You fly to Baltra airport, Santa Cruz, from either Quito or Guayaquil. On arrival you are met and transferred through the Highlands of Santa Cruz to the main town of Puerto Ayora, where you can settle into your comfortable hotel.
After a quick exploration of the buzzing harbour, where you will no doubt see sea lions, frigate birds and pelicans, the afternoon is spent on a guided walking tour through the Charles Darwin Research Centre.
The Galapagos Islands’ most celebrated visitor was Charles Darwin, who arrived aboard the HMS Beagle in 1835. The rare life forms he encountered helped him formulate his theory of evolution, which he published in The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
The Centre is within walking distance (2km) of the town centre and well worth a visit. It is dedicated to scientific research and the conservation of the Galapagos National Park. Take swimming things for a quick dip at the local beach on the way back.
After the tour, return to the Puerto Ayora centre and choose a local restaurant for a tasty evening meal before retiring for the night. (no meals included today).
Overnight in a local hotel with breakfast included.
This morning we head off for a fantastic snorkel just outside Puerto Ayora, at Bahia. This is a great place to see sea lions, many sorts of fish and possibly a shark (harmless) or two. This may be the first time you encounter the friendly nature of the sea lions, who love to play games and swim around you.
As with all wildlife on the Galapagos, you are not allowed to touch them or initiate contact, but the sea lions are so fast, playful and inquisitive that they will no doubt swish past within seconds of spotting you.
After this great experience, you have lunch and then take a 2-hour speed boat trip to the next island. The boat leaves Puerto Ayora in the early afternoon, and takes a couple of hours to reach Isabela. If you are lucky, you may encounter a pod of dolphins, or even see a whale breaching.
On arrival at Isabela, the already relaxed pace becomes markedly more so. Isabela is the largest island in the archipelago but among the most beautiful and certainly the most laid back.
Only a few hundred people live here and the main town of Puerto Villamil is a rambling mix of houses, cafes, restaurants and beach bars. There is a large, sandy beach which regularly features volleyball, frisbee and football games in the afternoons.
We take you to your hotel and then the afternoon and evening are free to explore Isabela.
Residents and tourist alike use this method of transport regularly between the main inhabited islands. Out on the open ocean, this is your best chance to see whales and dolphins. Each crossing takes about 2-3 hours. Less time if the sea is calm, more time if the sea is rough.
Boats are usually 30-35 feet long and hold 20-30 passengers. If you’re prone to seasickness or not sure, bring some seasickness pills just in case.
Lace up your hiking boots, we’re heading up a volcano! Sierra Negra Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Galapagos; it last erupted in October 2005.
You can choose a half day or a full day trip up the volcano. We drive part way up, and then a short uphill hike takes us to the perimeter of the crater. Once we reach the rim, we’ll have a nine-kilometre view across one the most active calderas in the world.
We continue across the vast lava fields of Chico volcano to a lookout with amazing views as far as the north of Isabela.
We make our way back to town late afternoon for some free time to swing in a hammock with a book or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim, after which you can choose which local restaurant to go to for dinner.
Overnight in local hotel.
Today a true highlight of this trip awaits! We set off from Puerto Villamil by boat and after 45 minutes we will reach Cape Rosa on the western side of the island.
We walk on connecting lava tunnels and from the surface of the blue water, we can spot sea turtles, penguins and rays. We will also have the chance to go snorkelling and swimming in these waters so rich in marine life.
On the trip to and from Isabela, fingers crossed we will see manta rays of different sizes. In mating season, they diving upside-down, waiting to have their pictures taken.
For less confident swimmers/snorkellers we have the option of a trip to Tintoreras, a great place to see wildlife in a volcanic environment, with excellent opportunities for both land-based observation and snorkeling
In the afternoon, enjoy another free afternoon to take things at your own pace.
Alternatively choose to go kayaking – we head to the bay of Isabela and explore the many nooks and crannies outside the bay, many of which are only accessible by water.
We get an up close look at the mangroves that are a feature of the area, and the wildlife that they support. Turtles, sea lions and a host of birds await us in the mangroves.
After returning to the main bay, there is the chance to do as you wish! Our guides can help to organise more tours and adventure or you can relax on the beach, swim, surf, bike or soak up some sun.
Overnight in a local hotel
After an early start, we head to Puerto Villamil port to catch the speed boat back to Santa Cruz, again, always keeping our eyes out for wildlife en route.
On arrival to the familiar Puerto Ayora, we head to the hotel and spend the afternoon doing last minute shopping, exploring the town or you could head to the beach again.
Tortuga Bay is a 3km walk from Puerto Ayora, but a short walk that ends in white sand and luscious waves. The bay is a gorgeous beach accessible only by foot and laden with choices. Do I want to swim, sunbath, bodysurf or do all three? (guide not included)
After our fun in the sun, make your way back to town for our farewell to the Enchanted Islands.
Overnight in a local hotel.
We take you back to Baltra airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador.
Please note that this trip is an outline, and you can spend more days on Isabela, Santa Cruz or visit San Cristobal or North Seymour if you wish.
Hotels – singles, twin, doubles and some triples and family rooms available.
We start with entry level hotels – standard hotels (comparable to 2* hotels) – that we have chosen on the basis of comfort and cleanliness.
There are upgrades to 3, 4 and some 5* options at extra cost – please ask.
This is an active tour where you will have 1-2 activities each day, each being 2-3 hours in length.
Snorkelling last 1-2 hours usually, depending on water temperatures.
The hiking day on Sierra Negra involves 4-5 hours of walking. A shorter 2-hour version is available.
All activities are within the scope of people that like to be active. No previous experience is necessary for any of the activities, however, as none are designed to be overly strenuous.
We can cater for many special dietary requirements on this tour. Please let us know at the time of booking.
Other than breakfast at Galapagos hotels, most meals are not included in this tour.
That gives you the chance to explore – there are lots of locally-run restaurant on the islands, where they will be a choice of dishes. Galapagos is a very remote area and not everything is available here.
Typically, there is a lot of eggs, fish, chicken, rice and some potatoes, plus fresh fruit and vegetables and coffee. There are also international plates such as pasta, pizza, hamburgers etc.
Staff are “Galapagueños”, most of the guides, captains and crew members were born and raised in the Galapagos Islands.
They know the area well and are prepared to show you the islands only like a native can do it.
Our Naturalist, English-speaking guides have studied and been trained at Charles Darwin Scientific Station, and have long years of experience guiding at the Galapagos Islands.
A spectacular Galapagos cruise aboard the Beluga, filled with sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and unforgettable birthday memories.
An amazing Ecuador adventure filled with volcanoes, crater lakes, biking and snorkelling, before the unforgettable wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos stole the show.
This life-changing trip takes place in a destination for families with kids of all ages.
There is fantastic wildlife within arm’s reach, be it on land or snorkelling with curious sea lions.
With warm weather and golden beaches, Galapagos Islands is hard to beat for a family holiday.
We design the perfect tour for your family’s needs, using our own experiences of travelling with kids on Galapagos.
From: $3372 per person
Duration
13 days
From: $2515 per person
Duration
8 days
Before you fly from Quito or Guayaquil airport, you need to pay USD 20pp for a transit control card. Some cruises pre-pay this and include it in your trip cost.
On arrival in the Galapagos, you will be asked by a representative of the Galapagos National Park to pay the Park fee in cash (currently US$ 100 per person, USD 50 per person for under 12s).
The dock tax is US$5 on Isabela Island, and the airport tax is US$15 for flights between islands.
All National Park fees subject to change without prior notice.
These magical islands comprise of 50 volcanic islands of varying shapes and sizes, which lie 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador.
Here, unlike anywhere else on Earth, you can enjoy a thousand close encounters with a weird and wonderful variety of ‘friendly locals’, including giant tortoises, fur seals, sea iguanas, frigate birds and blue-footed boobies.
Read our Galapagos Islands Guide and more about diving.
In 1535, Tomás de Berlanga, Bishop of Panama, floated into this archipelago and named it Galapagos after the giant tortoises he encountered. Pirates used the islands for refuge and to bury their stolen treasure after that.
The islands’ most celebrated visitor was Charles Darwin, who arrived aboard the HMS Beagle in 1835. The rare life forms he encountered helped him formulate his theory of evolution, which he published in The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
It wasn’t until 1959 when it became part of Ecuador’s national park system that this fragile ecosystem with its rare and endemic species came under protection.
In 1979 the Galapagos archipelago was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Good kit is vital for every trip.
Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.
Galapagos is warm and humid, and you will need t-shirts (moisture wick-away or breathable t-shirts can be very useful, it can get very hot in the day), shorts, lightweight skirt or trousers and bathing suits.
One or two cotton shirts can be used to protect you from sunburn, especially when snorkelling (not very elegant worn in the water over a swimsuit, but practical – and Galapagos is NOT an elegant place!).
You may want to change into different clothes for the evening, but don’t take anything dressy or smart – there really is a very relaxed atmosphere in island hotels.
Pack something warm and windproof for being the inter-island speedboats – and a waterproof for the Highlands.
Strong sandals, trainers, or light hiking boots are ideal footwear – you may like to have something suitable for easy walks and another for tougher terrain – your guide will advise you daily what the walking will be like.
Do take a hat!
Seasickness tablets if you think you will have problems – i.e. Sturgeon, or Mareol if you buy them in Quito. The sea can be choppy, so it is recommended to take them as a precaution.
The Galapagos Islands are a very fragile environment and the arrival of more and more inhabitants to the islands, as well as tourist have an impact.
Please try to minimise your impact by:
Pleasantly warm during the day, but can be quite chilly during the morning or at night when you might want a jacket or a fleece, plus a waterproof.
You may want to dress up a little more in the evening here, depending on where you are staying, and what sort of restaurant you like.
Conditions here are similar to Galapagos – hot and humid. T-shirts and shorts in the day, and like Quito, something smarter for eating out in restaurants at night.
There is no real ‘best’ time to visit Galapagos on holiday as there is always wonderful wildlife and weather to enjoy. Read our blog for more.
Most animals – tortoises, sharks, sea lions and boobies – are found year round and many of the species here are non-migratory.
The Galapagos Islands are located right on the equator so air and water temperatures do not vary by much.
Having said that, there are two recognised seasons, and each months brings natural marvels for the visitor to enjoy.
Below is our quick guide to the weather and wildlife you can find on the Galapagos Islands.
Calm, clear warm waters, great for snorkelling, often without a wetsuit.
Great weather, with February and March being the hottest and sunniest months with blue skies and sunshine.
Occasional heavy bursts of rain in the afternoons.
Sea temperatures: 22-25°C / 72-77°F
Land temperatures: 21-32°C / 72-90°F
It’s a great time for marine life in the cooler seas. Snorkellers may want a wetsuit.
August and September the coolest when you may need a jacket in the evenings and the sea can be choppy.
There can be mist on the islands in the mornings (garua) which usually burns off by midday leaving overcast skies or a sunny afternoon.
Sea temperatures: 15-22°C / 60-72°F
Land temperatures: 18-24°C / 65-75°F
A spectacular Galapagos cruise aboard the Beluga, filled with sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and unforgettable birthday memories.
An amazing Ecuador adventure filled with volcanoes, crater lakes, biking and snorkelling, before the unforgettable wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos stole the show.
