Galapagos Island Hopping
Discover one of the planet’s top wildlife destinations on a 7-day Galapagos island hopping adventure, staying in first class accommodation on the islands. From Baltra Island, take in beautiful landscapes and encounter incredible wildlife on the islands of Santa Cruz, Floreana and Isabela, topped off with a hike up Sierra Negra Volcano.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Baltra Island & Santa Cruz
Day 1 Baltra Island & Santa Cruz
Baltra Island - Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival at Baltra Island airport, you will be met by our guide and transferred to the city of Puerto Ayora, the largest in the Galapagos Archipelago, on the island of Santa Cruz. On the way, we travel by local ferry across the beautiful Itabaca Channel which separates Baltra and Santa Cruz Island. Once on the other side of the channel we transfer up to the highlands of Santa Cruz island to visit a private farm where we will have our first amazing Galapagos experience, observing the giant Galapagos Tortoises in their natural habitat. Then we transfer to our hotel in the town of Puerto Ayora. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2 Discovering Santa Cruz Island
Day 2 Discovering Santa Cruz Island
Following an early hotel breakfast, we embark on a hike to Tortuga Bay Beach, renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Archipelago. After a 40–60-minute walk, we reach this heavenly spot with soft coral sand and picturesque scenery. The initial beach section has strong waves, making it unsuitable for swimming. However, a 10-minute walk leads to a serene bay. Here, we marvel at a colony of marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and marine birds amidst mangroves, cacti forest, and captivating coastal flora. We enjoy beach time before returning to town via a local ferry at which point we have lunch.
In the afternoon, we walk to the Fausto Llerena Interpretation Centre for insights into the Galapagos National Park's work. We observe tortoises of various species and sizes, along with land iguanas. Inside the centre, a special air-conditioned chamber houses the embalmed body of the iconic Lonesome George. We explore the small museum at the Charles Darwin Research Station, and savour free time after this enriching experience.
Day 3 Floreana Island
Day 3 Floreana Island
Santa Cruz Island - Floreana Island. Early this morning we embark on a 2.5-hour journey aboard the first-class Galapagos Element Wind Yacht to Floreana Island's historic Puerto Velasco Ibarra. A local water taxi transports us to the pier, where we hope to encounter sea lions and marine iguanas basking in the morning sun. A brief walk leads to a secluded lodge by the ocean, our overnight stay.
Next, a local "Chiva" transport takes us on a 15-minute ride to Floreana's highlands, where we enjoy a pleasant walk amid the area's typical flora and have encounters with giant Galapagos Tortoises. Continuing our exploration, we reach "Asilo de la Paz" (Peace Asylum), a historic site where the Wittmer family settled in 1932. After lunch and a rejuvenating rest, we proceed to a beautiful bay and potentially snorkel with sea lions and marine turtles. The entire area boasts breathtaking beauty. We conclude the day with dinner and a peaceful rest while enjoying the sunset.
Day 4 Isabela Island & Las Tintoreras
Day 4 Isabela Island & Las Tintoreras
Floreana Island - Isabela Island. After a leisurely breakfast we set sail towards Puerto Villamil, the largest town on Isabela Island. During the 2.5-hour journey, anticipate sightings of marine turtles, manta rays, diverse marine birds, dolphins, and possibly whales. Upon reaching the bay of Puerto Villamil, local transport takes us to our hotel and there's time to relax on the expansive beach.
In the afternoon, around 2 p.m., we join a captivating guided tour to "Las Tintoreras." This picturesque area features colonies of marine iguanas, sea lions, and the highlight—White-tipped sharks, known as "Tintoreras," resting in lava flow-formed channels. The locale is ideal for snorkelling, offering encounters with sea lions, penguins, and marine turtles. We return to the hotel and unwind during the late afternoon.
Day 5 Exploring Isabela Island
Day 5 Exploring Isabela Island
Early this morning we take a 30-minute drive to the highlands of Isabela Island, reaching the National Park's visitor control area. Embark on an easy 1.5 hour walk to the rim of the Sierra Negra Volcano, the world's second-largest crater. This impressive caldera, measuring 5 miles by 7 miles, offers one of the most spectacular views in the Galapagos.
In the afternoon we drive to Isabela's Tortoise Breeding Centre where we encounter Giant Galapagos Tortoises of various species and sizes. We continue on a well-maintained trail to the "Humedales" (Wetlands), showcasing lagoons surrounded by mangroves and local flora. Witness flamingos and migratory birds in the lagoons. Our walk ends at the main road and beach, providing us time to enjoy the surroundings with marine iguanas. We the return to the hotel for free some time before dinner.
Day 6 Isabela to Santa Cruz Island
Day 6 Isabela to Santa Cruz Island
Isabela Island - Santa Cruz Island. This morning we board our yacht and sail back to Santa Cruz, looking out for dolphins en route. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and venture to the highlands for a visit to a coffee plantation. We enjoy a delightful light lunch and savour some free time before our farewell dinner.
Day 7 Baltra
Day 7 Baltra
Santa Cruz - Baltra. After breakfast we drive to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, making a stop at the natural formation known as "The Twins" Craters. These are sinkholes, not volcanic craters, formed by the collapse of the volcanic roof of an empty magma chamber due to tectonic shifts and erosion. The area boasts a unique climate, surrounded by scalesia forests and is home to various bird species.
Travelling on to the Itabaca Canal, we cross it and take an airline bus to the airport. Our guide will help you with check in for your onward flight to Quito or Guayaquil (not included).Please note that we can book your domestic Galapagos flights, accommodation in Quito or Guayaquil and airport transfers upon request. Please contact us for details.
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Hotels
The new Ikala Galapagos Hotel on Santa Cruz Island is a luxurious and well-appointed hotel with featuring a swimming pool, stylish bar area and a beautiful terrace offering a fabulous view over Puerto Ayora harbour. After a long day exploring you can enjoy a delicious cocktail or locally sourced Galapagos inspired meal at the Ikala Terrace Bar & Restaurant. Make yourself at home in one of the elegantly decorated rooms featuring a private balcony, en suite bathroom and with all the modern amenities. The hotel is well located just one block away from the main pier and within easy reach of the main streets of Puerto Ayora where you will find plenty of shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars.
The Lava Lodge is perched at the edge of a black lava beach in a sheltered bay, this quaint family run accommodation is made up of 10 Ocean facing wooden cabins in a wonderfully secluded location. Each Chalet has its own wooden decking with chairs providing fabulous views of the sea, sunsets and stars. Much of the food served at the lodge has been grown on the family’s organic farm, here you can expect delicious meals served in a relaxing environment and there’s often special BBQ evenings. The comfortable cabins feature either twin beds or bunk beds a private bathroom and are each equipped with the essentials, including air-conditioning. The Lodge is a 5 minute walk from the nearest village and only a couple of minutes walk from a sea lion colony.
Iguana Crossing Hotel is a boutique accommodation located on Isabela Island in the Galápagos, offering a unique blend of modern comfort and natural beauty. Situated near pristine beaches and the iconic wetlands, enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and lush volcanic landscapes. Its design harmoniously integrates local materials and sustainable practices, ensuring an eco-friendly stay. Relax in well-appointed rooms, a refreshing infinity pool, and a cozy restaurant that serves fresh, locally sourced cuisine.
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