The Galápagos: Wildlife of Santa Cruz & Isabela Islands

Gaze out at the rolling countryside and mountain peaks as you approach Quito, dreaming of the faraway Galápagos Islands that are almost within your reach. Take in a breath of fresh mountain air as you step out of the plane, knowing that soon enough you will be in the equatorial warmth at sea level. We welcome you to Ecuador, and invite you to prepare for one of the most incredible wildlife destinations on the planet—the Galápagos Islands. ...more ...less

Arrive to Quito at any time and transfer to the nearby airport hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, enjoy a welcome dinner in a private room of the hotel, featuring an array of traditional Ecuadorian plates and ingredients.

ACTIVITY: EVENING Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a welcome dinner afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

TRANSPORT: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

The journey is part of the adventure today as you make your way 1000 km from Ecuador's mainland to the Galápagos Islands. Home to creatures found nowhere else in the world, the surrounding marine reserve is a showcase of evolution and a true testament to the melting pot of species found in the islands, both on shore and in the water.

Start early for a flight to Baltra from Quito. Travel ten minutes by public bus to the ferry port across Canal Itabaca then transfer by private vehicle to Puerto Ayora. Grab some lunch before taking a speed boat to Isabela, keeping an eye out for whales and dolphins along the way. Check into your OMG Stay on the island and spend some free time exploring before an included dinner of delicious local specialties with the group.

TRANSPORT: MORNING Sit back and enjoy the flight from Quito to Baltra, the gateway to the Galápagos.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of your private vehicle en route to your lunch stop. First, travel 10 minutes by public bus to the Canal Itabaca ferry for a short ride across, and then via private transfer the group will travel to the lunch stop in Puerto Ayora.

TRANSPORT: Cut swiftly through the water en route to the next stop (and hang on to your hat).

FREE TIME: EVENING Enjoy a few hours of free time to enjoy the views on the largest Island in the archipelago.

You will see firsthand today how unbelievable the wildlife is in the Galápagos Islands, both beneath the water and on land. Strap on the mask to snorkel and swim though the calm, clear and shallow water at Los Túneles—a unique geological site formed by a series of lava flows that created various arcs and tunnels above and below the water.

Transfer to the dock after breakfast where your boat awaits. Cruise along to Los Túneles for a thrilling snorkelling excursion to spot marine life under the water, then walk the coastal trail to look for blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and more. Eat lunch onboard the boat on the way back to Puerto Villamil and take the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. Explore on your own, relax in the pool of the hotel or try out one of the many bars and restaurants in town.

ACTIVITY: Put on your swimsuit, grab a snorkel and head out to explore the waters to see what’s living under the sea. In the morning the group will travel by boat to Los Túneles, about a 40 minute ride away from Puerto Villamil. The lava formations and mangroves make this an ideal place for snorkelling. Keep an eye out for eagle rays, sea turtles and large schools of colourful fish. Lunch will be had onboard the boat with excellent views over the water.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON After returning from snorkelling, the afternoon is yours to explore Isabela Island on your own. Opt to swim, catch some waves with a surfing lesson or hike along nearby coastal trails. Dinner later will also be at your leisure.

Today you will be able to explore more of Isabela Island on your terms with the choice of two activities. Stick to the land and hike the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of five active ones located on Isabela Island, and rising to an altitude of 1124m. If you are looking for more snorkelling, take to the water and head to Las Tintoreras, an islet to the south of Puerto Villamil that forms part of the national park of the Galápagos Islands. The area is known for the reef sharks that can be seen swimming with fish and other marine life when the tide is low.

This morning, choose between a volcano hike or snorkelling excursion. Both options include lunch at a local restaurant on the island. The remainder of the day is free for optional activities offered on Isabela Island, or for lounging by the pool at the hotel property.

ACTIVITY: Option 1: Lace up your hiking boots to explore Sierra Negra Volcano, which has the largest basaltic caldera in the Galápagos. The volcano last erupted in June 2018. Hike to the rim of the 10km (6 mi) wide crater. Trek across the moon-like landscape of the lava fields and fumaroles, and enjoy spectacular views looking north toward Fernandina and the rest of Isabela Island. This hike is 7km in total (3.5 km each way). Lunch will be had at a local restaurant.

Option 2: Snorkelling excursion to Tintoreras Shark Alley to observe the whitetip reef sharks found swimming in the channels between the rocks. Keep an eye out for sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas and rays as well as the sharks. It's the perfect place to glide along watching the magic unfold under the water’s surface. Enjoy a small calm turquoise bay and loads of wildlife. Lunch will be had at a local restaurant.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Spend a free afternoon on Isabela Island. Opt for more swimming or snorkelling, bike to the Wall of Tears or book a surf lesson. If you're looking for a more relaxing afternoon, spend it lounging in the sun with a good book.

Swap islands today and travel to the second largest—Santa Cruz—located in the centre of the archipelago, where you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station responsible for many of the studies conducted on the islands about the fascinating and prehistoric land tortoises. Enjoy lunch before walking to Tortuga Bay. Here, spend time at the beach named for its black sea turtles that nest there, and bask in the sun along this inviting stretch of white sand. Travel back to town by speed boat and cap the day off with a signature cocktail-making experience during sunset.

Hop on a morning speedboat to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Transfer to the hotel, check in, then visit the Charles Darwin Research Station before lunch. Afterwards, walk to Tortuga Bay for free time to enjoy the beach and choose to rent a kayak in the calm waters. The day ends with a speedboat ride back to town just in time to catch sunset overlooking the ocean.

TRANSPORT: MORNING Cut swiftly through the water this morning en route to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.

ACTIVITY: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organization initiated in 1964, which works to preserve the Galápagos' ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers and volunteers. While the offices themselves are not open to visitors, the research station provides a study location for international scientists and environmental education for the local community. Walk around the grounds and visit the exhibition hall to learn more about this important and historical organization.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a walk along a lava stone pathway to the beautiful white beach of Tortuga Bay. Relax on the beach, walk along the mangroves looking for marine iguanas and birdlife or maybe rent a kayak. Look for sea turtles and manta rays in the shallow areas under clear turquoise waters on the south side of Santa Cruz Island. Keep an eye out for nearby pelicans, blue-footed boobies and other seabirds.

ACTIVITY: Watch the sunset on the island of Santa Cruz with a cocktail-making experience, where you will learn how to prepare a signature drink along with a snack. Listen as the waves crash nearby and the sounds of wildlife close out the day.

Travel to the highlands to a private ranch to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat and visit some lava tunnels. After lunch, go to Garrapatero beach for some kayaking, tidal pool gazing or wildlife spotting in the lagoon before heading to town stop by an organic farm where you can learn about the hydroponic crops they are growing and how this technique is helping to protect the environment and reduce water usage within agriculture. This evening, it's time to say good-bye to the mighty Galapagos and there's no better way than with an optional dinner all together as a group.

Spend another day traversing Santa Cruz Island from the highlands to the coast, watching the landscape undulate under waves and hills alike. Look for wildlife like sea lions, flamingos and blue footed boobies from a kayak along the beach before visiting an organic farm to try the local coffee of the area. Arrive back to town just in time for an optional group dinner.

ACTIVITY: Head to Santa Cruz’s verdant highlands. This is a perfect place to hike through the grounds and see giant tortoises in their natural environment, before savouring an included lunch.

ACTIVITY: Visit an organic farm where you will learn more about the economy of the Galapagos and how hydroponic crops are helping to protect the environment in order to reduce the consumption of water within agriculture. As you walk through the property you will also learn about the other organic produce grown throughout the islands like coffee, cacao, and vegetables. Finish the experience with a tasting at your host's home featuring empanadas and local coffee.

During the experience, the group will also try different endemics plants like, pinneaples, Scalesias, and figs.

ACTIVITY: Paddle around the small lagoon and different coves near Garrapatero Beach. The group will travel here from Puerto Ayora and take a short walk along a trail past the small lagoon to the water. Once here, spend time kayaking the shoreline, swimming and relaxing in the sand.

While it’s time to bid the islands farewell, there’s no doubt your days here will be remembered. Incredible up-close encounters with animals and immersion into ecosystems that remain largely unchanged in a pristine slice of paradise will remain etched in your memory forever.

Spend the day travelling back to Quito. Enjoy a private transfer to Canal Itabaca, board the ferry across, then take a short public bus ride to the Baltra Airport. Fly to Quito and check in to the hotel before a farewell dinner with the group in the historical centre of the city.

Additional Information: G Adventures strongly recommends not booking departure flights on the day the group returns to Quito. Local flight times are often subject to change and could potentially cause issues if delayed. We recommend booking flights on the last day of the tour as noted on the Full itinerary page.

TRANSPORT: Sit back and enjoy the flight from Baltra Airport back to Quito.

TRANSPORT: MORNING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of your private vehicle en route Baltra Airport. First, travel 40 minutes to the Itabaca Canal ferry for a short ride across, then the group will finish the journey to the airport via public bus.

Today your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.