Ecuador Travel Expert
About this tour
This extended Galapagos Island tour of 12 days takes you to 6 islands. You will see Santa Cruz, North Seymour, Isabela, Tintoreras, Santa Fe and Bartolome island.
The exploration starts at Santa Cruz. See the twin volcano craters. Visit the Darwin Research Station. Travel to the highland forest where giant tortoises live in the wild. Learn about ecosystems, micro evolution and biodiversity from your tour guide. Relax on the beach with sea turtles and marine iguanas. Use Puerto Ayora as a base for local markets, the harbor, and photo stops with the exotic animals that share the streets. Isabela offers you blue-footed boobies, Galápagos penguins and large sea lion colonies. Tintoreras Bay is for swimming in clear blue water, with sea turtles, sea lions, iguanas and rays. North Seymour is about walking over the island. Here you see among others the frigatebirds with their huge red inflatable necks. Santa Fe is a separate volcanic ecosystem, layered with bird species, sea lions and iguanas. Bartolome is the photo highlight of this trip due to its panoramic view. After the summit, descend to white beaches with clear blue water where green sea turtles, sharks and stingrays swim. 6 guided days combined with 6 free days. Relax in Puerto Ayora or Turtle Beach. Bring your camera.
Airport-hotel taxi service is included. After breakfast on day 12, your taxi will return you to the airport.
This 12 day trip is ideal for people who like to explore the Galapagos and experience why it is UNESCO certified. It also offers free days to relax at Santa Cruz.
— Jonatan Chimarro, Ecuador Travel Expert
$8,421
- Isabela & Tintoreras Bay - Sharks, Sea Turtles & Sea Lions! Visit the largest island in the Galápagos and swim in crystal-clear waters at Tintoreras Bay. You will see sharks, rays, sea turtles, sea lions, and marine iguanas all in one place. The water is perfect for snorkeling and one of the easiest snorkel sites in the archipelago. You might even see penguins diving in the tropical water.
- Bartolome Island's Volcanic Beauty & Bounty Beaches! Climb to the top of Bartolome Island and see amazing views of two beautiful bounty beaches below. The island is made of dark volcanic rock and shows you how the Galápagos islands were created by volcanoes. Snorkel in the clear water and look for green sea turtles swimming below you.
- Santa Cruz Highlands: Giant Tortoises in Their Natural Home! Drive up to the cool, green highlands of Santa Cruz where you see giant tortoises walking freely in nature. These huge animals can be over 100 years old. Walk through lava tunnels and see how the island changes from the beach to the mountains. Learn how these special animals survived for millions of years.
- Blue-Footed Boobies Dancing on North Seymour! Watch the most famous birds of the Galápagos perform their incredible mating dance right in front of you. The males show off their bright blue feet while dancing on the ground. You will see frigatebirds with their big red pouches and many other seabirds. This 2-kilometer trail is unforgettable and perfect for photos.
- Duration
- 12 days / 11 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 Galápagos
You arrive at Baltra Airport. A guide helps you transfer to your hotel in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. The ride takes about 1 hour. You stop at the Gemelos craters—two big holes made by volcanoes. Relax at your hotel and enjoy your first evening in the Galápagos.
- Day 2
Free Day to Settle In
Today is your first free day to rest and explore Puerto Ayora town at your own pace. Walk around the harbor, visit shops, enjoy a café, or swim at the beach. Your guide is ready if you want to do something, but everything is up to you.
- Day 3
Santa Cruz Highlands & Giant Tortoises
Drive up to the cool highlands of Santa Cruz where giant tortoises live freely in nature. You see these amazing animals walking slowly through green plants. Walk through dark lava tunnels and learn how the island was formed. See different animals and plants at different heights of the island.
- Day 4
Free Day with Beach & Exploration
Enjoy another free day doing whatever you want. You can snorkel at Turtle Beach, take photos, visit local shops, or rest at the hotel pool. The Galápagos is yours to explore at your own speed.
- Day 5
North Seymour with Blue-Footed Boobies
Take a boat to North Seymour Island early in the morning. Walk the easy 2-kilometer trail and watch blue-footed boobies do their famous mating dance. See their bright blue feet and watch them show off. You will also see frigatebirds, sea lions, and many other seabirds. This is one of the most famous wildlife experiences in the Galápagos.
- Day 6
Free Day to Relax
It is time to rest and relax completely. Sleep late, have a spa treatment, read a book or swim in the ocean. Do exactly what you want with no activities or plans.
- Day 7
Isabela & Tintoreras Bay: Sharks & Sea Turtles
Take a boat to Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galápagos. Visit Tintoreras Bay, one of the best snorkel sites in the archipelago. Swim with sharks, rays, sea turtles, sea lions, marine iguanas, and sometimes penguins. The water is clear and perfect for snorkeling. You might see colorful fish and explore lava formations.
- Day 8
Free Day: Adventure or Rest
Spend your day however you like. Snorkel again, explore tide pools, take a boat ride, do bird watching, or just rest completely. Everything is included and all your choices are good choices.
- Day 9
Santa Fe Island: Sea Lions & Snorkeling
Travel by boat to Santa Fe Island. This island is famous for its sea lions and easy snorkeling. Swim with playful sea lions in the water and see them rest on the rocks. Snorkel in crystal-clear water and see colorful fish, rays, and sea turtles. Walk on the beach and see how the island looks with its unique plants and rocks.
- Day 10
Free Day: Final Relaxation
Your last full free day to enjoy the Galápagos however you want. Visit Puerto Ayora again, swim, snorkel, take photos, or simply rest at the hotel. Take your time and enjoy every moment.
- Day 11
Bartolome Island - Volcanic Views & Bounty Beaches
Take an early boat to Bartolome Island. Hike to the top and see amazing views of two perfect bounty beaches below. The island is made of dark volcanic rock and shows you how volcanoes created the Galápagos. Snorkel in the clear water and look for green sea turtles. See dramatic cliffs and unique rock formations.
- Day 12
Goodbye Galápagos
After breakfast, your taxi picks you up and takes you to Baltra Airport. You leave with wonderful memories of six incredible islands and twelve amazing days in the Galápagos.
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