Ecuador Travel Expert
About this tour
The most complete Galápagos Island tour of 15 days takes you to 9 islands. You will see the islands Santa Cruz, North Seymour, Isabela, Tintoreras, Santa Fe, Bartolome, Plazas, Pinzon and Daphne.
Santa Cruz remains the hub. On this island is your hotel. With boat trips you explore other islands. On Santa Cruz your adventure starts with twin volcano craters, the Darwin Research Station and the highland tortoise sanctuary. Your local tour guide will help you learn lessons on ecosystems, micro evolution and biodiversity. Turtle Beach is the gentle counterpoint, with sea turtles and marine iguanas in the sand, and Puerto Ayora as your home base for markets, harbor and easy wildlife encounters. Isabela (the largest island in the archipelago) is the place for blue-footed boobies, Galápagos penguins and big sea lion colonies. Tintoreras Bay invites a swim in clear blue water, surrounded by sea turtles, sea lions, iguanas and rays. Seymour North is a walking exploration among blue-footed boobies and red-throated frigatebirds. Santa Fe brings a self-contained volcanic ecosystem with bird species, sea lions and iguanas. Bartolome invites you on a hike to the summit. This hike feels like you walk over moon landscape due to volcanic ground with lava tubes. After the hike you relax at a white beach where green sea turtles, sharks and stingrays swim in the water. Plazas is a volcanic walking island. This paradise has beaches where large iguana colonies, tropical birds and blue-footed boobies live. Pinzon is the snorkel-rich stop: colorful fish, sea turtles, manta rays and sharks can be seen frequently. On occasion you see dolphins, penguins and whales. Daphne island combines marine life in a way no other island matches. There are schools of colorful fish, sharks, huge manta rays, with frequent turtle and dolphin sightings. Relax at Borrero Bay to process all this beauty of biodiversity. Bring your camera with a full battery.
Airport-hotel taxi included. After breakfast on day 15, your taxi will return you to the airport.
This trip is ideal for travelers who want to experience all that Galapagos has to offer: biodiversity, hiking, swimming, 9 islands and some free days to relax at Santa Cruz.
— Jonatan Chimarro, Ecuador Travel Expert
$9,604
- The Most Complete Galápagos Experience: 9 Islands! Explore nine incredible islands and see the complete Galápagos ecosystem. Learn about evolution at Darwin Research Station and experience it firsthand on each island adventure.
- Iconic Birds: Blue-Footed Boobies & Frigatebirds! See the famous blue-footed boobies and red-throated frigatebirds up close on North Seymour Island. Watch frigatebirds inflate their bright red throats in amazing courtship displays.
- World-Class Snorkeling & Marine world class creation! Snorkel in crystal-clear water surrounded by sea turtles, manta rays, colorful fish, and gentle sharks. See dolphins, penguins, and whales on lucky days at Pinzón and Daphne Islands.
- Hike Volcanic Landscapes Like Walking on the Moon! Climb Bartolome Island through lava tubes and volcanic craters with breathtaking views below. Relax at the beach and watch green sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays swim by.
- Duration
- 15 days / 14 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, Whales
- 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 & Santa Cruz Orientation
Arrive at Baltra Airport and drive 1 hour to Hotel Silberstein. Stop at the beautiful "Gemelos" volcanic craters and learn about the island's geology. Visit Charles Darwin Research Station to see giant tortoises and understand ecosystem lessons for your island adventures.
- Day 2
North Seymour: Frigatebirds & Blue-Footed Boobies
Explore a walking trail on North Seymour Island and see red-throated frigatebirds with inflated bright red pouches. Watch the famous blue-footed boobies up close and observe their courtship dances. Snorkel in clear water and return to the hotel for dinner.
- Day 3
Free Day: Relax and Recover
Sleep in and enjoy the day without any scheduled activities.
- Day 4
Isabela & Tintoreras: Largest Island & Marine Life
Take an early morning trip to Isabela Island and explore Tintoreras wetlands with mangroves and lagoons. See blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and Galápagos penguins in their natural home. Snorkel in calm turquoise water and spot sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, and sharks.
- Day 5
Santa Fé Island: Volcanic Ecosystem & Snorkeling
Visit Santa Fé Island, a self-contained volcanic ecosystem with turquoise bays and white sand beaches. See sea lions on rocky outcrops, land iguanas, and tropical bird species throughout the island. Enjoy excellent snorkeling with sea turtles, rays, and colorful fish in crystal-clear water.
- Day 6
Free Day: Relax and Explore
Relax the full day. Do as you like. Explore the surroundings of Puerto Ayora like Turtle Beach.
- Day 7
Bartolome: Volcanic Hike & Moon Landscape
Hike 30-40 minutes to Bartolomé Island's summit through lava tubes and volcanic craters that feel like walking on the moon. Enjoy breathtaking views of white sand beaches and turquoise water below. Relax at the beach and watch green sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays swimming by.
- Day 8
Plazas Islands: Land Iguanas & Paradise Beaches
Visit the small volcanic Plazas Islands with one of the largest land iguana colonies in the Galápagos. Explore paradise-like beaches, see tropical birds, and watch blue-footed boobies in their natural habitat. Enjoy colorful zayapas crabs and stunning ocean views from the island's highest point.
- Day 9
Free Day: Relax and Explore
Relax and explore at your own pace. Walk through the town of Puerto Ayora. Visit the local market, shops and harbor.
- Day 10
Tortuga Bay & Highlands - Giant Tortoises
Walk along Tortuga Bay's white sand beach and see marine iguanas and various finch species. Visit the highlands to experience the world's largest population of giant tortoises in their sanctuary. Explore natural lava formations and spot rare birds like the witch bird and pachay.
- Day 11
Free Day: Relax do as you like
Relax at the hotel. Do as you like and enjoy your time in Galápagos.
- Day 12
Pinzón Island: Snorkeling Paradise
Travel to Pinzón Island and enjoy two excellent snorkeling sessions in clear blue water. See Galápagos sharks, skate rays, sea turtles, and giant manta rays (2-3 meters). On lucky days, spot dolphins, Galápagos penguins, or even whales surfacing nearby.
- Day 13
Free Day Relax and Reflect
Relax the full day. Remember all the great memories and experiences you had at Galápagos. Buy souvenirs to bring some of those memories home.
- Day 14
Daphne Island: Ultimate Marine Life Experience
Visit Daphne Island and experience the best combination of marine life in the Galápagos. Snorkel among schools of colorful fish, huge manta rays, black-tip sharks, and sea turtles. See frequent dolphin sightings and relax at beautiful Borrero Bay to process all this biodiversity.
- Day 15
Departure Time
After an early breakfast, your private transfer takes you to Baltra Airport for a 1-hour scenic drive. Fly home with unforgettable memories of the complete Galápagos Islands experience and incredible wildlife encounters.
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- Which boat and cabin suits you
- Best months for wildlife and weather
- Free advice, no obligation to book
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