Ecuador Travel Expert
About this tour
This extended Galapagos Island tour of 13 days takes you to 7 islands. You see the islands Santa Cruz, North Seymour, Isabela, Tintoreras, Santa Fe, Bartolome and Plazas.
Santa Cruz is the island where your hotel is. Here you visit the twin volcano craters and the Darwin Research Station. The highlands of Santa Cruz offer understandings of the ecosystems, micro evolution and biodiversity. Turtle Beach is the place for easy walks among sea turtles and marine iguanas. At the local town Puerto Ayora you visit the local market and harbor. Take your camera with you for casual wildlife encounters. Inter-island boat trips let you go to the other islands. Isabela, the largest island in the Galápagos group, brings blue-footed boobies, Galápagos penguins and big sea lion colonies. Tintoreras Bay is the easy and perfect snorkel location. Here you see in clear blue water an abundance of marine life. For example: sea turtles, sea lions, iguanas and rays. North Seymour is explored on foot via a trail. Your tour guide will show you blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds with their huge red inflatable necks. Santa Fe brings a smaller-scale volcanic ecosystem rich in bird species, sea lions and iguanas. Bartolome is a popular panoramic photo summit. The hike over volcanic ground with lava tubes feels like walking on another planet in space. Here you visit white bounty beaches with green sea turtles, sharks and stingrays in the water. Plazas, your seventh island, is also explored on foot. The volcanic island with paradise-like clear blue water, white sandy beaches, large iguana colonies, tropical birds and blue-footed boobies offers fantastic wildlife encounters. Bring your camera for the panoramic views and the close-range animals.
Airport-hotel taxi included. After breakfast on day 13, your taxi will return you to the airport.
Do you have 13 days available? This Galapagos tour is ideal for people who are eager for active wildlife discovery at multiple islands. The tour also offers free days to relax in Puerto Ayora.
— Jonatan Chimarro, Ecuador Travel Expert
$8,903
- Giant Galápagos Tortoises: Nature's Living Giants! See the world's largest population of giant Galápagos tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Day 1 to learn about these incredible creatures and conservation efforts to protect them. These ancient animals are truly one of the most amazing sights you'll ever experience.
- Snorkel with Sea Turtles, Rays & Sharks! Dive into crystal-clear turquoise waters and swim face-to-face with sea turtles, colorful fish, manta rays (up to 3 meters), and gentle sharks. Explore beautiful islands like Santa Fe for the best snorkeling experiences of your life. You might even spot dolphins or whales on a lucky day!
- Iconic Birds: Frigatebirds & Blue-Footed Boobies! Watch frigatebirds perform amazing courtship displays with their bright red pouches puffed out, and see the famous blue-footed boobies up close on North Seymour Island. These birds are so close you can see every detail and photograph them easily. Experience wildlife like nowhere else on Earth.
- Walk on the Moon: Volcanic Landscapes & Lava Formations! Hike to the top of Pinnacle Rock at Bartolomé Island and walk through volcanic craters and lava tubes that make you feel like you're treading on the moon. Explore dramatic black lava coastlines, white sand beaches, and natural formations shaped by ancient volcanoes. The views are absolutely breathtaking.
- Duration
- 13 days / 12 nights
- Group size
- 1–16 people
- Physical intensity
- Low
- Activities
- Animal Spotting, Hiking, Relax, Swimming
- Environment
- Beach, Island, Sea, Sun, Volcano
- Key wildlife
- Birds, Dolphins, 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
Arrival & Island Immersion
Arrive at Baltra Airport and meet your guide for a 1-hour drive to your hotel in Santa Cruz island. During this trip visit the beautiful "Gemelos" volcano craters. Visit Charles Darwin Station to see giant Galápagos tortoises and learn about wildlife protection. Enjoy lunch and dinner at the hotel, and relax in the evening.
- Day 2
Tortuga Bay + Highlands: Giant Tortoises & Lava
Walk along Tortuga Bay's beautiful white sand beach and see marine iguanas and finches, then visit the highlands to see the world's largest population of giant tortoises. Explore natural lava formations and spot rare birds like the witch bird. Enjoy meals throughout the day at the hotel.
- Day 3
Free day to relax and recover
Relax at your hotel, explore Puerto Ayora as you like or visit Turtle Beach.
- Day 4
North Seymour: Frigatebirds & Boobies Paradise
Explore North Seymour Island on a 2 km trail through volcanic rocks and see frigatebirds with bright red pouches and blue-footed boobies up close. Swim and snorkel in crystal-clear water with tropical fish. Return to the hotel each evening for dinner and rest.
- Day 5
Isabela + Tintoreras: Largest Island & Marine Life
Take an early morning trip to Isabela Island and explore Tintoreras wetlands with mangroves, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and penguins. Enjoy lunch on the island, then snorkel in calm waters to see sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, and sharks. Return to the hotel for dinner.
- Day 6
Free Day to Relax and Explore
Explore Puerto Ayora and its surroundings at your own pace. Enjoy your time in Galápagos.
- Day 7
Santa Fé Island: Turquoise Waters & Snorkeling
Swim and snorkel at Santa Fé Island in beautiful turquoise water with sea turtles, rays, and colorful fish. See sea lions on the rocks and giant tunas swimming below. Enjoy lunch on the boat and return to the hotel for dinner and evening rest.
- Day 8
Bartolomé Island: Volcanic Wonders & Penguin Territory
Hike 30-40 minutes to the top of Pinnacle Rock and enjoy amazing views of white sand beaches and volcanic craters below. Look for Galápagos penguins, sea turtles, and stingrays in the ocean. Enjoy lunch on the boat and return to your hotel for dinner each evening.
- Day 9
Free Day to relax and reflect
Relax the whole day. Do as you like. Notthing is planned.
- Day 10
Plazas Islands: Land Iguanas & Seabirds
Visit the small but amazing Plazas Islands and see one of the largest land iguana colonies in the Galápagos. Watch colorful crabs, tropical birds, and blue-footed boobies in their natural home. Snorkel and relax before returning to the hotel for dinner.
- Day 11
Free Day to enjoy local life
Enjoy the streets of Puerto Ayora, eat at a local restaurant and visit the local harbor. Don't forget to bring your camera for unexpected wildlife encounters.
- Day 12
Final Relaxation & Departure Prep
Enjoy your last day at the hotel with breakfast, swimming, and shopping for souvenirs. Take one final walk through Puerto Ayora, pack your bags, and celebrate with a special farewell dinner. Get an early night to prepare for your morning departure.
- Day 13
Time for Departure
After an early breakfast, your transfer takes you to Baltra Airport for a 1-hour scenic drive. Cross the beautiful Itabaca Canal one last time and fly home with amazing memories of the Galapagos Islands.
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