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Galapagos Island Hopping 5 Day

5 Days
From AUD 2,730

Trip Code: ECTSGIH5

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Finish: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

DestinationDestination

Ecuador, Galapagos Islands

TransportAccommodation

Hotels



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OVERVIEW

The Galapagos Islands overflow with exotic wildlife set against backdrops of spectacular landscapes. Our Galapagos Island Hopping Tours are a great alternative to Galapagos cruises, especially for those non-seagoing travellers who prefer to stay on dry land. Explore the natural wonders and fascinating wildlife of the Galapagos archipelago by day, sleeping in comfortable boutique 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.
On this 5 day tour you will get to enjoy the highlights of the inhabited islands of San Cristóbal, Isabela, Floreana and Santa Cruz that offer the perfect combination of amazing destinations, great activities and lovely accommodation. Snorkel with rays, sea lions and iguanas and experience the breath-taking beauty of the Galapagos Islands as you explore the archipelago.
We use small island hotels that have been artfully built with an inspirational design. Our trips are activity-packed and include visits to see the unique Galapagos animals and volcanic landscapes found nowhere else on the planet. Your excursions also include time for snorkelling and discovering the underwater magic of this wilderness sanctuary.

ITINERARY

Arrival in Baltra, Puerto Ayora

Upon arrival at Baltra's airport via flight from Quito or Guayaquil, a naturalist guide will transfer you to Puerto Ayora. En route, we'll make a stop to visit the highlands, followed by lunch at the harbor before continuing on to the hotel.

After a brief rest, we'll head to the Charles Darwin Station where we'll have the opportunity to see various species of Giant Tortoises in captivity, and learn about their size, age, and the islands they originated from. Our guide will also provide insight into ongoing conservation efforts aimed at preserving the Giant Tortoises and the environment of the archipelago as a whole.

We'll return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.

*Note: To execute this itinerary, it is important to book a early flight that arrives maximum at 10am to Baltra.

Island excursion

Today you will visit one of these four islands: Bartolome, North Seymour, Santa Fe, or South Plaza. The island will be chosen according to available spaces.

After breakfast, the guide will meet you in the hotel ́s lobby
in order to take you to the dock, where we will begin the tour. Lunch will be included onboard the small yacht.

Bartolome Island: One of the most popular islands in the Galapagos due to its stunning landscape. Visitors can hike to the top of Bartolome for panoramic views of the surrounding bays and volcanic cones. The island's beach is also a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.

North Seymour Island: Home to a variety of unique wildlife species, including frigatebirds, boobies, and Galapagos sharks. Visitors can hike along the island's trails and enjoy views of the sea lions and marine iguanas that also call North Seymour home.

Santa Fe Island: One of the oldest in the Galapagos, with volcanic rocks that date back about 4 million years. Visitors can hike through the island's brush and stands of prickly pear cactus to see a variety of wildlife, including sea lions and land iguanas.

South Plaza Island: A small island with a unique landscape and diverse wildlife population. Visitors can walk through the island's rocky terrain and observe colonies of sea lions, land iguanas, and a variety of bird species such as red-billed tropicbirds and swallow-tailed gulls.

Afterward the island visit we will return to the hotel for your overnight stay and dinner.

Tortuga bay and transfer to Isabela island

After breakfast, your naturalist guide will lead you to Tortuga Bay, a stunning beach just a short 45-minute walk away. Along the way, you'll follow a cactus trail and eventually reach Playa Brava, known for its strong currents and diverse marine life, including iguanas, birds, and pelicans. From there, you'll continue your walk for an additional 15 minutes to reach Playa Mansa, a tranquil lagoon frequented by blue-footed boobies and pelicans, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

After enjoying the beach, we will have lunch at the port before heading to Isabela Island on a public speedboat, which takes around 2-2.5 hours. Upon arrival, a representative will escort you to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, we will visit the beautiful Lake of the Flamingos.

Dinner will be provided at the port before returning to your hotel for overnight accommodation.

Full Day Isabela

Today you will have the option to choose between two full-day tours.

FULL DAY ISABELA (Option 1)
At approximately 7:30 am, the excursion to Sierra Negra Volcano will commence. You will be transported by bus or other means of transportation for around 45 minutes to the Galapagos National Park control site to register your visit. Then, we will start a hike to the Sierra Negra and Chico Volcanoes, which will take approximately 3-4 hours. A boxed lunch will be provided during the trek. In the afternoon, we will return to the hotel. After a short break, we will be taken to Concha Perla for snorkeling. Later, we will return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.

FULL DAY ISABELA (Option 2)
After breakfast, get ready to go to Tintoreras Islet. Head to the dock of Puerto Villamil to embark on small speedboats. After a short ride of approximately 20 minutes, we will arrive at Tintoreras. Following a hike through the islet, we will go snorkeling. There, we can see starfish, multicolored fish, sea urchins, and with some luck, manta rays, sharks, and sea lions that may swim with us up close. We will then return to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon, we will head to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center of Isabela, where you will have the chance to see various species of giant tortoises in captivity. Our next stop will be the Wall of Tears, a 100-meter long and 7-meter high wall built by prisoners under harsh conditions. We will also visit a Lava Tunnel near the Wall, as well as Mirador Orchilla, Estero de Isabela, and Playa del Amor. After the tour, you will return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.

We recommend option 2 for elders or individuals who cannot do a trekking tour of several hours.

Please note that all tours on Isabela Island are shared with other individuals, except for the Sierra Negra tour for those choosing deluxe accommodation.

Departure Day

Your last day in the Galapagos Islands will start early with a transfer to the Port at 05:30 am. You'll be ready to board your boat for embarkation and begin your journey back to Santa Cruz.

Upon arrival at Santa Cruz at around 8:30 am, a knowledgeable guide will be waiting to transfer you to Baltra airport. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to make a brief stop and visit the two sunken "holes", or "Los Gemelos", which are fascinating geological formations and a must-see for any Galapagos Islands visitor. After the visit, the guide will continue to transfer you to Baltra airport for your flight back to Quito or Guayaquil.

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Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

Pricing per person & date


Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service

5 Days FROM AUD 2,730 Enquire Now
Best Value!

Superior

Tried & tested upmarket properties with above average facilities and service

5 Days FROM AUD 4,330 Enquire Now

Important Information

  • Accommodation in double rooms
    All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). First day: lunch and dinner. Last day: breakfast
    Transportation and Maritime timed views
    Bilingual naturalist guide (English, Spanish)
    Scheduled Visits
    Snorkeling Equipment
    All Transfers from Puerto Ayora – Isabela Island – Puerto Ayora
    Shared tours on Isabela Island
    Navigation tours are shared


    Not Included:
    Air Ticket
    Galapagos National Park Entrance fee (US$200 per person from Aug 2024 - Subject to change)
    INGALA Migration Control Card (USD 20.00 per person - Subject to change)
    Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
    Tips

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • Available upon request

  • * To execute this itinerary, it is important to choose a late flight that departs not before 11am from Baltra.

    Contact us for more details

  • Season and availability