8 Days Galapagos Island Hopping Tour (San Cristobal - Santa Cruz - Isabela)
Tour Overview
You will be overflowed with exotic wildlife set against backdrops of spectacular landscapes. Explore the natural wonders and fascinating wildlife of the Galapagos archipelago by day, sleeping in comfortable hotels at night. Speed boats or public transportation takes you from island to island and at the end of each day, you return to your island hotel. We use small island hotels that have been artfully built with an inspirational design. This tour is activity-packed and include visits to see the unique Galapagos animals and volcanic landscapes found nowhere else on the planet. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Exploring the Santa Cruz Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station
Location: Galápagos Ecologic Airport, Puerto Ayora
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
After arriving at Baltra Airport, a local guide will pick you up. On the way to Puerto Ayora, stop off at a local farm in the highlands, where there are dozens of giant tortoises. Wander around on your own to appreciate these majestic creatures. Then, enjoy lunch before continuing to your destination.
In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Witness firsthand the work of international scientists who come to the Galápagos to carry out environmental projects. Head to the nearby Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, where giant Galápagos tortoises breed and are cared for. This is the best place on the islands to see different tortoise species and learn about each one. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Kayaking Tortuga Bay - Afternoon Bay Tour
Location: Puerto Ayora
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You will start with a 45-minute hike from Puerto Ayora to the heavenly Tortuga Bay, famed for its soft coral sand and spectacular scenery, this stretch of coast is considered one of the archipelago's most picturesque spots. Take a kayak out onto the water to see marine life up close and admire the coastline from a different perspective—observing colonies of marine iguanas and marine birds, as well as mangroves, cacti forests, and fascinating coastal flora.
When you are done kayaking, you may stay for sunbathing or snorkeling. In the afternoon you will be taken on a bay tour. In a small boat, you will visit the most beautiful bays and beaches of Santa Cruz Island. Swim with playful sea lion cubs, explore the diversity of fish snorkeling, or just sunbathe on the beach. Enjoy! Late afternoon you will return to Puerto Ayora and be taken to your hotel, where you will spend the night.
Day 3 : Leisure Time in Santa Cruz Island on a Bike
Location: Puerto Ayora
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You will enjoy the island's beauty at your own pace.
You will have a bike reserved and waiting for you at your hotel so you can explore the island on two wheels.
Just leave the bike at your hotel at the end of the day after enjoying it to the max! Today is for enjoying the beauty of the Galapagos, taking lots of photos, and slowing down the pace to truly appreciate island life.
Day 4 : Speedboat to Isabela Island & Wildlife on Las Tintoreras Islet
Location: Puerto Ayora, Aeropuerto de General Villamil
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your morning with a public speed boat trip to Isabela Island, a 2-hour trip.
After lunch, join a group tour for a visit to the Tintoreras Islet for a short hike and some snorkeling. See Humboldt penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions, and sharks, which rest in the natural channels formed by lava flows.
Afterward, snorkel in the turquoise water and spot different fish, sea turtles, rays, and penguins. The evening is free, with an overnight stay on Isabela Island.
Day 5 : Hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano
Location: Aeropuerto de General Villamil
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The majestic Sierra Negra Volcano will occupy today's agenda.
Our adventure starts with a journey from Puerto Villamil to the beginning of the trail. Once there, we will prepare our backpacks and start our walk through the relatively young woods, which suffer from constant geological changes.
You'll do a six-hour roundtrip hike to its summit, from where you'll get to see the second-largest volcanic crater in the world. Walk around spectacular lava landscapes, taking in the northern volcanoes in Isabela and Fernandina Islands.
During your climb, make sure to be on the lookout for the unique vegetation that inhabits the area.
Your finishing point is the edge of the Sierra Negra Volcano’s crater, this volcano is still active. Once at the edge of the crater, you will have spectacular views of the crater and the volcanoes that surround it. The circumference of the crater is huge, with a diameter of almost 10 km along with its widest point.
You'll have some free time after you get back to Isabela Island. If you still have energy, you can head to a beach or snorkel at Concha Perla.
Day 6 : Visit to the Interpretation Center, Tijeretas Hill or La Lobería
Location: Aeropuerto de General Villamil, San Cristóbal Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After checking in to your hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, you will head to the northern limit of the town, towards the local Interpretation Center, which was built in 1998 by the Galapagos National Park Management and the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation. Here you will have the chance to learn about wildlife through the exhibition and conference rooms, a natural history room that explains the origin of the islands, a human history room that describes the presence of man since the discovery of the Galapagos, and of course about the conservation and how to protect and preserve the fragile environment.
Afterwards, we will visit Las Tijeretas Hill, located within walking distance of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. It takes its name from the large number of frigates or "tijeretas" that inhabit and nest in this area. You will be able to have viewpoints along the route from where you can observe the passage of whales, mainly between the months of June and October.
If time allows, you will also visit La Loberia, which is a great site to view colonies of wolves and marine iguanas. Here you can see the coastal vegetation and dry where is common mangrove, salt marsh, muyuyo and palo verde.
In the evening, return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for your next day of adventure.
Day 7 : Snorkeling at Kicker Rock
Location: Kicker Rock
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today you will visit the most popular visitor sites - the famous Kicker Rock.
It is one of the most popular diving spots in the Galapagos with depths of 30 to 130 feet. The natural erosion of this ancient cone has formed a channel between the rocks that produce the perfect habitat for Galapagos Sharks, Whitetip Sharks, Large Rays, Pelagic and Reef Fish, Sea Turtles, and Sea Lions. You can only wonder what a great snorkeling and diving site such an ecosystem makes!
Currents in Kicker Rock are strong and usually cold, but the marine wonders are totally worth it. The excursion starts from the port in the morning and entails two immersions in different areas of Kicker Rock. Late afternoon, you will return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno where you will spend the night.
Day 8 : Transfer to San Cristobal Airport for a flight back to mainland
Location: Airport Isla San Cristobal
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning after breakfast, you will be taken to the airport of San Cristobal where you will take your return flight to mainland Ecuador.
Farewell!
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights accommodation
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Public speedboat Santa Cruz – Isabela – Santa Cruz
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Fully Guided
English-speaking airport transfers
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Meals
Described at the itinerary
What's Not Included
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Additional Services
Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US$ 100 per person) Galapagos Migration Card TCT (US$ 20 per person) Isabela Harbor Fee (approx. US$ 10 per person)
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Insurance
Travel insurances
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Optional
Optional excursions Personal expenses such as tips
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
It depends on the amount of luggage your international and domestic flights permit.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes, of course, at the time of the confirmation of the services you will know the name of the hotels that you will have throughout your trip.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, the transfers are included.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our guides speak English.
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
If there is such a probability.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Yes, there is a supplement for solo travelers in a single room.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Visa is not required to enter Ecuador, although passengers from some countries may need a visa.
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
The hotels are Tourist category
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes, there is some free time for you to enjoy the place on your own.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Wi-Fi is available at the accommodations in the Galapagos Islands.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Very good physical condition is required, since you will be doing various activities that require you to be fit.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, the entrance fees indicated in the itinerary are included.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
The guide will be with you in the different activities in the Galapagos Islands, according to the itinerary.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, flights are not included in our rates. You can book on your own or request a quote from us.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
The official currency in Ecuador is the US dollar.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, we can arrange pre- or post-tour accommodation services.
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What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is not mandatory; however, if you are satisfied with the service, you can tip up to 10%.
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
For this trip, a minimum of 2 passengers is required.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
We do not recommend that children under 16 participate in this tour.
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What is the maximum group size?
The maximum group size is 16 people.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
N/A
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Company Instant Book
We need to check on the availabilities first.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
The visa is not included in the services.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
No vaccine is mandatory for this tour.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We can arrange it if you do it before the time limit of our cancellation policies, subject to availability.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, it is not possible
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
For the past 12 years, Responsible Travel has specialized in creating wonderful memories with our professional and trustworthy providers in every corner of Ecuador. We also collaborate with native communities and local suppliers to ensure that the incoming that comes through responsible travel generates profits for minorities.I am delighted that you are planning to spend your holidays in Ecuador;
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
At your arrival, you must present a COVID-19 vaccinations certificate with at least two doses completed at least 14 days before arrival. This is the only vaccine the government asks as a requirement to enter the territory.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We operate a “single share” only in cruises options.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You will receive an Invoice detailing our terms and conditions. a voucher of services that included all the reserved services.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For the past 12 years, we have been operating Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands and recently South America destinations.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Ecuador Galapagos Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform ecuador galapagos travels, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Ecuador Galapagos Travels requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of ecuador galapagos travels charges.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 39 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
8 Days Galapagos Island Hopping Tour (San Cristobal - Santa Cruz - Isabela)
8 Days Starting in Aeropuerto Seymour de Baltra, Isla Baltra Baltra, HP4J+4C3, Seymour, Ecuador and ending in 39RM+GGC, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Ecuador
Visiting: Puerto Ayora, Aeropuerto de General Villamil, San Cristóbal Island, Kicker Rock
Tour operator:
Group Type:
Private
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
18-70
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat
