Starting from
Explore the Galapagos with this 8-day program that covers the highlights of the three islands San Cristobal, Santa Cruz and Isabela. The program includes must do excursions to the most astonishing destinations as well as instructions for self-guided activities during your free time. It’s designed to discover as much incredible Galapagos wildlife – both on land as under water at spectacular snorkeling sites – as possible, without having to worry about your accommodation and finding your way around.
Day 1 – Arrival, Interpretation Center, Playa Punta Carola, Tijeretas Hill and Playa Mann
Upon arrival at San Cristobal airport you will be picked up by our driver and brought to your hotel. After check in you will have the rest of the afternoon off to spend on your own.
We highly recommend a visit to the Interpretation Center, where you can learn about the geological and natural history of the Galapagos islands, as well as the efforts to protect its uniqueness. From here you can also follow a trail that will first lead you to the beautiful beach Playa Punta Carola, a beautiful beach of white sand where playful sea lions tend to play in its calm waters. If you follow the trail further you will reach the lookout point of Tijeretas Hill, that serves as a nesting spot for two species of frigate birds.
In the late afternoon, we recommend to visit the beach Playa Mann, which is located close to the town center. Here you can relax and enjoy a beautiful sunset while being surrounded by many sea lions that like to come rest in groups here.
Day 2 – Kicker Rock or Isla Lobos (B,L)
Today you will either go on a snorkel tour to Kicker Rock or on an excursion to Isla Lobos. If you have a preference for one of these tours you may let us know when booking your trip, however, the choice is subject to availability. A (box) lunch is included during today’s tour.
Kicker Rock
This striking rock formation is located a couple hours off the western shore of San Cristobal. Jutting out of the water, the rocks stand vertically at hundreds of feet above the ocean divided by a small channel. Blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies and frigate birds often rest here. It’s also the perfect snorkel spot as you could encounter different sharks, tropical fish, turtles, manta rays and sometimes even hammerhead sharks here. After the snorkel activity you will visit one of the nearby beautiful remote beaches before heading back to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This is a full day tour.
Isla Lobos
Isla Lobos a hidden gem in the Galapagos archipelago that is just a short boat ride away from San Cristobal Island. This uninhabited island is known for a variety of wildlife, including the famous Blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and lava lizards. Besides the visit on land you will also get the opportunity to go snorkeling in the crystal-clear water near Isla Lobos, where playful sea lions swim alongside you, This is a half day tour.
Day 3 – San Cristobal Highlands or La Lobería and speedboat to Santa Cruz (B)
This morning you will have time off to spend on your own. We recommend a visit to the highlands of San Cristobal by taxi. Here you can first stop at the El Junco lagoon, a small lake located in an ancient crater. The lake is frequented by frigate birds that come to bath in the lake to wash the salt of their wings. At the breeding center La Galapaguera you will encounter giant tortoises at different stages in life that walk freely around here. As a last stop you can visit Puerto Chino beach, where you can enjoy the vegetation of rare Opuntia cactus trees and possibly Darwin’s fiches, blue footed boobies and pelicans.
Another option is to visit La Lobería, a coral sand beach that has been named for the large number of sea lions that rest on its rocks and sand. In addition to the sea lions, you can find many birds species here such as gulls, blue-footed boobies, finches and frigate birds. On the rocks, you will find unique large marine iguanas. La Lobería is also a good spot to snorkel with sea lions. La Lobería is located about 30 minutes walking from town or you can take a taxi.
In the afternoon you will take the speedboat to Santa Cruz island, which takes about 2,5 hours. After checking in at your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the evening off.
Day 4 – Santa Cruz Bay Tour and Charles Darwin Station (B)
In the morning you will go on a bay tour by boat. During the tour you will visit several places around the bay of Santa Cruz, such as the Canal de Amor, Playa de los Perros, Punta Estrada and Las Grietas. There will be time for birdwatching, snorkeling and swimming. Animals that can be observed during this excursion are Blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, sea lions, marine iguanas, tropical fish, crabs and even some white tipped sharks around the shark channel.
In the afternoon you will have time off to spend on your own. We recommend to visit Charles Darwin Station, that is responsible for the breeding and conservation program of the island’s iconic giant tortoises, which can be observed here. This site also houses a few yellow land iguanas that are pretty rare to find around the enchanted islands.
Day 5 – Tortuga Bay and speedboat to Isabela (B)
This morning you will have time off to spend on your own. We highly recommend a visit to Tortuga Bay. This white-sand beach gets its name from the black sea turtles that lay their eggs here. Marine iguanas, crabs and birds can also be spotted here and it is an excellent site to enjoy a relaxing swim. It takes about an hour to walk from the main port on the boulevard in Puerto Ayora to get to Tortuga Bay.
In the afternoon you will take the speedboat to Isabela island, which takes about 2,5 hours. After checking in at your hotel, you might want to visit the Flamingo Lagoon near town, which is the largest coastal lagoon found in the Galapagos and is one of the main reproductive sites for the grand majority of flamingos.
Day 6 – Las Tintoreras and Concha Perla (B)
Today you will go on an excursion to Las Tintoreras. This islet is home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tip reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, marine turtles and sea lions. One of its beaches surrounded by mangroves is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully. After a visit on land you will have the opportunity afterwards to go snorkeling nearby the islet to see more of the incredible underwater wildlife from up close.
In the afternoon you will have time off to spend on your own. We highly recommend a visit to Concha Perla, a natural pool with crystal clear and calm sea water (mainly at low tide), that is ideal for swimming and snorkeling with sea lions, marine iguanas, sea turtles, a wide range of fish and occasionally penguins and stingrays. The last part of the route up to this snorkel site – that is about 15 minutes walking from town – consists of a wooden walkway where many sea lions like to take a rest. If you don’t have your own snorkel equipment, you can rent these in any of the many tour agencies in town.
Day 7 – Wetlands, Wall of Tears and speedboat to Santa Cruz (B)
This morning you will have time off to visit the Wall of Tears. It’s recommended to rent a bike as this site is about 8 km away from town. As you travel towards the Wall of Tears you will pass several beautiful beaches where you can stop and observe many marine iguanas. You will also pass the Wetlands where there are short trails you can take to explore the area and see various lava formations. On your ride you will likely see giant tortoises and many Galapagos sea birds. At the end of the road you’ll find the Wall of Tears, an important historical site of Isabela island. From 1945-1959, a penal colony hosted prisoners who were forced to build this wall, stone by stone, in isolation. This now historical site, towering at 25 m high, took the lives of thousands during its construction. Locals claim to hear cries emanating from the heavy energy surrounding the site. Another option is to visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre in Puerto Villamil where you can see baby tortoises and learn about the important Galapagos Islands breeding program.
In the afternoon you will take the speedboat to Santa Cruz island, which takes about 2,5 hours. After checking in at your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the evening off.
Day 8 – Departure (B)
Enjoy your last morning on the Galapagos Islands strolling around the boulevard and check out the little fish market, where fishmongers cut and sell their wares. Chances are that you’ll see pelicans and sea lions here hoping to catch a free fishy snack. You will be picked up from your hotel for your transfer to the Itabaca Channel, where you will take the ferry and shuttle bus to Baltra airport. From here you will fly back to the mainland of Ecuador.
Prices 2025
| Price per person (2 passengers) |
|
| Budget accommodation | $1132 |
| Standard accommodation | $1394 |
| Price per person (1 passenger) |
|
| Budget accommodation | $1339 |
| Standard accommodation | $1719 |
Take a look at our Budget, Standard, Comfort and Luxury accommodations.
Make sure to buy a flight on the first day that flies into San Cristobal Island (SCY) and flies out of Baltra Island (GPS). Your arrival flight can arrive any time, but it’s recommended to book an early flight to be able to enjoy some activities in the afternoon on the first day. Your departure flight can leave any time of the day, but it’s recommended to book a flight that leaves a little later in the morning / afternoon, to enjoy your last morning on the Galapagos.
This is a partially Shared Tour / Group Tour and partially Private Tour. This means that there will be other people besides yourself (or your travel party) taking part in most of the excursions of this program. As every traveler is following their own itinerary on the Galapagos the group composition during your excursions can vary from day to day. Your airport transfers on the islands will always be on a private basis for you (or your travel party) only.
Day 1 – Arrival, Interpretation Center, Playa Punta Carola, Tijeretas Hill and Playa Mann
Upon arrival at San Cristobal airport you will be picked up by our driver and brought to your hotel. After check in you will have the rest of the afternoon off to spend on your own.
We highly recommend a visit to the Interpretation Center, where you can learn about the geological and natural history of the Galapagos islands, as well as the efforts to protect its uniqueness. From here you can also follow a trail that will first lead you to the beautiful beach Playa Punta Carola, a beautiful beach of white sand where playful sea lions tend to play in its calm waters. If you follow the trail further you will reach the lookout point of Tijeretas Hill, that serves as a nesting spot for two species of frigate birds.
In the late afternoon, we recommend to visit the beach Playa Mann, which is located close to the town center. Here you can relax and enjoy a beautiful sunset while being surrounded by many sea lions that like to come rest in groups here.
Day 2 – Kicker Rock or Isla Lobos (B,L)
Today you will either go on a snorkel tour to Kicker Rock or on an excursion to Isla Lobos. If you have a preference for one of these tours you may let us know when booking your trip, however, the choice is subject to availability. A (box) lunch is included during today’s tour.
Kicker Rock
This striking rock formation is located a couple hours off the western shore of San Cristobal. Jutting out of the water, the rocks stand vertically at hundreds of feet above the ocean divided by a small channel. Blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies and frigate birds often rest here. It’s also the perfect snorkel spot as you could encounter different sharks, tropical fish, turtles, manta rays and sometimes even hammerhead sharks here. After the snorkel activity you will visit one of the nearby beautiful remote beaches before heading back to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This is a full day tour.
Isla Lobos
Isla Lobos a hidden gem in the Galapagos archipelago that is just a short boat ride away from San Cristobal Island. This uninhabited island is known for a variety of wildlife, including the famous Blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and lava lizards. Besides the visit on land you will also get the opportunity to go snorkeling in the crystal-clear water near Isla Lobos, where playful sea lions swim alongside you, This is a half day tour.
Day 3 – San Cristobal Highlands or La Lobería and speedboat to Santa Cruz (B)
This morning you will have time off to spend on your own. We recommend a visit to the highlands of San Cristobal by taxi. Here you can first stop at the El Junco lagoon, a small lake located in an ancient crater. The lake is frequented by frigate birds that come to bath in the lake to wash the salt of their wings. At the breeding center La Galapaguera you will encounter giant tortoises at different stages in life that walk freely around here. As a last stop you can visit Puerto Chino beach, where you can enjoy the vegetation of rare Opuntia cactus trees and possibly Darwin’s fiches, blue footed boobies and pelicans.
Another option is to visit La Lobería, a coral sand beach that has been named for the large number of sea lions that rest on its rocks and sand. In addition to the sea lions, you can find many birds species here such as gulls, blue-footed boobies, finches and frigate birds. On the rocks, you will find unique large marine iguanas. La Lobería is also a good spot to snorkel with sea lions. La Lobería is located about 30 minutes walking from town or you can take a taxi.
In the afternoon you will take the speedboat to Santa Cruz island, which takes about 2,5 hours. After checking in at your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the evening off.
Day 4 – Santa Cruz Bay Tour and Charles Darwin Station (B)
In the morning you will go on a bay tour by boat. During the tour you will visit several places around the bay of Santa Cruz, such as the Canal de Amor, Playa de los Perros, Punta Estrada and Las Grietas. There will be time for birdwatching, snorkeling and swimming. Animals that can be observed during this excursion are Blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, sea lions, marine iguanas, tropical fish, crabs and even some white tipped sharks around the shark channel.
In the afternoon you will have time off to spend on your own. We recommend to visit Charles Darwin Station, that is responsible for the breeding and conservation program of the island’s iconic giant tortoises, which can be observed here. This site also houses a few yellow land iguanas that are pretty rare to find around the enchanted islands.
Day 5 – Tortuga Bay and speedboat to Isabela (B)
This morning you will have time off to spend on your own. We highly recommend a visit to Tortuga Bay. This white-sand beach gets its name from the black sea turtles that lay their eggs here. Marine iguanas, crabs and birds can also be spotted here and it is an excellent site to enjoy a relaxing swim. It takes about an hour to walk from the main port on the boulevard in Puerto Ayora to get to Tortuga Bay.
In the afternoon you will take the speedboat to Isabela island, which takes about 2,5 hours. After checking in at your hotel, you might want to visit the Flamingo Lagoon near town, which is the largest coastal lagoon found in the Galapagos and is one of the main reproductive sites for the grand majority of flamingos.
Day 6 – Las Tintoreras and Concha Perla (B)
Today you will go on an excursion to Las Tintoreras. This islet is home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tip reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, marine turtles and sea lions. One of its beaches surrounded by mangroves is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully. After a visit on land you will have the opportunity afterwards to go snorkeling nearby the islet to see more of the incredible underwater wildlife from up close.
In the afternoon you will have time off to spend on your own. We highly recommend a visit to Concha Perla, a natural pool with crystal clear and calm sea water (mainly at low tide), that is ideal for swimming and snorkeling with sea lions, marine iguanas, sea turtles, a wide range of fish and occasionally penguins and stingrays. The last part of the route up to this snorkel site – that is about 15 minutes walking from town – consists of a wooden walkway where many sea lions like to take a rest. If you don’t have your own snorkel equipment, you can rent these in any of the many tour agencies in town.
Day 7 – Wetlands, Wall of Tears and speedboat to Santa Cruz (B)
This morning you will have time off to visit the Wall of Tears. It’s recommended to rent a bike as this site is about 8 km away from town. As you travel towards the Wall of Tears you will pass several beautiful beaches where you can stop and observe many marine iguanas. You will also pass the Wetlands where there are short trails you can take to explore the area and see various lava formations. On your ride you will likely see giant tortoises and many Galapagos sea birds. At the end of the road you’ll find the Wall of Tears, an important historical site of Isabela island. From 1945-1959, a penal colony hosted prisoners who were forced to build this wall, stone by stone, in isolation. This now historical site, towering at 25 m high, took the lives of thousands during its construction. Locals claim to hear cries emanating from the heavy energy surrounding the site. Another option is to visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre in Puerto Villamil where you can see baby tortoises and learn about the important Galapagos Islands breeding program.
In the afternoon you will take the speedboat to Santa Cruz island, which takes about 2,5 hours. After checking in at your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the evening off.
Day 8 – Departure (B)
Enjoy your last morning on the Galapagos Islands strolling around the boulevard and check out the little fish market, where fishmongers cut and sell their wares. Chances are that you’ll see pelicans and sea lions here hoping to catch a free fishy snack. You will be picked up from your hotel for your transfer to the Itabaca Channel, where you will take the ferry and shuttle bus to Baltra airport. From here you will fly back to the mainland of Ecuador.
Prices 2025
| Price per person (2 passengers) |
|
| Budget accommodation | $1132 |
| Standard accommodation | $1394 |
| Price per person (1 passenger) |
|
| Budget accommodation | $1339 |
| Standard accommodation | $1719 |
Take a look at our Budget, Standard, Comfort and Luxury accommodations.
Make sure to buy a flight on the first day that flies into San Cristobal Island (SCY) and flies out of Baltra Island (GPS). Your arrival flight can arrive any time, but it’s recommended to book an early flight to be able to enjoy some activities in the afternoon on the first day. Your departure flight can leave any time of the day, but it’s recommended to book a flight that leaves a little later in the morning / afternoon, to enjoy your last morning on the Galapagos.
This is a partially Shared Tour / Group Tour and partially Private Tour. This means that there will be other people besides yourself (or your travel party) taking part in most of the excursions of this program. As every traveler is following their own itinerary on the Galapagos the group composition during your excursions can vary from day to day. Your airport transfers on the islands will always be on a private basis for you (or your travel party) only.
Edificio Argentina Plaza – Office 802
Juan Severino E8-38 y Av. 6 de Diciembre
Quito – Ecuador
Office hours: Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (GMT-5).
Tourism Registry Number: 1792773474001.001.9003713
