Ecuador Travel Expert
About this tour
This relaxing Galapagos Island tour of 9 days takes you to 2 islands. You will see the islands Santa Cruz and Plazas.
The 2 islands in this tour offer exotic nature which is complementary to the free days. On Santa Cruz, you'll visit the volcano craters and the well-known Darwin Research Station. Walk the trails to Turtle Beach for sea turtles and marine iguanas. Head into the highlands for encounters with the giant land tortoises that have made these islands famous. Your local guide helps you with educative details about micro evolution and local ecosystems. The Plazas island is a single adventure on foot. Go with your tour guide to the top of the volcanic island. See the white sandy beaches with bounty blue water. Plazas is home to large iguana colonies, tropical birds, and the famous birds with blue feet. Bring your camera for the panoramic views and the close-range wildlife encounters. 3 of the nine days have scheduled activities. The remaining days are free. Relax your time in Galápagos. No obligations, do as you want to spend the day. Explore Puerto Ayora, and Turtle Beach.
The airport-hotel taxi service is included both ways. After breakfast on day 9, your taxi will return you to the airport.
This 9 day Galapagos tour is ideal for people who want to wind down, relax and have limited activities scheduled.
— Jonatan Chimarro, Ecuador Travel Expert
$6,967
- Encounter Giant Tortoises in the Santa Cruz Highlands! Explore the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the largest population of giant tortoises in the Galápagos Islands. Experience the dramatic change in climate and vegetation from the coastal lowlands as you trek through unique lava formations. Spot endemic birds like the patillo, the pachay, and the witch bird.
- Sea Turtles & Marine Iguanas at Turtle Bay! Walk along one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the Galápagos. This beach is a nesting site for sea turtles. Encounter marine iguanas relaxing on the beach. Enjoy safe swimming and snorkeling in calm mangrove-protected waters where you can observe marine life up close.
- Hybrid Iguanas & Vibrant Marine Ecosystems! Explore one of the smallest yet most diverse islands in the archipelago, home to the largest colonies of endemic land iguanas. Discover the unique hybrid iguana that only lives in the Galápagos and nowhere else on earth. Walk among turquoise waters, white sand, and black lava while spotting colorful zayapas crabs, swallow-tailed gulls, and tropical birds.
- World-Class Snorkeling! Dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life including sea turtles, tropical fish, rays, and vibrant coral ecosystems. Plazas' calm bay offers excellent snorkeling opportunities in one of the archipelago's most protected and biodiverse areas. With snorkeling equipment provided, you can safely explore the underwater wonders of the Galápagos.
- Duration
- 9 days / 8 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
Your adventure begins with a scenic transfer from Baltra Airport to Hotel Silberstein, stopping at the impressive Gemelos craters along the way. Enjoy lunch at the hotel restaurant featuring authentic Ecuadorian and international cuisine. In the afternoon, visit Charles Darwin Station to observe exotic giant turtles before settling in for a delicious dinner.
- Day 2
Tortuga Bay & Highlands of Santa Cruz
Start your morning with a guided walk to pristine Tortuga Bay, where you'll spot sea turtles nesting and marine iguanas basking on white sand beaches. After lunch and a restful break, explore the highlands of Santa Cruz and encounter the largest population of giant tortoises in the Galápagos. Watch for endemic birds like the patillo and pachay throughout your adventure.
- Day 3
Free Day to Relax & Explore
Spend the day at your own pace enjoying your hotel. Explore the charming town of Puerto Ayora, visit local shops, or simply relax on the beach. All meals are provided at the hotel.
- Day 4
Free Day for Beach & Leisure
Another perfect day to unwind in tropical paradise. Optional activities are available at the hotel, or venture out to discover hidden beaches and local attractions. All meals included.
- Day 5
Plazas Island Expedition
Discover one of the smallest yet most diverse islands in the Galápagos on a guided full-day excursion. Walk among the largest colonies of endemic land iguanas and the unique hybrid iguana found nowhere else on Earth. Snorkel in crystal-clear turquoise waters teeming with sea turtles, tropical fish, and vibrant marine life, then explore the island's black lava formations and colorful zayapas crabs.
- Day 6
Free Day to Recharge & Reflect
Enjoy a peaceful day of rest after your island adventure. Relax poolside, visit the hotel library, or explore Puerto Ayora at a leisurely pace. All meals provided to help you recharge.
- Day 7
Free Day, no scheduled obligations
Enjoy a peaceful day of rest after your island adventure. Relax poolside, visit the hotel library, or explore Puerto Ayora at a leisurely pace. All meals provided to help you recharge.
- Day 8
Free Day to complete your Galápagos experience
Your last full day to enjoy whatever you wish: swim, hike, or simply relax.
- Day 9
See you later
After a final breakfast, your private transfer will take you to Baltra Airport for your departure flight. Depart with unforgettable memories of the Galápagos Islands and dreams of returning.
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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