Galapagos Island Hopping - 7 days
Galapagos Island Hopping - 7 days
Galapagos Island Hopping - 7 days
7 Days Starting in Galapagos Islands and ending in Baltra Island
Visiting: Puerto Ayora, Baltra Island, Puerto Velazco Ibarra, Puerto Villamil, Sierra Negra, Baltra
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2383/GIH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
Minimum age 6
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Discover one of the planet’s top wildlife destinations on a 6-day Galapagos island hopping adventure, staying in a choice of standard or upgraded accommodation. From Baltra Island, take in beautiful landscapes and encounter incredible wildlife on the islands of Santa Cruz, Floreana and Isabela, topped off with a hike up Sierra Negra Volcano.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Baltra Island & Santa Cruz
Location: Puerto Ayora, Baltra Island
Accommodation: 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 cross 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. We'll have lunch at a local restaurant and time permitting, we can also visit one of the lava tunnels in the area. Then transfer back to the hotel in the town of Puerto Ayora and enjoy some free time.
Day 2 : Santa Cruz & Floreana Island
Location: Puerto Velazco Ibarra
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Santa Cruz Island – Floreana Island. We start the day with a walk up to the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Centre where we learn about the important conservation work carried out here to save the different tortoise populations and offers a wonderful opportunity to see baby tortoises here. The trail continues on to the Charles Darwin Station the operational centre for the foundation which conducts research and now features the Lonesome George exhibit. After enjoying this wonderful walk, we head back to town where you will have time to prepare for your onward transfer Floreana Island.
Early this afternoon we board the shared speed boat taking us to Puerto Velasco Ibarra, a small town located in the legendary Floreana Island. You will have time to walk to Playa Lobos, a beautiful spot on this island where you may be lucky enough to see a colony of sea lions, perhaps some blue footed boobies, marine iguanas and maybe some marine turtles.
Day 3 : Floreana & Isabela Island
Location: Puerto Villamil
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Floreana Island - Isabela Island. Early morning enjoy breakfast at a small local restaurant before travelling up to the highlands of Floreana in a “Chiva” (artisan rustic bus). We walk to “Asilo de La Paz” (Peace Asylum), a historic place where the German Whitmer family first settled in 1932. Look out for lumbering giant tortoises, see the natural spring that supported Floreana and visit the caves where these first settlers lived. Heading back to town we have an early lunch before boarding a private speedboat for the 2.5hr journey to Isabella Island.
Isabela Island is the largest in the Archipelago. Arriving at the pier of Puerto Villamil we transfer to our hotel for check-in and then go for a walk to the place known as Los Humedales (Wet-Land). This awesome area is characterised by sandy beaches, rocky shores, and mangroves. During the walk we will see all four species of mangroves found in the Galapagos, observe pink flamingos and other migratory birds. Continuing along the path we visit the Turtle Breeding Centre where we find tortoises from all sizes and different subspecies.. We will then be transported back to the hotel and enjoy free time in this scenic town.
Day 4 : Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano
Location: Puerto Villamil, Sierra Negra
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Isabela Island - Santa Cruz Island. Isabela is known for having the second largest volcanic crater in the world, the first being the Ngorongoro in Africa. This morning we will be taken up to the Galapagos Park checkpoint where we begin a scenic hike up to the rim of this remarkable crater to see the whole 11km diameter of the crater, weather permitting. Afterwards we travel back to town for lunch.
We embark on a shared Tintoreras Tour this afternoon. From the hotel transfer to the pier and take a boat out to the incredible lava islets of Las Tintoreras where you can see blue footed boobies, colonies of marine iguanas, sea lions and penguins swimming in the bay. You can go snorkelling and may also spot marine turtles. The main attraction however is the white-tip sharks, known as Tintoreras, which rest in the water filled crevasses of the islets. After the excursion travel back to Isabela Island and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 5 : Santa Cruz Island
Location: Puerto Ayora
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, we travel by speed boat back to Santa Cruz Island and the city of Puerto Ayora. Look out for dolphins on the way! Transfer to the hotel and enjoy some free time.
In the afternoon hike towards the shores of the Pacific Ocean to one of the most stunning beaches in the Galapagos, Tortuga Bay. Renowned for being one of the islands' most pristine sandy stretches, the beach at Tortuga Bay features blue waters, rich wildlife, and there's time for relaxation on the soft white sands, surrounded by marine vegetation and the famed local marine iguanas. There's time to enjoy the beach and perhaps go kayaking (optional) in the beautiful bay of calm waters. Returning to Puerto Ayora there's free time before meeting up for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6 : Baltra Island
Location: Baltra Island
Meals Included: Breakfast
Santa Cruz Island – Baltra Island. This morning you will be transferred to the airport on Baltra Island for your return flight home, For one final sightseeing trip en route we will stop by the natural formation known as “The twins” (Los Gemelos) Craters which is on the way to the Itabaca Channel. Once we reach the Itabaca Channel we will use the local ferry to cross the channel to the side of Baltra from where you will be taken to the airport.
Please note that we can book your domestic Galapagos flights, accommodation in Quito or Guayaquil and transfers upon request. In addition to this, if you'd like to see more of Ecuador we can tailor-make an itinerary for you. Please contact us for details.
Day 7: Baltra
Location: Baltra
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 -
4 nights 3 star accommodation and 1 night local community guest house on Floreana Island (homestay with private en suite room)
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5 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners
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Guided excursions and walks on Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island and Isabela Island
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Sierra Negra Volcano hike
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Professional English/Spanish speaking Galapagos Naturalist Guide
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Speed boat transfers on the tourist class Serenity boat
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Baltra airport arrival and departure transfer
What's Not Included
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Domestic and International flights, airport taxes and visas
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Tipping – an entirely personal gesture
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Items of a personal nature, drinks and additional meals
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Entrance Fees: US$100pp Galapagos park fee, US$20pp transit card and US$10 Isabela Municipality fee, subject to change, paid in USD
Accommodation
Ikala Galapagos Hotel, Santa Cruz Island
The new Ikala Galapagos Hotel on Santa Cruz Island is a luxurious and well-appointed hotel with featuring a swimming pool, stylish bar area and a beautiful terrace offering a fabulous view over Puerto Ayora harbour. After a long day exploring you can enjoy a delicious cocktail or locally sourced Galapagos inspired meal at the Ikala Terrace Bar & Restaurant. Make yourself at home in one of the elegantly decorated rooms featuring a private balcony, en suite bathroom and with all the modern amenities.
The hotel is well located just one block away from the main pier and within easy reach of the main streets of Puerto Ayora where you will find plenty of shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars.
Floreana Lava Lodge, Floreana Island
The Lava Lodge is perched at the edge of a black lava beach in a sheltered bay, this quaint family run accommodation is made up of 10 Ocean facing wooden cabins in a wonderfully secluded location. Each Chalet has its own wooden decking with chairs providing fabulous views of the sea, sunsets and stars. Much of the food served at the lodge has been grown on the family’s organic farm, here you can expect delicious meals served in a relaxing environment and there’s often special BBQ evenings. The comfortable cabins feature either twin beds or bunk beds a private bathroom and are each equipped with the essentials, including air-conditioning.
The Lodge is a 5 minute walk from the nearest village and only a couple of minutes walk from a sea lion colony.
La Casa de Marita Hotel, Isabela Island
Nestled amongst palm trees La Casa de Marita is a charming boutique hotel located on a beautiful white-sand beach of Puerto Villamil, on Isabela Island. There is a lovely garden to relax in or perhaps head to the beach area complete with hammocks and sun loungers, perfect for an afternoon siesta. The restaurant fuses local and International cuisine and only uses produce grown and farmed locally. Each room has been individually decorated and feature private balcony or terrace with ocean or garden views, and all come with AC, mini bar and en-suite bathroom.
Located in Puerto Villamil, Isabela’s only true town, Casa de Marita is a five-minute walk to the boardwalk where you will find local restaurants and shops.
Check out our Q&As
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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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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP 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.