Galapagos Island Hopping - 7 days
Galapagos Island Hopping - 7 days
Galapagos Island Hopping - 7 days
7 Days Starting and ending in Baltra Island, Galapagos
Visiting: Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island, Isabela Island, Baltra Island
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2383/GIH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
6-
Tour operated in:
English , SpanishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 7-day Galapagos Island Hopping adventure, exploring the unique wildlife and stunning landscapes of Santa Cruz, Floreana, and Isabela Islands. Begin your journey on Santa Cruz Island, where you'll encounter giant tortoises and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Discover the pristine beauty of Tortuga Bay and its vibrant marine life. On Floreana Island, explore historic sites and snorkel with sea lions and marine turtles. Sail to Isabela Island, home to the impressive Sierra Negra Volcano and a diverse array of wildlife, including marine iguanas and flamingos. Enjoy guided excursions, comfortable accommodations, and delicious local cuisine, all while traveling aboard the Galapagos Element Wind Yacht. This small group tour offers an unforgettable experience in one of the world's most remarkable natural settings.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Baltra Island
Location: Santa Cruz Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ikala Galapagos Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Baltra Island - Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival at Baltra Island airport, you will be met by our guide and transferred to the city of Puerto Ayora, the largest in the Galapagos Archipelago, on the island of Santa Cruz. On the way, we travel by local ferry across the beautiful Itabaca Channel which separates Baltra and Santa Cruz Island. Once on the other side of the channel we transfer up to the highlands of Santa Cruz island to visit a private farm where we will have our first amazing Galapagos experience, observing the giant Galapagos Tortoises in their natural habitat. Then we transfer to our hotel in the town of Puerto Ayora. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2: Discovering Santa Cruz Island
Location: Santa Cruz Island
Accommodation Name: Ikala Galapagos Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following an early hotel breakfast, we embark on a hike to Tortuga Bay Beach, renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Archipelago. After a 40–60-minute walk, we reach this heavenly spot with soft coral sand and picturesque scenery. The initial beach section has strong waves, making it unsuitable for swimming. However, a 10-minute walk leads to a serene bay. Here, we marvel at a colony of marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and marine birds amidst mangroves, cacti forest, and captivating coastal flora. We enjoy beach time before returning to town via a local ferry at which point we have lunch.
In the afternoon, we walk to the Fausto Llerena Interpretation Centre for insights into the Galapagos National Park's work. We observe tortoises of various species and sizes, along with land iguanas. Inside the centre, a special air-conditioned chamber houses the embalmed body of the iconic Lonesome George. We explore the small museum at the Charles Darwin Research Station, and savour free time after this enriching experience.
Day 3: Floreana Island
Location: Floreana Island
Accommodation Name: Floreana Lava Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Santa Cruz Island - Floreana Island. Early this morning we embark on a 2.5-hour journey aboard the first-class Galapagos Element Wind Yacht to Floreana Island's historic Puerto Velasco Ibarra. A local water taxi transports us to the pier, where we hope to encounter sea lions and marine iguanas basking in the morning sun. A brief walk leads to a secluded lodge by the ocean, our overnight stay.
Next, a local "Chiva" transport takes us on a 15-minute ride to Floreana's highlands, where we enjoy a pleasant walk amid the area's typical flora and have encounters with giant Galapagos Tortoises. Continuing our exploration, we reach "Asilo de la Paz" (Peace Asylum), a historic site where the Wittmer family settled in 1932. After lunch and a rejuvenating rest, we proceed to a beautiful bay and potentially snorkel with sea lions and marine turtles. The entire area boasts breathtaking beauty. We conclude the day with dinner and a peaceful rest while enjoying the sunset.
Day 4: Isabela Island & Las Tintoreras
Location: Isabela Island
Accommodation Name: La Casa de Marita Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Floreana Island - Isabela Island. After a leisurely breakfast we set sail towards Puerto Villamil, the largest town on Isabela Island. During the 2.5-hour journey, anticipate sightings of marine turtles, manta rays, diverse marine birds, dolphins, and possibly whales. Upon reaching the bay of Puerto Villamil, local transport takes us to our hotel and there's time to relax on the expansive beach.
In the afternoon, around 2 p.m., we join a captivating guided tour to "Las Tintoreras." This picturesque area features colonies of marine iguanas, sea lions, and the highlight—White-tipped sharks, known as "Tintoreras," resting in lava flow-formed channels. The locale is ideal for snorkelling, offering encounters with sea lions, penguins, and marine turtles. We return to the hotel and unwind during the late afternoon.
Day 5: Exploring Isabela Island
Location: Isabela Island
Accommodation Name: La Casa de Marita Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Early this morning we take a 30-minute drive to the highlands of Isabela Island, reaching the National Park's visitor control area. Embark on an easy 1.5 hour walk to the rim of the Sierra Negra Volcano, the world's second-largest crater. This impressive caldera, measuring 5 miles by 7 miles, offers one of the most spectacular views in the Galapagos.
In the afternoon we drive to Isabela's Tortoise Breeding Centre where we encounter Giant Galapagos Tortoises of various species and sizes. We continue on a well-maintained trail to the "Humedales" (Wetlands), showcasing lagoons surrounded by mangroves and local flora. Witness flamingos and migratory birds in the lagoons. Our walk ends at the main road and beach, providing us time to enjoy the surroundings with marine iguanas. We the return to the hotel for free some time before dinner.
Day 6: Isabela To Santa Cruz Island
Location: Santa Cruz Island
Accommodation Name: Ikala Galapagos Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Isabela Island - Santa Cruz Island. This morning we board our yacht and sail back to Santa Cruz, looking out for dolphins en route. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and venture to the highlands for a visit to a coffee plantation. We enjoy a delightful light lunch and savour some free time before our farewell dinner.
Day 7: Baltra Island
Location: Baltra Island
Meals Included: Breakfast
Santa Cruz - Baltra. After breakfast we drive to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, making a stop at the natural formation known as "The Twins" Craters. These are sinkholes, not volcanic craters, formed by the collapse of the volcanic roof of an empty magma chamber due to tectonic shifts and erosion. The area boasts a unique climate, surrounded by scalesia forests and is home to various bird species.
Travelling on to the Itabaca Canal, we cross it and take an airline bus to the airport. Our guide will help you with check in for your onward flight to Quito or Guayaquil (not included).
Please note that we can book your domestic Galapagos flights, accommodation in Quito or Guayaquil and airport transfers upon request. Please contact us for details.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 star hotels & simple community guest house -
5 nights 4 star hotels and 1 night simple lodge on Floreana Island
Accommodation includes 5 nights in 4-star hotels and 1 night in a simple lodge on Floreana Island.
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Guided excursions and walks on Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island and Isabela Island
Enjoy guided excursions and walks on Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island, and Isabela Island.
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Galapagos N.P. entrance fees and visitor control card
Galapagos National Park entrance fees and visitor control card are included in 2024.
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Professional English/Spanish speaking Galapagos Naturalist Guide
A professional English/Spanish speaking Galapagos Naturalist Guide will accompany you.
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All transfers and navigations between the islands on board of the Galapagos Element Wind Yacht
All transfers and navigations between the islands are provided on board the Galapagos Element Wind Yacht.
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Baltra airport arrival and departure transfer
Transfers from and to Baltra airport are included.
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Entrance fees
All entrance fees are included.
What's Not Included
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Domestic and International flights, airport taxes and visas
Domestic and international flights, airport taxes, and visas are not included.
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Tipping
Tipping is an entirely personal gesture and is not included.
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From January 2025 onwards - Galapagos National Park entrance fee and Migration Control Card
From January 2025 onwards, the Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US$200pp) and Migration Control Card (US$20pp) are not included and are subject to change.
Accommodation
Experience luxury at Ikala Galapagos Hotel on Santa Cruz Island, with a pool, stylish bar, and terrace views. Floreana Lava Lodge offers ocean-facing cabins on a black lava beach, while La Casa de Marita on Isabela Island provides charming boutique accommodations with beach access and locally sourced cuisine.
Age Policy
Minimum age 6
Mode of Transport
Travel between islands aboard the Galapagos Element Wind Yacht, with local ferries and water taxis for shorter distances. Enjoy scenic journeys with opportunities to spot marine wildlife, and convenient transfers to and from Baltra Island airport.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including giant Galapagos tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, marine turtles, and possibly white-tipped sharks. You may also encounter flamingos and migratory birds in the wetlands of Isabela Island.
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What activities are included in the tour on Floreana Island?
On Floreana Island, the tour includes a visit to the highlands to see giant Galapagos tortoises, a walk to the historic site 'Asilo de la Paz' where the Wittmer family settled, and a visit to a beautiful bay where you may have the opportunity to snorkel with sea lions and marine turtles.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Isabela Island?
The highlight of the visit to Isabela Island includes a scenic hike to the rim of the Sierra Negra Volcano, which offers spectacular views, and a visit to the Tortoise Breeding Centre where you can see giant Galapagos tortoises. Additionally, there is a guided tour to 'Las Tintoreras' where you can see colonies of marine iguanas, sea lions, and white-tipped sharks.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
The accommodation during the tour includes stays at the Ikala Galapagos Hotel on Santa Cruz Island, which is a luxurious hotel with a swimming pool and stylish bar area. On Floreana Island, you will stay at the Floreana Lava Lodge, which offers ocean-facing wooden cabins. On Isabela Island, accommodation is at La Casa de Marita Hotel, a charming boutique hotel located on a white-sand beach.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners. Meals are provided at various points throughout the tour, including at the accommodations and during excursions.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person 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 on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.