Galapagos Experience

Galapagos Experience

3,406 Views
7 Days From

$1500

Galapagos Experience

7 Days Starting in Isla San Cristobal and ending in Isla Santa Cruz

Visiting: Isla San Cristobal, Isla Santa Cruz, Isla Isabela

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

GGRX

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

From: $1500

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin on this wildlife-filled adventure through nature’s playground. Snorkel with sea lions, get up close to giant tortoises, scale a volcanic crater and discover the incredible evolutionary history of the Galapagos Islands, all under the guidance of an expert naturalist guide. With accommodation on Isla San Cristobal, Isla Santa Cruz and Isla Isabela, this trip is perfect for people who don’t want to tour the islands on a cruise. Included activities are both educational and immersive, while still allowing you plenty of free time to relax or get active at your own pace.

Highlights

  • Snorkel in Tijeretas and keep an eye out for eagle rays, Galapagos sea turtles, sea lions and plenty of colourful fish.

  • Scale a volcano on Isla Isabela, a 17-kilometre hike that rewards you with epic views across the island plus the possibility of sighting the rare, red-feathered vermilion flycatcher.

  • Head to the highlands of Isla Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises munching grass, walking slowly and chilling in their natural habitat.

  • You have the option to tailor your experience with unforgettable optional excursions like nature hikes, boat trips and scuba diving.

  • Learn about Galapagos’ natural and exploratory history with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and learn about conservation efforts to preserve their ecosystems.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Isla San Cristobal

Location: Isla San Cristobal

Accommodation: Hotel

Welcome to the Galapagos! Meet the other travellers in your group at 1pm, at the hotel listed in the ‘Joining point’ section of the Essential Trip Information. Check in to your hotel and then kick-start your adventure with an included visit to the Galapagos Interpretation Center to learn about the human and natural history of this island cluster. Afterwards, you’ll have your first snorkel at Tijeretas where you may be joined on your swim by sea turtles, rays, fish and sea lions.

Included Activities:
-Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)
-Isla San Cristobal - Snorkelling in Tijeretas Hill

Day 2: Isla San Cristobal

Location: Isla San Cristobal

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Enjoy a free day on Isla San Cristobal, with plenty of optional activities on and off the island if you want a little structure. The optional boat ride to Isla Lobos is one of our favourite excursions and gives you the chance to snorkel with varied marine life, spot birdlife on shore and relax near sea lions on the beach.

Optional Activities:
-Kicker Rock excursion
-Frigate Bird Hill - Free
-Mann Beach - Free
-Snorkelling gear rental
-Isla Lobos.

Day 3: Isla Santa Cruz

Location: Isla Santa Cruz

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Early in the morning, take a 2.5-hour public speed boat ride to Isla Santa Cruz. On arrival, have breakfast and settle into the hotel before a mid-morning visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. The station's visitor centre and museums contain information about the islands and the conservation efforts being made to preserve the unique ecosystem here. It's also a great place to have close encounters with giant tortoises. In the afternoon, head to the higher part of the islands to observe these giants roaming in their natural habitat.

Included Activities:
-Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
-Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre (45 Minutes)

Day 4: Isla Isabela

Location: Isla Isabela

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today you’ll travel to Isla Isabela where you’ll check-in to the hotel and enjoy breakfast. The island is the largest in the Galapagos and one of the most volcanically active places on earth – and you have a free day here to explore at your own pace. A worthwhile optional activity today is an excursion to Las Tintoreras, where white-tipped sharks rest during the day and marine iguanas nest.

Optional Activities:
-Isla Tintoreras
-Isla Isabela - wetsuite rental
-Kayak rental
-Isla Isabela - Snorkeling in Concha y Perla - Free
-Isabela Island - Snorkelling gear rental
-Tunneles Snorkelling

Day 5: Isla Isabela

Location: Isla Isabela

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Start the day with a visit to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre for a close encounter with these placid giants. Here you can see tortoises in different stages of development as well learn about the preservation program for this unique species. Take a bus to the highest part of Isabela where Sierra Negra Volcano is located. Weather permitting, go for a hike up to the crater to enjoy spectacular views and the possibility of sighting the rare vermillion flycatcher. The challenging 17-kilometre hike takes between 5–6 hours, but at the top you'll be able to enjoy spectacular views. After the hike, make your way back to town in the late afternoon for some free time to curl up with a book or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.

Included Activities:
-Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour)
-Isla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)

Day 6: Isla Santa Cruz

Location: Isla Santa Cruz

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Return to Isla Santa Cruz in the morning and enjoy breakfast on arrival at the island for some free time this morning. Maybe take part in an optional activity like the excursion to Tortuga Bay – an immaculate natural paradise where you can go kayaking, observe marine iguanas or swim with harmless sharks. After lunch (own expense), jump on a boat to La Loberia where you can swim in the waters that the area’s sea lions call home. Then, it’s off to Punta Estrada to observe birds like blue-footed boobies and pelicans. Finally, visit Playa de Los Dogs to see a large number of iguanas, the only sea-going lizard in the world that lives in these volcanic landscapes.

Included Activities:
-Santa Cruz Marine Reserves - Half Day Boat Tour

Optional Activities:
-Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk - Free

Day 7: Isla Santa Cruz

Location: Isla Santa Cruz

Meals Included: breaksfast

With no activities planned for today your Galapagos adventure comes to an end after breakfast. Bid any travellers continuing on to Quito goodbye. You are free to leave the accommodation at any time, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check-out policy. If you wish to leave the Galapagos Islands today, you are responsible for organising your own flights, as well as travel arrangements to the airport.

Optional Activities:
-Scuba Diving - Galapagos islands

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (6 nights)

  • Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)

  • Isla San Cristobal - Snorkelling in Tijeretas Hill

  • Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing

  • Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre (45 Minutes)

  • Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour)

  • Isla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)

  • Santa Cruz Marine Reserves - Half Day Boat Tour

  • Meals

    6 breakfasts

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Transport

  • Speed boat , Private Vehicle , Public bus

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
  • SINGLE SUPPLEMENT NOT AVAILABLE
  • Due to hotel availability a single supplement is not available on this trip.

Important Information

  • 1. Due to limited hotel availability, a single supplement is not available on this trip.
  • 2. Full passport details are required at the time of booking. The passport you travel with must match the booking details provided to us. This information is necessary to purchase entry permits to certain sites. Delays in providing this information could result in additional booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
  • 3. All visitors to the Galapagos must have a Transit Control Card. Please see Entry Requirements in the Essential Trip Information for more details.
  • 4. Before your flight to the Galapagos, your bags will need to be inspected by the Galapagos Inspection and Quarantine System (SICGAL). The SICGAL counter is located in the domestic departures area of Quito and Guayaquil airports. Once they have screened your bag you may proceed to the check-in counter of your respective airline. You will need to be at the airport at least 2 hours prior to the departure time, as this can be a lengthy process.
  • 5. The Galapagos National Park fee (US$200) and Isabela Port fee (US$10) are payable upon arrival to the islands (cash only). These amounts are in addition to your trip payment.
  • 6. Please refer to the Special information section on Day 1 of the Itinerary for instructions on how to join your group.
  • 7. Strict rules apply in the Galapagos Islands to protect and preserve its unique biodiversity. Intrepid supports these rules, which range from times of the day that a destination can be visited to the distance kept between people and wildlife. In particular, not removing anything from the environment (shells and corals, for example). All rules will be explained in more detail by your leader when you join the trip. Not adhering to these rules can lead to hefty fines for travellers and Intrepid losing the license to operate in the Galapagos Islands. Failure to adhere to the rules can result in your removal from the trip without a refund.
  • For more information: http://www.galapagos.org/travel/travel/park-rules/

Mode of Transport

  • Speed boat , Private Vehicle , Public bus

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    If you would like your return travel from Quito included, please search the website for our tour Galapagos Discovery (GGRR).

    This trip includes a 17 km hike (approximately 6 to 7 hours) on rocky terrain. We recommend bringing sturdy, comfortable hiking or trail shoes with good support.

    This trip involves a lot of travel by speedboat between the various Galapagos Islands. The rides can be quite bumpy at times, but the good news is that seasickness can often be managed with medication. Please consult a health professional to assess your suitability for such medication.

    From June to August the water in the Galapagos can be rougher than usual. Consequently, travel times will be longer than usual. If you suffer from seasickness you may want to reconsider travelling during this period.

    Proximity to the equator means the sun in the Galapagos is incredibly strong. Ensure you are prepared with sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. We also recommend a rash guard.

    This trip includes snorkelling on multiple days. Confident swimming skills are required to take part. Alternative activities will not be available.

    Many travellers express interest in diving in the Galapagos. We are now able to assist with booking this activity, but only through a provider that meets our internal safety policy. Speak to your agent at the time of booking for more information.

    The Galapagos is a great place to switch off and take a break from your phone, as internet access can be patchy and wi-fi is not always available or reliable.

    Hot water can be sporadic in some parts of the Galapagos, so there may be a few cold showers on the trip.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

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$1500

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Feb 06, 2026 - Feb 12, 2026
$1500

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$1500

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$1570

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$1570

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$1630

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Apr 03, 2026 - Apr 09, 2026
$1630

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$1500

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$1500

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$1570

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Jul 31, 2026 - Aug 06, 2026
$1570

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Aug 14, 2026 - Aug 20, 2026
$1570

Friday - Thursday

Aug 21, 2026 - Aug 27, 2026
$1500

Friday - Thursday

Sep 04, 2026 - Sep 10, 2026
$1500

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Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026
$1500

Friday - Thursday

Oct 02, 2026 - Oct 08, 2026
$1500

Friday - Thursday

Oct 16, 2026 - Oct 22, 2026
$1500

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$1570

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Nov 13, 2026 - Nov 19, 2026
$1570

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Nov 27, 2026 - Dec 03, 2026
$1570

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Dec 04, 2026 - Dec 10, 2026
$1630

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Dec 18, 2026 - Dec 24, 2026
$1630

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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