Ecuador Travel Expert
About this tour
This adventurous Galapagos Island tour takes you across 10 days to 5 islands. You will see the islands Santa Cruz, North Seymour, Isabela, Tintoreras and Santa Fe.
Begin on Santa Cruz with the twin volcano craters, the Darwin Research Station, and the highland tortoise sanctuaries where giant tortoises roam freely. The highland forest is also where you'll dive into the science: ecosystems, micro evolution and biodiversity. Turtle Beach offers a slow walk among sea turtles and marine iguanas. Puerto Ayora (the main town of the island) offers great places to eat, local markets, the harbor and casual animal encounters. Isabela, the largest in the island group, is home to blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins and large sea lion colonies. Tintoreras Bay rewards an island walk with an impressive snorkel swim. Here you are surrounded by sea turtles, sea lions, iguanas and rays. Seymour North is explored on foot. Here you see blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds with huge red inflatable pouches and the rest of the island's volcanic landscape. Santa Fe is a smaller-scale highlight: a volcanic ecosystem rich in bird species, sea lions and iguanas, with a guide explaining how this ecosystem differs from its larger neighbors. Five of the ten days are guided activity; the remaining days are yours to relax without scheduled obligations. Spend them in Puerto Ayora or revisiting Turtle Beach. Bring your camera.
Airport-hotel taxi is included. After breakfast on day 10, your taxi will return you to the airport.
This Galapagos tour is ideal for people who have 10 days available and like to actively explore multiple islands combined with free days to relax at Santa Cruz.
— Jonatan Chimarro, Ecuador Travel Expert
$7,329
- Blue-Footed Boobies & Frigatebirds at Seymour North! See the blue-footed boobies performing their famous dance right on the tourist trail. Watch frigatebirds with their distinctive inflated red pouches courting females, and observe how these birds have adapted to island life. This 2 km circular trail offers up-close encounters with nesting seabirds, gulls, and yellow Warbler impossible to forget.
- Encounter Giant Tortoises & Endemic Birdwatching in the Highlands! Explore the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the largest population of giant tortoises in the Galápagos. Experience the dramatic climate and vegetation changes as you ascend from Puerto Ayora's coastal lowlands to this temperate and humid region. Look for endemic bird species like the patillo, pachay, and witch bird while walking through unique lava formations and discovering private farms dedicated to endemic species.
- Snorkel & Explore Isabela's Twin Islands! Journey to the largest Galápagos island and visit both Tintoreras and Isabela's natural wonders. Snorkel in crystal-clear turquoise waters teeming with sea turtles, rays, marine iguanas, and tropical fish. Spot playful sea lions, Galápagos penguins, and a crack where blue sharks can be observed—all while exploring mangrove forests, lava formations, and wetlands with flamingos and curlews.
- Santa Fe Island: Land Iguanas, Sea Lions & Crystal Waters! Discover one of the archipelago's most beautiful islands with pristine turquoise waters protected by natural rock barriers. Encounter the endemic land iguana species and colonies of playful sea lions and Galápagos sparrow hawks basking on the shore. Snorkel in crystal-clear warm waters teeming with sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish while enjoying some of the most biodiverse marine environments in the Galápagos.
- Duration
- 10 days / 9 nights
- Group size
- 1–16 people
- Physical intensity
- Low
- Activities
- Animal Spotting, Hiking, Relax, Swimming
- Environment
- Beach, Island, Sea, Sun, Volcano
- Key wildlife
- Birds, Fish, Sharks, Turtles
- Best months
- January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
- Region
- Galapagos Islands
- Within the Galápagos Islands you get transport service between the airport and the hotel.
- A tour guide that is certified and knows the environment comes with you on every trip. The guide speaks English and Spanish.
- Hotel accommodation, including: private bathroom, breakfast, lunch, dinner and WiFi.
- Your tours are shared. This means other people can be present in the group during the tour.
- Flights to and from Galápagos.
- You must pay to enter the Galápagos National Park. It costs US$200 for each adult and US$100 for each child. You pay with cash when you land at the airport in the islands.
- You must pay US$20 for the Galápagos travel card. You pay with cash in Quito or Guayaquil, before you check in for your flight.
- Docking fees, several docking fees apply per Island. Prices are between 1 and 10 USD per person.
- Use of (water)taxis during your stay.
- Alcoholic beverages, personal expenses and tips.
- Travel, medical and cancellation insurance.
- Day 1
Welcome to the Galápagos
Upon your arrival at Baltra Airport, a guide will assist you to Hotel Silberstein, with a stop at the impressive Gemelos craters along the way. You will enjoy a unique lunch at the hotel restaurant featuring Ecuadorian and international cuisine, followed by a visit to Charles Darwin Station to observe exotic giant turtles. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the restaurant.
- Day 2
Seymour North Island Adventure
Explore one of the most spectacular islands in the Galápagos on a guided full-day excursion where you will watch blue-footed boobies perform their iconic mating dance on the tourist trail. Observe frigatebirds with inflated red pouches and see gulls and yellow trinators nesting on a scenic 2 km circular walk. Lunch will be served on board and you will return to the hotel in the afternoon to enjoy dinner.
- Day 3
Free Day to Relax & Explore
Spend the day at your own pace enjoying Hotel Silberstein's. Explore the charming town of Puerto Ayora, visit local shops and restaurants, or simply relax on nearby beaches. All meals are provided at the hotel.
- Day 4
Isabela & Tintoreras Expedition
Take an early morning boat to Isabela Island, the largest in the archipelago, and explore Tintoreras with its blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and Galápagos penguins. Visit wetlands with four species of mangroves and spot flamingos, curlews, and other birds throughout your exploration. In the afternoon, snorkel in calm turquoise waters to see sea turtles, rays, marine iguanas, and observe blue sharks in a nearby crack.
- Day 5
Free Day with Beach & Leisure
Another perfect day to unwind in tropical paradise at your own rhythm. Enjoy the hotel's amenities, explore hidden beaches, visit Puerto Ayora attractions, or simply relax poolside. All meals are provided at the hotel.
- Day 6
Santa Fe Island Discovery
Discover one of the most beautiful islands in the archipelago with pristine turquoise waters protected by natural rock barriers. Encounter endemic land iguanas and observe colonies of playful sea lions and Galápagos sparrow hawks. Enjoy excellent snorkeling in crystal-clear warm waters where you can see sea turtles, rays, tropical fish, and the unique giant tunas found only at this location.
- Day 7
Free Day to Recharge & Reflect
Enjoy a peaceful day of rest after your island adventures and relax at your own pace. Explore Puerto Ayora leisurely, or simply unwind on the beach. All meals are provided at the hotel.
- Day 8
Free Day in your Personal Paradise
Your choice of activities or complete relaxation for the day. Enjoy restaurants in Puerto Ayora, take optional guided activities, or simply unwind exactly as you wish.
- Day 9
Tortuga Bay & Highlands of Santa Cruz
Experience an unforgettable guided journey starting with a walk along pristine Tortuga Bay where you observe sea turtles nesting and marine iguanas basking on white sand beaches. After lunch and a restful break, explore the highlands of Santa Cruz home to the largest population of giant tortoises in the Galápagos. Spot endemic birds like the patillo, pachay, and witch bird while walking through unique lava formations.
- Day 10
See you next time
After breakfast, your private transfer will take you to Baltra Airport for your departure flight. Depart with unforgettable memories of five incredible islands and the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
What does the 10-day island-hopping tour cover?
Five islands from a Santa Cruz hub: North Seymour, Isabela, Tintoreras and Santa Fe. You can see boobies, penguins, sea lions, rays and endemic land iguanas. Also enjoy free days.
Island-hopping or cruise: which Viaaza Galapagos tour is right for me?
Island-hopping is hotel-based. This type of tours is more flexible and reaches central day-trip islands. A cruise is the only way to reach the remote western and northern islands (Fernandina, Genovesa, Espanola's albatross). See the full comparison in the Galapagos guide.
Are the Galapagos park fee and transit card included in the tour price?
No. The $200 national-park fee (adult; $100 child, cash on arrival) and the ~$20 INGALA Transit Control Card are paid separately. Flights to the islands from the mainland are also paid separately.
Can I customize a tour or build a private itinerary?
Yes, every tour is customizable, and Viaaza will design a private, tailor-made Ecuador itinerary around your dates, pace and interests.
Not sure yet? Ask an expert
- Which boat and cabin suits you
- Best months for wildlife and weather
- Free advice, no obligation to book
Popular travel locations
Be the first to review this tour.
Follow us on social media
