.

Tours from San Cristobal Island

Take a plane or a two hour ferry ride from Santa Cruz island to the beautiful San Cristóbal island. From here you can easily access the famous Kicker Rock or do the 360 tour around the island.

Tour 360º of San Cristobal

Get to know all of San Cristóbal Island. You will visit Cerro Brujo, Kicker Rock, beaches, and you can try your hand at experiential fishing. Activities: 90% Snorkeling and 10% Hiking. From $190 per person.

Tour to Kicker Rock

Kicker Rock is known for having one of the best places for snorkeling, you can see Galapagos sharks, Hammerhead sharks, rays, sea lions, and do some birdwatching. Activity: 80% Snorkeling and 20% Hiking. From $160 per person.

Tour to El Junco lagoon

Visit the highlands of San Cristóbal Island and the beautiful El Junco lagoon, Giant Tortoise Breeding Center and Puerto Chino beach. Activity: 100% Hiking. From $135

Tour to Española Island

Visit Punta Suarez, home to wavy albatrosses, blue footed boobies, hawks, mockingbirds, and snorkel off the beautiful Garden Bay Beach. Activities: 80% Hiking and 20% Snorkeling. From $272 per person.

Daily diving tours in Galápagos

Diving in Galápagos

Daily diving tours in the Galapagos Islands, the best sites and places that the archipelago has to offer are Gordon Rocks, Floreana Island, Santa Fe Island and more. Activities: Dive. From $235 per person.

Inter-island transportation

To move between inhabited islands you have to take a light aircraft or a boat called Ferry.

Flying between islands in a light aircraft

Travel comfortably and in less time between islands, know about schedules and airports. Flight time: 40 - 45 minutes.

Ferry routes

Learn more about the routes, schedules and buy your ticket in advance. Navigation: 2 hours per route. $40 per person.

Transfer in and out.

Transportation from Baltra Airport to Puerto Ayora

We will meet you at the Baltra airport to transfer safely and reliably to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. From $85 / 1 person.

Visit the Galapagos Islands in more depth with four to seven day packages.

Tourist packages

If you are looking to explore the Galapagos Islands in depth, your best option is the tour packages that offer tours from 4 to 7 days.

Tell us your plan, we will take care of everything. We live in Galapagos!

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9 Best Galapagos Day Tours To See Incredible Wildlife

By: Author Lora Pope

Posted on July 4, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking and making a purchase through the links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my disclaimer for more information. This and display ads allow me to keep the site up to date and give back .

Have you been wondering about the best Galapagos day tours? I’ve got you covered!

I spent three weeks island-hopping through this nature lovers’ paradise, going on just about every tour in the Galapagos there is.

Some are better than others, and I’m sharing which ones are worth your money in this post.

My Top 3 Picks: Galapagos Day Tours

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Full Day San Cristobal Tour

✅ See frigate birds and blue-footed boobies

✅ Snorkel with sea lions

✅ Chance to see hammerhead sharks

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Highlands Tour

✅ See giant tortoises up close

✅ Walk through lava tunnels

✅ Best land tour in the Galapagos

Los Tuneles

✅ See Galapagos penguins

✅ Best place to see seahorses

✅Snorkel with sharks and sea lions

As a digital nomad, connecting with nature when I’m not working is one of my favorite ways to destress from working online while traveling – and the Galapagos Islands are one of the best places in South America to do just that.

They are one of the last untouched places on this planet – I’ve never felt so connected to nature as I did there. It’s truly my favorite wildlife experience to date.

While many people think you have to do an all-inclusive cruise to see the Galapagos Islands, that’s not the case. It’s possible to visit the islands on your own and take Galapagos day tours for wildlife viewing.

In fact, island hopping in the Galapagos is the more economical, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible way to go, as your money will be going directly back to the island and conserving wildlife.

There are many day tours in the Galapagos you can take from the main four islands, and some are much better than others. To save you money and time, I’m sharing the ones worth going on in this guide.

Best Day Tours In The Galapagos From San Cristobal

1. full day san cristobal tour.

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   9 hours | ✅  Book it!

This full-day tour is a must-do if you’re visiting San Cristobal island in the Galapagos. It includes visiting Isla Lobos, an island about an hour away from San Cristobal.

Once you arrive, the guide will take you on an hour hiking trail to look for wildlife.

Isla Lobos is the only place in the Galapagos Islands where I saw the frigate birds up close. It also happened to be the frigate birds’ mating season, which made the experience all the more special. 

The male frigate birds will inflate their necks during this time to court a mate. It’s unbelievable how big they can get!

Isla Lobos was also where I first saw the incredible blue-footed boobies. On this tour , we saw many different life stages of the boobies. Some were trying to court a mate, while others were nesting with their eggs. We even saw a whole family of them snuggled up. Aww!

The landscape of Isla Lobos is rocky and wild. Wear closed-toe shoes for this day tour, as walking in sandals is difficult. As we walked along the rocks, we saw hundreds of marine iguanas.

Isla Lobos is also a perfect place to jump in the turquoise water and go snorkeling.

As soon as we jumped in the water, baby sea lions came to play with us! This happens all over the Galapagos, but I never got tired of it.

After Isla Lobos, you’ll be taken to Kicker Rock, an amazing landmark and place to snorkel. You can spot sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, Galapagos sharks, tropical fish, and maybe even hammerhead sharks there.

This was an excellent tour especially the last stop at Kicker Rock. Here we saw at least 2 dozen large hammerhead sharks swimming 10 – 20 meters below us! – Walter (read more reviews here)

This tour includes:

• Snorkel equipment (mask and fins)
• Naturalist guide certified by the PNG

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

2. Española Island from San Cristobal

⭐️  RATING:  Not yet rated | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   9 hours | ✅  Book it!

Known for its diverse range of fascinating species, this tour to Española Island promises an up-close and personal experience with some of the best wildlife you’ll find in these enchanted islands.

Once you arrive on these uninhabited islands, you’ll go on a two-hour walking tour, allowing you to explore the island’s breathtaking landscapes and come face to face with the majestic Galapagos albatross, the charismatic blue-footed boobies, and the curious iguanas that roam the island.

Your expert guide will be there every step of the way, sharing fascinating insights and ensuring you don’t miss a moment of this incredible wildlife spectacle.

After your exploration on land, it’s time to set sail to Gardner Islet to go snorkeling.

Keep your eyes peeled for sharks gracefully gliding through the depths and playful sea lions darting in and out of the underwater playground. Don’t worry about packing any gear because all the necessary snorkeling equipment is provided on this tour.

One of the best parts of this day tour is that it operates with small groups, ensuring you receive personalized attention from your knowledgeable guide.

With a smaller group, you’ll have more opportunities to ask questions, interact with your guide, and fully absorb the beauty and wonder of Española Island.

Galapagos Day Tours From Santa Cruz Island

3. diving at gordon rocks.

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   7-8 Hours | ✅  Book it!

Diving in the Galapagos does not come cheap, but it is worth every penny. Two of the best dive sites in the Galapagos are Gordon Rocks and North Seymour Island.

This tour begins with a scenic boat ride from Puerto Ayora to the northeast side of Santa Cruz Island.

Gordon Rocks is one of the best places in the world to find hammerhead sharks and oceanic sunfish.

You can also see Galapagos sharks, white-tip reef sharks, giant sea turtles, stingrays, moray eels, Galapagos eels, Barracudas, and various colorful reef fish.

This Galapagos diving day trip felt like I was in an episode of Planet Earth!

To dive at Gordon Rocks, you need to be an open-water diver and have a minimum of 25 logged dives due to the strong currents.

I didn’t have enough dives, but the instructors tested my skills at the first dive site, Seymour, to decide if I could dive at Gordon Rocks. Thank goodness they allowed me to do the second dive; I would have been so disappointed to miss it!

This full-day tour includes:

• Small group size of maximum eight people
• Prepared lunch on board the boat
• Naturalist guide leading the way

Pull relevant information from the sales page, from reviews on booking platforms, and from your personal experience.

“We were 4 divers and did daily diving with the agency to Seymour and Gordon Rocks. Everything was great and we had two amazing experiences!” – TripAdvisor Review (Read more reviews)

4. Highlands Tour (Giant Tortoises & Lava Caves)

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   3.5 hours | ✅  Book it!

The highlands tour is one of the cheaper day tours in the Galapagos and the best way to see the incredible Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat.

It takes you about an hour from the main town, Puerto Ayora, into the highlands of the island of Santa Cruz to the Giant Tortoise Wildlife Reserve, where you’ll be guaranteed to see these amazing creatures.

After visiting the tortoises, you’ll get to walk through these incredible lava tunnels. It’s such a cool experience and one of the best-land-based tours in the Galapagos.

” Carla was the perfect guide, she knew everything from the types of birds we saw to the layers of rock names in the lava tubes. I highly recommend this tour as we had private access to the lava tubes and the giant tortoise experience as well as private transportation” – Emilio (Read more reviews)

5. Santa Fe Island

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   8 hours | ✅  Book it!

This tour to Santa Fe Island was the last one I did, and it ended up being one of my favorites on the trip. Santa Fe Island is home to rare land iguanas, a giant cactus forest, and great snorkeling opportunities.

While snorkeling, we got to swim with a colony of sea lions and saw sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful schools of fish!

After snorkeling, a delicious hot lunch is served on the boat to keep you fueled up.

The second part of the tour takes you on a guided hike around Santa Fe Island, where there are many marine iguanas sunbathing on the rocks.

Marine iguanas are a unique species of the Galapagos Islands. They are black and can survive in the water for up to an hour, a biological adaptation unique to the Galapagos.

“I just didnt want to do the big cruise for my trip so did a lot of Galapagos day trips and this might have been my favorite. The crew and guide on the boat were outstanding and could not have been nicer ” -TripAdvisor (Read more reviews)

7. South Plaza Island from Puerto Ayora

For travelers eager to explore the extraordinary wildlife without committing to a cruise, this day trip to South Plaza Island is an absolute must.

From the moment you step aboard the yacht at Itabaca Canal, you’ll be treated to a seamless experience with complimentary hotel pickup, ensuring a stress-free start to your adventure.

As you embark on this scenic journey, prepare to be amazed as you get up close and personal with the iconic inhabitants of the Galapagos. It’s the only island where land iguanas and marine iguanas meet!

Upon reaching Punta Carrion, dive into the crystal-clear waters and snorkel alongside magnificent white-tip sharks and graceful sea turtles.

The provided snorkel gear ensures you have everything you need to fully immerse yourself in this underwater paradise, where vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life await.

No need to worry about packing a meal either, as a delicious box lunch is thoughtfully provided during the tour.

“We loved this small island with a great vegetation, amazing sea lions and iguanas! We will definitely come back !” -TripAdvisor (Read more reviews) 🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

Isabella Island Galapagos Day Tours

6. los tuneles.

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   6 hours | ✅  Book it!

If you visit Isabella Island, this day tour to Los Tuneles is an absolute must.

The area was formed by a lava flow that hardened, leaving tunnels that flow through the ocean. It is such an interesting place to see!

What makes Los Tuneles even more amazing is that it is a refuge for many sea animals from the larger predators in the ocean. This is because the water is shallow, so bigger mammals like whales cannot get in.

The tour starts with a boat ride from Isabella Island into the Tuneles area. We saw Galapagos penguins on the boat ride over, which was so exciting. It’s my dream to see all penguin species in the wild, so I was pumped to cross these guys off the list.

After the boat tour, we walked onto the land and took a short guided walk through the area, where we saw many blue-footed boobies. These ones were particularly interesting because they were trying to court a mate by showing off their feet.

From there, we went on a guided snorkeling tour where we saw several sea turtles, white-tipped sharks (and baby ones!), seahorses, and large pools of tropical fish.

Los Tuneles is by far one of the best day tours to take on Isabella Island in the Galapagos.

“Seahorses! Octopus! Sharks! Turtles! Rays! All within 15 minutes of snorkeling. There no way we would have found the seahorse or the octopus without our guide, Darwin” – TripAdvisor (Read more reviews)

🤩 Check Prices and Availability

8. Sierra Negra Volcano Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   4 hours | ✅  Book it!

Sierra Negra is a large volcano at the southeastern end of Isabela Island. You can join this day hiking tour to see the volcanic crater, which looks incredible.

Unfortunately for me, this tour was a disappointment for me due to uncontrollable weather circumstances.

We hiked for about an hour to what was supposed to be a viewpoint of the crater of Sierra Negra. However, because it was raining and cloudy that day, we couldn’t see anything.

I’m sure this volcano would look amazing on a clear day, but it just wasn’t the case for me. But these other guests seem happy, so give it a try if the weather is on your side.

“This tour was amazing! The hike towards Sierra Negra wasn’t too bad but the views of the caldera and the view of the north side of the island and Fernandina was great too! ” – TripAdvisor ( Read more reviews)

9. Isabella City and Tintoreras from Santa Cruz

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   10 hours | ✅  Book it!

If you don’t have time to stay overnight on Isabella Island but want to see the Galapagos penguins, this Isabela island day tour from Santa Cruz is the best way.

You’ll first stop at Las Tintoreres Islote, which is located just 15 minutes from the boat of Isabela. We saw the penguins leaving the port, and then you’ll have the chance to snorkel in the water with marine life.

Afterward, you’ll be taken to the Centro de Crianza Arnaldo Tupiza, an important turtle breeding center in the Galapagos, where you can see 5 species of giant tortoises of the 14 that exist in the Galapagos.

At the last stop, you’ll explore the Isabela Island Wetlands Complex, which is a 1.6km trail where you can spot a variety of seabirds.

“Great day saw lots of animals penguins sea lion flamingo and sharks actually we’re able to snorkel with sharks” -Deborah (Read more reviews)

FAQs About Day Trips Galapagos

What are the best day trips in the galapagos islands.

Some of the best day trips in the Galapagos Islands include visiting Bartolome Island, North Seymour Island, Kicker Rock, Los Tuneles, and Isabela Island.

What Day Trips in Galapagos Islands are good for avoiding crowds?

Day trips to lesser-known islands such as Española tend to have fewer visitors and offer a more secluded experience.

Can you do a day trip to Galapagos Islands?

You cannot do a day trip to the Galapagos Islands from the mainland, but you can take day trips to various islands in the Galapagos once you’re there. This is a great option for travelers who want to explore the islands without committing to a longer cruise.

What is the best way to tour the Galapagos Islands?

The best way to tour the Galapagos Islands is through a combination of day trips to different islands and exploring their unique ecosystems, wildlife, and natural wonders.

Can you visit Galapagos without a tour guide?

Yes, you can visit the main islands without a guide. However, many of the smaller islands that you can visit as day trips require a licensed tour guide to ensure the preservation of the delicate ecosystem and wildlife, as well as to provide valuable information and guidance during your visit.

How much time do you need to see the Galapagos Islands?

To fully experience the Galapagos Islands, it is recommended to spend at least 5 to 7 days exploring the different islands and their diverse habitats. I spent three weeks in the Galapagos and didn’t get bored.

What is the entrance fee to the Galapagos Islands?

The amount of this entrance fee depends on the age and nationality of the tourist. Most foreign tourists over the age of 12 pay $100, while children pay $50.

What month is best for Galapagos?

The Galapagos Islands can be visited year-round, but the best months for wildlife sightings and favorable weather conditions are generally considered to be from December to May. However, I visited the Galapagos in June and had a great time.

Final Thoughts: Galapagos Tours

From the captivating South Plaza Island to the wildlife extravaganza of Española Island, these Galapagos day tours offer a gateway to rare wildlife encounters and breathtaking natural wonders without taking a cruise.

I loved every second of my time in the Galapagos, and can’t wait to go back.

🤩 Still can’t decide? This tour to Santa Fe Island is my top choice. It gives you a great overview of Galapagos wildlife – including marine iguanas and snorkeling with sea lions.

Need more wildlife travel inspiration?

• Visiting the Ecuador Amazon Rainforest
• Best Places to See Tigers in the Wild Ethically
• Costa Rica Wildlife Guide
• 7 Reasons to Volunteer on a Wildlife Conservation Project

Lora is a full-time digital nomad on a quest to visit every country in the world and pet as many dogs as she can along the way. Over the last 15 years, she has traveled to 70+ countries and six continents solo. She currently calls Puerto Vallarta, Mexico home and enjoys ending each day with sunset and tacos on the beach.

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Hi and gracias for the great post. I am in the same situation as you were – not enough dives for Gordon Rocks. However, I am confident that I have the ability to do this dive and would like to be “tested” as they did to you. What company did you use? Thanks again.

[…] the world, but one of the best places to see them is the Galapagos Islands. Divers can join a day tour in the Galapagos to Gordon Rocks, near the island of Santa Cruz. It’s one of the top dive sites in the […]

Hi Lora. Very useful articles. Thanks for your effort. I have one question. My wife has got motion and sea sickness. Especially in the small boat, she is really frustrating.. How was the boat trips? I know it depends on the sea and season but was there any people who were the same on your tour?

Hi! It depends what tour you are talking about. The boat rides between the islands (San Cristobal, Isabell, and Santa Cruz) are a bit rough and could cause motion sickness. Most of the day tour boats were not that bad, with the exception of the diving boat that went from Santa Cruz to Seymour dive site. It was a long ride and many people got sick!

Well, I can say that there isn’t any single I have ever met who doesn’t praise the Galapagos. But the still the people has their choices and preference before they judge. I hope you have your both good and bad experience which are important as well.

Hi thanks for the awesome post 🙂 Did you book your day trips in advance? Do you have any recommendations which tour companies to book with? Thanks!!

I just booked them a day or two before at the shops. You can book them online in advance but you’ll have no problem just showing up. The only specific tour company that stands out to me is Scuba Iguana for diving. Otherwise I just walked around town and looked for the best price. There’s tons of tour companies there and they all kinda do the same tours!

[…] world famous for its incredible wildlife and the underwater world is no exception. One of the best tours in the Galapagos is to visit Gordon Rocks, a dive site near the island of Santa […]

Hi thanks for the great post. We are going by yacht to San Christobel and only have time/ money for one or two day trips for our family of five, our interests are snorkeling and seeing wildlife. Would you recommend we go to any other island or just do a couple of trips in San christobel eg Isla Lobas? Thanks in advance

Glad you found the post helpful! It depends on what wildlife you want to see. You can see a lot of the Galapagos wildlife just in San Cristobal, but there are certain species you can only see on the other islands. For example, you can only see Galapagos penguins on Isabella island, and Santa Cruz is one of the best places to see the giant tortoises. That being said, if you only have a few days San Cristobal is a great choice for wildlife tours. You can see sea lions just hanging out in town! Isla Lobos is amazing and Kicker Rock is one of the most famous snorkeling sites. Hope that helps!

Galapagos Islands - One Day Tours

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Please send me more info and current offers for your Galapagos Islands - One Day Tours.

Single Day Tours in the Galapagos Islands

There’s so much to see in the Galapagos Islands, and it’s almost impossible to explore the wealth of breathtaking geologic formations, friendly island critters, and lively offshore worlds in a single trip. No worries, our Galapagos day tours have you and your adventure needs covered. 

We’ve crafted some day trip options so that you can make your Galapagos Islands Vacation even more phenomenal and tailored to your travel preferences. Snorkel with lolling sea lions or look for land iguanas. Hike to panoramic viewpoints with postcard-worthy shots. Or slip on some diving gear for a day exploring the Galapagos Islands’ most stunning, and hidden, sea-scapes. Make the most of your trip and go further, explore more, see more with our Galápagos day tours.

Note: All of our Day Tours are offered on a daily basis and as stand alone activities.  

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DIVING IN THE GALAPAGOS - DAY TOUR

The Galapagos Islands are a top diving destination.  Don't miss out on an opportunity to explore the archipelago’s underwater world where you'll find the seas teaming with incredible wildlife.

Note: Most of the diving in the Galapagos is an activity for experienced divers; however there are limited options for novice divers. Regardless of your diving ability, certification is recommended. 

Trip Info:  Guests may dive from Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal Islands, with diving trips to Gordon Rocks or Kicker Rocks. However, other diving destinations may be available.  Diving activities must be requested in advance, and guests must bring their diving certification with them to the Galapagos. Equipment provided. 

• Pricing:  $315 per person for 2 dives
• Departs:  Daily
• Duration:  8-10 hours (approx)

EXPLORE BARTOLOME ISLAND - DAY TOUR

The top of Bartolomé Island offers a stunning, panoramic view of the Galapagos Islands with views of iconic Pinnacle Rock and bordering coves. Snorkeling right off the beach allows guests to often see and get close to sea turtles, sea lions, and possibly Galapagos penguins.  This is a day trip that starts in Santa Cruz.

Trip Info :  We offer daily departures of our Bartolome Island day tour from Santa Cruz Island.    We recommend booking this popular activity in advance .  This full-day tour includes a 2-hour boat ride from Santa Cruz and includes at least several hours of snorkeling time.  For this activity, bring hiking shoes, sunscreen, a bathing suit, camera, and a hat.

• Pricing:  $315 per person 
• Departs:  Daily
• Duration:  8 hours (approx)

EXPLORE NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND - DAY TOUR

Our day trip to North Seymour Island offers great opportunities to see tons of blue-footed boobies as well as frigatebirds, red-billed tropicbirds, swallow-tailed gulls, sea lions and Galapagos land iguanas. North Seymour is incredibly rich and varied in wildlife, so there’s plenty of incredible photo opportunities with these friendly animals. Bacchus beach is also a great snorkeling site for those who want a further glimpse into the Galapagos Islands’ underwater world.

Trip Info:   We offer daily departures of our North Seymour day tour from Santa Cruz Island.  We recommend booking this popular activity in advance . This full-day tour includes both on-land and in-water activities.  For this activity, bring hiking shoes, sunscreen, a bathing suit, camera, and a hat.

MEALS INCLUDED : Lunch

Dates & Rates

Supplementary information.

Daily tours available starting at $315 per day 

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The Best Galapagos Tours with Hurtigruten Expedition Cruise

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Looking for the best Galapagos day tours? The Galapagos Islands are a bucket-list destination for many travelers, and for good reason.

Hurtigruten Cr uise is a great way to see the animals and the surrounding islands, and unless you’re planning to pay for day-by-day tours, these tours add up quickly.

💡  Note:  If you do want to tour Galapagos daily, the best way is to book a tour through Metropolitan Tours because they have the best and most thorough tours in Galapagos.

Below, you’ll find the most popular and the best Galapagos day tours — including Santa Cruz Islands, Isabela Island, North Seymour Island (Isla Seymour Norte), and more.

Galapagos, Ecuador: Know before you go

• ✈️  Airport:  Seymour Galapagos Airport, Baltra Island (airport code: GPS) ⏰  Time Zone: GMT -6 .
• 💰  Currency:  USD
• 🗣  Language :   Spanish , though English is quite common
• 🎫  Ecuador Visa:  Most travelers  do not  need a visa for the Galapagos — this includes Americans, Canadians, Japanese, and most Europeans. 
• 🔌  Electricity Socket :  You’ll mostly find Type A (two-prong) and Type B (three-prong) — the same as used in the United States. Visitors from other countries will need this  universal travel adaptor.
• 📲  Galapagos SIM Card:  Wondering,  Do I need a SIM card for Galapagos?  The answer is yes, every traveler will need one.
• 🚙  Car Rentals:  The Galapagos rental car process can be daunting, and many people are apprehensive about driving in a foreign country.  I get it!  

Embarking from Santa Cruz, Isabela Island and San Cristobal: What to Expect

A large island, just across the turquoise waters from the airport on Baltra in the center of the archipelago, Santa Cruz is very much the center of tourism in the Galapagos.

Named after the Holy Cross, it has an area of 612 square miles and a maximum altitude of 2,835 feet and hosts the largest human population in the archipelago in the town of Puerto Ayora, where the Charles Darwin Research Station and the headquarters of the Galapagos National Park Services are located.

As a large island with a variety of geology, wildlife, and vegetation, all of the Galapagos life zones are present on Santa Cruz Island

 Santa Cruz Fast Facts

• Santa Cruz is the only island with six different vegetation zones.
• Animals:  Giant tortoises , land and  marine iguanas , and a variety of  birds
• Area: 380 sq. mi
• Highest Point: 2,834 ft

Bachas Beach

.A beautiful white sandy beach punctuated by lava formations. The wonderfully soft sand here makes it a favorite site for nesting Sea Turtles.

Here you will also see White Mangroves, one of the four mangrove species found in the Galapagos.

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There is a small coastal lagoon behind the sand dunes where Flamingos, Stilts, Pintail ducks, and other water birds are regularly seen.

• Activities:  Walking along the beach, swimming, snorkeling. Difficulty: Easy
• Type of Landing:  Wet landing
• Highlights & Animals:  World War II remnants, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, Hermit Crabs, Black-necked Stilts, Whimbrels, Flamingos, Sea Turtles

Puerto Ayora

The economic center of the Galapagos Islands. Virtually all the yachts visit Puerto Ayora, anchoring in Academy Bay.

Here you will find several gift and souvenir shops, with some art and craft galleries. This also provides a good opportunity to purchase any toiletry items you may have forgotten!

Charles Darwin Research Station

The Charles Darwin Research Station offers a great chance to learn about the work being done to conserve and protect the island’s wildlife.

For some visitors (depending on the time of year), this is the only time to see Giant Tortoises and certainly the closest-range opportunity. It is also a great chance to see the Tortoise Rearing Centre.

• Activities:  Walking (1.2 mi. / 2km.)
• Difficulty:  Easy
• Type of Landing:  Dry landing
• Highlights & Animals:  Giant Tortoises, Land and Marine Iguanas, Mockingbirds, Darwin Finches.

Highlands of Santa Cruz

The highlands of Santa Cruz are home to fascinating geological features, like lava tubes and the twin sinkhole craters of Los Gemelos, which are home to some 300 different fern species and a forest of Scalesias, a relative of sunflowers.

This is an excellent area to look for elusive endemics like the Woodpecker Finch (one of only a few bird species in the world to use tools), Small Tree Finch, Vegetarian Finch, and Galapagos Rail.

Santa Cruz’s highlands are among the best places to see Giant Tortoises in the wild.

• Activities:  Hike (0.9 mi / 1 ½ km)
• Difficulty:  Easy /moderate
• Highlights & Animals:  Pit craters, Scalesia Forest, Darwin finches, Warblers, Flycatchers.

Cerro Mesa is a private ecological reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz with many forest paths filled with endemic Galapagos vegetation, with an impressive and deep sinkhole crater.

The chance to watch White-cheeked Pintail Ducks, rails, stilts, and frigatebirds who are usually present in the lagoon here.

The reserve also offers the opportunity to see mockingbirds, flycatchers, warblers, Galapagos Doves, and Darwin’s finches.

With luck you will also be able to see some of the population of Giant Tortoises that live in the reserve, which are geographically isolated from the main population of Giant Tortoises on Santa Cruz Island.

(This nature reserve is a great example of a private initiative trying to work and protect the fragile Galapagos ecosystem alongside the Galapagos National Park).

• Activities:  Short hike (1.2mi / 2km)
• Type of Landing:  No landing
• Highlights & Animals:  Interesting vegetation, Darwin’s Finches, Galapagos Doves and sometimes Giant Tortoises

Punta Carrion

This visitor site has no trail and no landing. A dinghy tour will give you opportunities to see Sea lions, Blue-footed Boobies, pelicans and frigatebirds.

At Punta Carrion you can snorkel from the boat to see a variety of fish, rays, and possibly the harmless White-tipped Reef Sharks.

• Activities:  Boat tour. Kayaking and Snorkelling

Highlights & Animals:  Galapagos Sea Lions, Brown Pelicans, Boobies. Snorkel: Sea lions, Butterflyfish, Parrotfish, White-tipped Reef Sharks.

ISABELA ISLAND

Measuring over 1800 square miles and accounting for over half the land surface area in Galapagos, at about 80 miles in length, the seahorse-shaped Isabela Island is the largest in the Galapagos.

Isabela is formed from six separate volcanoes (Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra, and Wolf). Being the largest island, it has many visitor sites, covering a large diversity of ecosystems, from barren lava flows to evergreen lush forests.

Close to Fernandina, it is also on the ‘hotspot’ and is very young and geologically very alive.

As the largest island, it is also home to the largest number of visitor sites:

The walk will take you up the slopes of the Darwin Volcano, along the edge of a saltwater lagoon to a small hill from which you will see spectacular views of the northern lava fields of Isabela.

Most of the fauna will be observed during a dinghy ride along the coast, with dramatic colors and beautiful tuff formations, Blue-footed Boobies, penguins, Marine Iguanas, pelicans and shorebirds.

• Activities:  Long uphill hike (1.1mi /1.8km), Snorkelling, dinghy ride, Kayaking.
• Difficulty:  Moderate
• Highlights & Animals:  Darwin Finches, lowland native vegetation, beautiful landscapes, penguins, Flightless Cormorants, Blue-footed Boobies, Darwin Volcano & Lake

In 1954, almost 4 miles of coastal seabed dramatically uplifted about 15 ft exposing the sea floor and killing thousands of fish and turtles.

Since then, vegetation has largely colonized the area but many signs of the uplift can still be observed.

This area is now a nesting site for Land Iguanas and occasionally, giant tortoises coming from the moist uplands. This is a good trail to see Darwin finches and it is not rare to see Galapagos Hawks.

• Activities:  Snorkelling, dinghy ride & hike, 2 trails: short (0.6 mi / 1 km), long (1.9 mi / 3km)
• Difficulty:  Easy (short trail) / Difficult (long trail)
• Highlights & Animals:  Land iguanas (the biggest in Galapagos), hawks, uplifted coral reefs, and Giant Tortoises. Snorkeling: turtles, rays, tropical fish

South Plazas Day Tour: Land Iguanas & Snorkeling

One of the smallest and, depending on the season, most colorful islands.  Find sea lion colonies, land and hybrid iguanas, and countless birds soaring by the cliffs.

It is an unpopulated island.

These islands are interesting formations without a volcano resulting from an uplifting from underwater.  

Conformed by two islands, one flat and the other inclined, they create very special ecosystem dynamics.  North Plaza  is visited only for scientific and conservation purposes.

The biggest  Land Iguana  population that can be visited . There is a big ecosystem formed of  Cactus Opuntia  that holds a population of  Land Iguanas , the smallest ones in the archipelago.

The trip around  South Plaza  place allows the visitor to see the whole population and to notice how these animals survived in this and other similar environments when they arrived and were established.

Rarely a hybrid of Marine and Land Iguana can be found on the trails.

• Disembarking:
• Type of Terrain:
• Physical Conditions Required:
• Activities:  2-hour 15 min hike[:es]Caminata de 2 horas15 minutos
• Highlights:  Red island due to its vegetation made up of sesuvium, the largest colony of sea lions, the unique landscape of a cactus forest, hybrid iguanas, Nazca, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and red-billed tropicbirds.

Santa Fe Island

Santa Fe island is always popular with Galapagos visitors and offers something for everyone.

The Santa Fe landscape is picturesque, combining a beautiful turquoise water bay with giant prickly pear cactus forests. Santa Fe island has the largest variety of endemic wildlife species of any Galapagos island.

Santa Fe Island in the Galapagos is a hidden gem awaiting exploration. As you disembark on its shores, be prepared for a unique encounter with the archipelago’s endemic species.

The island’s terrain boasts white sandy beaches and an arid landscape, creating a picturesque setting for your adventure.

While the physical conditions required for exploration are moderate, comfortable walking shoes and a sense of curiosity are your best companions.

Engaging in activities such as guided nature walks allows you to witness the distinctive Santa Fe land iguanas, known for their golden coloration.

Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island provides a chance to swim with playful sea lions and colorful marine life.

Santa Fe Island, with its diverse ecosystem and captivating scenery, stands as a testament to the natural wonders awaiting discovery in the Galapagos.

Other Must-try Activities in Your Day Tour

In addition to snorkeling, swimming, and hiking, there are plenty of other must-try activities to enjoy on your Galapagos day tour.

These activities will add even more excitement and adventure to your already incredible experience. One activity that you shouldn’t miss is kayaking.

Paddling through the crystal-clear waters of the Galapagos gives you a unique perspective on the islands and allows you to explore hidden coves and mangrove forests.

You might even encounter some marine life along the way, such as sea turtles or rays. It’s a peaceful and serene way to connect with nature and immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings.

If you’re looking for a more adrenaline-fueled activity, consider taking a zodiac ride.

These high-speed boat rides will take you on a thrilling adventure, zipping across the waves and getting up close to the rocky shores.

You’ll feel the wind in your hair and the spray of the ocean on your face as you explore the coastline and search for wildlife.

For those who are interested in the history and culture of the Galapagos, a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station is a must.

Here, you can learn about the ongoing conservation efforts and research being conducted on the islands. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the famous giant tortoises up close and learn about their conservation status.

Finally, don’t forget to indulge in some delicious local cuisine during your day tour. From fresh seafood to exotic fruits, the Galapagos offers a unique culinary experience.

Try the ceviche, a popular dish made with marinated seafood, or sample the delicious empanadas filled with cheese or meat. The flavors of the Galapagos are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Galapagos Packing List

A Hurtigruten Expedition to the Galapagos is without a doubt the trip of a lifetime. But as departure day draws near and your excitement grows, it’s important to pay attention to your packing.

Being properly prepared matters, not just because of the terrain you’ll be visiting but because you’ve only got one chance to get your packing right.

Most of the islands in the Galapagos are uninhabited and located miles from civilization—needless to say, there are no stores in these pristine spots.

It’s smart to plan carefully in advance and pack with care, which is all part of the fun! Here’s our essential Hurtigruten Expedition packing list for the Galapagos Islands.

1. Lightweight Walking Shoes

You’ll be scrambling over spiky lava and along rocky trails in the Galapagos, therefore flip-flops should stay at home. It’s too hot for heavy-duty mountaineering boots and in any case, you can’t leave the marked trails so they’re not necessary. Opt for sturdy, lightweight hiking shoes , and add some thin, wicking hiking socks in there, too.

2. Water Shoes

A pair of lightweight water shoes is a helpful addition to your packing; you can also use these for walks on some of the gentler hikes. Again, don’t bank on stepping off the Zodiac in flip-flops. Chances are, they’ll get washed away or you’ll topple gently into the shallows.

3. Neutral Colors

If you can, dress in plain khakis and beiges and save your more creative dressing for evenings. Avoid anything white for daywear, too, as there’s a lot of dust from the volcanic rocks and soil. Don’t pack too much black as you may overheat under the intense sun.

4. Hiking Pants

Choose lightweight hiking pants and shorts or pants with zip-off legs. The Galapagos is on the equator so it’s always warm and often hot and humid. On hikes, you’ll most likely be more comfortable in shorts , but for activities like a sunset Zodiac ride through the mangroves, long pants will protect you against mosquitoes.

5. Tops With Sleeves

A T-shirt or lightweight shirt that covers your shoulders offers better protection than a tank top. Cover kids as much as you can, too, as nobody wants to be dealing with sunburns when they should be out enjoying the adventure.

6. Rain Gear

While it does rain in the Galapagos, it’s almost always warm; temperatures range from around 75F to a balmy 86F. January through June are the wetter months, particularly March and April, so pack something light and waterproof to keep yourself dry on hikes, especially if you’re visiting the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where a cool mist can hang in the air.

7. Swimwear

If you’ve got space, pack more than one swimsuit . You could be in the water in the morning and again in the afternoon and it’s always nice not to have to pull on soggy swimwear as you prepare for the afternoon activity.

8. Insect Repellant

Insects aren’t a problem in the Galapagos. Mosquitoes are rare in a marine desert environment like this and even rarer when you’re at sea. If you’re concerned, though, or if you plan to travel further on mainland South America, pack a small roll-on of bug repellant.

9. Ocean-Friendly Sunblock

You’ll need a strong sunblock for the equatorial sun , even on cloudy days. Consider a mineral-based, ocean-friendly brand and never assume that sunscreen is 100% waterproof . Should you be prone to burning, aloe vera gel is a wonderful, natural after-sun remedy, while pure lavender essential oil is great for a particularly sore sunburn.

10. Mask or Goggles

Quality snorkel gear is provided on Galapagos vacations, so there’s no need to bring your own. But if you normally wear contacts and are worried about putting your face in the water, or if you use glasses and have a strong prescription, consider investing in a prescription mask.

11. A Sturdy Sunhat

Sun protection for your head is essential on the equator. The Galapagos can get pretty windy and if you’re riding around on a Zodiac, there will always be a breeze. Therefore, choose a hat that won’t blow away. A wide brim or visor will help protect your face against the sun and children need decent sun hats, too. If your neck is prone to burning, add a bandana to your luggage.

12. Sunglasses

You’ll certainly need sunglasses in the bright light of the islands. If you’re buying a new pair, go for polarized glass as it’s easier to spot sea turtles and rays in the water that way. Invest in a neoprene strap to hold onto your glasses; it’s all too easy to lose them when you’re jumping off a Zodiac or not paying attention during a hike.

13. Back Pack

You’ll be ashore for hikes most days, therefore a small day pack in which to stash your camera, sunscreen, and water bottle will come in handy. On some of the more challenging hikes, a backpack will be more useful than a shoulder bag as you’ll want your hands free.

14. Memory Card

You’ll need extra storage capacity for images and video. You’ll always take more photographs than you expected to and nobody wants to run out of storage space in the middle of an epic trip.

15. Camera and GoPro

Perhaps the most important item to bring to the Galapagos is your camera. Nowhere else in the world has such incredible opportunities for photographing wildlife that is completely unafraid of you and will pose obligingly, if unwittingly, for photos.

A zoom lens can make pictures all the more dazzling. A GoPro, too, is great for snorkeling in the Galapagos or action shots like zooming along in a Zodiac or recording sea lions frolicking in the water

Also, click here if you need my Travel packing List. You can find everything from drones , Snorkeling Gear, Hiking, Back packs, Cargo Pants , and more for your Next Trip.

Tips for making the most out of your galapagos day tour.

• Be prepared: Before embarking on your Galapagos day tour, make sure you pack everything you’ll need for a day of adventure. Bring a swimsuit, comfortable clothes and shoes for hiking, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a waterproof camera or phone case. It’s also a good idea to bring a reusable water bottle and snacks to keep you energized throughout the day.
• Listen to your guides: The guides on your Galapagos day tour are experts in the islands’ biodiversity and history. Pay attention to their instructions and information, as they will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the unique ecosystem. They will also ensure your safety during activities such as snorkeling and hiking, so be sure to follow their guidance.
• Take your time: The Galapagos Islands are a place to slow down and immerse yourself in nature. Take your time to observe the wildlife, enjoy the stunning landscapes, and soak in the serenity of the islands. Don’t rush through the activities; instead, take the opportunity to fully experience the beauty and wonder of this extraordinary destination.
• Respect the environment: As you explore the Galapagos Islands, it’s important to remember that you are a guest in this delicate ecosystem. Follow the principles of responsible tourism by not disturbing or touching wildlife, not leaving any trash behind, and staying on designated paths during hikes. By respecting the environment, you are helping to preserve the Galapagos Islands for future generations.
• Be flexible: The weather and wildlife sightings can be unpredictable in the Galapagos Islands. Embrace the unexpected and be flexible with your itinerary. Sometimes the best experiences happen when you least expect them, so be open to new opportunities and go with the flow.
• Stay hydrated and protected: The Galapagos Islands can be hot and sunny, so it’s important to stay hydrated and protected from the sun. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and reapply sunscreen regularly. It’s also a good idea to wear a hat and lightweight, breathable clothing to stay cool.

Travel Insurance

Last but not least –   travel insurance .  It’s not just a safety net; it’s a smart move.

From unexpected flight changes to unforeseen medical issues, having that extra layer of protection ensures you can focus on soaking in Ecuador’s wonders worry-free.

So, pack your bags, grab your passport, and prepare for an unforgettable journey in this South American gem!

✈️ Get Travel Insurance NOW! Travelex Is my preferred Insurance

Conclusion: best galapagos day tours.

In conclusion, exploring the Galapagos Islands with Hurtigruten Expedition Cruises is an unparalleled journey into the heart of natural wonders.

Their carefully crafted tours offer a perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and environmental consciousness, ensuring an experience that transcends traditional travel.

From encountering iconic wildlife to cruising through pristine waters, each moment with Hurtigruten is an opportunity to discover the extraordinary.

Elevate your travel game, redefine exploration, and embark on a Galapagos adventure with a cruise that exceeds expectations.

Ready to set sail with Hurtigruten and create your own Galapagos story?

Book your expedition now and immerse yourself in this unique archipelago’s enchanting landscapes and captivating wildlife.

Ready to plan your trip? Grab my  FREE  Vacation Planner  to help you plan your trip in the time it takes to watch your favorite TV show!

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Information About the Enchanted Islands

Charles Darwin in the Galapagos

As one of the most famous visitors to the Galapagos, Charles Darwin and his impact on the world and the Islands continues to draw people to this amazing destination year after year. So, who is Darwin and what did he actually do?

Galapagos Weather: When to go?

Galapagos is the perfect year round destination because of its location on the equator and warm island weather. However, there are a few factors that might help you decide your perfect time to travel either during the dry or wet season...

Galapagos Wildlife

The Galapagos Islands are known for their fearless and curious wildlife. You can’t find another place in the world where sea lions will play with you in the water, iguanas pose for pictures, and sea birds walk right up to you. Learn more about each of these amazing creatures below.

Marine Life

Galapagos Fast Facts

• Fact 1: In 1978 UNESCO designated Galapagos as the first World Heritage site.
• Fact 2: The endemic Galapagos marine iguana is the only lizard to swim in the ocean.
• Fact 3: The lava tunnels on Santa Cruz, which you can walk through, provide an understanding of how the islands were formed.

Learn more here!

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Galapagos! Embrace Nature's Paradise.

Join us on a beautiful galapagos adventure get ready to be enchanted by breathtaking sights, discover the beauty of galapagos islands with our amazing package tour..

5 Days / 4 Nights ISABELA & SANTA CRUZ COMBINED

For travelers with limited time that wants a full Galapagos experience, this tour gives you a great introduction of the Galapagos Islands while you have the chance to visit tranquil Isabela which is one of the archipelagos favorite.

7 Days / 6 Nights GALAPAGOS IN DEPTHS

7 day experience in the archipelago with some of its iconic highlights. Explore remoter islands on day trips (uninhabited) to get close encounters with wildlife. Learn about the geology of the islands by hiking the second largest crater in the world!

5 Days / 4 Nights SANTA CRUZ EXPLORER

Only less than a week available to see Galapagos? No worries we have the right tour for you. You are able to experience Santa Cruz Island as it fullest while having the chance to explore uninhabited islands which gets you to remoter spots.

6 Days / 5 Nights CLASSIC GALAPAGOS

In this 6D/5N night tour you can experience the beauty, wonder and challenges Isabela and San Cristobal island have to offer. Combining hikes its 2 young volcanos, experiencing the Galapagos sea life by doing Kayaking or Paddle board, continuing your next adventure to San Cristobal island by small aircraft. 

4 Days / 3 Nights Short break San Cristobal

Thinking to do a short extension trip to the islands? this tour give you a great introduction to the Galapagos while you have the chance to visit Cristobal Island the well know by the locals as “la isla bonita”​ the inhabited island with the biggest sea lions colonies.

5 Days / 4 Nights  GALAPAGOS HISTORY AND ADVENTURE

In this tour you get the opportunity to see the capital, visit the first inhabited island (Floreana) with its small town along the human history on the Galapagos. Easy walking days and lots of options makes this tour ideal for the lone or group traveler.

5 Days / 4 Nights Galapagos Emcompassed

This trip gives you an excellent chance to combine Santa Cruz and San Cristobal Island where you are able to explore some of the uninhabited islands in its surroundings. Enjoy also a free day where you have the chance to visit islands such as the remote Española, in the search of the waved Albatross. 

4 Days / 3 Nights The coffee route

The opportunity to explore Santa Cruz Island from a mix different perspective. Hop on a bike and do community tourism, explore the highlands and see the giant tortoises in natural hábitat, while a time to experience the first craft beer process on the Galapagos, combined with the “Coffee route” how the famous organic Galapagos coffee is grown, roasted and processed

5 Days / 4 Nights Glide Through Galapagos

During these excurtions you spend time on the boat, sailing around the offshore looking for sea birds resting on the top of the islets. But most in particular give you the chance to experience more snorkeling and swim with sea turtles, sharks, rays to name few, follow with walk and resting in beautiful Galapagos beaches.

Combined santa cruz and San Cristobal

For the traveler that wants the full Galapagos experience this is the tour for you! After enjoy what Santa Cruz and the unhabited island have to offer, ending up in San Cristobal the provinces capital.

CuSToMIZED TOURS

CUSTOMIZED YOUR 5 TO 10 DAY EXPERIENCE, ALL UNIQUE TAILORED TO MEET YOUR SPECIFIC WISHES AND NEED.

Are you also planning to explore  ecuador’s mainland , half-day trip to the middle of the word have you ever been to the ecuador line this is your chance experince the unique experiments to prove that you are at the center of the earth. ..

 Otavalo Indian Market

Otavalo market is considered to be amongst the biggest indigenous market in whole South America. Explore the beautiful colours and stock up on souvenirs – don’t forget to use your bargaining skills.

Enjoy a daytour to indulge into nature and amazing scenery of this protected cloudforest. Mindo has a lot of options such as birdwatching, horseback riding and canopy just to name a few.

 Papallacta Hot Springs

Looking forward to relaxing day out of Quito? Enjoy a day trip approximately 2 hours from the capital of Ecuador to the relaxing hot and cold thermal pools in a beautiful surroundings.

Amazing feeling of peace and isolation close to nature and deep in the jungle remote lodge far from other tourists and lodges relax and comfortable.

Because as a company we believe in our commitment to provide exceptional excursions to our guest based on a lifetime of experiences, creating unique and customized itineraries with our guest specific needs in mind while prioritizing professionalism and safety while promoting conservation and sustainability in our island home.

Check what our clients have to say about us on Trip-Advisor

 NEWS FROM GALAPAGOS

Living in the Galapagos Islands: Embrace Nature’s Paradise

Galapagos Islands: Open for Adventure!

Planning the Ultimate Galapagos Adventure: Activities for Thrill-Seekers

Rest Assured, Your Galapagos Dream Awaits: Safe and Operating as Normal

PAHOEHOE GALAPAGOS TOURS

Galapagos Tours & Island Hopping

BEST LOCAL GUIDES

GALAPAGOS DAILY TOURS

TRIPADVISOR AWARD WINNERS

STAY & PLAY WITH US

Galapagos Island Hopping

Enjoy the islands of Galapagos on the best tours, discover the local secrets, and have fun with the best guides with our Island Hopping Tours.

MEET THE LOCALS

Island Day Tours

Swim, snorkel, hike and explore. We provide both group and private day tours in Isabela and Santa Cruz.

EXPLORE A NEW WORLD

Scuba Dive Galapagos

Dive in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, a haven for precious marine life. From beginners to advanced divers, there is so much waiting for you.

POPULAR TOURS

Visitor Favorites

Our most popular tours sell out quickly. Reserve your spaces early, we look forward to seeing you!

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Galapagos Diving

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Galapagos Islands Tours & Vacations

Step into an isolated world. See giant tortoises roaming and unforgettable landscapes unfurl before your very eyes. 

Inquisitive sea lions and spiky marine iguanas breach and bask between island and shore. Friendly hammerhead sharks patrol the depths and blue-footed boobies cut through the sky. Come with us on our Galapagos Islands tours & holidays and observe the local wildlife in the same, untouched way Charles Darwin did hundreds of years ago. Nowadays, these Ecuadorian islands host a steady stream of modern-day explorers from animal-seekers who long for face-to-face encounters to sun-chasers itching to relax on a pristine beach or two. Embark on your own adventure as you wander from isla to isla, soak in crystal-clear waters, traverse volcanic landscapes, and spot animals you've only ever seen pictures of . To be honest, there's simply no place on Earth quite like the Galapagos.  

Our Galapagos Islands trips

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Galapagos Islands highlights

Transport in the galapagos islands.

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.Depending on which trip you're on while in the Galapagos Islands, you may find yourself on:

Galapagos Islands tour reviews

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Galapagos Islands at a glance

Capital city.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

US dollar (USD)

(GMT-06:00) Galapagos

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin), Type B (American 3-pin)

Learn more about Galapagos Islands

Best time to visit.

Simply put, there’s no bad time to visit the Galapagos Islands. Good weather is mostly found year round, as are the animals. This being said, November through to June is the preferred time to visit, with clearer skies, calmer seas and decreased winds. Of these, March and April have less rain, while November and December are the warmest. July to November is the best time for divers as whale sharks can often be spotted at Wolf and Darwin islands.

Learn more about the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands

Culture and customs

Ever since Charles Darwin brought attention to the giant tortoises, sea lions, hammerhead sharks and other spectacular wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, people have been fascinated by this archipelago of volcanic islands. Originally a pirate hideout, people started migrating to the islands from Ecuador after it became part of the country in 1832. Of the 13 major islands and scores of smaller islands and islets that make up the Galapagos, only five of them are inhabited – about 26,000 residents spread over the islands of Isabela, Santa Cruz, Floreana, Baltra and San Cristobal. The wildlife rules the rest of the islands, which are carefully managed to help protect the precious environment.

Geography and environment

Located in the Pacific Ocean about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago of 13 major islands, six smaller islands and more than 100 islets. Some are sparsely vegetated with largely mountainous interiors, whereas others are comparatively lush with white-sand beaches. Many of the islands are in a state of flux, as continual volcanic eruptions cause them to erode and expand.

The largest island, Isabela, makes up half the land area of the Galapagos and is characterized by three active volcanos, a blue lagoon, clear lakes filled with flamingos and beaches where iguanas and sea lions roam. Santa Cruz is the second largest island with giant tortoises, marine iguanas and Galapagos crabs residing in Tortuga Bay. The oldest and most remote island, Espanola (also called Hood), boasts boobies, albatrosses and many species of birds and lizards not found anywhere else in the world. 

Top wildlife to spot

1. Sea Lions

Whether you're loafing about on the beach or snorkeling offshore, you’ll be hard-pressed not to come face-to-face with these frolicsome critters at some stage. Playful, plentiful, and pretty much fearless, you’re supposed to keep a 2-meter distance from these guys at all times - though their insatiable curiosity can make this hard.

2. Marine Iguanas

The only lizards in the world that can live and forage in the ocean, the marine iguana is found solely in the Galapagos. Fierce and ferocious though these Godzilla-like reptiles may appear (Darwin called them ‘Imps of Darkness’), it’s all bluff – they only feed on algae. And with lung capacities permitting up to half an hour of underwater foraging, you’re just as likely find them gorging on the islands’ surrounding seabeds as scampering about the craggy rocks they inhabit.

3. Hammerhead Sharks

Boasting one of the animal kingdom’s most puzzling physiologies, hammerhead sharks are found in abundance off Wolf, Bartolome, Santa Cruz and Darwin islands. Unlike most sharks, they will often merge into schools of over 100 during the day - making for some incredible and surreal photo opportunities. And with no known human fatalities and a wealth of choice natural prey on offer, diving amongst them isn’t as scary or dangerous as one might think.

Darwin finches gave rise to one of the most game-changing theories of all time. By studying the differences between finches from different islands, Darwin hypothesized that the birds’ adaptations to their habitats resulted in their mutation into different species: his Theory of Evolution.

5. Giant Tortoises

No trip to the islands is complete without a visit to its most famous residents. Weighing up to 882 pounds, regularly living for more than 100 years, and able to go for up to 1 year without food, these gentle and slow-moving monsters are an intriguing and humbling spectacle to observe.

6. Sea Turtles

Snorkeling alongside these majestic creatures of the deep (or more accurately, the shallows) is one of those rare, life-affirming moments that makes a trip to the Galapagos immediately worthwhile. Keep your eyes peeled on the beaches for turtle nests too - the Galapagos is a hotbed of activity for these critters. 

7. Blue-Footed Boobies

Despite essentially looking like handsome seagulls with painted toenails, blue-footed boobies, when caught hunting, serve up one of the Galapagos' most thrilling spectacles. Diving from heights of up to 100ft, groups of boobies hit the water at speeds up around 60km per hour. They usually let out a shrill whistle before letting rip, which means you'll usually have warning enough to get your camera out too. How considerate.

8. Flightless Cormorants

Granted, a flightless cormorant spotted on land isn't one of the most invigorating sights you'll see during your time here. But wait until you don your snorkel gear and spot one weaving elegantly through the water - the flightless cormorant will likely become one of your favorite discoveries in the Galapagos Islands for this reason alone.

9. Frigatebird

With its striking wingspan and deeply-forked tail, the magnificent frigate bird is easily one of the most impressive birds in the skies of the Galapagos archipelago. But they don't have such a swell reputation amongst other birds. Whilst they hunt fish on the oceans surface, they also force their winged brethren to regurgitate their food, which then they eat - a process known as kleptoparasitism. Still, they look gorgeous – particularly the males, with their bright-red chin sac.

Healthy and safety

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travelers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travelers check with their government or national travel advisory organization for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to:  http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

From New Zealand?

Go to:  http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/

From Canada?

Go to:  https://travel.gc.ca/

Go to:  http://travel.state.gov/

Go to:  http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/

The World Health Organisation

also provides useful health information:  Go to:  http://www.who.int/en/

Further reading

Similar destinations.

Thinking about a trip to the Galapagos Islands but still browsing other destinations? Check out our tours to neighboring countries:

Colombia tours

Brazil tours

Comparison 

Galapagos or Madagascar? 

Galapagos Islands travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to Galapagos Islands?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information.

Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality.

Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more information.

Is tipping customary in the Galapagos Islands?

While tipping isn’t mandatory, tips are very much appreciated by service workers and guides.

Leaving a 10% tip is customary in restaurants.

Some automatically add a 10% service charge to your bill, in which case an extra tip isn’t required.

What is the weather like in the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands enjoy almost perfect weather all year with two distinct seasons offering warmer, rainier months and cooler, drier months.

Temperatures rarely dip below 70°F or reach higher than 90°F. You can travel to the islands anytime throughout the year and experience fantastic weather.

Light rainfall is expected from January to May (along with high humidity levels), but it never lasts for long and doesn't often turn into heavier downpours.

What is the internet access like in the Galapagos Islands?

There are reliable internet cafes in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) and Puerto Baquerizo (San Cristobal Island).

Some hotels and restaurants on other islands will have a Wi-Fi connection, but it is best not to rely on it.

Can I use my cell phone in the Galapagos Islands?

There's good cell phone reception on the larger islands, but don’t expect it when at sea. The best local telephone companies are Porta and Movistar.

Ensure you have global roaming activated before leaving home if you wish to use your cell phone.

What are the toilets like in the Galapagos Islands?

Most towns have Western-style flushable toilets, though you will likely encounter squat toilets as well. Regardless, it’s a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitiser, as they are not always provided.

What will it cost for a...?

• Juice = USD 1
• Street food snack = USD 1.50
• Simple lunch at a local restaurant = USD 3-5 
• Sit-down dinner at a cafe or restaurant = USD 10–20

Can I drink the water in the Galapagos Islands?

Tap water isn’t considered safe to drink in the Galapagos Islands.

Avoid drinks with ice and make sure to peel fruit before eating it.

Help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water. Your leader or hotel can tell you where to find filtered water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in the Galapagos Islands?

No, credit cards are not widely accepted.

There are a handful of shops on Santa Cruz that may accept major credit cards, but it’s preferable to pay in cash.

How many islands make up the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands are made up of 13 larger islands and more than 60 smaller islands and islets. 5 islands are habitable to just over 30,000 people.

These 5 islands are Isla Baltra, Isla Floreana, Isla Isabela, Isla Santa Cruz, and Isla San Cristobal.

What is ATM access like in Galapagos Island?

The banks in Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo have ATMs.

The Banco del Pacifico in both towns is open from 8 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to 12.30 pm on Saturdays.

It's best to withdraw your money on the mainland in case these are out of order.

Check each bank's website for up-to-date opening hours.

What public holidays are celebrated in the Galapagos Islands?

• 1 Jan: New Year's Day
• 6 Jan: Epiphany
• 1 May: Labour Day
• 24 May: Battle of Pichincha
• 10 Aug: Independence Day
• 9 Oct: Guayaquil Independence Day
• 2 Nov: All Soul's Day
• 3 Nov: Cuenca Independence Day
• 25 Dec: Christmas
• 31 Dec: New Year's Eve

Please note, Galapagos Islands public holidays may vary.

Are the Galapagos Islands a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

The Galapagos Islands are a relatively hassle-free destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers.

Same-sex marriage was legalised in Ecuador in 2008. The country hosts several fiestas where it’s acceptable for men to cross-dress as women.

However, homophobic attitudes do exist among the older generations. It is best to avoid public displays of affection where possible.

For more detailed advice, we recommend visiting   Equaldex   or   ILGA   before you travel.

What to drink in the Galapagos Islands

Quench your thirst after a glorious day spent exploring the Galapagos  by sipping on a glass of canelazo, horchata tea, or freshly made fruit juice.

During your cruise around the islands, it makes sense to try as many traditional Ecuadorian drinks as you can, especially since there are heaps to choose from.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Highly Recommended Galapagos Day Tours

THE TOP GALAPAGOS DAY TRIPS & EXCURSION TOURS

Our Galapagos Day Tours are specially designed day visits to uninhabited islands and islets in the archipelago leaving from Santa Cruz, Isabela Island and San Cristobal. These tours provide a wide range of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, hiking and observation of flora and fauna. The tours and the activities will be developed under the supervision of a Galapagos naturalist guide. Pick up / drop off from your hotel in Puerto Ayora, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno or Puerto Villamil and a small box lunch are included in selected day-tours.

Pick up / drop off from your hotel in Puerto Ayora or Puerto Villamil and a small box lunch are included in selected day-tours.

SELECT AN ISLAND FOR YOUR GALAPAGOS DAY TOURS:

Santa Cruz Island Tours

Day trips from Puerto Ayora to get to know Santa Cruz and the nearby islands Our day trips from Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz Island include 4 different visitor sites: Santa Fe, North Seymour, South Plazas or Bartolome. We will get to our destinations by motor yachts.

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

San cristobal island tours.

One-day boat excursions from San Cristobal, amazing snorkeling, activities and landscapes. In our day tours from Puerto Baquerizo in San Cristobal Island you will visit the most popular spots in the Galapagos Islands: Española Islands, the perfect place for bird watching and the underwater paradise of Kicker Rock.

SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND

Isabela island tours.

Excursions and activities for everyone departing from Puerto Villamil. Our day trips from Isabela include different visitor sites: Tintoreras Islet, Cabo Rosa & Los Tuneles, Wetlands & Sierra Negra. We can help you with different activities like biking, hiking and fishing.

ISABELA ISLAND

Find a perfect hotel for your land-based tours.

Would you like to further experience the Galapagos

Deals of the Week   European Long Weekends   Up to 50% OFF

Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Galapagos Islands

Explore a wide diversity of fully guided tours through Galapagos Islands. We have 231 adventures that vary from 1 days to 30 days. With the greatest number of departures in June, this is also the most popular time of the year.

231 fully guided Galapagos Islands tours with 567 positive reviews

• Ocean Cruise
• Christmas & New Year

Galápagos Multisport

The trip was well planned

• In-depth Cultural

Galápagos Adventure: Snorkelling & Sea Lions

This was a great experience if you are looking for a little adventure! It is not a luxury, relaxing vacation, but has a good mix of exciting experiences, eating good food, waking up early to travel to new stops, and some time to chill and interact with other travelers.

Best of Galapagos

good guides. nice variety

Galapagos Discovery

Beside the magnificence of the place and its residents, our guide, Priscila Sotomayor, was also exceptional. Very knowledgeable, always sharing information and answering all sort of questions while preparing us every day as well for what it would be the next experience. She also provided a very kind and special attention to every single need of the group participants. Visiting Galapagos is a great experience. Tourradar, through Intrepid and its staff made it very pleasant to me.

10 Days Galapagos Island Hopping in Santa Cruz and Isabela

The tour was relaxed and interesting. The hotels clean with courteous staff. The tours professional. What I really liked is the snorkeling. You float in the water and see many different colored fish. The speedboat rides are a bit tedious, but unavoidable. Kayaking in Tortuga Bay is very nice but it is difficult to see the wildlife. All in all a tour that is definitely worth it.

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

• Hiking & Trekking

Affordable Galapagos 8 Days Tour

The tour started very badly when no guide arrived for the first evening orientation and no-one was at the hotel the next morning as promised to take us to the airport. Once in the Galapagos most activities went very well. One tour contact did not speak English but otherwise the guides were very good. We have not had any contact with GuideEcuador since the beginning.and no follow up as to a promise of making amends for the frustration felt when we were very concerned that maybe there was no trip to be had. Jose and Sofia in San Cristobal, Dario in Santa Cruz and Paola on Isabella were excellent. The snorkelling guide on Isabella was very poor in organization and instruction. We had expected a follow up from Guide Ecuador

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

5 Days San Cristobal Island Wonders

Galapagos Multisport

I wish they had asked us beforehand what wildlife we wanted to see. I had chosen this time of year specifically to see the boobies and frigates mating and chicks hatching. We realized at the end of the tour that we could have seen them on the islands that we were visiting as others we met had pictures and videos from few days prior but no one had told us. We also could have booked an excursion to Seymor Norte on our free day from Santa Cruz to guarantee sightings of all of those but by the time we got to the island and asked around all the bookings were full. We should have been offered to book it back in January when the itinerary had already been set and we were told we had a free day. I was very disappointed that the one thing I wanted to see specifically, I could not.

Highlights Of Quito and Galapagos Islands

The experience was great. Nearly everyone who assisted us was very helpful. The one exception was Cecelia on Isabella Island. At the beginning of the second day, no one showed up to take us to the designated locations. Our hotel manager called the local tour company and reported that we had been forgotten. The name of the company was something like Georeisen. The representative told me she would get someone to pick us up. Guess who showed up? Cecelia! She made no reference to our being forgotten, and she didn’t apologize. Her English is poor. Actually, my high school Spanish is what allowed us to communicate. She should not be a tour guide.

Koln Tourist Superior Yacht - 8 Days

Galapagos Essentials

An excellent trip with a very knowledgeable guide who spoke clearly and engagingly about the geography, history and the fauna if this beautiful landscape

Monserrat Galapagos Cruise - South East Islands in 4 Days

Everything was excellent. The guides were excellent, the cruise was excellent. I only wish I booked a longer cruise. Couple concerns with the website for the actual booking. First, it said the flight to Galapagos was included, and then added $500 for the flight. Secondly, there was no mention about Insurance being required until the very end, and it was very complicated to actually get the insurance set up. Because of these two things, the actual price for the tour wound up being over $1000 more than initially advertised.

7 Day Galapagos Island Hopping Budget

We loved this tour! Having everything booked for us in advance and guides at each stop was a wonderful way to experience this trip. Everyday we had a new daily guide who knew their stuff and made the trip go that extra step. We loved the balance between the hiking and snorkeling and that we got to do those adventures on multiple islands, not just one spot. For travelers who want to experience a nice variety of what a location, this was perfect! Thank you Rebecca Adventure Travels for helping this beginner travel couple have a wonderful Honeymoon in their #1 bucket list travel location! We will definitely look you up again for our next big adventure!

Galapagos Harmony (7 Days)

Super organisiert und tolle Ausfahrten.

• Island Hopping

5 Day Galapagos Island Hopping Budget

Altough I travel single, there was always a nice group of people. The guides were really excellent, they knew a lot about the wildlife on the Galapagos Islands. I could find good restaurants on Isabella Island and on St Cruz. Everything was arranged well, from the pickup at the airport, tours, hotels and transport. Nice was also that a member of Rebecca's team from Quito called me the second day to aks if everything was ok, very nice.

What people love about Fully Guided Tours in Galapagos Islands

This tour is intended for people who are physically fit,able to walk 6 kilometers a day, love to kayak/snorkel/swim/bike, and still have plenty of energy to enjoy the wildlife. I cannot cope up with the group, but luckily our CEO offered me options like museum visit, tour to Tntoreras. I still was able yo see all the wildlife I need to see exvept the cormorant. I did not expect to stay in a 5 star hotel. I find the accommodation suitable enough for my needs: comfortable bed, air condition, water, electricity, wifi. Special thanks to Sandra, CEO. She is one of the best tour guides I met in my years of travel. She is a great listener and teacher. She was born in Santa Cruz. She knows Galapagos like the palm of her hand.

Amazing experience, and our guide was so knowledgeable and resourceful.

Travel Styles

• Fully Guided

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• Budget (25)
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• Group (297)
• Family (220)
• Christmas & New Year (188)
• Wildlife (165)
• Explorer (160)
• Active (115)
• Partially Guided (105)
• Personalized (87)
• Ocean Cruise (80)
• Sailing (59)
• Private (45)
• In-depth Cultural (29)
• Island Hopping (23)
• Historical (21)
• Hiking & Trekking (12)

🐢 ON CHOKOHOST YOU’LL FIND ACCOMMODATION THAT I RECOMMEND IN THE GALAPAGOS AND SAVE UP TO USD 40 ON YOUR FIRST RESERVATION USING THIS DISCOUNT CODE: "CHOKOTRIP"

Where do you want to travel ?

Galapagos travel guide: cruise, tours, last minute deals, bartolome island.

• Santa Cruz Tours

Bartolome Island | Day Tour starting at $250 | Galapagos 2024

Christian Echeverria

Bartolome Island with its volcanic formations will make you feel on another planet. From its lookout point you’ll find the best view of the entire Galapagos. I can help you reserve this Bartolome Island tour starting at $250 .

Chokotrip unlike Viator and other websites

Reserves your tour directly with the boat operators when you send your first payment. This is why our prices are not inflated and why when you reserve with us you recieve, the name and information of your tour operator so you can follow up directly with the tour operator and have the security of knowing that the tour is confirmed the moment you pay for it.

Bartolome Island (Galapagos – Ecuador) is among the world’s 10 most beautiful islands. You must go up to the viewpoint. After that, you’ll feel like you’re no longer on Earth. You won’t regret it!

Bartolome Island and the most famous viewpoint of Galapagos

• How to get there

Trip itinerary

• Tour information

Tour prices

• Check availability
• ES: Isla Bartolomé

How to get to Bartolome Island?

There are two ways to get to Bartolome Island in the Galapagos. First, one a Galapagos cruise that includes a Bartolome Island trip on its itinerary. Second, taking a day tour to Bartolome Island from Santa Cruz Island.

The pinnacle of Bartolome Island

The trip to Bartolome combines with one of these destinations: » Sullivan Bay » Golden Beach » Chinese Hat Island

Bartolome and the most famous viewpoint of Galapagos

Everything begins at a meeting point assigned by the operator you’ve hired for the tour to Bartolome. Afterwards, you travel around 45 minutes to get to Itabaca canal. Once on board, you sail for 2 hours, until you reach Bartolome Island or a destination that combines, depending on the yacht’s itinerary.

The volcanic formations in Bartolome

Once on the Island, you begin a walk up to the lookout with the best view in the Galapagos Islands. After that, you’ll have lunch on board the yacht. Depending on the permission granted to your vessel by the Galapagos National Park, you’ll do one of the following activities:

Stories on Instagram from Bartolome Island

Sullivan Bay and its pahoehoe lava beach

» Sullivan Bay of Santiago Island : You’ll snorkel and during dry season, you can see penguins. Alternatively, ask to be taken directly to the beach to go on a short hike over dry lava Pahoehoe.

Galapagos Penguins on Bartolome Island

» Golden Beach on Bartolome Island: Throughout the trips I’ve made to Bartolome Island I’ve never taken a tour that includes Playa Dorada on its itinerary. However, as in other tours, you have the option to snorkel or enjoy the beach.

Chinese Hat Island and its volcanic cone

» Chinese Hat Island : Two vessels include Bartolomé + Chinese Hat in its itinerary. Yachts depart Monday and Friday. The snorkeling activity takes place on Playa Dorada on the yacht that departs on Monday, while the yacht that departs on Friday will take you snorkeling on Sombrero Chino / Chinese Hat and on both tours you will have a wet landing on Sombrero Chino / Chinese Hat followed by short hike.

I recommend reserving far in advance if you want to go on this tour to Bartolome Island . Make sure you check availability far in advance, especially if you plan on traveling during the months of July, August or December.

BARTOLOME ISLAND ON VIDEO

Information on Bartolome day tour

› Does not include: Alcoholic beverages, tip and neoprene suit.

I work with 10 operators who own their own boats, you can travel to Bartolome in standard yachts, first class, luxury, catamarans or sailboats; each one has a different tour price.

⭐⭐✩✩✩ low quality ⭐⭐⭐✩✩ decent quality ⭐⭐⭐⭐✩ good quality ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ best quality

The tours with low prices are the ones that travelers complain about the most.

Reserve the Bartolome Island tour with a complete payment using the available payment methods: a bank transfer from any Ecuadorian bank (no additional cost), using WeTravel you can a bank transfer from any U.S. bank (1% + 0.30 cents in additional costs), credit or debit card (only 3.9% additional cost) o using Paypal (5.9% additional cost). Price does not include 12% IVA (only if you need an invoice).    

DON’T MISS OUT!

I can help you reserve this Bartolome Island tour with local operators that own the vessels. Instead of wasting time wandering around each island looking for tours, you should be enjoying the places you can visit on your own while at the Galapagos Islands.

• 📆 CHECK AVAILABILITY

I can help you reserve this Bartolome Island tour with local operators that own the vessels. Instead of wasting time wandering around each island looking for tours, you should be enjoying the places you can visit on your own while at the Galapagos Islands.  

TRAVEL SAFE THROUGH THE GALAPAGOS

After a lot of research, I found a travel assistance service that really works and helps in difficult moments. Good travel insurance that covers flight cancellations is key and, in purchasing this, travelers that visit my blog also get a 5% discount.

• GO FOR YOUR INSURANCE 🎯

POLITICAS DE USO

• Al reservar hospedaje en cada isla, obtendras 10 dolares por isla, es decir si reservas en las 3 islas hospedajes obtendrias 30 dolares de descuento por persona al contratar tours diarios en las 3 islas.
• Al usar el descuento en los tours contratados con ChokoTrip, las reservas de hospedajes no podran ser canceladas ni se aplicaria ninguna politica de cancelacion ni cambio de fecha de los hoteles.
• Para acceder al descuento, la compra de los tours debe ser realizar por la misma persona que reservó en el siguiente formulario de la pagina de ChokoTrip
• Solo para reservas del 2024

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My name is Christian but you came call me Choko. Together with my wife we have created this blog to help all travelers going to Galapagos. I am from Ecuador, born in Guayaquil. Passionate about traveling and everything related to social media. In my free time I travel the americas. I have given conferences and workshops revolving around my work and tourism 2.0 // WRITE ME USING WHATSAPP: +593978990910 - BLOG EN ESPAÑOL ChokoTrip

45 Comments

Terrific experience. The boat was comfortable with a great crew. Mauricio was informative and painted a terrific picture of the past of Bartolomue Island. Nature was its usual amazing self. I was solo but made quick friends with my terrific companions from L.A. Thank you for an unforgettable experience.

We went out to Bartolome Island, the trip started with a bus ride to the docks. The boat was slow, which was nice, we sat our on the front soaking up rays and watching the wildlife. The guide was lovely, and the tour was great. The highlight was swimming with penguins!!! An experience we will never forget, we enjoyed this immensely.

One of the best excursions ! We traveled with out family of 7, the service was second to none. Highly impressed with the level of professionalism and logistics… A must do !

Bartolome Island we went for a slightly more expensive boat and glad we did as we could see the difference in price, you get what you pay for. Great trip there and back and delicious food on board.

We scheduled 6 trips with Choko and are very impressed with the quality and delivery of the tours and the customer service from Christian. For example: the Espanola tour was cancelled due to avian flu and we got the refund back via PayPal in no time. Very pleasant experience, will recommend Chocko tours to everyone.

The Bartolome trip was excellent – we ended up being booked with a very good excursion company: knowledgeable guide and friendly crew on a nice boat/yacht. The Sullivan Bay snorkel was spectacular and the hike up to the “Instagram view” on Bartolome made for a long but perfect day.

Hi I am looking to book some tours from 24th to 31st december

Hi Thomas, sure, but there is for December 23, enter here http://www.choko.tour/book-tours

Booked a tour to Bartolome Island from Santa Cruz Island through ChokoTrip. The web site provided all the information required including the comment that the cheapest tour may not be the most satisfying. We booked a tour on the a yacht and were extremely satisfied with the experience. The booking process was simple and we received quick responses to our questions. The yacht was comfortable and the crew and guide were great. Lunch was delicious. Overall a great experience.

Excellent tour and great booking experience with Choko Trip. I thouroughly enjoyed the experience even though I do not snorkel.

Not knowing much about the tour companies that schedule Galapagos tours, I didn’t want to make a poor decision on whom to work with so I scheduled our daily tours through 4 different companies. Choko was heads above the other three in every way. Christian provided a swift reply to reservation requests. The reservations were accurate. Questions were answered quickly. I also found the information on the website extremely helpful, accurate, and complete. Given that most scheduling companies offer the same tours using the same boats, I strongly recommend Christian.

We opted for flying into San Cristobal, taking the 360 San Cristobal and Isla Lobos tours. Because of bird flu, Espanola was closed. As I understand it, there is a 180 San Cristobal tour. As the last half of the 360 is very rough with no stops, I recommend taking the 180. The highlands tour can be skipped.

We then took a ferry (30 people) to Santa Cruz. We took the Santa Cruz Bay tour, Isabela with the ferry to and from on the same day, Bartolomei with Chinese Hat, and a highlands tour. All were great.

This approach allowed us to do things in the evenings on islands and sleep in a still bed every night. It was also much cheaper than a cruise that takes people to some places that are not very interesting. We swam with sharks, rays, turtles, seals, and fish. We saw frigates, blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, tortoises, and seals.

Remember, always take the largest boat available. When the boats go from island to island, it takes usually about 2 hours, they go very fast, and it can be rough.

ChocoTrip organizó todos mis Tours en mi estancia en Galápagos. Y estuvieron súper bien. Christian siempre estuvo accesible a mis preguntas vía WhatsApp o email , y se lo agradezco mucho . Además contestaba con rapidez y amabilidad. El Tour a San Bartolomé fué muy especial .El.barco era más grande ,con zonas de estar cubiertas ,pero acristaladas . Y también zonas de estar en cubierta de arriba al aire libre. En ambas las vistas eran espectaculares. El.grupo era muy reducido y muy agradable . En cuanto a los guías teníamos dos guías, uno para las 3 personas de habla inglesa y otro guía para las 5 personas que hablábamos español. Los dos guias con muchísimo conocimiento de la zona y súper agradables. El guía que nos acompañó en el snorkel muy profesional , y nos enseñó pingüinos ,tortugas,tiburones, rayas ,estrellas de mar , peces preciosos … Y nos sentimos muy seguros . Además nos.envió después de la excursión un video.,ya editado por el , de las imágenes y vídeos que había sacado con su Gopro. Es un recuerdo precioso . Toda la excursión fué una maravilla . Las vistas desde lo alto de la isla ,los animales que vimos ,la isla volcánica que visitamos antes de San Bartolomé. Y la verdad ,el.poder comer una comida riquísima, cómodamente en la parte acristalada del barco ,con las vistas de la Isla San Bartolomé, fué mágico . Además de la amabilidad de la tripulación, que también hay que resaltar . Tour muy recomendable , uno de mis mejores recuerdos en mis viajes . Gracias otra vez a todo el equipo y a Christian.

The tour bartolome was great, the boat was wonderful and the staff was really nice, always taking care of us and making sure we were always confortable. Lunch was perfect, the food, the view, the sharing with all the group together. Bartolome island is really beautiful and we were very lucky with the weather bit our guide was really amazing. Snorkelling in sombrero chino was a superb experience, with all the fishes, all the animals and the waters so clean and with so much visibility. It was a wonderful experience and i recommend to everyone.

We had an amazing trip to Bartolome last week. Choko helped us book it and he was extremely helpful and responsive. We got to snorkel with penguins and sea turtles! The ship and crew were very attentive and wonderful with our kids. Highly recommend!

Choko was able to get us on a Bartolome tour when others couldn’t find availability. We loved the food and snacks on the boat, which was also very comfortable. The guide made sure to make sure our children (ages 5 and 9) were included in the activities.

The view from atop Bartolome was magnificent and the snorkeling and beach in Sullivan Bay were the favorite of our trip.

This trip was a 3 hour journey on the boat each way, so that was a downside if you get seasick. It does make a very full (but amazing) day.

Choko helped us booking the 1-day tour to Bartolome Island with Sullivan Bay on the Luxury Yahat. Booking process is easy and fast. He contacted the tour operator for our hotel pick up/ drop off. The guide/crew members are friendly and professional, who made the tour very enjoyable. The foods/drinks. snacks are excellent. I’d recommend to my friends, who are interested in visiting Galapagos.

Booking the Bartolome tour was easy and fast. The service during the trip was excellent. Good food, comfortable boat (as we chose) and great service. Totally recommended!

Fue un Tour muy largo porque la embarcación que nos toco iba muy lenta… la subida a Bartolome fue bonita pero coincidió con el mediodia y el calor era demasiado. Los paisajes bonitos. Luego pusimos hacer snorkel.

Bartolome Island: Great trip, really good cook, we had a wonderful lunch with a lot of vegetables, snorkling was amazing.

The yacht was fantastic as well as the hike, and lunch but the beach snorkeling was a disappointment. Locations are scheduled by the park and we got the poor choice

management is great, but the boat a bit old and lunch is good

but all is OK great time great trip

Our day cruise to Bartolome was absolutely amazing!!! The tour was very well organized from the meeting point in the morning, all the way to the drop off. Our guide was extremely educational and we saw so many animals! We saw dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, penguins, lizards, crabs, birds, sea lions, and sharks! I would suggest bringing cash if you need to rent a wetsuit, for beer, and for tipping. Other than that, they take care of all the rest! Thank you for a very memorable day!!!!

We scheduled this trip to Bartolome Island with Choko and everything was wonderful. This is a must-do while on the islands and everything was pretty easy when booking through Chiko. Strongly recommend it.

Amazing trip to Bartolomé! Well worth it.

Excellent tour. Good snorkeling and Bartolomme is amazing. Tour guide was excellent informative. Great food on the boat. Booked through choko Thanks again 🙂

I would recommend this trip. Nice boat, good lunch and excellent snorkeling.

I had some travel issues in Guayaquil (thank you Delta!) and Choko made arrangements last minute and booked me and my family a trip to Bartolome Fantastic experience, great boat, great bilingual guide and crew. Fully recommended! Thanks again Choko

It was a fabulous trip. We went on other boat trips booked by other operators, and none had as nice of a boat or as knowledgable of a guide. Thank you so much. This was a trip highlight for sure!

Our trip to Bartolome was great- thank you to Choko for arranging this for us. Our tour guide provided us with lots of information about the island and made our experience very enjoyable. Breakfast, snacks, and lunch were provided- all were very good. We had a great time! Thanks Choko

Choko is a great helper in scheduling tuors in Galápagos. The Baltolomé tour was wonderful. The vessel was very comfortable, the personnel very nice and the food excellent. The small Bartolomé island is a panoramic highlight, and the snorkeling at Sullivan Bay was amazing. The whole trip was a dream come true. Thanks !!

Buenas tardes! Planeo visitar las islas en enero de 2020. Soy de Argentina. Que me podrian decir sobre el clima en ese mes en relacion a las excursiones y el avistaje de animales? Los leo. Gracias!

El clima es de mucho sol y lluvias, todo depende de los dioses del clima para ver si llueve o tienes sol en esos días, el agua está muy cálida, y los animales como siempre digo son libres, y están en todo el año, hay posibilidad de ver pinguinos en esa fecha por Bartolomé.

Amazing tour with the Catamaran to Bartolomé! The real highlight of our Galapagos trip. Choko made the arrangements with the local agency sooo quickly! And he is always available via email or whatsapp to clear out any doubt. 10 out of 10, truly recommended!

Choko is the best, as every excursion I did was memorable. Bartolome is a must see in the Galapagos. The vista from atop the island is really the best view in all of the islands. Then snorkeling afterwards was great too. Highly recommend this excursion and Choko!!

My husband and i had very little time in the Galapagos Islands. We booked a day trip to Bartolome with Choko Trip. The catamaran was great. it was a smooth ride. There were 14 people on our tour and the boat was a perfect size for all of us. Our guide was fantastic! Very knowledgeable and witty. The crew prepared a delicious lunch. We enjoyed this trip very much! Choko made it easy to book. We used the WhatApp to contact our guide the day before. This made it easy to hookup with the tour on the day of the trip. Thanks for a great experience!

Increíble experiencia. 100% recomendado. Viajamos con mi esposo. El tour a Bartolomé supero nuestras expectativas. La embarcación que seleccionamos con ayuda de Choko fue La Española.

A fantastic place worth a visit! Everything worked out perfectly, Choko’s arrangements were very accurate and useful.

My adult daughter and I had a wonderful time on our trip to Bartolome Island . Our yacht, the Wind Rose was spectacular. The captain was very professional, as were the rest of the crew. They were also a lot of fun. The on board chef was wonderful, our lunch was delicious. Our guide, Juan Fernando was amazing, so knowledgeable and considerate of the comfort of all of the guests. It was the highlight of our stay in the Galapagos. Well worth the price.

Yes this is an expensive day trip, but if you really want to see pinnacle rock as i did, then you should go. the lunch was actually really good, and enjoyed snorkeling around the island across the way.

We did a land based 16night trip to Galapagos with day trips & ferries arranged by Choko….Bartolome was an amazing island with spectacular views.The boat was the Altamar..it was great, very luxurious with cooked breakfast onboard fruit scrambled eggs toast etc on proper plates cutlery etc..the Boat was very smooth with ample seating inside or on rear on comfortable patio chairs or top deck. After the walk on Bartolome had a full cooked lunch again table service onboard.Snorkelled off a beach en route to Bartolome with tuna & crackers snack after. Cannot recommend boat Altamar enough we also went on the same boat for our North Seymour trip..Thanks to Choko all went very easily..

Our trip to Bartolome Island was wonderful. We saw so much wildlife including a penguin! The snorkeling was good, saw many schools of blue fish. Saw one sea iguana eating under water also.

Our guide was Ricardo who spoke great English. He works as a freelancer and was hired by the tour company for the day.

The boat could have been better. The exhaust fumes were terrible when sitting on the back of the boat. The food was mediocre. That’s the only complaint.

I would recommend to anyone to go and experience Bartolome Island. Will never forget it.

I contacted Choko to book a tour to Bartelome. I told him I get seasick and was concerned about the boat size. He booked me on a wonderful tour on a large yacht. The tour was amazing, great food, great guide, great staff. The booking process was easy and Choko always respomded to my questions. The tour company was top notch.

On short notice, Choko helped us get a tour to Bartolome Island. On Choko’s website he comments that “you get what you pay for”. The Yachat was not the lowest price, but we feel like we truly got our money’s worth. First, Choko make the arrangements quickly and smoothly for us. This included easy payment methods by credit card. The boat is kept in immaculate condition. It was more than comfortable for the 16 people on our tour. We could sit inside an air conditioned cabin, or out on the front or rear decks. They cooked us a fine lunch, including making special arrangements for people who were vegetarian or with other food preferences. They had 2 good toilets, and cabins for changing clothes before and after snorkeling. They also provided snacks, towels, and nice snorkeling equipment. They called us out onto the decks to see fish jumping, proposes swimming with the boat, and other sights en route to the island. Our guide, Felipe Ayala, was outstanding. Full of details and descriptions of geology, flora, and fauna. The plan for the day was well described and clear. Bartolome Island is the iconic spot seen in many Galapagos photographs. There is a boardwalk to the top of a tuff cone. We did not climb quickly, but rather moved at a pace that all could accommodate, while learning much about the amazing geology of the islands during our climb. Felipe described the development of various islands in the Galapagos, and explained the connections between flora, fauna, and geology. Later, we went to a beautiful spot for snorkeling before returning to Santa Cruz Island. We were fully informed at every moment. It was a delightful and comfortable day. We never would have been able to find this great trip to Bartolome Island without the help of Choko! We deeply appreciate his lightning fast responses to email and WhatsApp messages, and all that he did to make this unforgettable moment possible for us.

We scheduled a trip to Bartolome with Choko. Everything was great. I found the follow up to be wonderful.

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12 Best Tours from Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands: Day Trips+

Julia September 5, 2023 Ecuador Leave a Comment

Find the best side trips from Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands, ranging from 1 – 7 days each.

Santa Cruz Island is one of the most notable islands in the Galapagos archipelago. It’s the most populous island and also home to Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos. While Santa Cruz itself offers many fascinating attractions, it’s also a launchpad for numerous day trips to neighboring islands and sites.

These day trips from Santa Cruz promise unforgettable encounters with the archipelago’s unique flora and fauna, making Santa Cruz the ideal base for exploring the Galapagos Islands.

Let’s dive into some of the incredible day trips from Santa Cruz Island that might just make it onto your Galapagos itinerary.

Disclosure:  Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Table of Contents

Best Day Trips from Santa Cruz

Besides spending time on Santa Cruz Island, you’ll want to use the island as a hub to explore nearby islands. Many of these side adventures can only be visited by day tours from Puerto Ayora or on a multi-day Galapagos cruise.

1. Santa Cruz Island Day Trip: Giant Tortoises, Lava Tubes, & Los Gemelos

Simplify your trip to Santa Cruz Island by joining a hassle-free 3-hour afternoon tour to three of the island’s top attractions . Together with a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the impressive Los Gemelos volcanic formations, visit the local wildlife at the Giant Tortoise Wildlife Reserve, and capture memories as you journey through a lava tube.

Secure your spot in advance for this Santa Cruz Island tour. You’ll travel comfortably in air-conditioned transportation with a small group. Additionally, this trip includes complimentary entree to the Giant Tortoise Reserve.

2. Isabela Island Day Trip: Tintorera Islet, Snorkeling Wetlands & Flamingos

Head to Isabela Island on a guided tour from Santa Cruz . On this tour, you’ll cruise the bay to spot Galapagos penguins and blue-footed boobies up close.

Then you’ll disembark on “Las Tintoreras,” an islet teeming with marine iguanas. You’ll head out on a nature walk to the shark channel, one of the favorite resting spots for whitetip reef sharks, sea turtles, and sea lions.

Next, you’ll visit a remote white sand beach inhabited by sea lions, and enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles, sharks, rays, and possibly penguins. Then, stroll through Isabela Island’s wetlands, spotting Galapagos flamingos, birds, and marine iguanas.

Explore the coconut palm beaches and observe marine iguanas, crabs, and birds at Playa Puerto Villamil. Lastly, visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre Arnaldo Tupiza to witness various tortoise life stages. The tour includes admission fees, providing the ultimate Isabela Island experience.

3. Santa Fe Island Day Trip: Snorkeling and Fishing

Take a look at this unforgettable tour to Santa Fe Island . It’s a prime snorkeling destination in the Galapagos. A short 45-55 minutes boat ride brings you to this tranquil bay with beautiful turquoise waters that resemble a natural swimming pool.

Dive into the water to encounter sea lions, as the lively and playful younger ones join snorkelers, creating a one-of-a-kind interaction. Beyond the sea lions, the underwater world in the Galapagos is filled with sea turtles, sharks, tropical fish, and eagle rays.

The birdlife is abundant too, with sightings of blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, mockingbirds, and possibly even the Galapagos hawk. The island’s unique landscape contrasts the turquoise waters with dark lava rocks, cacti, and a white sand beach filled with sea lions.

After a delicious lunch, you’ll disembark at Hidden Beach, a quite stretch of white sand. Here, you can unwind, swim, or take a guided discovery walk to spot marine iguanas, pelicans, and mangroves. The return journey even offers the chance to try your hand at fishing from the boat. It’s a full day at Santa Fe!

4. Pinzon Island Day Trip: Snorkeling & Fishing

Set off on an exciting tour to Pinzon Island . Here you’ll have the chance to snorkel at one of Galapagos’ most breathtaking spots, revealing a mostly untouched underwater world.

Enjoy either two snorkeling sessions or one extended session, starting in a natural swimming pool before venturing into deeper blue waters. The water is teeming with diverse species, like sharks, sea turtles, rays, marine iguanas, and more.

As the second part of the tour, you’ll have the option for another snorkeling activity at La Fé or embark on a wet landing at La Fé Bay or Las Palmitas Bay.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll take a leisurely 45-60 minute discovery walk, encountering mangroves, cacti species, and captivating wildlife ,such as marine iguanas, sally lightfoot crabs, sea lions, and various bird species, including blue-footed boobies.

The tour to Pinzon Island from Santa Cruz also offers a chance for fishing. The goal being to catch the prized yellowfin tuna. A hot and freshly prepared lunch or ceviche will be served onboard, making for a satisfying and memorable day.

5. Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay Day Trip

Prepare for an exciting day trip to Bartolome Island from Santa Cruz! You’ll be picked up early at your hotel lobby and head to the Itabaca Channel. A comfy bus will take you to the channel, about a 40-minute ride.

Then, set sail to Bartolome Islet, a boat ride of 2-3 hours, depending on currents. Once Bartolome Islet is reached, you’ll disembark and hike around a volcanic cone to its summit. Enjoy taking in the stunning panoramic view alongside the iconic pinnacle.

After hiking, savor a delicious lunch on the boat before heading to the next stop, Sullivan Bay. Sullivan Bay is located just southeast of Santiago Island. Here you’ll disembark and explore the area which features cool geological formations.

Get ready for a 45-minute snorkeling adventure, where you might spot sea and land birds, fur seal colonies, and unique marine iguanas adapted to the terrain. As the day winds down, return to the Itabaca Channel and be transported back to Puerto Ayora.

6. Floreana Island Day Trip: Snorkeling and Fishing

Perhaps one of my favorites was discovering the remote island of Floreana Island. Tucked in the southern reaches of the archipelago, a day tour to Floreana Island from Santa Cruz is a must.

Despite being the least populated inhabited island in the Galapagos, with only around 150 residents, the day trip won’t take us to the inhabited part, but instead, to the beautiful Islet Enderby.

Here, you’ll cruise through a beautifully untouched corner of the archipelago, sharing space with sea lions and diverse bird species, including frigate birds, nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, petrels, and pelicans.

The adventure continues with a snorkeling session amid sea turtles, tropical fish, sea lions, and possibly rays and sharks. For those interested, you can try your hand at fishing with the chance to catch the ever-famous yellow-fin tuna.

Then you’ll disembark at Cormorant Point to the uninhabited part of Floreana Island. Following your naturalist guide, you’ll walk to a viewpoint offering stunning views of a lagoon inhabited by flamingos and framed by Floreana’s two tuff lava cones.

The journey continues to Flour Sand Beach, which is composed of coral. It’s the ideal spot to observe pelicans, sea lions, sea turtles, and other captivating wildlife. While en route to or from Floreana, you’ll pass the iconic Devil’s Crown, a partially submerged volcanic crater resembling a crown.

7. Scuba Diving at Gordon Rocks Day Trip

If you’re a scuba diver, diving at Gordon Rocks is one of the best day trips from Santa Cruz Island. You won’t want to miss it. On this thrilling scuba tour from Santa Cruz, you’ll experience the underwater marvels of Gordon Rocks, one of the Galapagos Islands’ premier dive sites.

Depart from Puerto Ayora on a scenic boat ride to Santa Cruz’s northeast side. This is where the famous Gordon Rocks is located. With your guide by your side, you’re free to explore the subterranean world. While marine life may vary, keep your eyes open for hammerhead sharks, barracudas, and eagle rays in their natural habitat. (It was my first time seeing hammerheads in the wild!)

With a small group, limited to eight participants, this dive trip offers an intimate, and safe, experience. You’ll also be served lunch onboard the boat. What are you waiting for? Get ready to experience the Galapagos Islands under the sea.

Check out the video from my scuba diving trip at Gordon Rocks!

Multi-Day Trips from Santa Cruz

While there are plenty of exciting day trips from Santa Cruz Island, there are also a number of multi-day options available. These allow you to set sail and experience some of the best of the Galapagos Islands, all from Santa Cruz. No additional planning needed! They take care of all of the logistics!

Take a look at these 5 and 7 day tours of the Galapagos Islands from Santa Cruz.

5 Day Eastern Galapagos Cruise aboard Yacht La Pinta

• Day 1: Baltra and South Plaza Islands
• Day 2: Santa Fe and San Cristobal Island
• Day 3: San Cristobal Island
• Day 4: Española Island
• Day 5: Santa Cruz and Baltra Islands

Your 5 day Galapagos Cruise adventure begins on Baltra Island, a former military base during World War II, now serving as an Ecuadorian naval and air force station.

From here, you’ll venture eastward along the volcanic shores of North Seymour and Santa Cruz Islands, eventually reaching the Plazas Islands. The adventure starts with a dry landing at a manmade jetty on South Plaza Island.

On the following day, you’ll explore Santa Fe Island and San Cristobal Island, the provincial capital of the Galapagos. Then, you’ll sail south to Española Island, which is home to the remarkable site: Punta Suarez.

Here, you’ll wander along the rugged coastline, encountering hundreds of marine iguanas, sea lions, marine birds, and possibly albatross (depending on the time of year). It’s the trip of a lifetime!

5 Day Western Galapagos Cruise aboard Yacht Isabela II

• Day 1: Baltra and Santa Cruz Islands
• Day 2: Bartolome and Santiago Islands
• Day 3: Santa Cruz and Santiago Islands
• Day 4: Isabela and Fernandina Islands
• Day 5: Baltra Island

This 5 day cruise starts on Santa Cruz Island , where you’ll explore the highlands and then visit the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station.

The following day you’ll have panoramic views from Bartolome Island and explore Sullivan Bay’s white coral sand beach, with a dramatic lava field to traverse.

Next, you’ll venture to Dragon Hill, the habitat of dusty-yellow land iguanas. After this adventure, Punta Vicente Roca awaits, teeming with wildlife encounters.

Later, your yacht takes you to the youngest island in the Galapagos archipelago, Fernandina. It’s celebrated as having one of the most pristine environments on Earth and can only be reached by cruise.

5 Day Northern Galapagos Cruise aboard Yacht La Pinta

• Day 1: Santa Cruz and Baltra Islands
• Day 2: Santa Cruz and Sombrero Chino Island
• Day 3: Bartolome and Santiago Islands
• Day 4: Genovesa Island

Take a journey to some of the most beautiful islands in the Galapagos on this 5 day cruise . Your adventure begins on Santa Cruz Island, the most populous island of the Galapagos archipelago. Here, you’ll meet giant tortoises in their natural habitat and venture to the shores of Eden Islet.

From there, you’ll hop over to the lovely crescent bay of Chinese Hat. On Wednesday, one of the iconic sites of the archipelago awaits: Bartolome Island. Here you’ll follow its wooden walkway up to a panoramic viewpoint, golden sandy beach, and great snorkeling spots.

Close-by, Sullivan Bay gives you a great introduction to the volcanic origins of the islands. Your cruise ends with an exciting visit to the sunken caldera of Genovesa. It’s far up in the northeast of the archipelago, a privileged place to visit amid thousands of marine birds. It’s also only accessible via Galapagos cruise boats.

7 Day Southeastern Galapagos Cruise aboard Yacht Isabela II

• Day 2: San Cristobal Island
• Day 3: Española Island
• Day 4: Floreana Island
• Day 5: Isabela and Fernandina Islands
• Day 6: Santa Cruz and North Seymour Islands
• Day 7: Baltra Island

Set out on a 7 day cruise through Galapagos’ Southeastern Islands , where magnificent landscapes and endemic wildlife await! Day one introduces you to Cerro Colorado’s giant tortoises. Then, at Punta Pitt, an exciting assortment of booby species welcomes you.

On the third day of your Galapagos tour, a visit to Española Island brings you face-to-face with magnificent wildlife, from mockingbirds to colorful marine iguanas!

As day four dawns, you’ll find yourself on Floreana Island, with historic Post Office Bay and Cormorant Point’s green beach awaiting you. Continuing westward, you’ll travel over young lava formations at Punta Moreno and explore the mangroves of southern Fernandina.

Your Galapagos adventure culminates with a morning visit to Eden Islet and an afternoon wander across the picturesque North Seymour Island.

7 Day Western Galapagos Cruise aboard Yacht La Pinta

• Day 1: Baltra and North Seymour Islands
• Day 2: Isabela and Fernandina Islands
• Day 3: Urbina Bay and Tagus Cove
• Day 4: Rabida & Santa Cruz Islands
• Day 5: Santa Cruz Island
• Day 6: Floreana Island

This 7 day Galapagos cruise itinerary will transport you to the very origins of the archipelago. In the blink of an eye, the Galapagos Islands emerged from a volcanic hot spot where a monumental tectonic shift of the Earth’s crust happened. It resulted in a landscape of unparalleled beauty which you’ll be exploring over 7 days.

One of the highlights is heading to Fernandina Island, hailed as a pristine haven. This untouched island showcases life evolving without human interference.

Next, on Santa Cruz Island, you’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and witness giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Venturing south, flamingos will catch your eye, and you’ll snorkel at the renowned Champion Islet.

It’s a fun filled itinerary, reaching some of the harder to reach islands in the Galapagos.

Explore More of the Galapagos Islands

Santa Cruz Island serves as a fantastic starting point for some of the most memorable tours in the Galapagos Islands. Whether you’re interested in exploring the highlands, seeing the giant tortoises, or venturing to nearby islands for snorkeling and wildlife encounters, Santa Cruz offers awesome tour options.

From day trips to multi-day adventures from Santa Cruz, you’ll have the opportunity to check out the incredible biodiversity and natural beauty that the Galapagos are renowned for. So, when planning your visit to the Galapagos, don’t miss the chance to discover the best tours departing from Santa Cruz Island.

Continue planning your Galapagos trip with these helpful resources.

• How to Travel to the Galapagos Islands on a Budget
• The True Cost of Traveling the Galapagos Islands: A Budget Breakdown
• 6 Critical Things To Know Before Going to the Galapagos Islands

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• PHOTO GALLERY
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4 DAY GALAPAGOS ISLAND HOPPING TOUR

5 day galapagos island hopping tour, 6 day galapagos island hopping tour.

• 8 DAY GALAPAGOS ISLAND HOPPING TOUR
• 10 DAY GALAPAGOS ISLAND HOPPING TOUR
• 4 Day Galapagos Cruises
• 5 Day Galapagos Cruises
• 6 Day Galapagos Cruises
• 7-8 Day Galapagos Cruises
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Tour Details

This 4 day Galapagos Island hopping tour package is a land based tour focusing on the Isabela and Santa Cruz island. This all-inclusive travel itinerary (accommodation, meals, transportation, daily tours) will take you through the most incredible habitats in the Galapagos.

Amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater, is the drawcard of the remote Galapagos Islands. Tour the Galapagos’ outstanding natural beauty and interesting history by foot & boat on this active adventure. Trace Darwin’s theory of evolution, spot colourful, bizarre and beautiful creatures and have an experience that is completely out of this world as you discover the incredible Galapagos Islands. Enjoy our 4 day land based Galapagos tour.

Departure & Return Location

Baltra Airport ( Google Map )

Departure Time

We will meet you from your arrival flight

Price Includes

• Transfers in Galapagos
• 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation
• Meals during the trip (breakfast - lunch) no dinners
• Professional Bilingual Guide (English and Spanish)
• Visits and excursions according itinerary
• All sea and land transportation
• The snorkeling gear is included

Price Excludes

• Local flights to/from Galapagos Islands
• Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100 per person, must be paid in cash at the airport, children under 12 years pay $50)
• Galapagos Transit Card ($20 per person, payed at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil)
• Soft and alcoholic beverages
• Services not indicated

Complementaries

• Flight tickets from Quito/Guayaquil to Galapagos and back (Round trip)

What to Expect

In this 4 day itinerary, you will visit 2 islands: Santa Cruz and Isabela.

Island hopping allows visitors to experience much of the best areas of the islands while sleeping in well-appointed hotels and transferring between islands during the day on a smaller boat.

You can start on any day of the year, and you can buy your own Galapagos flights or if you prefer we can help you booking the flights to the Galapagos Islands and back to Quito or Guayaquil. We offer itineraries for any length of time. Island hopping itineraries are also great choices for visitors who wish to combine diving days with classic wildlife tours, family groups, small groups, private tours. 

• Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, near Puerto Ayora, to deepen and broaden your knowledge of Galapagos wildlife.
• Swing with sea turtles, penguins and sea lions at Tintoreras Islet
• See the Galapagos Giant Tortoises on the wild at the highlands of Santa Cruz Island

Day 1 Arrive in Baltra Airport - Charles Darwin Research Station

Am: Baltra Airport – Transfer to Puerto Ayora.

After two hours and a half of flying from Quito or Guayaquil you arrive at 11:00-12:30 at the airport on Baltra Island. A Naturalist Guide of our Company will meet you at the entrance and welcome to this famous Galapagos Archipelago, as soon as you get the luggage, with all members of the group, you will take an airline company bus, ride for around 10 minutes to the Itabaca channel, cross the channel on a public boat (ten minutes ride) to the northern part of Santa Cruz Island where a private transport waits to bring you to the hotel in Puerto Ayora after an hour riding passing through different zones of vegetation from the arid to the humid and again to the arid then you have lunch in one of the restaurants of the town.

Pm: Charles Darwin Research Station

You walk to the Charles Darwin Research Station to see few land iguanas and the Galapagos giant tortoises, some of them are breeding in captivity helping to recover the normal population of the original islands, tortoises from different islands and babies between just few weeks to 5 years old which must be fed and receive special protection against introduce rats and cats. This is a nice beginning trip because you have the chance to visit the Interpretation Center with a lot of information about the wild life of these famous islands. ​When you walk to Darwin Center you have a good possibility to see marine iguanas on different size, birds: pelicans, finches, mockingbirds, Galapagos fly catchers; and many lava lizards. You can spend around 2 hours on this activity and then you will be free for shopping or just to walk back to the hotel, where the Guide will meet you at 19:00 to explain for the next day activities. Remind please dinner is in your own because is not included in the trip.

Day 2 Isabela Island - Tintoreras Islet

Am: Breeding Center of Tortoises – Wet Lands – Flamingos

After an early breakfast (06:15) in the same hotel, one of the members of the Galapagos Sea Star Travel Company will be there to bring you to the main tourism dock for helping with the luggage inspection and to show you the fiber glass boat which transport you to Isabela Island after around two and a half hours of sailing. You should put the swimming suit on already in the hotel, sport sandals or shoes on and take with you sun glasses, sunscreen, drinking water, a camera, a pair of binoculars, a hat and some money in case you want to buy a drink or souvenirs. Isabela is the largest island with a sea horse shape and the second youngest of the Galapagos Archipelago about 500 thousand years old, you land on Puerto Villamil much smaller in size if we compare with Puerto Ayora, as soon as you arrive a Naturalist Guide will meet at the dock, explain, introduce the Island to begin immediately the activities: Walk at the Breeding Center of the Galapagos Giant Tortoises from Isabela Island specifically Cerro Azul and Sierra Negra, you have the possibility to see the variation on shape and all over size of tortoises from different islands and even between populations from the same island. You see babies from few months to 8 years old and of course on the way: finches, mockingbirds. Walk at the Wet lands, there are brackish lagoons among the mangrove forest where usually you see Flamingos with their extraordinary bright pink feathers, Galapagos Ducks, Black- necked Stilts all year around and from August to February some migratory birds: Whimbrels, Willets, etc. You have lunch at a restaurant in the town.

Pm: Tintoreras Islet – White Tipped Reef Sharks

You take a water taxi to sail for 05 minutes and after a dry landing to walk on the islet called tintoreras (local name for White- tipped reef sharks), this is a very recent volcanic formation and the two types of lava flow are present: Pahoe- hoe and ‘’Aa’’. There is a loop trail 400 m long where, Blue-footed boobies, Brown pelicans, herons, frigate birds, Galapagos Sea Lions and dozens of Marine iguanas are present near the trail. You are going to look for Blue- footed boobies and the famous Galapagos penguins on the rocks on the way to the snorkeling spot (the last activity of today). ​Sail back to Puerto Ayora, arrival estimate 17:15.

Day 3 Santa Cruz Island

Am: Tortuga Bay Beach

Breakfast in the hotel at 07:00. You should put your swimming suit on, sport sandals on, sunscreen on and should take with you a hat, a camera, drinking water, some money and be ready to start for another great day. You walk for 2km on an easy flat trail through the typical vegetation of the Arid and Transition zones such us: the tallest cactus of the Galapagos Islands (Opuntia Echios) growing up to 10m, the leafless incense trees with the local name holy stick after its use as a form of incense having a strong smelling sap, Matazarno trees growing to over 15 ms, Poison Apple the large ever green trees , Muyuyo also known as Yellow Cordia or Glue Bush growing to 8 ms growing up, etc. About the animals: lava lizards, Yellow Warblers, Galapagos Mockingbirds, Galapagos Flycatchers, etc. at the end of the trail there is a spectacular white coral sand beach called Turtle Beach because these reptiles come on shore at night to lay eggs occasionally in the breeding season from October to February, at the end of this beach crossing some mangrove trees there is another beautiful beach then you have the opportunity to go for snorkeling in a very calm sea without any current to look for small white tipped reef sharks and some tropical fish. You take the same way back to the town and hotel and get ready to walk to the restaurant to enjoy lunch.

Pm: Highlands of Santa Cruz (wild tortoises) and Lava Tunnels

For the afternoon visit, you should put sport shoes on, sunscreen on, and take with you a light rain jacket in case of mist in the Cold dry season or rain in the rainy season, a hat, a camera and some money to buy for sodas or ice cream. You take a private transport and ride for 40 minutes to reach a ranch at the High Lands, at the both sides of the road you see native flora but also introduce fruits such us: guava, papaya, black berry, etc. The ranch is the site where the Galapagos Giant Tortoises are free to walk where ever they want, belong to one of the species that are still alive giving to you a good example of the domo shape type. Any low plant species is good food for these huge animals and the High Lands been more humid (600- 700 mm rain fall in a year) than the Low Lands (100- 200 mm rain fall in a year) have more food for them and this is one of the reasons to see tortoises all year around. The birds are present too: Darwin finches (woodpecker finch, large tree finch), Galapagos flycatchers, yellow warblers, Cattle Egret (the newest arrival of any animal species on natural way), Smooth billed Anis (humans brought from the mainland). Moorhens (Common Gallinule) Now you have a chance to walk inside of a lava tunnel, this is a volcanic natural formation, when the channel at the centre of a flow may also form a crust where the molten rock chills against the air. As molten lava beneath continues to flow and drains out from under the crust, it leaves behind a hollow in the flow, which is called a lava tube or tunnel. Back to the hotel and be ready for the last evening briefing.

Day 4 Santa Cruz - Baltra Island

Am: Twin craters – Transfer out to Baltra Airport

Breakfast is at 07:00. Be ready to go to the airport on Baltra Island, check you are carrying all your personal belongings, remind once you leave the hotel you are not going back. There are two pit craters on the way to the Itabaca Channel locally called twins because are similar in shape and size. It is the last walk in your trip around one of the two big holes where you enjoy the view, Scalecia forest, native trees and plants, Galapagos mockingbirds, Galapagos doves, occasionally Vermilion flycatcher and Short eared owls.

Important Notes

The price for this tour is:

$983 (Nine hundred eighty-three American Dollars) – ​ per person

Rate includes:

•  Transfers in Galapagos
•  Accommodation at the hotel
•  Meals during the trip (breakfast – lunch) no dinners
•  Professional Bilingual Guide (English and Spanish)
•  Visits and excursions according itinerary
•  All sea and land transportation
•  The snorkeling gear is included

No includes: ​

•  Local flights to/from Galapagos
•  Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100 per person, must be paid in cash at the airport, children under 12 years pay $50)
•  Galapagos Transit Card ($20 per person, payed at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil)
•  Soft and alcoholic beverages
•  Services not indicated 

Accommodation:

Twin, matrimonial (double) or triple rooms in Villa Laguna Hotel or similar on Santa Cruz Island (tourist class hotel)

Flight tickets to the Galapagos Islands: 

We can book for you the flights from Quito (or Guayaquil) to the Galapagos Islands and back. The cost for the flight tickets will be $550 per person, Quito – Galapagos – Quito (round trip) . We book the flights according your dates and send you by email your tickets a few days (2 or 3) after we receive your money.

If you require us to book the flights for you: Please do not forget to check the box: “Flight tickets from Quito/Guayaquil to Galapagos Islands and back (Round trip)” at the payment page. 

It will a pleasure to book for you the tickets.

Additional  Notes:

•  You will have a naturalist guide during the whole trip
•  You will spend most of the time on the islands. If you would like to spend some extra days on your own,   we will be happy to help you to book extra nights before or after the tour. For this please contact us by our enquiry form on this page 
•  Accommodation in nice clean hotels with a private hot water bathroom and Wi-fi.
• This trip stars and finishes in Santa Cruz, arrive and departure flights should be booked from Baltra Airport – GPS.

Deposits and payments policy:

• To confirm your booking 50% Deposit of the total amount.
• 45 days prior to departure 50% Remainder to complete total payment.

Payment methods:

• Deposit (wire transfer) on our Bank account –   Please continue with the booking in this page and if you wish to do a bank transfer, please select “Book and pay later” button. We will send you all the information required for the wire transfer (Bank Deposit Information- Sea Star Travel Company).
• Payment by credit card: Please continue with the booking in this page and at the payment page select Credit Card as a the payment method. You can pay with your credit card directly in our page. The payment is encrypted and transmitted securely with an SSL protocol.

Payment by credit card (Via PayPal): Please continue with the booking in this page and at the payment page select PayPal as a the payment method. It will send you to our PayPal account page where you can pay with your credit card or PayPal balance.

Related Tours

Galapagos Day Trips

From Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristobal Islands

Galapagos Day Trips from Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island),  Puerto Villamil (Isabela Island) and Puerto Baquerizo (San Cristobal Island)

Our  Galapagos Day Trips  are specialized daily tours to uninhabited islands and islets in the archipelago departing from Santa Cruz, San Cristobal  and Isabela Islands  which include sites inhabited by sea turtles, Galapagos sharks, rays, penguins and sea lions.

Day tours  from Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz Island  take place aboard motor yachts and have 4 different destinations:

Day tours  from Puerto Villamil in Isabela Island  include must-visit snorkeling and hiking spots: 

• Cabo Rosa also know as “Los Tuneles”  
• Tintoreras Islet Snorkeling and Hiking Tour  and
• Sierra Negra Volcano Hike

 Day tours  from Puerto Baquerizo in San Cristobal Island  include two of the most sought after spots in Galapagos:

• Kicker Rock Tour – One of the most bio-diverse sites in Galapagos
• Española Island Tour – Galapagos Bird paradise

Among the activities are hiking, snorkeling, swimming , observation of fauna and flora. A naturalist guide will escort the tours and activities.  A small box lunch is included in some of these trips. Pick up/drop of from either your hotel or from t he dock in Puerto Ayora, Puerto Baquerizo or Puerto Villamil are also included in the day-trips.

NOTE : If you are looking for a multi-day tour in Galapagos which includes daily activities to these spots plus hotel , take a look at our Galapagos Land Tours here .

Departing from Santa Cruz Island

Galapagos day tour Plazas | Full-day Tour

North Seymour Galapagos | Full-day Tour

Bartolome Galapagos + Sullivan Bay | Full-day Tour

Galapagos Boat Tour | Santa Fe + South Plazas Island

Santa Fe Galapagos Snorkeling Day Trip + Playa Escondida

Santa Fe Galapagos | Hike and Snorkel Day Tour

Departing from isabela island.

Sierra Negra Galapagos | Full Day Trekking Tour

Tintoreras Galapagos Snorkeling Tour | Half-day Tour

Cabo Rosa Galapagos aka Los Tuneles | Half-day Tour

Departing from san cristobal island.

Espanola Galapagos Day Trip from San Cristobal Island

Kicker Rock Day Tour From San Cristobal

Pinzon daily tour.

More on Galapagos Day Trips

Galapagos Day Trips allow you yo explore the islands deeper and get close to endemic vegetation and wildlife only found in these sites. Among the fauna that can be observed in the islands: masked boobies, blues footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, rays, sharks Galapagos, multicolored reef fish, sea lions, marine turtles, Lava Herons, Tropical birds, land iguanas (as know as Galapagos Dragons) among others, depending of the island that you choose for your day. Get close to Galapagos most iconic wildlife and vegetation, let us now your day trip from Santa Cruz or Isabela you are looking for.    For more information about dates and prices please don’t hesitate in contact one our Galapagos travel advisor, they will help you anytime.

Galapagos Ferry Tickets

To transfers between the main populated islands (Santa Cruz and Isabela) we have two options per day:

Small boats (up to 20 passengers) that depart each day from the main dock of Santa Cruz Island port and Isabela Island port.

San Cristobal to Santa Cruz Ferry Tickets

Isabela to Santa Cruz Ferry Tickets

Santa Cruz to San Cristobal Ferry Tickets

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Separately, is "CarpeDM Adventures" a reliable tour operator for Galapagos? Majority of online reviews seems to cover tours from mainland Quito.

Thanks in advance~

2 replies to this topic

why dont you take the water taxi?

also its up to you and take or leave, but if you are going to travel more, you really should learn how to pack less. you can google for many ideas on this if you want. In the end its your pain your gain.

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Galapagos Islands Hotels and Places to Stay

• Why are the Galápagos Islands so special?
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• What's the best length of time for a cruise?
• Can I take a cruise if I get seasick?
• Any tips for photography ?
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• How can I save money?

To Duke Alumni homepage

Machu picchu to the galápagos.

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Date: Tue, February 18, 2025 - Wed, March 5, 2025

Trip Status: Waiting for the brochure

Price: From $9,193 per person including air

Activity Level: Moderate

Region: South America

Arrangements: Odysseys Unlimited

Machu Picchu’s enigmatic ruins and the fascinating Galapagos Islands rank among South America’s greatest treasures, and a small group tour is the ideal way to experience both.  This outstanding 16-day adventure begins with Lima’s highlights.  Traverse the magnificent Sacred Valley, visiting impressive Incan sites and indigenous villages during a two-night stay.  After taking a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu, tour and absorb this astounding site on two separate days, overnighting nearby. Then encounter the history and beauty of Quito, a UNESCO site.  Spend the next four nights on the Galapagos’ beautiful Santa Cruz Island; the relaxed stay here includes cruising on a private yacht to two nearby islands to learn about Darwin’s incredible “living laboratory” from an expert naturalist guide.  After this unique experience, return to Quito for a final day of touring.  Discover the Amazon’s amazing flora, fauna, and villages with an exceptional 4-day/4-night pre-tour option. 

Reservations and Information

To reserve, complete a registration form in the brochure and mail to Duke Travels, Box 90572, Durham, NC 27708, or call (919) 684-2988 to reserve conveniently over the phone and let us know you are mailing your reservation form to hold your space. To learn more about our travel program or any of our upcoming trips, please contact us at [email protected] or 919-684-2988

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Dr. Lincoln Pratson P'14, P'20

Gendell Family Professor of Energy and Environment

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Your Journey Begins Here

Travel to new heights as you make a customized journey around the world. Secluded islands, vibrant wildlife, historic city sites – which adventure will be yours?

From the Seychelles to the Galápagos, experience the rare, the wild and the beautiful on this trailblazing voyage across four continents.

Discover UNESCO-listed temples and shrines.

— Kyoto

Meditate on a mountaintop in the Seychelles.

— Seychelles

Cruise amid the Galápagos’ natural wonders.

— Galápagos Islands

Experience the legendary wonders of the world like never before on a journey of discovery, from the Great Barrier Reef and the Pyramids to remote Easter Island and the Lost City of Petra.

Sail the South Pacific by catamaran.

— Bora Bora

Go behind the scenes in Bangkok’s creative district.

— Bangkok

Teotihuacan Pyramids sunrise hot air ballon ride.

— Mexico City

Encounter the mysterious moai of Easter Island.

— Easter Island

Seek out serenity on remote island paradises, engage your senses in vibrant cultural capitals, and uncover the magic of the vast African savannah – all on this inspiring journey by private jet.

Sail down the Danube River at sunset.

— Budapest

Learn the secrets of the samurai in Kyoto.

Soar above the Serengeti in a hot air balloon.

— Tanzania

Explore the rugged wonders of Antarctica, the mysteries of majestic Machu Picchu, and the vibrant rhythms and flavours of South America on this expedition through the enchanting southern hemisphere.

Uncover the Incan secrets of Machu Picchu.

— Machu Picchu

Cap off your day at an exclusive stargazing party.

— Costa Rica

Take a day trip to the thundering Iguazú Falls by Private Jet.

— Iguazú Falls

Stand in awe of the Pyramids and the Temple of the Sphinx, two ancient wonders of the world that have stood the test of time for nearly 5,000 years, during an unforgettable stay in Cairo.

Observe elusive mountain gorillas up close in Rwanda.

— Rwanda

Explore island lagoons on a snorkelling excursion.

— Mauritius

— Serengeti

Uncover the enchantment of seven timeless destinations across Asia on a 16-day adventure of a lifetime. Awe-inspiring world wonders, dynamic cities and idyllic islands await on this journey by private jet.

Learn the ancient art of the samurai.

— Tokyo

Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

— Bhutan

Encounter the temples of Angkor on a day trip.

— Angkor Wat

Ancient Explorer August 2025

Soar over the ancient city of the gods in a hot air balloon.

Seek out serenity on remote island paradises, engage your senses in vibrant cultural capitals, and uncover the magic of the vast African savannah—all on this inspiring journey by private jet.

Our longest-running journey around the world showcases its extraordinary range with stunning natural beauty, enduring cultural traditions, inspiring urban experiences and a stop at one of the world’s iconic wonders.

Go behind the scenes at Sydney’s Opera House.

— Sydney

Watch the sun set from Dubai’s iconic skyscraper.

— Dubai

Make a Special Trip to a World Wonder.

— The Taj Mahal

Our beloved around-the-world journey returns with a reimagined itinerary that spans the endless plains of the Serengeti, the idyllic shores of the Maldives, the electrifying buzz of Tokyo and – for the first time ever – the legendary treasures of Istanbul and Ephesus.

Take a day trip to Ephesus by private jet.

— Istanbul

Learn the secrets of the samurai in Tokyo.

This enriching, 13-day family-friendly itinerary is filled with majestic wildlife experiences, ancient historical treasures and awe-inspiring natural wonders to captivate travellers of all ages.

Marvel at Victoria Falls, a natural wonder of the world.

— Zambia

Go rafting on Bali’s longest river.

— Bali

At Your Service

Rely on the expertise of our dedicated Four Seasons Private Jet Experience Team, whose personalized service allows you to sit back, relax and enjoy every moment to its fullest. The Four Seasons Private Jet Journeys are sold and operated by TCS World Travel. Aircraft operated by Titan Airways Limited.

• 24/7 Personal Concierge
• Dedicated Travel Planner
• On-Board Executive Chef
• Dedicated Luggage Concierge
• Journey Physician
• Four Seasons Service Trained Crew

“The only thing you’ll have to think about is enjoying yourself and doing as much or as little as you want. We’ll take care of the rest.”

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Disney+ and national geographic unveil galápagos islands giveaway for earth day: here’s how to enter.

Disney+ subscribers can score a trip to the Galápagos Islands with Nat Geo experts.

By Rudie Obias

Rudie Obias

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Disney+ is one of the most popular streaming services out right now, especially with its National Geographic originals — such as Earth Moods , Animals up Close With Bertie Gregory , Life Below Zero , The Space Race and Wild Yellowstone — that aim inform, educate and entertain its subscribers. While there are already plenty of perks and deals with a Disney+ subscription , the streamer is upping the ante with a contest to get a free cruise to the Galápagos Islands for Earth Day, thanks to Nat Geo.

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The giveaway is part of Nat Geo’s ourHOME Collection of nature docuseries, originals and short films — including Secrets of Elephants , Queens , Dolphin Reef , The Olympic Elk and Fire of Love — on Disney+ that’s designed to celebrate Earth Month .

You have to be a Disney+ subscriber to enter the giveaway. Not a member? You can sign up for Disney+ starting at $7.99 per month for the basic ad-supported plan. However, you can go ad-free for $13.99 per month, or $139.99 for an annual plan — that’s a savings of nearly 20 percent off per year.

You can also get the Disney Duo bundle, which comes with the ad-supported versions of Hulu and Disney+ for $9.99 per month, which is a nearly 40 percent savings altogether. If you’d like zero ads, you get the Disney Duo Premium for $19.99 per month, which is also nearly 40 percent off the ad-free plans of bother services.

In addition, the Disney Trio offers Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+ (with ads) for $14.99 per month — about a savings of 45 percent off compared to signing up for separate subscriptions. You can even go somewhat commercial-free with Disney Trio Premium . It includes the ad-free versions of Hulu and Disney+ and the ad-supported version of ESPN+ for $24.99 per month.

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