Ecuador Travel Expert
About this tour
This short Galapagos Island tour of 3 days takes you to 2 islands. You will see the islands Santa Cruz and North Seymour.
Over 3 days visit volcano craters, the Darwin Research Station and see the famous giant tortoises on Santa Cruz. See the birds with blue feet and the birds with red inflatable throats at North Seymour. Enjoy stunning views with regular bird encounters. Your local tour guide will explain micro evolution, biodiversity and functions of the volcanic ecosystem. This makes your Galápagos adventure educative as well. In the evening you can explore Puerto Ayora. Walk the harbor, enjoy the restaurants.
Airport-hotel taxi service is included. After breakfast on day 3, your taxi will return you to the airport.
This trip is ideal for people who are short in time. 3 days is the shortest Galapagos Island tour available.
— Jonatan Chimarro, Ecuador Travel Expert
$1,339
- Charles Darwin Station & Giant Tortoise Encounter! Visit one of the world's most important conservation centers where you can observe the exotic Galápagos giant tortoises. Visiting the Darwin Center helps you understand science on micro evolution supported with real life examples of Galápagos biodiversity.
- Iconic birds with blue feet and birds with red inflatable throats! Witness the extraordinary mating rituals and behaviors of Galápagos wildlife at Seymour Norte. Watch male frigatebirds inflate their striking red gular pouches to court females, and observe the famous blue-footed boobies perform their comical mating dances. You'll see active nests up close along the tourist trail. This is an unforgettable wildlife photography opportunity.
- Volcanic Crater Viewing! Visit on Santa Cruz island the volcanic craters called Twin craters (Gemelos) craters translated in Spanish. These volcanic formations offer an impressive view and help you get a better understanding of the creation of the Galápagos environment.
- Enjoy the authentic Ecuadorian cuisine with local flavors on the Galápagos Islands.
- Duration
- 3 days / 2 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 Galapagos 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 bilingual guide for a scenic 1-hour transfer to Hotel Silberstein. En route, stop at the impressive "Gemelos" craters to see impressive volcanic landscape with your own eyes. After settling in, enjoy a delicious Ecuadorian lunch at the hotel restaurant, followed by an afternoon visit to Charles Darwin Station. Observe the famous exotic Galápagos tortoises and learn about crucial conservation efforts. Finish your tour with dinner at the restaurant. You are free in the evening.
- Day 2
North Seymour: Wildlife adventure
Experience an unforgettable full-day excursion to Seymour Norte, featuring a 1.2 mile / 2 km circular trail through volcanic terrain. Observe frigatebirds performing elaborate courtship displays with their inflated red pouches. Watch the famous birds with blue feet along the tourist trail. Enjoy lunch on board the boat and snorkel in pristine waters before returning to your hotel for dinner. You are free in the evening.
- Day 3
Departure
After a nice breakfast at your hotel, you receive transport to Baltra Airport. Here you take off by plane with unforgettable memories of the Galápagos Islands.
What does the 3-day Galapagos island-hopping tour include?
Two islands, Santa Cruz and North Seymour, with the Charles Darwin Station giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds, and the Los Gemelos twin craters. This tour is a hotel-based trip for time-limited travelers.
Is 3 days enough for the Galapagos?
It's the shortest tour available. Great if your schedule is tight, but 5+ days lets you add more islands and free time.
Where do I stay on the 3-day tour?
A land-based hotel with a private bathroom on Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora).
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.
Not sure yet? Ask an expert
- Which boat and cabin suits you
- Best months for wildlife and weather
- Free advice, no obligation to book
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