Galapagos Islands Vacation

Arrive on Santa Cruz | Giant Tortoises & Lava Tunnels

The journey begins as you arrive on Baltra Island and meet your Galápagos guide, who welcomes you and sets the tone for the days ahead. From there, you cross to Santa Cruz Island and head straight into the island’s lush highlands.

At a private reserve, giant tortoises move slowly through their natural habitat, offering an up-close look at one of the Galápagos’ most iconic species. Nearby, ancient lava tunnels wind beneath the surface that were formed by volcanic eruptions long ago. Here we are invited to explore the island’s geologic past.

A relaxed lunch features local flavors in the cool, green highlands before the route continues to Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz’s lively coastal town. After settling in, the group gathers for the first shared dinner, easing into island life and enjoying a taste of Galápagos cuisine together.

ACCOMMODATION : Hotel Solymar or Hotel Posada del Mar or similar

MEALS INCLUDED : Lunch, Dinner

Kayak Tortuga Bay | Travel to Isabela Island

The day opens with breakfast before setting out on a scenic walk to Tortuga Bay. The well-marked trail winds through arid landscape and coastal vegetation, where lava lizards dart across the path and native birds move through the brush.

At the shoreline, the route continues along a broad stretch of white sand to Playa Mansa, a sheltered bay framed by mangroves and calm water. Here, kayaks glide quietly across the bay, offering close views of sea turtles, rays, and white-tipped reef sharks cruising beneath the surface. The paddle is relaxed and accessible, making it enjoyable for all experience levels.

After returning to Puerto Ayora for lunch, the journey continues by boat to Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galápagos. Once settled in Puerto Villamil, the afternoon unfolds at an easy pace with a stroll through town and time to relax on the beach, where the day ends with a glowing sunset over the Pacific.

ACCOMMODATION : Hotel Albermarle or Casa de Marita or similar

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Los Túneles Snorkeling | Isabela Wetlands & Tortoise Center

The day begins on the water with a boat ride to Los Túneles, one of the most striking marine environments in the Galápagos. Sculpted by ancient lava flows, this maze of arches, channels, and sheltered pools creates calm, clear conditions ideal for snorkeling. Beneath the surface, vibrant marine life fills the water, sea turtles drift past, rays glide along the bottom, reef fish flash with color, and white-tipped reef sharks move effortlessly through the shallows.

Back on Isabela in the afternoon, the pace shifts with a walk through the island’s wetlands. The trail passes lagoons and mangroves alive with birdlife, where flamingos feed in the shallows and marine iguanas bask nearby. The walk leads to the Arnaldo Tupiza Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, where juvenile and adult tortoises offer a close look at ongoing conservation efforts and the future of these iconic animals.

ACCOMMODATION : Hotel Albermarle or Casa de Marita

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast and Lunch

Sierra Negra Volcano Hike | San Cristóbal | Bike to La Lobería

The morning begins high in the Isabela highlands with a hike across the vast landscape of Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos. The trail follows the rim of an immense caldera, where layers of hardened lava and sweeping views reveal the raw power that continues to shape the islands. As the route climbs, native birdlife appears along the way, adding flashes of color and movement to the stark volcanic terrain.

From the volcano, the journey shifts islands with a short flight to San Cristóbal, the easternmost and oldest island in the archipelago. After settling in, the afternoon unfolds on two wheels with a relaxed bike ride to La Lobería, a scenic stretch of coastline known for its resident sea lions. Here, the animals lounge on the sand and play in the surf, creating an easygoing end to a day shaped by geology, movement, and island life. For those inclined, the clear water invites a refreshing swim alongside these curious locals.

ACCOMMODATION : Hotel Seaside or Hotel Casa Blanca or similar

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast and Lunch

Kicker Rock Snorkeling, Interpretation Center & Frigatebird Lookout.

This morning we head out to sea for a Galapagos highlight that never disappoints. A boat ride from San Cristóbal delivers us to Kicker Rock, where sheer volcanic walls rise straight from the ocean, forming a narrow passage alive with movement below the surface.

Sliding into the water, we snorkel alongside these dramatic cliffs and drift through the channel, surrounded by crystal-clear depths. Sea turtles paddle past, rays sweep along the sand, and schools of brightly colored fish shimmer below. On lucky days, silhouettes of sharks—sometimes even hammerheads—cruise through the blue, an awe-inspiring sight best appreciated from the water.

After snorkeling, we pause at a quiet beach reachable only by boat. There’s time to swim, relax, or simply soak in the setting before enjoying lunch on board, framed by the unmistakable outline of Kicker Rock in the distance.

Back on shore, the afternoon turns reflective with a visit to the Galapagos Interpretation Center, where we dig into the islands’ natural history, conservation efforts, and human story. From there, we walk up to Tijeretas (Frigatebird) Hill, where soaring seabirds and sweeping coastal views offer a fitting final vista.

Tonight, we gather for a celebratory farewell dinner at a relaxed, open-air restaurant for a memorable send-off on our last evening in the Enchanted Islands.

Optional diving at Kicker Rock is available. Please ask us in advance for details.

ACCOMMODATION : Hotel Casa Blanca or similar

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leisurely Morning & Return to Quito

Your final morning in the Galapagos unfolds at your own rhythm. Wander the waterfront one last time, linger over coffee, browse for meaningful keepsakes, or slip into the Pacific for a final swim—an unhurried goodbye to a place that leaves a lasting mark.

In the early afternoon, we transfer to the airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador. If your travels continue, this is a perfect transition point to discover another side of the country, whether that’s a guided day experience or a deeper dive into one of Ecuador’s many remarkable regions.

A smooth farewell, with plenty of inspiration still ahead.

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast and Lunch