6-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Tour Details

This 6-day, small-group island-hopping tour is designed for a budget-friendly adventure in the Galapagos. It allows you to explore multiple islands, including Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, and Los Tuneles, while sleeping in hotels on solid ground to help prevent motion sickness. The tour is recommended by a high percentage of travelers and offers a chance to see a variety of native wildlife, such as flamingos, sea turtles, and giant tortoises. The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience with a naturalist guide.

What’s Included

Accommodation: 5 nights in a single, double, or triple room, depending on the number of travelers in your party.
Meals: Most meals, including breakfast and lunch. Some meals are listed as optional.
Transportation: All transportation on and between the islands as described in the itinerary, including airport pick-up and drop-off at Baltra Airport. Note that there are no guides on the public speedboats between islands.
Equipment: Snorkeling gear, including a mask, snorkel, fins, and a life vest.
Assistance: 24/7 assistance is available in English, Dutch, and Spanish.

What’s Not Included

Flights: Round-trip flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands are not included.
Fees and Taxes:
- Isabela dock fee ($10 per person).
- Water taxi fees (around $1 per person).
- Migratory Control Card / Ingala Transit Card, Isabela Island ($20 per person).
Rentals: Wetsuit rentals are available for $5 per person per day (cash only).
Optional Expenses: Tips for the guide are optional and not included.

Itinerary Highlights

Arrival and Transfer (Day-1)

Option 1 (for early arrivals): Transfer from Baltra Airport to Puerto Ayora for lunch, followed by a speedboat transfer to Isabela Island.
Option 2 (for late arrivals): If your flight arrives after 12:00 PM, you will stay in Santa Cruz on your first day and the order of the tour will be adjusted.

Wetlands and Tintoreras (Day-2)

Wetlands Tour: Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center and the historic Wall of Tears.
Los Tunel del Estero: Experience a lava tunnel.
Las Tintoreras: After lunch, visit this islet known for the white-tip sharks resting at the bottom. The admission ticket to this site is included.

Snorkeling in Los Tuneles (Day-3)

Boat Ride: A 30 to 40-minute boat ride from Puerto Villamil.
Snorkeling: Explore unique lava formations and calm water, making it a prime snorkeling spot on Isabela Island. You may see marine wildlife, penguins, and sea lions. Admission to this site is free.

Charles Darwin Research Station and Bay Tour (Day-4)

Transfer: Take a public speedboat to Santa Cruz Island.
Research Station: Visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Station. Admission is free.
Bay Tour: After lunch, take a boat tour of the highlights around Puerto Ayora, including La Loberia, Punta Camaño Islet, and Playa de Los Perros. Admission is free.

Santa Fe Island (Day-5)

Day Trip: Visit either Santa Fe or Pinzon Islands, depending on Galapagos National Park Regulations.
Activities: Snorkeling and a wet landing at a beautiful beach like Playa Escondida or Garrapatero Beach. Admission is free.

Departure (Day-6)

Transfer: After breakfast, you will be transferred to Baltra Airport with a Spanish-speaking driver for your departure.

Important Information to Note

Flights: It is highly recommended to book flights with an early arrival time and a late departure time to ensure you don’t miss any activities.
Delays: If your flight is delayed or canceled and you miss the last speedboat to Isabela Island, any additional accommodation costs on Santa Cruz Island will be at your own expense.
Luggage: It is advised to bring small bags and luggage, as public transportation on the islands is small.
Water: Tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled or purified water is recommended.
Physical Fitness: A moderate physical fitness level is required for this tour.
Itinerary Changes: The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary due to weather, National Park regulations, or other unforeseen circumstances.