galapagos island day trips

Day Tours in Galapagos

A day tour in Galapagos is an adventure that you will always remember. Visits to these islands are made only by day trips departing from Santa Cruz , San Cristóbal and Isabela islands. These excursions are done aboard a yacht and have various activities such as: walks, snorkeling, experiential fishing, and you can also admire landscapes, volcanoes, birds, land and marine animals, and unique flora only found in Galapagos. Tours of 4, 5 or more days visit: Tours to Galapagos.

Tours from Santa Cruz Island

Being in the middle of the Galapagos map, Santa Cruz island provides easy access to several islands such as: Bartolomé, North Seymour, Daphne, Santa Fe, and Pinzon.

Bartolome Island Tour

Get to know the magnificent landscapes offered by Bartolomé island and its iconic Pinnacle. Enjoy snorkeling with colorful fish, sharks and penguins. Activities: 80% Hiking and 20% Snorkeling. From $245 per person.

North Seymour Island Tour

Seymour Island is home to birds such as male red-chested frigates, blue-footed boobies, and yellow land iguanas. Activities: 80% Hiking and 20% Snorkeling. From $230 per person.

Tour to Isabela Island

Visit the giant tortoise breeding center, wetlands, flamingo pool, penguins, and Tintoreras Islet. Activities: 80% Hiking and 20% Snorkeling. From $185 per person.

Tour 180° from Santa Cruz Island

In this 180° tour you will visit Santa Cruz, Pinzon and Daphne islands, snorkel and see starfish, sea lions, whitetip reef sharks and sea birds. Activities: 90% Snorkeling and 10% Hiking. From $200 per person.

Tour to Cormorant Point in Floreana Island

On this tour, you will visit Cormorant Point to observe the majestic flamingos, as well as snorkel at Enderby Islet with sea turtles, sea lions and starfish. Activities: 80% Snorkeling and 20% Hiking. From $185 per person.

Tour to Pinzon Island

Here you can enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles, Galapagos sharks, white tip sharks, sea lions and more. Activities: 95% Snorkeling and 5% Hiking. From $155 per person.

Tour to Santa Fe Island

Here you can play and snorkel with sea lions because the island has one of the largest sea lion colonies. In addition you can see fish and sea turtles. Activities: 80% Snorkeling and 20% Hiking. From $145 per person.

Tour to Floreana Island

Learn about the history of the first settlers of the Galapagos Islands, pirates, colorful iguanas, and beautiful landscapes. Activities: 80% Hiking and 20% Snorkeling. From $185 per person.

Bay Tour on Santa Cruz Island

Visit the area around Santa Cruz Island, discover La Lobería, the Canal de Tiburones, the Canal del Amor, the Playa de los Perros and las Grietas. Activities: 50% Hiking and 50% Snorkeling. From $60 per person.

El Chato Reserve Highland tour

"El Chato Reserve is located in the highland of Santa Cruz Island, in this highland tour you can admire the giant galapagos tortoises and the lava tunnels. Activities: 100% Hiking. From: $120 (1 or 2 people)

Tour to Plaza Sur island

Admire the beautiful landscape that this island offers, also meet the unique and amazing hybrid iguanas exist in the Galapagos Islands. Activities: 80% Hiking and 20% Snorkeling. From $260 per person.

Tours from Isabela Island

This island is located 2 hours away by ferry from Santa Cruz Island. From here you can do activities such as the excursion to the Sierra Negra volcano and snorkeling in the Tunnels.

Tour to Los Tuneles, Cabo Rosa

The volcanic Lava Tunnels is an unforgettable experience. You will be able to see seahorses, penguins, sea turtles, and birds. Activities: 80% Snorkeling and 20% Hiking. From $160 per person.

Sierra Negra Volcano Tour

Get to know the largest active volcano in the Galapagos Islands. Walk on volcanic lava in one of the best places for trekking in South America. Activity: 100% Hiking. From $65 per person.

Sierra Negra Volcano Sulfur Mines Tour

Visit the Sierra Negra volcano and admire the sulfur mines. Activity: 100% Hiking. From $100 por persona.

Kayak tour Islote Tintoreras Isabela

Tour the area around the Tintoreras islet in a kayak or paddleboard; you can see sea lions, blue sharks, turtles, and fish. Activities: 100% Kayak. From $68 per person.

Tours from San Cristobal Island

Take a plane or a two hour ferry ride from Santa Cruz island to the beautiful San Cristóbal island. From here you can easily access the famous Kicker Rock or do the 360 tour around the island.

Tour 360º of San Cristobal

Get to know all of San Cristóbal Island. You will visit Cerro Brujo, Kicker Rock, beaches, and you can try your hand at experiential fishing. Activities: 90% Snorkeling and 10% Hiking. From $190 per person.

Tour to Kicker Rock

Kicker Rock is known for having one of the best places for snorkeling, you can see Galapagos sharks, Hammerhead sharks, rays, sea lions, and do some birdwatching. Activity: 80% Snorkeling and 20% Hiking. From $160 per person.

Tour to El Junco lagoon

Visit the highlands of San Cristóbal Island and the beautiful El Junco lagoon, Giant Tortoise Breeding Center and Puerto Chino beach. Activity: 100% Hiking. From $135

Tour to Española Island

Visit Punta Suarez, home to wavy albatrosses, blue footed boobies, hawks, mockingbirds, and snorkel off the beautiful Garden Bay Beach. Activities: 80% Hiking and 20% Snorkeling. From $272 per person.

Daily diving tours in Galápagos

Diving in Galápagos

Daily diving tours in the Galapagos Islands, the best sites and places that the archipelago has to offer are Gordon Rocks, Floreana Island, Santa Fe Island and more. Activities: Dive. From $235 per person.

Inter-island transportation

To move between inhabited islands you have to take a light aircraft or a boat called Ferry.

Flying between islands in a light aircraft

Travel comfortably and in less time between islands, know about schedules and airports. Flight time: 40 - 45 minutes.

Ferry routes

Learn more about the routes, schedules and buy your ticket in advance. Navigation: 2 hours per route. $40 per person.

Transfer in and out.

Transportation from Baltra Airport to Puerto Ayora

We will meet you at the Baltra airport to transfer safely and reliably to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. From $85 / 1 person.

Visit the Galapagos Islands in more depth with four to seven day packages.

Tourist packages

If you are looking to explore the Galapagos Islands in depth, your best option is the tour packages that offer tours from 4 to 7 days.

Tell us your plan, we will take care of everything. We live in Galapagos!

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Galapagos Islands - One Day Tours

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Single Day Tours in the Galapagos Islands

There’s so much to see in the Galapagos Islands, and it’s almost impossible to explore the wealth of breathtaking geologic formations, friendly island critters, and lively offshore worlds in a single trip. No worries, our Galapagos day tours have you and your adventure needs covered. 

We’ve crafted some day trip options so that you can make your Galapagos Islands Vacation even more phenomenal and tailored to your travel preferences. Snorkel with lolling sea lions or look for land iguanas. Hike to panoramic viewpoints with postcard-worthy shots. Or slip on some diving gear for a day exploring the Galapagos Islands’ most stunning, and hidden, sea-scapes. Make the most of your trip and go further, explore more, see more with our Galápagos day tours.

Note: All of our Day Tours are offered on a daily basis and as stand alone activities.  

Images & Videos

DIVING IN THE GALAPAGOS - DAY TOUR

The Galapagos Islands are a top diving destination.  Don't miss out on an opportunity to explore the archipelago’s underwater world where you'll find the seas teaming with incredible wildlife.

Note: Most of the diving in the Galapagos is an activity for experienced divers; however there are limited options for novice divers. Regardless of your diving ability, certification is recommended. 

Trip Info:  Guests may dive from Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal Islands, with diving trips to Gordon Rocks or Kicker Rocks. However, other diving destinations may be available.  Diving activities must be requested in advance, and guests must bring their diving certification with them to the Galapagos. Equipment provided. 

• Pricing:  $315 per person for 2 dives
• Departs:  Daily
• Duration:  8-10 hours (approx)

EXPLORE BARTOLOME ISLAND - DAY TOUR

The top of Bartolomé Island offers a stunning, panoramic view of the Galapagos Islands with views of iconic Pinnacle Rock and bordering coves. Snorkeling right off the beach allows guests to often see and get close to sea turtles, sea lions, and possibly Galapagos penguins.  This is a day trip that starts in Santa Cruz.

Trip Info :  We offer daily departures of our Bartolome Island day tour from Santa Cruz Island.    We recommend booking this popular activity in advance .  This full-day tour includes a 2-hour boat ride from Santa Cruz and includes at least several hours of snorkeling time.  For this activity, bring hiking shoes, sunscreen, a bathing suit, camera, and a hat.

• Pricing:  $315 per person 
• Departs:  Daily
• Duration:  8 hours (approx)

EXPLORE NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND - DAY TOUR

Our day trip to North Seymour Island offers great opportunities to see tons of blue-footed boobies as well as frigatebirds, red-billed tropicbirds, swallow-tailed gulls, sea lions and Galapagos land iguanas. North Seymour is incredibly rich and varied in wildlife, so there’s plenty of incredible photo opportunities with these friendly animals. Bacchus beach is also a great snorkeling site for those who want a further glimpse into the Galapagos Islands’ underwater world.

Trip Info:   We offer daily departures of our North Seymour day tour from Santa Cruz Island.  We recommend booking this popular activity in advance . This full-day tour includes both on-land and in-water activities.  For this activity, bring hiking shoes, sunscreen, a bathing suit, camera, and a hat.

MEALS INCLUDED : Lunch

Dates & Rates

Supplementary information.

Daily tours available starting at $315 per day 

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Galapagos Islands Tours & Vacations

Step into an isolated world. See giant tortoises roaming and unforgettable landscapes unfurl before your very eyes. 

Inquisitive sea lions and spiky marine iguanas breach and bask between island and shore. Friendly hammerhead sharks patrol the depths and blue-footed boobies cut through the sky. Come with us on our Galapagos Islands tours & holidays and observe the local wildlife in the same, untouched way Charles Darwin did hundreds of years ago. Nowadays, these Ecuadorian islands host a steady stream of modern-day explorers from animal-seekers who long for face-to-face encounters to sun-chasers itching to relax on a pristine beach or two. Embark on your own adventure as you wander from isla to isla, soak in crystal-clear waters, traverse volcanic landscapes, and spot animals you've only ever seen pictures of . To be honest, there's simply no place on Earth quite like the Galapagos.  

Our Galapagos Islands trips

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Galapagos Islands highlights

Transport in the galapagos islands.

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.Depending on which trip you're on while in the Galapagos Islands, you may find yourself on:

Galapagos Islands tour reviews

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Galapagos at a Glance: Southern Islands (Grand Daphne)

Classic Galapagos: Central Eastern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)

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Galapagos Islands at a glance

Capital city.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

US dollar (USD)

(GMT-06:00) Galapagos

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin), Type B (American 3-pin)

Learn more about Galapagos Islands

Best time to visit.

Simply put, there’s no bad time to visit the Galapagos Islands. Good weather is mostly found year round, as are the animals. This being said, November through to June is the preferred time to visit, with clearer skies, calmer seas and decreased winds. Of these, March and April have less rain, while November and December are the warmest. July to November is the best time for divers as whale sharks can often be spotted at Wolf and Darwin islands.

Learn more about the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands

Culture and customs

Ever since Charles Darwin brought attention to the giant tortoises, sea lions, hammerhead sharks and other spectacular wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, people have been fascinated by this archipelago of volcanic islands. Originally a pirate hideout, people started migrating to the islands from Ecuador after it became part of the country in 1832. Of the 13 major islands and scores of smaller islands and islets that make up the Galapagos, only five of them are inhabited – about 26,000 residents spread over the islands of Isabela, Santa Cruz, Floreana, Baltra and San Cristobal. The wildlife rules the rest of the islands, which are carefully managed to help protect the precious environment.

Geography and environment

Located in the Pacific Ocean about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago of 13 major islands, six smaller islands and more than 100 islets. Some are sparsely vegetated with largely mountainous interiors, whereas others are comparatively lush with white-sand beaches. Many of the islands are in a state of flux, as continual volcanic eruptions cause them to erode and expand.

The largest island, Isabela, makes up half the land area of the Galapagos and is characterized by three active volcanos, a blue lagoon, clear lakes filled with flamingos and beaches where iguanas and sea lions roam. Santa Cruz is the second largest island with giant tortoises, marine iguanas and Galapagos crabs residing in Tortuga Bay. The oldest and most remote island, Espanola (also called Hood), boasts boobies, albatrosses and many species of birds and lizards not found anywhere else in the world. 

Top wildlife to spot

1. Sea Lions

Whether you're loafing about on the beach or snorkeling offshore, you’ll be hard-pressed not to come face-to-face with these frolicsome critters at some stage. Playful, plentiful, and pretty much fearless, you’re supposed to keep a 2-meter distance from these guys at all times - though their insatiable curiosity can make this hard.

2. Marine Iguanas

The only lizards in the world that can live and forage in the ocean, the marine iguana is found solely in the Galapagos. Fierce and ferocious though these Godzilla-like reptiles may appear (Darwin called them ‘Imps of Darkness’), it’s all bluff – they only feed on algae. And with lung capacities permitting up to half an hour of underwater foraging, you’re just as likely find them gorging on the islands’ surrounding seabeds as scampering about the craggy rocks they inhabit.

3. Hammerhead Sharks

Boasting one of the animal kingdom’s most puzzling physiologies, hammerhead sharks are found in abundance off Wolf, Bartolome, Santa Cruz and Darwin islands. Unlike most sharks, they will often merge into schools of over 100 during the day - making for some incredible and surreal photo opportunities. And with no known human fatalities and a wealth of choice natural prey on offer, diving amongst them isn’t as scary or dangerous as one might think.

Darwin finches gave rise to one of the most game-changing theories of all time. By studying the differences between finches from different islands, Darwin hypothesized that the birds’ adaptations to their habitats resulted in their mutation into different species: his Theory of Evolution.

5. Giant Tortoises

No trip to the islands is complete without a visit to its most famous residents. Weighing up to 882 pounds, regularly living for more than 100 years, and able to go for up to 1 year without food, these gentle and slow-moving monsters are an intriguing and humbling spectacle to observe.

6. Sea Turtles

Snorkeling alongside these majestic creatures of the deep (or more accurately, the shallows) is one of those rare, life-affirming moments that makes a trip to the Galapagos immediately worthwhile. Keep your eyes peeled on the beaches for turtle nests too - the Galapagos is a hotbed of activity for these critters. 

7. Blue-Footed Boobies

Despite essentially looking like handsome seagulls with painted toenails, blue-footed boobies, when caught hunting, serve up one of the Galapagos' most thrilling spectacles. Diving from heights of up to 100ft, groups of boobies hit the water at speeds up around 60km per hour. They usually let out a shrill whistle before letting rip, which means you'll usually have warning enough to get your camera out too. How considerate.

8. Flightless Cormorants

Granted, a flightless cormorant spotted on land isn't one of the most invigorating sights you'll see during your time here. But wait until you don your snorkel gear and spot one weaving elegantly through the water - the flightless cormorant will likely become one of your favorite discoveries in the Galapagos Islands for this reason alone.

9. Frigatebird

With its striking wingspan and deeply-forked tail, the magnificent frigate bird is easily one of the most impressive birds in the skies of the Galapagos archipelago. But they don't have such a swell reputation amongst other birds. Whilst they hunt fish on the oceans surface, they also force their winged brethren to regurgitate their food, which then they eat - a process known as kleptoparasitism. Still, they look gorgeous – particularly the males, with their bright-red chin sac.

Healthy and safety

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travelers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travelers check with their government or national travel advisory organization for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to:  http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

From New Zealand?

Go to:  http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/

From Canada?

Go to:  https://travel.gc.ca/

Go to:  http://travel.state.gov/

Go to:  http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/

The World Health Organisation

also provides useful health information:  Go to:  http://www.who.int/en/

Further reading

Similar destinations.

Thinking about a trip to the Galapagos Islands but still browsing other destinations? Check out our tours to neighboring countries:

Colombia tours

Brazil tours

Comparison 

Galapagos or Madagascar? 

Galapagos Islands travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to Galapagos Islands?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information.

Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality.

Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more information.

Is tipping customary in the Galapagos Islands?

While tipping isn’t mandatory, tips are very much appreciated by service workers and guides.

Leaving a 10% tip is customary in restaurants.

Some automatically add a 10% service charge to your bill, in which case an extra tip isn’t required.

What is the weather like in the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands enjoy almost perfect weather all year with two distinct seasons offering warmer, rainier months and cooler, drier months.

Temperatures rarely dip below 70°F or reach higher than 90°F. You can travel to the islands anytime throughout the year and experience fantastic weather.

Light rainfall is expected from January to May (along with high humidity levels), but it never lasts for long and doesn't often turn into heavier downpours.

What is the internet access like in the Galapagos Islands?

There are reliable internet cafes in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) and Puerto Baquerizo (San Cristobal Island).

Some hotels and restaurants on other islands will have a Wi-Fi connection, but it is best not to rely on it.

Can I use my cell phone in the Galapagos Islands?

There's good cell phone reception on the larger islands, but don’t expect it when at sea. The best local telephone companies are Porta and Movistar.

Ensure you have global roaming activated before leaving home if you wish to use your cell phone.

What are the toilets like in the Galapagos Islands?

Most towns have Western-style flushable toilets, though you will likely encounter squat toilets as well. Regardless, it’s a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitiser, as they are not always provided.

What will it cost for a...?

• Juice = USD 1
• Street food snack = USD 1.50
• Simple lunch at a local restaurant = USD 3-5 
• Sit-down dinner at a cafe or restaurant = USD 10–20

Can I drink the water in the Galapagos Islands?

Tap water isn’t considered safe to drink in the Galapagos Islands.

Avoid drinks with ice and make sure to peel fruit before eating it.

Help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water. Your leader or hotel can tell you where to find filtered water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in the Galapagos Islands?

No, credit cards are not widely accepted.

There are a handful of shops on Santa Cruz that may accept major credit cards, but it’s preferable to pay in cash.

How many islands make up the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands are made up of 13 larger islands and more than 60 smaller islands and islets. 5 islands are habitable to just over 30,000 people.

These 5 islands are Isla Baltra, Isla Floreana, Isla Isabela, Isla Santa Cruz, and Isla San Cristobal.

What is ATM access like in Galapagos Island?

The banks in Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo have ATMs.

The Banco del Pacifico in both towns is open from 8 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to 12.30 pm on Saturdays.

It's best to withdraw your money on the mainland in case these are out of order.

Check each bank's website for up-to-date opening hours.

What public holidays are celebrated in the Galapagos Islands?

• 1 Jan: New Year's Day
• 6 Jan: Epiphany
• 1 May: Labour Day
• 24 May: Battle of Pichincha
• 10 Aug: Independence Day
• 9 Oct: Guayaquil Independence Day
• 2 Nov: All Soul's Day
• 3 Nov: Cuenca Independence Day
• 25 Dec: Christmas
• 31 Dec: New Year's Eve

Please note, Galapagos Islands public holidays may vary.

Are the Galapagos Islands a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

The Galapagos Islands are a relatively hassle-free destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers.

Same-sex marriage was legalised in Ecuador in 2008. The country hosts several fiestas where it’s acceptable for men to cross-dress as women.

However, homophobic attitudes do exist among the older generations. It is best to avoid public displays of affection where possible.

For more detailed advice, we recommend visiting   Equaldex   or   ILGA   before you travel.

What to drink in the Galapagos Islands

Quench your thirst after a glorious day spent exploring the Galapagos  by sipping on a glass of canelazo, horchata tea, or freshly made fruit juice.

During your cruise around the islands, it makes sense to try as many traditional Ecuadorian drinks as you can, especially since there are heaps to choose from.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

9 Best Galapagos Day Tours To See Incredible Wildlife

By: Author Lora Pope

Posted on July 4, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking and making a purchase through the links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my disclaimer for more information. This and display ads allow me to keep the site up to date and give back .

Have you been wondering about the best Galapagos day tours? I’ve got you covered!

I spent three weeks island-hopping through this nature lovers’ paradise, going on just about every tour in the Galapagos there is.

Some are better than others, and I’m sharing which ones are worth your money in this post.

My Top 3 Picks: Galapagos Day Tours

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Full Day San Cristobal Tour

✅ See frigate birds and blue-footed boobies

✅ Snorkel with sea lions

✅ Chance to see hammerhead sharks

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Highlands Tour

✅ See giant tortoises up close

✅ Walk through lava tunnels

✅ Best land tour in the Galapagos

Los Tuneles

✅ See Galapagos penguins

✅ Best place to see seahorses

✅Snorkel with sharks and sea lions

As a digital nomad, connecting with nature when I’m not working is one of my favorite ways to destress from working online while traveling – and the Galapagos Islands are one of the best places in South America to do just that.

They are one of the last untouched places on this planet – I’ve never felt so connected to nature as I did there. It’s truly my favorite wildlife experience to date.

While many people think you have to do an all-inclusive cruise to see the Galapagos Islands, that’s not the case. It’s possible to visit the islands on your own and take Galapagos day tours for wildlife viewing.

In fact, island hopping in the Galapagos is the more economical, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible way to go, as your money will be going directly back to the island and conserving wildlife.

There are many day tours in the Galapagos you can take from the main four islands, and some are much better than others. To save you money and time, I’m sharing the ones worth going on in this guide.

Best Day Tours In The Galapagos From San Cristobal

1. full day san cristobal tour.

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   9 hours | ✅  Book it!

This full-day tour is a must-do if you’re visiting San Cristobal island in the Galapagos. It includes visiting Isla Lobos, an island about an hour away from San Cristobal.

Once you arrive, the guide will take you on an hour hiking trail to look for wildlife.

Isla Lobos is the only place in the Galapagos Islands where I saw the frigate birds up close. It also happened to be the frigate birds’ mating season, which made the experience all the more special. 

The male frigate birds will inflate their necks during this time to court a mate. It’s unbelievable how big they can get!

Isla Lobos was also where I first saw the incredible blue-footed boobies. On this tour , we saw many different life stages of the boobies. Some were trying to court a mate, while others were nesting with their eggs. We even saw a whole family of them snuggled up. Aww!

The landscape of Isla Lobos is rocky and wild. Wear closed-toe shoes for this day tour, as walking in sandals is difficult. As we walked along the rocks, we saw hundreds of marine iguanas.

Isla Lobos is also a perfect place to jump in the turquoise water and go snorkeling.

As soon as we jumped in the water, baby sea lions came to play with us! This happens all over the Galapagos, but I never got tired of it.

After Isla Lobos, you’ll be taken to Kicker Rock, an amazing landmark and place to snorkel. You can spot sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, Galapagos sharks, tropical fish, and maybe even hammerhead sharks there.

This was an excellent tour especially the last stop at Kicker Rock. Here we saw at least 2 dozen large hammerhead sharks swimming 10 – 20 meters below us! – Walter (read more reviews here)

This tour includes:

• Snorkel equipment (mask and fins)
• Naturalist guide certified by the PNG

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

2. Española Island from San Cristobal

⭐️  RATING:  Not yet rated | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   9 hours | ✅  Book it!

Known for its diverse range of fascinating species, this tour to Española Island promises an up-close and personal experience with some of the best wildlife you’ll find in these enchanted islands.

Once you arrive on these uninhabited islands, you’ll go on a two-hour walking tour, allowing you to explore the island’s breathtaking landscapes and come face to face with the majestic Galapagos albatross, the charismatic blue-footed boobies, and the curious iguanas that roam the island.

Your expert guide will be there every step of the way, sharing fascinating insights and ensuring you don’t miss a moment of this incredible wildlife spectacle.

After your exploration on land, it’s time to set sail to Gardner Islet to go snorkeling.

Keep your eyes peeled for sharks gracefully gliding through the depths and playful sea lions darting in and out of the underwater playground. Don’t worry about packing any gear because all the necessary snorkeling equipment is provided on this tour.

One of the best parts of this day tour is that it operates with small groups, ensuring you receive personalized attention from your knowledgeable guide.

With a smaller group, you’ll have more opportunities to ask questions, interact with your guide, and fully absorb the beauty and wonder of Española Island.

Galapagos Day Tours From Santa Cruz Island

3. diving at gordon rocks.

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   7-8 Hours | ✅  Book it!

Diving in the Galapagos does not come cheap, but it is worth every penny. Two of the best dive sites in the Galapagos are Gordon Rocks and North Seymour Island.

This tour begins with a scenic boat ride from Puerto Ayora to the northeast side of Santa Cruz Island.

Gordon Rocks is one of the best places in the world to find hammerhead sharks and oceanic sunfish.

You can also see Galapagos sharks, white-tip reef sharks, giant sea turtles, stingrays, moray eels, Galapagos eels, Barracudas, and various colorful reef fish.

This Galapagos diving day trip felt like I was in an episode of Planet Earth!

To dive at Gordon Rocks, you need to be an open-water diver and have a minimum of 25 logged dives due to the strong currents.

I didn’t have enough dives, but the instructors tested my skills at the first dive site, Seymour, to decide if I could dive at Gordon Rocks. Thank goodness they allowed me to do the second dive; I would have been so disappointed to miss it!

This full-day tour includes:

• Small group size of maximum eight people
• Prepared lunch on board the boat
• Naturalist guide leading the way

Pull relevant information from the sales page, from reviews on booking platforms, and from your personal experience.

“We were 4 divers and did daily diving with the agency to Seymour and Gordon Rocks. Everything was great and we had two amazing experiences!” – TripAdvisor Review (Read more reviews)

4. Highlands Tour (Giant Tortoises & Lava Caves)

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   3.5 hours | ✅  Book it!

The highlands tour is one of the cheaper day tours in the Galapagos and the best way to see the incredible Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat.

It takes you about an hour from the main town, Puerto Ayora, into the highlands of the island of Santa Cruz to the Giant Tortoise Wildlife Reserve, where you’ll be guaranteed to see these amazing creatures.

After visiting the tortoises, you’ll get to walk through these incredible lava tunnels. It’s such a cool experience and one of the best-land-based tours in the Galapagos.

” Carla was the perfect guide, she knew everything from the types of birds we saw to the layers of rock names in the lava tubes. I highly recommend this tour as we had private access to the lava tubes and the giant tortoise experience as well as private transportation” – Emilio (Read more reviews)

5. Santa Fe Island

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   8 hours | ✅  Book it!

This tour to Santa Fe Island was the last one I did, and it ended up being one of my favorites on the trip. Santa Fe Island is home to rare land iguanas, a giant cactus forest, and great snorkeling opportunities.

While snorkeling, we got to swim with a colony of sea lions and saw sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful schools of fish!

After snorkeling, a delicious hot lunch is served on the boat to keep you fueled up.

The second part of the tour takes you on a guided hike around Santa Fe Island, where there are many marine iguanas sunbathing on the rocks.

Marine iguanas are a unique species of the Galapagos Islands. They are black and can survive in the water for up to an hour, a biological adaptation unique to the Galapagos.

“I just didnt want to do the big cruise for my trip so did a lot of Galapagos day trips and this might have been my favorite. The crew and guide on the boat were outstanding and could not have been nicer ” -TripAdvisor (Read more reviews)

7. South Plaza Island from Puerto Ayora

For travelers eager to explore the extraordinary wildlife without committing to a cruise, this day trip to South Plaza Island is an absolute must.

From the moment you step aboard the yacht at Itabaca Canal, you’ll be treated to a seamless experience with complimentary hotel pickup, ensuring a stress-free start to your adventure.

As you embark on this scenic journey, prepare to be amazed as you get up close and personal with the iconic inhabitants of the Galapagos. It’s the only island where land iguanas and marine iguanas meet!

Upon reaching Punta Carrion, dive into the crystal-clear waters and snorkel alongside magnificent white-tip sharks and graceful sea turtles.

The provided snorkel gear ensures you have everything you need to fully immerse yourself in this underwater paradise, where vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life await.

No need to worry about packing a meal either, as a delicious box lunch is thoughtfully provided during the tour.

“We loved this small island with a great vegetation, amazing sea lions and iguanas! We will definitely come back !” -TripAdvisor (Read more reviews) 🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

Isabella Island Galapagos Day Tours

6. los tuneles.

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   6 hours | ✅  Book it!

If you visit Isabella Island, this day tour to Los Tuneles is an absolute must.

The area was formed by a lava flow that hardened, leaving tunnels that flow through the ocean. It is such an interesting place to see!

What makes Los Tuneles even more amazing is that it is a refuge for many sea animals from the larger predators in the ocean. This is because the water is shallow, so bigger mammals like whales cannot get in.

The tour starts with a boat ride from Isabella Island into the Tuneles area. We saw Galapagos penguins on the boat ride over, which was so exciting. It’s my dream to see all penguin species in the wild, so I was pumped to cross these guys off the list.

After the boat tour, we walked onto the land and took a short guided walk through the area, where we saw many blue-footed boobies. These ones were particularly interesting because they were trying to court a mate by showing off their feet.

From there, we went on a guided snorkeling tour where we saw several sea turtles, white-tipped sharks (and baby ones!), seahorses, and large pools of tropical fish.

Los Tuneles is by far one of the best day tours to take on Isabella Island in the Galapagos.

“Seahorses! Octopus! Sharks! Turtles! Rays! All within 15 minutes of snorkeling. There no way we would have found the seahorse or the octopus without our guide, Darwin” – TripAdvisor (Read more reviews)

🤩 Check Prices and Availability

8. Sierra Negra Volcano Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   4 hours | ✅  Book it!

Sierra Negra is a large volcano at the southeastern end of Isabela Island. You can join this day hiking tour to see the volcanic crater, which looks incredible.

Unfortunately for me, this tour was a disappointment for me due to uncontrollable weather circumstances.

We hiked for about an hour to what was supposed to be a viewpoint of the crater of Sierra Negra. However, because it was raining and cloudy that day, we couldn’t see anything.

I’m sure this volcano would look amazing on a clear day, but it just wasn’t the case for me. But these other guests seem happy, so give it a try if the weather is on your side.

“This tour was amazing! The hike towards Sierra Negra wasn’t too bad but the views of the caldera and the view of the north side of the island and Fernandina was great too! ” – TripAdvisor ( Read more reviews)

9. Isabella City and Tintoreras from Santa Cruz

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   10 hours | ✅  Book it!

If you don’t have time to stay overnight on Isabella Island but want to see the Galapagos penguins, this Isabela island day tour from Santa Cruz is the best way.

You’ll first stop at Las Tintoreres Islote, which is located just 15 minutes from the boat of Isabela. We saw the penguins leaving the port, and then you’ll have the chance to snorkel in the water with marine life.

Afterward, you’ll be taken to the Centro de Crianza Arnaldo Tupiza, an important turtle breeding center in the Galapagos, where you can see 5 species of giant tortoises of the 14 that exist in the Galapagos.

At the last stop, you’ll explore the Isabela Island Wetlands Complex, which is a 1.6km trail where you can spot a variety of seabirds.

“Great day saw lots of animals penguins sea lion flamingo and sharks actually we’re able to snorkel with sharks” -Deborah (Read more reviews)

FAQs About Day Trips Galapagos

What are the best day trips in the galapagos islands.

Some of the best day trips in the Galapagos Islands include visiting Bartolome Island, North Seymour Island, Kicker Rock, Los Tuneles, and Isabela Island.

What Day Trips in Galapagos Islands are good for avoiding crowds?

Day trips to lesser-known islands such as Española tend to have fewer visitors and offer a more secluded experience.

Can you do a day trip to Galapagos Islands?

You cannot do a day trip to the Galapagos Islands from the mainland, but you can take day trips to various islands in the Galapagos once you’re there. This is a great option for travelers who want to explore the islands without committing to a longer cruise.

What is the best way to tour the Galapagos Islands?

The best way to tour the Galapagos Islands is through a combination of day trips to different islands and exploring their unique ecosystems, wildlife, and natural wonders.

Can you visit Galapagos without a tour guide?

Yes, you can visit the main islands without a guide. However, many of the smaller islands that you can visit as day trips require a licensed tour guide to ensure the preservation of the delicate ecosystem and wildlife, as well as to provide valuable information and guidance during your visit.

How much time do you need to see the Galapagos Islands?

To fully experience the Galapagos Islands, it is recommended to spend at least 5 to 7 days exploring the different islands and their diverse habitats. I spent three weeks in the Galapagos and didn’t get bored.

What is the entrance fee to the Galapagos Islands?

The amount of this entrance fee depends on the age and nationality of the tourist. Most foreign tourists over the age of 12 pay $100, while children pay $50.

What month is best for Galapagos?

The Galapagos Islands can be visited year-round, but the best months for wildlife sightings and favorable weather conditions are generally considered to be from December to May. However, I visited the Galapagos in June and had a great time.

Final Thoughts: Galapagos Tours

From the captivating South Plaza Island to the wildlife extravaganza of Española Island, these Galapagos day tours offer a gateway to rare wildlife encounters and breathtaking natural wonders without taking a cruise.

I loved every second of my time in the Galapagos, and can’t wait to go back.

🤩 Still can’t decide? This tour to Santa Fe Island is my top choice. It gives you a great overview of Galapagos wildlife – including marine iguanas and snorkeling with sea lions.

Need more wildlife travel inspiration?

• Visiting the Ecuador Amazon Rainforest
• Best Places to See Tigers in the Wild Ethically
• Costa Rica Wildlife Guide
• 7 Reasons to Volunteer on a Wildlife Conservation Project

Lora is a full-time digital nomad on a quest to visit every country in the world and pet as many dogs as she can along the way. Over the last 15 years, she has traveled to 70+ countries and six continents solo. She currently calls Puerto Vallarta, Mexico home and enjoys ending each day with sunset and tacos on the beach.

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Hi and gracias for the great post. I am in the same situation as you were – not enough dives for Gordon Rocks. However, I am confident that I have the ability to do this dive and would like to be “tested” as they did to you. What company did you use? Thanks again.

[…] the world, but one of the best places to see them is the Galapagos Islands. Divers can join a day tour in the Galapagos to Gordon Rocks, near the island of Santa Cruz. It’s one of the top dive sites in the […]

Hi Lora. Very useful articles. Thanks for your effort. I have one question. My wife has got motion and sea sickness. Especially in the small boat, she is really frustrating.. How was the boat trips? I know it depends on the sea and season but was there any people who were the same on your tour?

Hi! It depends what tour you are talking about. The boat rides between the islands (San Cristobal, Isabell, and Santa Cruz) are a bit rough and could cause motion sickness. Most of the day tour boats were not that bad, with the exception of the diving boat that went from Santa Cruz to Seymour dive site. It was a long ride and many people got sick!

Well, I can say that there isn’t any single I have ever met who doesn’t praise the Galapagos. But the still the people has their choices and preference before they judge. I hope you have your both good and bad experience which are important as well.

Hi thanks for the awesome post 🙂 Did you book your day trips in advance? Do you have any recommendations which tour companies to book with? Thanks!!

I just booked them a day or two before at the shops. You can book them online in advance but you’ll have no problem just showing up. The only specific tour company that stands out to me is Scuba Iguana for diving. Otherwise I just walked around town and looked for the best price. There’s tons of tour companies there and they all kinda do the same tours!

[…] world famous for its incredible wildlife and the underwater world is no exception. One of the best tours in the Galapagos is to visit Gordon Rocks, a dive site near the island of Santa […]

Hi thanks for the great post. We are going by yacht to San Christobel and only have time/ money for one or two day trips for our family of five, our interests are snorkeling and seeing wildlife. Would you recommend we go to any other island or just do a couple of trips in San christobel eg Isla Lobas? Thanks in advance

Glad you found the post helpful! It depends on what wildlife you want to see. You can see a lot of the Galapagos wildlife just in San Cristobal, but there are certain species you can only see on the other islands. For example, you can only see Galapagos penguins on Isabella island, and Santa Cruz is one of the best places to see the giant tortoises. That being said, if you only have a few days San Cristobal is a great choice for wildlife tours. You can see sea lions just hanging out in town! Isla Lobos is amazing and Kicker Rock is one of the most famous snorkeling sites. Hope that helps!

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Galapagos Islands

Day trips from galapagos islands.

• Galapagos Islands to Isabela
• Galapagos Islands to Santa Cruz
• Galapagos Islands to Bartolome
• Galapagos Islands to Baltra
• Galapagos Islands to Quito
• Galapagos Islands to Santiago
• Galapagos Islands to Floreana
• Galapagos Islands to Puerto Villamil
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Hiking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano

2. Day Trip to Bartolome Island from Puerto Ayora

3. Day Trip to North Seymour Island from Puerto Ayora

4. Day Trip to South Plaza Island from Puerto Ayora

5. Tour to Bartolome Island + Bahia Sulivan

6. Tour to North Seymour & Las Bachas beach * (Santa Cruz) *

7. North Seymour Island Day Tour with Snorkeling

8. Snorkeling tour at tortuga island from Isabela

9. Giant Tortoise Reserve - Lava Tubes ( Private Tour )

10. Isabela full-day from Santa Cruz with Tintoreras & Flamingos

11. South Plazas and Punta Carrion Day Tour:Land Iguanas & Snorkeling

12. Pinzón Island Day Tour - La Fe/Las Palmas Beach including Snorkel

13. Full Day Private Tour in Bartolome Island from Puerto Ayora

14. Adventure with Turtles, Lava Tunnels and Los Gemelos Craters

15. Cabo Rosa (Tuneles) Hiking & Snorkeling Tour from Isabela

16. Floreana Island Full Day Tour Including Hiking and Snorkeling

17. Half Day Tour in Sierra Negra Volcano & Lava Fields

What travelers are saying.

• Day Tour to Isabela Island with Tintorera Islet, Snorkeling Wetlands & Flamingos
• Hiking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano
• Full Day Tour 360 San Cristobal - Best of the Island
• Day Trip to Isabela Island and Tintoreras in Galápagos
• Full Day Galapagos 360 Tour from San Cristobal (naturalist guide)
• Yacht Steffi
• Galapagos Blue Sky
• AQUAVENTURES DIVE CENTER
• Rebecca Adventure Travel
• Galapagos by Local Guides
• SUP Galapagos
• Discovering Galapagos
• VOYAGERS TRAVEL

The Best Galapagos Tours with Hurtigruten Expedition Cruise

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Looking for the best Galapagos day tours? The Galapagos Islands are a bucket-list destination for many travelers, and for good reason.

Hurtigruten Cr uise is a great way to see the animals and the surrounding islands, and unless you’re planning to pay for day-by-day tours, these tours add up quickly.

💡  Note:  If you do want to tour Galapagos daily, the best way is to book a tour through Metropolitan Tours because they have the best and most thorough tours in Galapagos.

Below, you’ll find the most popular and the best Galapagos day tours — including Santa Cruz Islands, Isabela Island, North Seymour Island (Isla Seymour Norte), and more.

Galapagos, Ecuador: Know before you go

• ✈️  Airport:  Seymour Galapagos Airport, Baltra Island (airport code: GPS) ⏰  Time Zone: GMT -6 .
• 💰  Currency:  USD
• 🗣  Language :   Spanish , though English is quite common
• 🎫  Ecuador Visa:  Most travelers  do not  need a visa for the Galapagos — this includes Americans, Canadians, Japanese, and most Europeans. 
• 🔌  Electricity Socket :  You’ll mostly find Type A (two-prong) and Type B (three-prong) — the same as used in the United States. Visitors from other countries will need this  universal travel adaptor.
• 📲  Galapagos SIM Card:  Wondering,  Do I need a SIM card for Galapagos?  The answer is yes, every traveler will need one.
• 🚙  Car Rentals:  The Galapagos rental car process can be daunting, and many people are apprehensive about driving in a foreign country.  I get it!  

Embarking from Santa Cruz, Isabela Island and San Cristobal: What to Expect

A large island, just across the turquoise waters from the airport on Baltra in the center of the archipelago, Santa Cruz is very much the center of tourism in the Galapagos.

Named after the Holy Cross, it has an area of 612 square miles and a maximum altitude of 2,835 feet and hosts the largest human population in the archipelago in the town of Puerto Ayora, where the Charles Darwin Research Station and the headquarters of the Galapagos National Park Services are located.

As a large island with a variety of geology, wildlife, and vegetation, all of the Galapagos life zones are present on Santa Cruz Island

 Santa Cruz Fast Facts

• Santa Cruz is the only island with six different vegetation zones.
• Animals:  Giant tortoises , land and  marine iguanas , and a variety of  birds
• Area: 380 sq. mi
• Highest Point: 2,834 ft

Bachas Beach

.A beautiful white sandy beach punctuated by lava formations. The wonderfully soft sand here makes it a favorite site for nesting Sea Turtles.

Here you will also see White Mangroves, one of the four mangrove species found in the Galapagos.

The links in this post may be affiliate links.  That means that if you click them and make a purchase, this site makes a commission.  It will have no impact on the price you pay or the experience of your purchase.

There is a small coastal lagoon behind the sand dunes where Flamingos, Stilts, Pintail ducks, and other water birds are regularly seen.

• Activities:  Walking along the beach, swimming, snorkeling. Difficulty: Easy
• Type of Landing:  Wet landing
• Highlights & Animals:  World War II remnants, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, Hermit Crabs, Black-necked Stilts, Whimbrels, Flamingos, Sea Turtles

Puerto Ayora

The economic center of the Galapagos Islands. Virtually all the yachts visit Puerto Ayora, anchoring in Academy Bay.

Here you will find several gift and souvenir shops, with some art and craft galleries. This also provides a good opportunity to purchase any toiletry items you may have forgotten!

Charles Darwin Research Station

The Charles Darwin Research Station offers a great chance to learn about the work being done to conserve and protect the island’s wildlife.

For some visitors (depending on the time of year), this is the only time to see Giant Tortoises and certainly the closest-range opportunity. It is also a great chance to see the Tortoise Rearing Centre.

• Activities:  Walking (1.2 mi. / 2km.)
• Difficulty:  Easy
• Type of Landing:  Dry landing
• Highlights & Animals:  Giant Tortoises, Land and Marine Iguanas, Mockingbirds, Darwin Finches.

Highlands of Santa Cruz

The highlands of Santa Cruz are home to fascinating geological features, like lava tubes and the twin sinkhole craters of Los Gemelos, which are home to some 300 different fern species and a forest of Scalesias, a relative of sunflowers.

This is an excellent area to look for elusive endemics like the Woodpecker Finch (one of only a few bird species in the world to use tools), Small Tree Finch, Vegetarian Finch, and Galapagos Rail.

Santa Cruz’s highlands are among the best places to see Giant Tortoises in the wild.

• Activities:  Hike (0.9 mi / 1 ½ km)
• Difficulty:  Easy /moderate
• Highlights & Animals:  Pit craters, Scalesia Forest, Darwin finches, Warblers, Flycatchers.

Cerro Mesa is a private ecological reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz with many forest paths filled with endemic Galapagos vegetation, with an impressive and deep sinkhole crater.

The chance to watch White-cheeked Pintail Ducks, rails, stilts, and frigatebirds who are usually present in the lagoon here.

The reserve also offers the opportunity to see mockingbirds, flycatchers, warblers, Galapagos Doves, and Darwin’s finches.

With luck you will also be able to see some of the population of Giant Tortoises that live in the reserve, which are geographically isolated from the main population of Giant Tortoises on Santa Cruz Island.

(This nature reserve is a great example of a private initiative trying to work and protect the fragile Galapagos ecosystem alongside the Galapagos National Park).

• Activities:  Short hike (1.2mi / 2km)
• Type of Landing:  No landing
• Highlights & Animals:  Interesting vegetation, Darwin’s Finches, Galapagos Doves and sometimes Giant Tortoises

Punta Carrion

This visitor site has no trail and no landing. A dinghy tour will give you opportunities to see Sea lions, Blue-footed Boobies, pelicans and frigatebirds.

At Punta Carrion you can snorkel from the boat to see a variety of fish, rays, and possibly the harmless White-tipped Reef Sharks.

• Activities:  Boat tour. Kayaking and Snorkelling

Highlights & Animals:  Galapagos Sea Lions, Brown Pelicans, Boobies. Snorkel: Sea lions, Butterflyfish, Parrotfish, White-tipped Reef Sharks.

ISABELA ISLAND

Measuring over 1800 square miles and accounting for over half the land surface area in Galapagos, at about 80 miles in length, the seahorse-shaped Isabela Island is the largest in the Galapagos.

Isabela is formed from six separate volcanoes (Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra, and Wolf). Being the largest island, it has many visitor sites, covering a large diversity of ecosystems, from barren lava flows to evergreen lush forests.

Close to Fernandina, it is also on the ‘hotspot’ and is very young and geologically very alive.

As the largest island, it is also home to the largest number of visitor sites:

The walk will take you up the slopes of the Darwin Volcano, along the edge of a saltwater lagoon to a small hill from which you will see spectacular views of the northern lava fields of Isabela.

Most of the fauna will be observed during a dinghy ride along the coast, with dramatic colors and beautiful tuff formations, Blue-footed Boobies, penguins, Marine Iguanas, pelicans and shorebirds.

• Activities:  Long uphill hike (1.1mi /1.8km), Snorkelling, dinghy ride, Kayaking.
• Difficulty:  Moderate
• Highlights & Animals:  Darwin Finches, lowland native vegetation, beautiful landscapes, penguins, Flightless Cormorants, Blue-footed Boobies, Darwin Volcano & Lake

In 1954, almost 4 miles of coastal seabed dramatically uplifted about 15 ft exposing the sea floor and killing thousands of fish and turtles.

Since then, vegetation has largely colonized the area but many signs of the uplift can still be observed.

This area is now a nesting site for Land Iguanas and occasionally, giant tortoises coming from the moist uplands. This is a good trail to see Darwin finches and it is not rare to see Galapagos Hawks.

• Activities:  Snorkelling, dinghy ride & hike, 2 trails: short (0.6 mi / 1 km), long (1.9 mi / 3km)
• Difficulty:  Easy (short trail) / Difficult (long trail)
• Highlights & Animals:  Land iguanas (the biggest in Galapagos), hawks, uplifted coral reefs, and Giant Tortoises. Snorkeling: turtles, rays, tropical fish

South Plazas Day Tour: Land Iguanas & Snorkeling

One of the smallest and, depending on the season, most colorful islands.  Find sea lion colonies, land and hybrid iguanas, and countless birds soaring by the cliffs.

It is an unpopulated island.

These islands are interesting formations without a volcano resulting from an uplifting from underwater.  

Conformed by two islands, one flat and the other inclined, they create very special ecosystem dynamics.  North Plaza  is visited only for scientific and conservation purposes.

The biggest  Land Iguana  population that can be visited . There is a big ecosystem formed of  Cactus Opuntia  that holds a population of  Land Iguanas , the smallest ones in the archipelago.

The trip around  South Plaza  place allows the visitor to see the whole population and to notice how these animals survived in this and other similar environments when they arrived and were established.

Rarely a hybrid of Marine and Land Iguana can be found on the trails.

• Disembarking:
• Type of Terrain:
• Physical Conditions Required:
• Activities:  2-hour 15 min hike[:es]Caminata de 2 horas15 minutos
• Highlights:  Red island due to its vegetation made up of sesuvium, the largest colony of sea lions, the unique landscape of a cactus forest, hybrid iguanas, Nazca, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and red-billed tropicbirds.

Santa Fe Island

Santa Fe island is always popular with Galapagos visitors and offers something for everyone.

The Santa Fe landscape is picturesque, combining a beautiful turquoise water bay with giant prickly pear cactus forests. Santa Fe island has the largest variety of endemic wildlife species of any Galapagos island.

Santa Fe Island in the Galapagos is a hidden gem awaiting exploration. As you disembark on its shores, be prepared for a unique encounter with the archipelago’s endemic species.

The island’s terrain boasts white sandy beaches and an arid landscape, creating a picturesque setting for your adventure.

While the physical conditions required for exploration are moderate, comfortable walking shoes and a sense of curiosity are your best companions.

Engaging in activities such as guided nature walks allows you to witness the distinctive Santa Fe land iguanas, known for their golden coloration.

Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island provides a chance to swim with playful sea lions and colorful marine life.

Santa Fe Island, with its diverse ecosystem and captivating scenery, stands as a testament to the natural wonders awaiting discovery in the Galapagos.

Other Must-try Activities in Your Day Tour

In addition to snorkeling, swimming, and hiking, there are plenty of other must-try activities to enjoy on your Galapagos day tour.

These activities will add even more excitement and adventure to your already incredible experience. One activity that you shouldn’t miss is kayaking.

Paddling through the crystal-clear waters of the Galapagos gives you a unique perspective on the islands and allows you to explore hidden coves and mangrove forests.

You might even encounter some marine life along the way, such as sea turtles or rays. It’s a peaceful and serene way to connect with nature and immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings.

If you’re looking for a more adrenaline-fueled activity, consider taking a zodiac ride.

These high-speed boat rides will take you on a thrilling adventure, zipping across the waves and getting up close to the rocky shores.

You’ll feel the wind in your hair and the spray of the ocean on your face as you explore the coastline and search for wildlife.

For those who are interested in the history and culture of the Galapagos, a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station is a must.

Here, you can learn about the ongoing conservation efforts and research being conducted on the islands. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the famous giant tortoises up close and learn about their conservation status.

Finally, don’t forget to indulge in some delicious local cuisine during your day tour. From fresh seafood to exotic fruits, the Galapagos offers a unique culinary experience.

Try the ceviche, a popular dish made with marinated seafood, or sample the delicious empanadas filled with cheese or meat. The flavors of the Galapagos are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Galapagos Packing List

A Hurtigruten Expedition to the Galapagos is without a doubt the trip of a lifetime. But as departure day draws near and your excitement grows, it’s important to pay attention to your packing.

Being properly prepared matters, not just because of the terrain you’ll be visiting but because you’ve only got one chance to get your packing right.

Most of the islands in the Galapagos are uninhabited and located miles from civilization—needless to say, there are no stores in these pristine spots.

It’s smart to plan carefully in advance and pack with care, which is all part of the fun! Here’s our essential Hurtigruten Expedition packing list for the Galapagos Islands.

1. Lightweight Walking Shoes

You’ll be scrambling over spiky lava and along rocky trails in the Galapagos, therefore flip-flops should stay at home. It’s too hot for heavy-duty mountaineering boots and in any case, you can’t leave the marked trails so they’re not necessary. Opt for sturdy, lightweight hiking shoes , and add some thin, wicking hiking socks in there, too.

2. Water Shoes

A pair of lightweight water shoes is a helpful addition to your packing; you can also use these for walks on some of the gentler hikes. Again, don’t bank on stepping off the Zodiac in flip-flops. Chances are, they’ll get washed away or you’ll topple gently into the shallows.

3. Neutral Colors

If you can, dress in plain khakis and beiges and save your more creative dressing for evenings. Avoid anything white for daywear, too, as there’s a lot of dust from the volcanic rocks and soil. Don’t pack too much black as you may overheat under the intense sun.

4. Hiking Pants

Choose lightweight hiking pants and shorts or pants with zip-off legs. The Galapagos is on the equator so it’s always warm and often hot and humid. On hikes, you’ll most likely be more comfortable in shorts , but for activities like a sunset Zodiac ride through the mangroves, long pants will protect you against mosquitoes.

5. Tops With Sleeves

A T-shirt or lightweight shirt that covers your shoulders offers better protection than a tank top. Cover kids as much as you can, too, as nobody wants to be dealing with sunburns when they should be out enjoying the adventure.

6. Rain Gear

While it does rain in the Galapagos, it’s almost always warm; temperatures range from around 75F to a balmy 86F. January through June are the wetter months, particularly March and April, so pack something light and waterproof to keep yourself dry on hikes, especially if you’re visiting the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where a cool mist can hang in the air.

7. Swimwear

If you’ve got space, pack more than one swimsuit . You could be in the water in the morning and again in the afternoon and it’s always nice not to have to pull on soggy swimwear as you prepare for the afternoon activity.

8. Insect Repellant

Insects aren’t a problem in the Galapagos. Mosquitoes are rare in a marine desert environment like this and even rarer when you’re at sea. If you’re concerned, though, or if you plan to travel further on mainland South America, pack a small roll-on of bug repellant.

9. Ocean-Friendly Sunblock

You’ll need a strong sunblock for the equatorial sun , even on cloudy days. Consider a mineral-based, ocean-friendly brand and never assume that sunscreen is 100% waterproof . Should you be prone to burning, aloe vera gel is a wonderful, natural after-sun remedy, while pure lavender essential oil is great for a particularly sore sunburn.

10. Mask or Goggles

Quality snorkel gear is provided on Galapagos vacations, so there’s no need to bring your own. But if you normally wear contacts and are worried about putting your face in the water, or if you use glasses and have a strong prescription, consider investing in a prescription mask.

11. A Sturdy Sunhat

Sun protection for your head is essential on the equator. The Galapagos can get pretty windy and if you’re riding around on a Zodiac, there will always be a breeze. Therefore, choose a hat that won’t blow away. A wide brim or visor will help protect your face against the sun and children need decent sun hats, too. If your neck is prone to burning, add a bandana to your luggage.

12. Sunglasses

You’ll certainly need sunglasses in the bright light of the islands. If you’re buying a new pair, go for polarized glass as it’s easier to spot sea turtles and rays in the water that way. Invest in a neoprene strap to hold onto your glasses; it’s all too easy to lose them when you’re jumping off a Zodiac or not paying attention during a hike.

13. Back Pack

You’ll be ashore for hikes most days, therefore a small day pack in which to stash your camera, sunscreen, and water bottle will come in handy. On some of the more challenging hikes, a backpack will be more useful than a shoulder bag as you’ll want your hands free.

14. Memory Card

You’ll need extra storage capacity for images and video. You’ll always take more photographs than you expected to and nobody wants to run out of storage space in the middle of an epic trip.

15. Camera and GoPro

Perhaps the most important item to bring to the Galapagos is your camera. Nowhere else in the world has such incredible opportunities for photographing wildlife that is completely unafraid of you and will pose obligingly, if unwittingly, for photos.

A zoom lens can make pictures all the more dazzling. A GoPro, too, is great for snorkeling in the Galapagos or action shots like zooming along in a Zodiac or recording sea lions frolicking in the water

Also, click here if you need my Travel packing List. You can find everything from drones , Snorkeling Gear, Hiking, Back packs, Cargo Pants , and more for your Next Trip.

Tips for making the most out of your galapagos day tour.

• Be prepared: Before embarking on your Galapagos day tour, make sure you pack everything you’ll need for a day of adventure. Bring a swimsuit, comfortable clothes and shoes for hiking, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a waterproof camera or phone case. It’s also a good idea to bring a reusable water bottle and snacks to keep you energized throughout the day.
• Listen to your guides: The guides on your Galapagos day tour are experts in the islands’ biodiversity and history. Pay attention to their instructions and information, as they will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the unique ecosystem. They will also ensure your safety during activities such as snorkeling and hiking, so be sure to follow their guidance.
• Take your time: The Galapagos Islands are a place to slow down and immerse yourself in nature. Take your time to observe the wildlife, enjoy the stunning landscapes, and soak in the serenity of the islands. Don’t rush through the activities; instead, take the opportunity to fully experience the beauty and wonder of this extraordinary destination.
• Respect the environment: As you explore the Galapagos Islands, it’s important to remember that you are a guest in this delicate ecosystem. Follow the principles of responsible tourism by not disturbing or touching wildlife, not leaving any trash behind, and staying on designated paths during hikes. By respecting the environment, you are helping to preserve the Galapagos Islands for future generations.
• Be flexible: The weather and wildlife sightings can be unpredictable in the Galapagos Islands. Embrace the unexpected and be flexible with your itinerary. Sometimes the best experiences happen when you least expect them, so be open to new opportunities and go with the flow.
• Stay hydrated and protected: The Galapagos Islands can be hot and sunny, so it’s important to stay hydrated and protected from the sun. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and reapply sunscreen regularly. It’s also a good idea to wear a hat and lightweight, breathable clothing to stay cool.

Travel Insurance

Last but not least –   travel insurance .  It’s not just a safety net; it’s a smart move.

From unexpected flight changes to unforeseen medical issues, having that extra layer of protection ensures you can focus on soaking in Ecuador’s wonders worry-free.

So, pack your bags, grab your passport, and prepare for an unforgettable journey in this South American gem!

✈️ Get Travel Insurance NOW! Travelex Is my preferred Insurance

Conclusion: best galapagos day tours.

In conclusion, exploring the Galapagos Islands with Hurtigruten Expedition Cruises is an unparalleled journey into the heart of natural wonders.

Their carefully crafted tours offer a perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and environmental consciousness, ensuring an experience that transcends traditional travel.

From encountering iconic wildlife to cruising through pristine waters, each moment with Hurtigruten is an opportunity to discover the extraordinary.

Elevate your travel game, redefine exploration, and embark on a Galapagos adventure with a cruise that exceeds expectations.

Ready to set sail with Hurtigruten and create your own Galapagos story?

Book your expedition now and immerse yourself in this unique archipelago’s enchanting landscapes and captivating wildlife.

Ready to plan your trip? Grab my  FREE  Vacation Planner  to help you plan your trip in the time it takes to watch your favorite TV show!

ADDITIONAL ARTICLES

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Is Quito Ecuador Safe for Travel

Unique Things to Do in Cancun

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Galapagos Islands Tours & Trips

Located in South America in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands are easily accessible by taking a plane from Ecuador 's capital city, Quito, or a boat from the port city of Guayaquil. The volcanic archipelago shelters a wide range of species of plants and animals, making it one of the most appealing destinations for wildlife-lovers . Make the most of your experience and discover all the hidden corners of the islands with one of these incredible adventures.

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250+ galapagos islands tour packages with 893 reviews.

• Ocean Cruise
• Christmas & New Year

Galápagos Multisport

The trip was well planned

• In-depth Cultural

Galápagos Adventure: Snorkelling & Sea Lions

The tour was very well organised. there was plenty of time to do all the additional activities and the guide made sure we did what we wanted.

Galapagos Discovery

This was an amazing trip to three islands with many things to do! The tour introduced the islands well and out guide Genesis was amazing. Genesis was very hands on and proactive with all the activities and presented equally good energies. I highly recommend this tour with Genesis as a really good group tour with a fun guide!

Best of Galapagos

Highly recommended! We had a fantastic group leader Katty, she was keeping us informed about all the activities and extra things to do all the times as well as had a great enthusiasm with regards to animals and uniqueness of Galapagos islands. Program was great and time was just right! All meals were also really good.

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure

The guides were terrific, very educational and entertaining. We loved the ability to stay at 4 of the different islands, and have an ocean view from every room! We got to see and do so much! I was never board, snorkeling, biking, watching and learning about the animals and environment, hiking, kayaking, etc…. It was great that the agenda was flexible. Having the agenda changed to enable us to be able to participate in all activities instead of having to pick and choose was fantastic! We were excited to find out we could snorkel the tuneles and hike the volcano. The food was fantastic, they were able to accommodate my gluten allergy every we went. All the local restaurants we very good at accommodating allergies as well as giving us a fantastic variety of local delicious foods. All in all it was an amazing trip that I definitely recommend!

Galapagos Multisport

Adventure Journeys is a very professional tour operator. All of our guides were excellent and did there best to please us. The hotel in Quito is definitely five star. Make sure that you ask to be placed in the second tower as the rooms are of nicer quality and they have air conditioning (on the chance that Quito is not cool). The accomodations on the islands are nice but your experiences can vary depending on the rooms you are assigned. They vary in size and views. Most are small hotels so there aren’t a lot of choices to go around if you are in a large group. We stayed on San Cristobal, Isabela, and Santa Cruz. Arianna was our tour guide on San Cristobal. Knowledgeable and very helpful. I especially enjoyed the Kicker Rock excursion. They take you to a beautiful beach that you get to explore for about an hour an a half and then you go snorkeling around Kicker Rock for a couple of times for a total of about 1 1/2 hr. The snorkeling was amazing as you see much wildlife (sharks, turtles, sea lions, rays, lots of fish and one side of the rock is beautiful). My favorite snorkeling experience on Galapagos. It was nice to take the inter island flight to Isabela and save us a 4 hr boat ride. Los Túneles was snorkeling was fun as we saw sharks, lots of turtles and sea horses. Definitely was enjoyable swimming with the turtles. Water could have been clearer. The highlight was walking on the islands and getting up close and personal with the blue footed boobies! Guess it should be mentioned that we went in mid April as conditions change as do the animals. Wetsuits were provided but nowhere was the water overly cool. We also saw some penguins on this excursion. The walk through the marsh was great for the flamingos and other birds. Also, enjoyed the bike ride on Isabela to the Wall of Tears. Nice little hike for a 360 view to a lookout point and later a short walk through the mangroves. It was cool running into the tortoises in the wild as well. We had a rainy and cloudy walk to the crater. It would have been cool to see it without the clouds, but this was the only weather problem we encountered. The kayaking at Las Tintoreras was more swimming with turtles and penguins. We literally were swimming with the penguins here. It is nice as all the animals on the Galapagos aren’t afraid of people, so you’re pics and experiences are all magnified. There is a two hour boat ride from Isabela to Santa Cruz. Sit up top with the captain and miss out on the vomit fest downstairs with everyone else. On Santa Cruz, the highlights were the Charles Darwin Center and the Tortoise Reserve. Once again at the reserve, you can see the giant tortoises up close in the wild. Very cool. Not to be left out was kudos for our guide on Isabela and Santa Cruz, Maritza. She was great the whole time and a treasure trove of information. AJ has great guides! Christian, one of the owners (I think) took us and picked us up at the airport in Quito. On the way back, we asked about street food and he asked us if we’d like to go to La Floresta and try the local street food. Great idea and great experience! Super experience and great tour company!

10 Days Galapagos Island Hopping in Santa Cruz and Isabela

It was great I had a great time there

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

5 Days San Cristobal Island Wonders

• Hiking & Trekking

Affordable Galapagos 8 Days Tour

Just wanted to share that our trip to the Galapagos Islands was fantastic. Everything worked out seamlessly! The hotels and the tours recommended by Guidecuador were excellent! Hotel locations in particular were ideal. We did all as promised, especially the awesome snorkeling with sharks and pinguins, that experience was very special for us. Also, the communication with the staff was very easy for us too. It was nice that we could all check out the daily plan at any time, and be able to pull up all the vouchers and tickets Thank you again Sofia and Alejandro from Guidecuador for making our bucket list place tour an unforgettable lifetime experience. We will definitely go back to you guys in our next trip to Latin America.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Magical Galapagos (5 Days)

A trip to The Galapagos is always going to be amazing because of the wonderful things you see! However, could this tour have been better? The answer is yes. The activities were great but a couple of the tour guides made the them less enjoyable. One of the tours had a guide called Billy, who didnt say much in English despite the fact he could speak English and it was an English speaking tour. We felt excludes from a lot om this particular tour and didnt really know where we were going or what we were doing! And one of our final guides was great at English but his style was to ask you questions that you didnt know the answer to, rather than actually inform you and share knowledge. Some of the guides in between were fantastic! In regards to the organisation from the hotel and the staff/drivers at Galapagos Dreams... The girls on the reception were great, always helpful and friendly. The guys organising it werent as good unfortunately. I think the general thing I would say is that for most people, a visit to the Galapagos is a once in a lifetime trip, and the organisers and staff could consider that more. They lack the customer service element and the enthusiasm that is generally expected in the tourism industry. That been said, this was one of the cheaper tours we saw so if we had paid more we may have got a higher level of service.

Highlights Of Quito and Galapagos Islands

The tour organized by Indus Travels was flawless. Hotels, tours, and transportation all impressed me. We had a very relaxing time knowing what was happening at each stage. The scenery and activities were fantastic and did not disappoint. The highlight of the trip was definitely Galapagos Islands.

Galapagos Experience: 5 days

• €134 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Volunteering

Galapagos Experience Volunteering & Travel 3 Weeks

Koln Tourist Superior Yacht - 8 Days

Galapagos Essentials

Very well organized tour, well-balanced itinerary with lots of free time to explore. It is definitely an express tour of Galapagos, if time allows a few more days are recommended

What people love about Galapagos Islands Tours

This tour is intended for people who are physically fit,able to walk 6 kilometers a day, love to kayak/snorkel/swim/bike, and still have plenty of energy to enjoy the wildlife. I cannot cope up with the group, but luckily our CEO offered me options like museum visit, tour to Tntoreras. I still was able yo see all the wildlife I need to see exvept the cormorant. I did not expect to stay in a 5 star hotel. I find the accommodation suitable enough for my needs: comfortable bed, air condition, water, electricity, wifi. Special thanks to Sandra, CEO. She is one of the best tour guides I met in my years of travel. She is a great listener and teacher. She was born in Santa Cruz. She knows Galapagos like the palm of her hand.

This was a great experience if you are looking for a little adventure! It is not a luxury, relaxing vacation, but has a good mix of exciting experiences, eating good food, waking up early to travel to new stops, and some time to chill and interact with other travelers.

lovely tour - very good itinerary and comfortable pace

Galapagos Islands Tours starting in:

• Baltra Island (112)
• Quito (102)
• San Cristóbal Island (35)
• Galapagos Islands (9)
• Santa Cruz Island (6)
• Guayaquil (5)
• Group (304)
• Fully Guided (231)
• Family (221)
• Explorer (168)
• Active (123)
• Partially Guided (113)
• Personalized (87)
• Ocean Cruise (80)
• Sailing (59)
• Private (46)
• In-depth Cultural (31)
• Hiking & Trekking (12)
• River Cruise (11)
• Self-Guided (10)
• Small Group (126)
• 3 Day Tours (4)
• 7 Day Tours (131)
• 10 Day Tours (111)
• 2 Week Tours (18)
• 3 Week Tours (13)
• Spring 2024 (236)
• Summer 2024 (268)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (240)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (236)
• Spring 2025 (134)
• Summer 2025 (120)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (107)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (109)
• April 2024 (218)
• May 2024 (231)
• June 2024 (256)
• July 2024 (252)
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• May 2025 (122)
• June 2025 (117)
• July 2025 (109)
• August 2025 (99)
• September 2025 (94)
• October 2025 (104)
• November 2025 (106)

Other Regions in Ecuador

• Ecuador Andean Highlands (144)
• Avenue of the Volcanoes (125)
• Cotopaxi National Park (42)
• Amazonian Region Ecuador (41)
• Cayambe Coca National Park (16)
• Chile Coastal Lowlands (13)
• Yasuni National Park (12)

Travel Styles

• Budget (55)
• Luxury (54)
• Singles and Solo (247)
• For Couples (40)
• Young Adults (9)
• Seniors (140)

International Versions

• Deutsch: Galapagos Inseln Rundreisen
• Français: Circuits aux Îles Galapagos
• Español: Circuitos en las Islas Galápagos
• Nederlands: Galapagos Eilanden Rondreizen

Highly Recommended Galapagos Day Tours

THE TOP GALAPAGOS DAY TRIPS & EXCURSION TOURS

Our Galapagos Day Tours are specially designed day visits to uninhabited islands and islets in the archipelago leaving from Santa Cruz, Isabela Island and San Cristobal. These tours provide a wide range of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, hiking and observation of flora and fauna. The tours and the activities will be developed under the supervision of a Galapagos naturalist guide. Pick up / drop off from your hotel in Puerto Ayora, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno or Puerto Villamil and a small box lunch are included in selected day-tours.

Pick up / drop off from your hotel in Puerto Ayora or Puerto Villamil and a small box lunch are included in selected day-tours.

SELECT AN ISLAND FOR YOUR GALAPAGOS DAY TOURS:

Santa Cruz Island Tours

Day trips from Puerto Ayora to get to know Santa Cruz and the nearby islands Our day trips from Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz Island include 4 different visitor sites: Santa Fe, North Seymour, South Plazas or Bartolome. We will get to our destinations by motor yachts.

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

San cristobal island tours.

One-day boat excursions from San Cristobal, amazing snorkeling, activities and landscapes. In our day tours from Puerto Baquerizo in San Cristobal Island you will visit the most popular spots in the Galapagos Islands: Española Islands, the perfect place for bird watching and the underwater paradise of Kicker Rock.

SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND

Isabela island tours.

Excursions and activities for everyone departing from Puerto Villamil. Our day trips from Isabela include different visitor sites: Tintoreras Islet, Cabo Rosa & Los Tuneles, Wetlands & Sierra Negra. We can help you with different activities like biking, hiking and fishing.

ISABELA ISLAND

Find a perfect hotel for your land-based tours.

Would you like to further experience the Galapagos

Find your dream Galapagos cruise now:

Children: ages 6 to 11

The World's #1 Direct Seller of Galapagos Tours

Explore the Galapagos Islands with one of our amazing tours. Cruise, Scuba Dive, island hop, stay in a hotel and explore nearby islands -- choose how you want to experience the Islands! Don't forget, Galapagos Travel Center is here to help you customize your perfect trip.

Galapagos Cruises

Promotions & Deals

All Tour Options

Top 10 galapagos best selling cruises & tours.

Cormorant II Catamaran

A new luxury mega-catamaran equipped with ample cabins and the most sophisticated design.

4, 5 & 8 day cruises

From US$5,145 p/person (4D/3N)

Natural Paradise Yacht

A luxury yacht customized to carry 16 guests in comfort and safety through Galapagos.

From US$2,945 p/person (4D/3N)

Darwin's Footsteps

Enjoy some of the best views from Santa Cruz and Isabela, plus two more of the Galapagos islands.

8 Days / 7 Nights

From US$2,653 p/person

Bonita Yacht

This yacht gathers the best features of her class and hosts 16 guests in spacious staterooms.

7 and 5 day cruises

From US$2,343 p/person (5D/4N)

Horizon Trimaran

A luxury trimaran that provides an intimate experience on board with a touch of elegance and comfort.

From US$4,045 p/person (4D/3N)

Infinity Yacht

This vessel can host up to 20 passengers in ample and comfortable cabins equipped with private balconies.

From US$3,945 p/person (4D/3N)

Grand Majestic Yacht

Grand Majestic is the only modern mega-yacht cruising the Galapagos archipelago.

8, 5 & 4 day cruises

From US$3,450 p/person (4D/3N)

Coral I & II Yachts

These sister ships are the perfect combination of classic beauty and exquisite style.

From US$1,733 p/person (4D/3N)

Monserrat Yacht

Calipso features modern cabins with all the essentials and beautiful social areas.

4, 5, 7 & 8 day cruises

From US$2,030 p/person (4D/3N)

Galapagos Legend

This 100-pax luxury ship is equipped with five decks, a swimming pool and library.

From US$1,841 p/person (4D/3N)

See all Galapagos Tour Options

Traveler Reviews

Galapagos, quito, otavalo, rainforest.

"The whole trip was planned by this tour company and was excellent throughout. We toured the city of Quito, the highlands, the Galapagos on a cruise, and the rainforest ... This was a great trip with good value for the money as well."

Maureen C Boulder, Colorado

Amazing time in the Galapagos

"Great time visiting the Islands with a pretty packed schedule. Very happy with the time of the visit as we got to see most if not all the animals we could see. Every day offered a new excitement."

645jj Santa Fe, New Mexico

Virtually Flawless Trip Planning, Execution and Support

"Gabriela at galapagosislands.com put together a great itinerary for us that included a yacht cruise of the Galapagos Islands aboard the Natural Paradise, Quito, Cotopaxi Volcano, and the Napo river aboard the Manatee."

Wetravelllots San Francisco, California

Amazing Time

"This company from start to finish was great. My friend and myself basically had to book flights and the rest was done for us - and we could have even had that done for us too ... Highly recommend this agency!"

Annie E Nuremberg, Germany

Expert Travel Advice for your Galapagos Tour

Galapagos is a dream destination for most, and for us too; we are passionate about these wondrous islands and their natural beauty and wildlife, and we hope to share these wonders with you. With more than 20 years of experience, we are the Galapagos experts. We have even pioneered innovative technology over the years to give our travelers a great experience.

Our team is always available to give you personalized advice and guidance while we help you plan your perfect trip. With our carefully selected tours, we guarantee you will have an unforgettable experience.

Why Choose GalapagosIslands.com ?

• More than 20 Years of Experience
• 24/7 Customer Support
• #1 Online Seller of Galapagos Tours
• Expert Galapagos Trip Advisors
• Best Price Guaranteed
• Free Customized Tour Planning

Galapagos Islands Travel Tips

Discover everything you need to know about Galapagos Cruises and Galapagos Travel: when to go to the Galapagos, what to pack , and everything else you need with our pre-trip checklist . What is the weather like? Small boat or large ship? Can I stay in a Galapagos hotel instead of on a cruise ? For answers to these questions and more, see our Galapagos FAQ .

Trip Extensions for your Galapagos Tour

Extend your Galapagos Cruise

Enjoy additional days in the Galapagos Islands by staying at charming hotels in the towns of Puerto Ayora or San Cristobal, before or after your cruise experience .

Ecuador Tours

Ecuador has it all! Join us to discover all the amazing hidden gems Ecuador has to offer.

Machu Picchu & Peru

Cusco, The Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and The Inca Trail all offer a glimpse into the mysterious and fascinating life and history of the Incas.

Ecuador & Peru Best Selling Tours

Quito & Middle of the World

Explore the culture and magic of Colonial Quito and its surroundings.

Full Day Tour

From US$136 p/person

Mindo Cloud Forest Tour

Located 2 1/2 hours from Quito, Mindo is the most visited cloud forest in Ecuador.

2 Days / 1 Nights

From N/A p/person

Ecuador Scenic

A 8 days and 7 nights Ecuador expedition that takes you from the Andes to the Coast.

From US$1,485 p/person

Avenue of the Volcanoes

You will visit sights like the Cotopaxi National Park, Devil’s Nose and the city of Cuenca.

4 Days / 3 Nights

From US$727 p/person

Sacha Lodge

Designed to offer comfort yet preserve the environment and jungle ambience.

4 & 5 days

From US$1,490 p/person

Napo Wildlife Center

Napo Wildlife Center is located in one of the most biodiverse locations on the planet.

From US$1,425 p/person

La Selva Lodge

The perfect opportunity to experience the culture and wildlife of the Amazon Jungle.

See all Ecuador Add-on Tours & Expeditions

Complete Packages to the Best of South America

12D/11N from: $4,373

13D/12N from: $4,791

15D/14N from: $5,429

12D/11N from: $3,930

13D/12N from: $4,078

15D/14N from: $5,146

Luxury from: $14,030

First Class from: $11,252

Mid-Range from: $9,037

Information About the Enchanted Islands

Charles Darwin in the Galapagos

As one of the most famous visitors to the Galapagos, Charles Darwin and his impact on the world and the Islands continues to draw people to this amazing destination year after year. So, who is Darwin and what did he actually do?

Galapagos Weather: When to go?

Galapagos is the perfect year round destination because of its location on the equator and warm island weather. However, there are a few factors that might help you decide your perfect time to travel either during the dry or wet season...

Galapagos Wildlife

The Galapagos Islands are known for their fearless and curious wildlife. You can’t find another place in the world where sea lions will play with you in the water, iguanas pose for pictures, and sea birds walk right up to you. Learn more about each of these amazing creatures below.

Marine Life

Galapagos Fast Facts

• Fact 1: In 1978 UNESCO designated Galapagos as the first World Heritage site.
• Fact 2: The endemic Galapagos marine iguana is the only lizard to swim in the ocean.
• Fact 3: The lava tunnels on Santa Cruz, which you can walk through, provide an understanding of how the islands were formed.

Learn more here!

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8 Day Inspiring Galapagos Islands Small Group Tour

pp Twin Share

From pp Twin Share

Fully Escorted

Moderate Pace

Small Group

This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.

These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.

Take advantage of our 7 day cooling-off period. 

✓ Small group tour, up to 16 guests only ✓ Incredible sightseeing including Santa Cruz  - observe the giant tortoise roaming in a natural habitat ✓ Explore the island trails and coastlines, keeping an eye out for endemic species such as marine iguanas, endemic penguins and schools of reef sharks.  ✓ Swim and snorkel in Kicker Rock, easily the most renowned destination for marine wildlife in the Galapagos ✓  Hand-picked 4 & 3-star accommodation ✓ Breakfast daily & 2 lunches ✓ Fully escorted by a professional English-speaking naturalist guide ✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout ✓ Economy Airfare Guayaquil to Galapagos Islands to Quito

Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.

Day 1 Guayaquil

Welcome to Equador and the gateway to the Galapagos! On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Guayaquil. The rest of the day is at leisure. Enjoy stunning views from the waterfront promenade and Malecon 2000 Pier, get a glimpse into the city's history and culture at the Parque Histórico open air museum or explore the colourful neighbourhood of Las Peñas known for its narrow cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and lively nightlife.

Day 2 Guayaquil Santa Cruz Island

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands.  (Flight tickets and departure time will be advised locally on your arrival in Guayaquil). Your guide will pick you up from the airport and continue on to visit the Highlands of the Island where you can observe the giant tortoise roaming in a natural habitat. Make the most of great picture opportunities with this endangered species, endemic to the Galapagos before continuing to your hotel in Puerto Ayora.

Later, head to the Charles Darwin Research Station, located in Puerto Ayora. The research station plays a crucial role in the conservation and preservation of the Galápagos Islands' delicate ecosystem. Here, you'll learn about ongoing research projects, breeding programs for endangered species, and the conservation efforts to protect the islands' biodiversity. One of the main highlights of the Charles Darwin Research Station is the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center. You'll have the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close and learn about the conservation efforts to protect and reintroduce them to their natural habitats.  

Note:  Please note a US$20 per person transit card is payable on departure at Guayaquil Airport.  Galapagos National Park entry fee is payable on arrival on the islands (for arrivals until 31 July 2024 the fee is US$100 per person. From 01 August 2024 the fee is US$200 per person) Both payments are made in USD cash.

Day 3 Santa Cruz Island outer island excursion Santa Cruz Island

After breakfast, you will embark on a full day tour to one of the beautiful uninhabited islands of Santa Fe, South Plaza, North Seymour or Bartolomé (subject to scheduling).   Your excursion will travel by speed boat - the trip takes approximately 2 hours each way. 

Your expert naturalist guide will introduce you to the islands unique wildlife which may include endemic species such as Galapagos penguins, land iguanas, Darwin's finches, blue-footed Boobies and many more.

You will have the opportunity to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. Discover the marine life and vibrant coral reefs.

You’ll then return to Puerto Ayora by late afternoon.

Day 4 Santa Cruz Island San Cristobal Island

After breakfast, visit Tortuga Bay.  You will take a guided walk (45 minutes each way) to take in the scenery and wildlife.  Visitors can often encounter marine iguanas, Galápagos crabs, sea lions, and a variety of bird species such as pelicans and finches.

Once you reach Playa Brava, please be aware that swimming is not allowed here due to the presence of hazardous currents. For those wishing to swim, continue walking along the beach until you discover a trail leading through the mangrove forest. This path will take you to Playa Mansa, a sheltered bay where you can safely swim and relish the cool shade provided by the mangroves.

This afternoon, transfer to the pier and board a speed-boat to San Cristobal Island (approximately 2.5 hours ride). Upon arrival, you will enjoy a walking tour in the beautiful Puerto Baquerizo to enjoy the local life.

Day 5 San Cristobal Island Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido) San Cristobal Island

This morning you will visit one of the most iconic sites in the Galapagos Islands:  Kicker Rock or “Leon Dormido”, an amazing rock formation just 90 minutes from San Cristobal Island. This incredible landmark is a remnant of a vertical tuff cone formation with an altitude of 500 feet from the Pacific Ocean, it is considered as one of the best snorkelling sites in the Archipelago.

Erosion has given the formation its characteristic shape of a shoe (hence the name Kicker Rock) and others see a sleeping lion from above, the reason why in Spanish it is called “Leon Dormido”.

Snorkelling in the vicinity of the rock is truly an unforgettable experience! You will be able to spot marine iguanas, sea turtles, rays, Galapagos sharks, schools of colourful fish and, with some luck, hammerhead sharks. Also in the crevasses of the rock, you can encounter blue-footed boobies, masked-boobies and frigate birds.

Return to San Cristobal and your hotel for a well-deserved  short  resting time. In the afternoon, visit  La Loberia beach, a scenic beach filled with large colonies curious sea-lions, marine iguanas, frigate birds and more.

Note: in some instances visits to Kicker Rock will be restricted.  For groups not able to visit Kicker Rock, a visit to Isla Lobos will be provided as an alternative.  Isla Lobos is named after the numerous sea lions (lobos marinos in Spanish) that inhabit the island.  You'll also have opportunities to observe a variety of bird species, including blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and brown pelicans. Once you arrive at Isla Lobos, your naturalist guide will lead you on guided walks through the island's unique vegetation and provide opportunities for close encounters with the wildlife. You will have time to do snorkeling with unique species and then sail to an isolated beach, to relax on its sand, or swim or do some more snorkeling.  

Day 6 San Cristobal Island Quito

This morning visit to the Interpretation Center, which takes you through the history and settlement of the islands. Visitors can enjoy expositions on natural history, human history and conservation. The natural history explains the different natural facts, such as the volcanic origin of the islands, the distance between the mainland, its currents, the special climate, the arrival of different species, etc. The exposition room of Human History gives a chronological overview of the discovery and colonization of the Galapagos. 

The second section describes the reality of today's Galapagos: the problems and the struggle of several institutions and individuals to conserve Galapagos. The Center also has an outdoor theater and a cinema.

At the appropriate time you will be picked up  and transferred to the airport in time to board your flight to the capital of Ecuador, Quito. Upon arrival, your guide will welcome you and drive to your cosy centrally located hotel.  The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the surroundings.

Day 7 Quito

Today you are at leisure to enjoy the quaint city at your own pace. The Ecuador capital is constructed on the foundations of an ancient Incan city and is known for its well-preserved colonial centre, rich with 16th- and 17th-century churches and other structures blending European, Moorish and indigenous styles. 

Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional full day tour of this fascinating city.

Explore Quito's famous Old Town, considered as Human Heritage Patrimony and the largest Colonial district in all of South America. Along the way you'll visit “La Compañia de Jesus” Church, surely one of the most beautiful churches in South America, and also the charming “La Ronda” Street, the most popular colonial street for centuries in the centre of the City.

Afterwards, you will head to the north of the city for about 50 minutes to the also famous "Middle of the World" with its symbolic Monument and Compound with many open-air exhibits, cultural displays, shops and typical food Restaurants. The Monument was built during the XVII century when a French expedition travelled to Ecuador to define the precise location of the Equatorial Line.

Your guide will tell you all the important aspects of the Compound and its importance to researchers and scientist around the World; you will enter the Monument where you find many displays of the Ecuadorian rich and ancient culture and human history, also visit the on-site “Inti-Ñan” Museum where you can witness and participate in active experiments that prove that you are indeed at the Centre of the Earth.

Day 8 Quito

Your tour comes to an end today after breakfast.  At the appropriate time, make your own way to the airport.

Alternatively, you can pre book a private departure transfer to the airport.  Further details can be found under the ‘Upgrade Options’.

Check out: Check-out time is generally between 10am-12pm. If you have booked your departing flight later in the day, you are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time (extra charges may apply).

What's Included

• Small, intimate group experience – no more than 16 people
• Fully escorted by an English-speaking guide 
• Economy Airfare Guayaquil to Galapagos Islands to Quito
• 7 nights’ accommodation in selected 4- and 3-star hotels 
• 7 breakfasts and 2 lunches 
• Incredible sightseeing including Santa Cruz, Bartolome and San Cristobal Islands in the Galapagos National Park

Sightseeing Highlights

• Santa Cruz Island - Walk around a Tortoise farm and visit Tortuga Bay to spot wildlife
• Santa Fe, South Plaza, North Seymour or Bartolomé Island –  explore island trails and coastlines, keeping an eye out for endemic species such as marine iguanas, endemic penguins and schools of reef sharks.
• San Cristobal Island - Snorkel and swim with marine iguanas and sea lions. Learn the history and evolution of the Archipelago.  
• Kicker Rock - Visit one of the most iconic sites in the Galapagos and learn about the formation of this amazing rock. Spot some amazing marine life while snorkelling or exploring the crevasses of the rock.
• Quito - Enjoy a free day to explore Quito or or join an optional guided tour of Quito and its colonial town centre.

Payment Terms

Flight requests & booking information.

This package is sold as land only, however you do have the option of adding international airfares to your booking. Simply click on’ book now’, and under upgrades ,  you will be asked “Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?” By selecting this option Inspiring Vacations will contact you to discuss adding flights to your chosen destination. We can assist with flying the airline of your choice to turn your booking into a flight inclusive package. We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:

• Airline Preferences - You may wish to fly with a particular airline
• Cabin Preferences - These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
• Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) - You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
• Meal Requests - You may request a specific meal for dietary requirements.
• Seat Requests - If you would like to request particular seating. However please note, not all airlines allow the selection of pre-purchased seat arrangements.

We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:

• Stopovers - Is where you might want to stop in transit for a certain amount of days prior to your tour or after your tour.
• One way flights
• Different start or end city to the tour - you may not amend the arrival or departure city of your itinerary. 
• Around the world tickets  - Is when a ticket includes multiple stops in different continents.
• Return home to a different city from the one you departed.
• Frequent Flyer point redemption - Is when an airline allows you to redeem points to pay for your flights or upgrade your ticket.  

Online check-in 

Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.

Important Information

Fitness Requirements While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.

This particular tour is categorised as a”3”

Moderate Tour : A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.

Tipping A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.

Accommodation The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.

Single Supplement Single supplement is $423.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.

Triple Share Not available.

Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.

Visa & Passport information It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.

Visas may be required.

Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.

Group Size Minimum of 4 and Maximum of 16 people

Children Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Tour Style To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels: 

• Fully Escorted - This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

Optional Tours

To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):

• Quito & Middle of the World Tour (Day 7) - $145 per person

Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.

Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.

Pre and Post-Tour Accommodation & Extra Services

You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:

Pre Tour Accommodation

• $111.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $111.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Post Tour Accommodation

• $89.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $89.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Arrival and departure airport transfers

• Post tour transfer - $81 per car, maximum of 2 travellers

Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.

Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.

• International airfares
• Airport Transfer
• Galapagos transit card
• Galapagos National Park fee
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Departure Dates

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6 Best Galapagos Cruises For Every Kind of Traveler

By Meena Thiruvengadam

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Galapagos cruises are the best way to experience the collection of remote, mostly uninhabited islands about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. But cruises in the Galapagos Islands aren’t like cruises anyplace else. The ships here are smaller, with some carrying as few as 16 passengers. There are no water slides, elaborate Broadway shows, casinos, or wild nightclubs. And don’t expect big bus tours in port either. 

Galapagos cruises are about experiencing nature and wildlife while limiting environmental impact as much as possible. Ships are built for sustainability and toting items like kayaks, paddleboards, and scuba gear. Itineraries may feature two active excursions a day, limiting downtime on board the ship. Instead of museums and historic sights, you’ll visit uninhabited islands to encounter marine iguanas, sea lions, unspoiled beaches, and the adventures of a lifetime. 

Trips to the Galapagos Islands are logistically complicated, making cruises an especially good way to experience the area. Travelers to the Galapagos Islands must first fly to Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, for a night before flying to the Galapagos to board their ships. All travelers must also be accompanied by National Parks Guides who can help them navigate these largely undeveloped islands. 

Galapagos cruise itineraries are typically a week long and cover a portion of the islands, sometimes more. Here's everything to know about cruising in the Galapagos, from frequently asked questions to the best itineraries to book now.

• Best luxury Galapagos cruise
• Best Galapagos cruise for stargazing  
• Best Galapagos cruise for adventure seekers  
• Best Galapagos cruises for solo travelers  
• Best small ship Galapagos cruise  

Best Galapagos cruises for families

When is the best time to cruise the galapagos islands .

With pleasant temperatures all year long, the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is whenever you’re ready to go. Several cruise lines sail to the Galapagos Islands all year long. While you can see wildlife all year, December is hatching season for the giant tortoises, and July is mating season for blue-footed boobies and short-eared owls. Sea turtles lay their eggs early in the year and fully formed marine iguanas typically hatch in April and May. 

Are Galapagos cruises expensive?  

The Galapagos Islands aren’t a bargain destination. Expect to pay somewhere between $5,000 and $12,000 per traveler depending on the ship, itinerary, and length of the voyage. 

One thing’s for sure: Whatever your preference, there’s a Galapagos Islands cruise for you. These are six of the best Galapagos cruises for every type of traveler.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

A suite on board Silver Origin comes with butler service.

Best luxury Galapagos cruise 

There’s no more luxurious way to sail the Galapagos Islands than on  Silversea's Silver Origin , a ship custom-built for cruising these islands. Silver Origin is Silversea’s first destination-specific ship and includes several features meant to minimize its environmental impact. The all-suite ship can carry up to 100 passengers, is all-inclusive down to the premium spirits in your stateroom's minibar, and includes the luxury cruise line’s signature butler service. There’s also a salon and fitness center on board, a rarity for ships sailing in this region. Most itineraries on the Silver Origin are seven nights, but longer cruises are typically scheduled around winter holidays. The Silver Origin sails the north, central, and western loops of the Galapagos Islands.

Best Galapagos cruise for stargazing 

This region may be better known for its landscapes and wildlife, but the Galapagos Islands are also an excellent place for stargazing. And there’s no better Galapagos cruise ship for stargazing than the  Celebrity Flora . The 100-passenger vessel feels more like a luxury yacht than an expedition ship. It has a stargazing platform on its top deck and provides binoculars to help guests spot constellations as the ship cruises along the equator. The modern expedition ship also offers a glamping experience that includes a naturalist-guided stargazing session and a luxurious night of glamping under the stars. Prefer to sleep in your bed on board? Have dinner under the stars at the ship’s restaurant before heading back to your suite. The Celebrity Flora ’s Galapagos itineraries range from seven to 16 nights. 

Best Galapagos cruise for adventure seekers 

Lindblad Expeditions has been cruising the Galapagos Islands for more than 50 years. It now sails to the Galapagos year-round in partnership with National Geographic, giving guests the chance to encounter giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and more. A staff of expert guides is on board to help travelers spot wildlife and better understand the volcanic landscapes, mangrove thickets, and seagrasses they encounter. Activities include unforgettable snorkeling adventures, hikes through pristine wilderness, and walks along remote beaches. Lindblad’s newest Galapagos Islands cruise ship, the National Geographic Islander II , feels more like a boutique hotel than an expedition ship and carries just 48 passengers in 26 suites. Some itineraries offer advanced divers the chance to commune with a variety of marine life. And while rugged adventures may await travelers off the ship, each suite offers travelers plenty of comfort: They come equipped with flat-screen TVs, in-room espresso machines, and bathrooms with double sinks.

Best Galapagos cruises for solo travelers 

Galapagos cruises aren’t cheap, especially if you’re sailing solo. Hurtigruten makes cruising the Galapagos Islands more affordable by waiving the single supplement on several of its Galapagos cruises. Hurtigruten Galapagos cruises range from seven to 14 days in length and take place on the MS Santa Cruz II , a ship that comes equipped with panga boats, kayaks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and a glass-bottom boat for viewing marine life. The ship carries a maximum of 90 passengers, and its operations are carbon-neutral. There’s a small gym and a hot tub on board. Regular prices start around $8,500 for a one-week cruise. Look for sales to bring your price down even further.

Best small ship Galapagos cruise 

Avalon Waterways may be better known for its European river cruises , but it also sails the Galapagos Islands. Avalon sails this region on two ships, the Treasure of the Galapagos and the Delfin III . The Delfin III , which also sails the Amazon in Peru, is its newest and most luxurious Galapagos cruise ship. The ship has just 22 suites, almost guaranteeing you’ll make new friends along the journey. The Treasure of the Galapagos is even smaller, carrying a maximum of 16 guests. And while there’s no long list of restaurants on board either ship, there are creative, locally inspired menus featuring seasonal ingredients and lots of vegetarian options. On board both ships, you’ll find daily natural history lectures, a team of multilingual naturalists, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, and plunge pools.  

For an adventure your kids will never forget, hop on board an Adventures by Disney cruise of the Galapagos Islands. Just be sure to wait until your kids are at least seven years old. This is the minimum age for most Galapagos cruises, though Disney recommends this itinerary for children eight and older. This isn’t your typical Disney cruise. It’s a small ship expedition itinerary with a hint of Disney magic in a setting fit for a fairy tale. Adventures by Disney's Galapagos itineraries span nine days and visit about 15 sites. 

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12 Best Tours from Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands: Day Trips+

Julia September 5, 2023 Ecuador Leave a Comment

Find the best side trips from Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands, ranging from 1 – 7 days each.

Santa Cruz Island is one of the most notable islands in the Galapagos archipelago. It’s the most populous island and also home to Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos. While Santa Cruz itself offers many fascinating attractions, it’s also a launchpad for numerous day trips to neighboring islands and sites.

These day trips from Santa Cruz promise unforgettable encounters with the archipelago’s unique flora and fauna, making Santa Cruz the ideal base for exploring the Galapagos Islands.

Let’s dive into some of the incredible day trips from Santa Cruz Island that might just make it onto your Galapagos itinerary.

Disclosure:  Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Table of Contents

Best Day Trips from Santa Cruz

Besides spending time on Santa Cruz Island, you’ll want to use the island as a hub to explore nearby islands. Many of these side adventures can only be visited by day tours from Puerto Ayora or on a multi-day Galapagos cruise.

1. Santa Cruz Island Day Trip: Giant Tortoises, Lava Tubes, & Los Gemelos

Simplify your trip to Santa Cruz Island by joining a hassle-free 3-hour afternoon tour to three of the island’s top attractions . Together with a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the impressive Los Gemelos volcanic formations, visit the local wildlife at the Giant Tortoise Wildlife Reserve, and capture memories as you journey through a lava tube.

Secure your spot in advance for this Santa Cruz Island tour. You’ll travel comfortably in air-conditioned transportation with a small group. Additionally, this trip includes complimentary entree to the Giant Tortoise Reserve.

2. Isabela Island Day Trip: Tintorera Islet, Snorkeling Wetlands & Flamingos

Head to Isabela Island on a guided tour from Santa Cruz . On this tour, you’ll cruise the bay to spot Galapagos penguins and blue-footed boobies up close.

Then you’ll disembark on “Las Tintoreras,” an islet teeming with marine iguanas. You’ll head out on a nature walk to the shark channel, one of the favorite resting spots for whitetip reef sharks, sea turtles, and sea lions.

Next, you’ll visit a remote white sand beach inhabited by sea lions, and enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles, sharks, rays, and possibly penguins. Then, stroll through Isabela Island’s wetlands, spotting Galapagos flamingos, birds, and marine iguanas.

Explore the coconut palm beaches and observe marine iguanas, crabs, and birds at Playa Puerto Villamil. Lastly, visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre Arnaldo Tupiza to witness various tortoise life stages. The tour includes admission fees, providing the ultimate Isabela Island experience.

3. Santa Fe Island Day Trip: Snorkeling and Fishing

Take a look at this unforgettable tour to Santa Fe Island . It’s a prime snorkeling destination in the Galapagos. A short 45-55 minutes boat ride brings you to this tranquil bay with beautiful turquoise waters that resemble a natural swimming pool.

Dive into the water to encounter sea lions, as the lively and playful younger ones join snorkelers, creating a one-of-a-kind interaction. Beyond the sea lions, the underwater world in the Galapagos is filled with sea turtles, sharks, tropical fish, and eagle rays.

The birdlife is abundant too, with sightings of blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, mockingbirds, and possibly even the Galapagos hawk. The island’s unique landscape contrasts the turquoise waters with dark lava rocks, cacti, and a white sand beach filled with sea lions.

After a delicious lunch, you’ll disembark at Hidden Beach, a quite stretch of white sand. Here, you can unwind, swim, or take a guided discovery walk to spot marine iguanas, pelicans, and mangroves. The return journey even offers the chance to try your hand at fishing from the boat. It’s a full day at Santa Fe!

4. Pinzon Island Day Trip: Snorkeling & Fishing

Set off on an exciting tour to Pinzon Island . Here you’ll have the chance to snorkel at one of Galapagos’ most breathtaking spots, revealing a mostly untouched underwater world.

Enjoy either two snorkeling sessions or one extended session, starting in a natural swimming pool before venturing into deeper blue waters. The water is teeming with diverse species, like sharks, sea turtles, rays, marine iguanas, and more.

As the second part of the tour, you’ll have the option for another snorkeling activity at La Fé or embark on a wet landing at La Fé Bay or Las Palmitas Bay.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll take a leisurely 45-60 minute discovery walk, encountering mangroves, cacti species, and captivating wildlife ,such as marine iguanas, sally lightfoot crabs, sea lions, and various bird species, including blue-footed boobies.

The tour to Pinzon Island from Santa Cruz also offers a chance for fishing. The goal being to catch the prized yellowfin tuna. A hot and freshly prepared lunch or ceviche will be served onboard, making for a satisfying and memorable day.

5. Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay Day Trip

Prepare for an exciting day trip to Bartolome Island from Santa Cruz! You’ll be picked up early at your hotel lobby and head to the Itabaca Channel. A comfy bus will take you to the channel, about a 40-minute ride.

Then, set sail to Bartolome Islet, a boat ride of 2-3 hours, depending on currents. Once Bartolome Islet is reached, you’ll disembark and hike around a volcanic cone to its summit. Enjoy taking in the stunning panoramic view alongside the iconic pinnacle.

After hiking, savor a delicious lunch on the boat before heading to the next stop, Sullivan Bay. Sullivan Bay is located just southeast of Santiago Island. Here you’ll disembark and explore the area which features cool geological formations.

Get ready for a 45-minute snorkeling adventure, where you might spot sea and land birds, fur seal colonies, and unique marine iguanas adapted to the terrain. As the day winds down, return to the Itabaca Channel and be transported back to Puerto Ayora.

6. Floreana Island Day Trip: Snorkeling and Fishing

Perhaps one of my favorites was discovering the remote island of Floreana Island. Tucked in the southern reaches of the archipelago, a day tour to Floreana Island from Santa Cruz is a must.

Despite being the least populated inhabited island in the Galapagos, with only around 150 residents, the day trip won’t take us to the inhabited part, but instead, to the beautiful Islet Enderby.

Here, you’ll cruise through a beautifully untouched corner of the archipelago, sharing space with sea lions and diverse bird species, including frigate birds, nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, petrels, and pelicans.

The adventure continues with a snorkeling session amid sea turtles, tropical fish, sea lions, and possibly rays and sharks. For those interested, you can try your hand at fishing with the chance to catch the ever-famous yellow-fin tuna.

Then you’ll disembark at Cormorant Point to the uninhabited part of Floreana Island. Following your naturalist guide, you’ll walk to a viewpoint offering stunning views of a lagoon inhabited by flamingos and framed by Floreana’s two tuff lava cones.

The journey continues to Flour Sand Beach, which is composed of coral. It’s the ideal spot to observe pelicans, sea lions, sea turtles, and other captivating wildlife. While en route to or from Floreana, you’ll pass the iconic Devil’s Crown, a partially submerged volcanic crater resembling a crown.

7. Scuba Diving at Gordon Rocks Day Trip

If you’re a scuba diver, diving at Gordon Rocks is one of the best day trips from Santa Cruz Island. You won’t want to miss it. On this thrilling scuba tour from Santa Cruz, you’ll experience the underwater marvels of Gordon Rocks, one of the Galapagos Islands’ premier dive sites.

Depart from Puerto Ayora on a scenic boat ride to Santa Cruz’s northeast side. This is where the famous Gordon Rocks is located. With your guide by your side, you’re free to explore the subterranean world. While marine life may vary, keep your eyes open for hammerhead sharks, barracudas, and eagle rays in their natural habitat. (It was my first time seeing hammerheads in the wild!)

With a small group, limited to eight participants, this dive trip offers an intimate, and safe, experience. You’ll also be served lunch onboard the boat. What are you waiting for? Get ready to experience the Galapagos Islands under the sea.

Check out the video from my scuba diving trip at Gordon Rocks!

Multi-Day Trips from Santa Cruz

While there are plenty of exciting day trips from Santa Cruz Island, there are also a number of multi-day options available. These allow you to set sail and experience some of the best of the Galapagos Islands, all from Santa Cruz. No additional planning needed! They take care of all of the logistics!

Take a look at these 5 and 7 day tours of the Galapagos Islands from Santa Cruz.

5 Day Eastern Galapagos Cruise aboard Yacht La Pinta

• Day 1: Baltra and South Plaza Islands
• Day 2: Santa Fe and San Cristobal Island
• Day 3: San Cristobal Island
• Day 4: Española Island
• Day 5: Santa Cruz and Baltra Islands

Your 5 day Galapagos Cruise adventure begins on Baltra Island, a former military base during World War II, now serving as an Ecuadorian naval and air force station.

From here, you’ll venture eastward along the volcanic shores of North Seymour and Santa Cruz Islands, eventually reaching the Plazas Islands. The adventure starts with a dry landing at a manmade jetty on South Plaza Island.

On the following day, you’ll explore Santa Fe Island and San Cristobal Island, the provincial capital of the Galapagos. Then, you’ll sail south to Española Island, which is home to the remarkable site: Punta Suarez.

Here, you’ll wander along the rugged coastline, encountering hundreds of marine iguanas, sea lions, marine birds, and possibly albatross (depending on the time of year). It’s the trip of a lifetime!

5 Day Western Galapagos Cruise aboard Yacht Isabela II

• Day 1: Baltra and Santa Cruz Islands
• Day 2: Bartolome and Santiago Islands
• Day 3: Santa Cruz and Santiago Islands
• Day 4: Isabela and Fernandina Islands
• Day 5: Baltra Island

This 5 day cruise starts on Santa Cruz Island , where you’ll explore the highlands and then visit the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station.

The following day you’ll have panoramic views from Bartolome Island and explore Sullivan Bay’s white coral sand beach, with a dramatic lava field to traverse.

Next, you’ll venture to Dragon Hill, the habitat of dusty-yellow land iguanas. After this adventure, Punta Vicente Roca awaits, teeming with wildlife encounters.

Later, your yacht takes you to the youngest island in the Galapagos archipelago, Fernandina. It’s celebrated as having one of the most pristine environments on Earth and can only be reached by cruise.

5 Day Northern Galapagos Cruise aboard Yacht La Pinta

• Day 1: Santa Cruz and Baltra Islands
• Day 2: Santa Cruz and Sombrero Chino Island
• Day 3: Bartolome and Santiago Islands
• Day 4: Genovesa Island

Take a journey to some of the most beautiful islands in the Galapagos on this 5 day cruise . Your adventure begins on Santa Cruz Island, the most populous island of the Galapagos archipelago. Here, you’ll meet giant tortoises in their natural habitat and venture to the shores of Eden Islet.

From there, you’ll hop over to the lovely crescent bay of Chinese Hat. On Wednesday, one of the iconic sites of the archipelago awaits: Bartolome Island. Here you’ll follow its wooden walkway up to a panoramic viewpoint, golden sandy beach, and great snorkeling spots.

Close-by, Sullivan Bay gives you a great introduction to the volcanic origins of the islands. Your cruise ends with an exciting visit to the sunken caldera of Genovesa. It’s far up in the northeast of the archipelago, a privileged place to visit amid thousands of marine birds. It’s also only accessible via Galapagos cruise boats.

7 Day Southeastern Galapagos Cruise aboard Yacht Isabela II

• Day 2: San Cristobal Island
• Day 3: Española Island
• Day 4: Floreana Island
• Day 5: Isabela and Fernandina Islands
• Day 6: Santa Cruz and North Seymour Islands
• Day 7: Baltra Island

Set out on a 7 day cruise through Galapagos’ Southeastern Islands , where magnificent landscapes and endemic wildlife await! Day one introduces you to Cerro Colorado’s giant tortoises. Then, at Punta Pitt, an exciting assortment of booby species welcomes you.

On the third day of your Galapagos tour, a visit to Española Island brings you face-to-face with magnificent wildlife, from mockingbirds to colorful marine iguanas!

As day four dawns, you’ll find yourself on Floreana Island, with historic Post Office Bay and Cormorant Point’s green beach awaiting you. Continuing westward, you’ll travel over young lava formations at Punta Moreno and explore the mangroves of southern Fernandina.

Your Galapagos adventure culminates with a morning visit to Eden Islet and an afternoon wander across the picturesque North Seymour Island.

7 Day Western Galapagos Cruise aboard Yacht La Pinta

• Day 1: Baltra and North Seymour Islands
• Day 2: Isabela and Fernandina Islands
• Day 3: Urbina Bay and Tagus Cove
• Day 4: Rabida & Santa Cruz Islands
• Day 5: Santa Cruz Island
• Day 6: Floreana Island

This 7 day Galapagos cruise itinerary will transport you to the very origins of the archipelago. In the blink of an eye, the Galapagos Islands emerged from a volcanic hot spot where a monumental tectonic shift of the Earth’s crust happened. It resulted in a landscape of unparalleled beauty which you’ll be exploring over 7 days.

One of the highlights is heading to Fernandina Island, hailed as a pristine haven. This untouched island showcases life evolving without human interference.

Next, on Santa Cruz Island, you’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and witness giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Venturing south, flamingos will catch your eye, and you’ll snorkel at the renowned Champion Islet.

It’s a fun filled itinerary, reaching some of the harder to reach islands in the Galapagos.

Explore More of the Galapagos Islands

Santa Cruz Island serves as a fantastic starting point for some of the most memorable tours in the Galapagos Islands. Whether you’re interested in exploring the highlands, seeing the giant tortoises, or venturing to nearby islands for snorkeling and wildlife encounters, Santa Cruz offers awesome tour options.

From day trips to multi-day adventures from Santa Cruz, you’ll have the opportunity to check out the incredible biodiversity and natural beauty that the Galapagos are renowned for. So, when planning your visit to the Galapagos, don’t miss the chance to discover the best tours departing from Santa Cruz Island.

Continue planning your Galapagos trip with these helpful resources.

• How to Travel to the Galapagos Islands on a Budget
• The True Cost of Traveling the Galapagos Islands: A Budget Breakdown
• 6 Critical Things To Know Before Going to the Galapagos Islands

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Bartolome Island | Day Tour starting at $250 | Galapagos 2024

Christian Echeverria

Bartolome Island with its volcanic formations will make you feel on another planet. From its lookout point you’ll find the best view of the entire Galapagos. I can help you reserve this Bartolome Island tour starting at $250 .

Chokotrip unlike Viator and other websites

Reserves your tour directly with the boat operators when you send your first payment. This is why our prices are not inflated and why when you reserve with us you recieve, the name and information of your tour operator so you can follow up directly with the tour operator and have the security of knowing that the tour is confirmed the moment you pay for it.

Bartolome Island (Galapagos – Ecuador) is among the world’s 10 most beautiful islands. You must go up to the viewpoint. After that, you’ll feel like you’re no longer on Earth. You won’t regret it!

Bartolome Island and the most famous viewpoint of Galapagos

• How to get there

Trip itinerary

• Tour information

Tour prices

• Check availability
• ES: Isla Bartolomé

How to get to Bartolome Island?

There are two ways to get to Bartolome Island in the Galapagos. First, one a Galapagos cruise that includes a Bartolome Island trip on its itinerary. Second, taking a day tour to Bartolome Island from Santa Cruz Island.

The pinnacle of Bartolome Island

The trip to Bartolome combines with one of these destinations: » Sullivan Bay » Golden Beach » Chinese Hat Island

Bartolome and the most famous viewpoint of Galapagos

Everything begins at a meeting point assigned by the operator you’ve hired for the tour to Bartolome. Afterwards, you travel around 45 minutes to get to Itabaca canal. Once on board, you sail for 2 hours, until you reach Bartolome Island or a destination that combines, depending on the yacht’s itinerary.

The volcanic formations in Bartolome

Once on the Island, you begin a walk up to the lookout with the best view in the Galapagos Islands. After that, you’ll have lunch on board the yacht. Depending on the permission granted to your vessel by the Galapagos National Park, you’ll do one of the following activities:

Stories on Instagram from Bartolome Island

Sullivan Bay and its pahoehoe lava beach

» Sullivan Bay of Santiago Island : You’ll snorkel and during dry season, you can see penguins. Alternatively, ask to be taken directly to the beach to go on a short hike over dry lava Pahoehoe.

Galapagos Penguins on Bartolome Island

» Golden Beach on Bartolome Island: Throughout the trips I’ve made to Bartolome Island I’ve never taken a tour that includes Playa Dorada on its itinerary. However, as in other tours, you have the option to snorkel or enjoy the beach.

Chinese Hat Island and its volcanic cone

» Chinese Hat Island : Two vessels include Bartolomé + Chinese Hat in its itinerary. Yachts depart Monday and Friday. The snorkeling activity takes place on Playa Dorada on the yacht that departs on Monday, while the yacht that departs on Friday will take you snorkeling on Sombrero Chino / Chinese Hat and on both tours you will have a wet landing on Sombrero Chino / Chinese Hat followed by short hike.

I recommend reserving far in advance if you want to go on this tour to Bartolome Island . Make sure you check availability far in advance, especially if you plan on traveling during the months of July, August or December.

BARTOLOME ISLAND ON VIDEO

Information on Bartolome day tour

› Does not include: Alcoholic beverages, tip and neoprene suit.

I work with 10 operators who own their own boats, you can travel to Bartolome in standard yachts, first class, luxury, catamarans or sailboats; each one has a different tour price.

⭐⭐✩✩✩ low quality ⭐⭐⭐✩✩ decent quality ⭐⭐⭐⭐✩ good quality ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ best quality

The tours with low prices are the ones that travelers complain about the most.

Reserve the Bartolome Island tour with a complete payment using the available payment methods: a bank transfer from any Ecuadorian bank (no additional cost), using WeTravel you can a bank transfer from any U.S. bank (1% + 0.30 cents in additional costs), credit or debit card (only 3.9% additional cost) o using Paypal (5.9% additional cost). Price does not include 12% IVA (only if you need an invoice).    

DON’T MISS OUT!

I can help you reserve this Bartolome Island tour with local operators that own the vessels. Instead of wasting time wandering around each island looking for tours, you should be enjoying the places you can visit on your own while at the Galapagos Islands.

• 📆 CHECK AVAILABILITY

I can help you reserve this Bartolome Island tour with local operators that own the vessels. Instead of wasting time wandering around each island looking for tours, you should be enjoying the places you can visit on your own while at the Galapagos Islands.  

TRAVEL SAFE THROUGH THE GALAPAGOS

After a lot of research, I found a travel assistance service that really works and helps in difficult moments. Good travel insurance that covers flight cancellations is key and, in purchasing this, travelers that visit my blog also get a 5% discount.

• GO FOR YOUR INSURANCE 🎯

POLITICAS DE USO

• Al reservar hospedaje en cada isla, obtendras 10 dolares por isla, es decir si reservas en las 3 islas hospedajes obtendrias 30 dolares de descuento por persona al contratar tours diarios en las 3 islas.
• Al usar el descuento en los tours contratados con ChokoTrip, las reservas de hospedajes no podran ser canceladas ni se aplicaria ninguna politica de cancelacion ni cambio de fecha de los hoteles.
• Para acceder al descuento, la compra de los tours debe ser realizar por la misma persona que reservó en el siguiente formulario de la pagina de ChokoTrip
• Solo para reservas del 2024

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My name is Christian but you came call me Choko. Together with my wife we have created this blog to help all travelers going to Galapagos. I am from Ecuador, born in Guayaquil. Passionate about traveling and everything related to social media. In my free time I travel the americas. I have given conferences and workshops revolving around my work and tourism 2.0 // WRITE ME USING WHATSAPP: +593978990910 - BLOG EN ESPAÑOL ChokoTrip

45 Comments

Terrific experience. The boat was comfortable with a great crew. Mauricio was informative and painted a terrific picture of the past of Bartolomue Island. Nature was its usual amazing self. I was solo but made quick friends with my terrific companions from L.A. Thank you for an unforgettable experience.

We went out to Bartolome Island, the trip started with a bus ride to the docks. The boat was slow, which was nice, we sat our on the front soaking up rays and watching the wildlife. The guide was lovely, and the tour was great. The highlight was swimming with penguins!!! An experience we will never forget, we enjoyed this immensely.

One of the best excursions ! We traveled with out family of 7, the service was second to none. Highly impressed with the level of professionalism and logistics… A must do !

Bartolome Island we went for a slightly more expensive boat and glad we did as we could see the difference in price, you get what you pay for. Great trip there and back and delicious food on board.

We scheduled 6 trips with Choko and are very impressed with the quality and delivery of the tours and the customer service from Christian. For example: the Espanola tour was cancelled due to avian flu and we got the refund back via PayPal in no time. Very pleasant experience, will recommend Chocko tours to everyone.

The Bartolome trip was excellent – we ended up being booked with a very good excursion company: knowledgeable guide and friendly crew on a nice boat/yacht. The Sullivan Bay snorkel was spectacular and the hike up to the “Instagram view” on Bartolome made for a long but perfect day.

Hi I am looking to book some tours from 24th to 31st december

Hi Thomas, sure, but there is for December 23, enter here http://www.choko.tour/book-tours

Booked a tour to Bartolome Island from Santa Cruz Island through ChokoTrip. The web site provided all the information required including the comment that the cheapest tour may not be the most satisfying. We booked a tour on the a yacht and were extremely satisfied with the experience. The booking process was simple and we received quick responses to our questions. The yacht was comfortable and the crew and guide were great. Lunch was delicious. Overall a great experience.

Excellent tour and great booking experience with Choko Trip. I thouroughly enjoyed the experience even though I do not snorkel.

Not knowing much about the tour companies that schedule Galapagos tours, I didn’t want to make a poor decision on whom to work with so I scheduled our daily tours through 4 different companies. Choko was heads above the other three in every way. Christian provided a swift reply to reservation requests. The reservations were accurate. Questions were answered quickly. I also found the information on the website extremely helpful, accurate, and complete. Given that most scheduling companies offer the same tours using the same boats, I strongly recommend Christian.

We opted for flying into San Cristobal, taking the 360 San Cristobal and Isla Lobos tours. Because of bird flu, Espanola was closed. As I understand it, there is a 180 San Cristobal tour. As the last half of the 360 is very rough with no stops, I recommend taking the 180. The highlands tour can be skipped.

We then took a ferry (30 people) to Santa Cruz. We took the Santa Cruz Bay tour, Isabela with the ferry to and from on the same day, Bartolomei with Chinese Hat, and a highlands tour. All were great.

This approach allowed us to do things in the evenings on islands and sleep in a still bed every night. It was also much cheaper than a cruise that takes people to some places that are not very interesting. We swam with sharks, rays, turtles, seals, and fish. We saw frigates, blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, tortoises, and seals.

Remember, always take the largest boat available. When the boats go from island to island, it takes usually about 2 hours, they go very fast, and it can be rough.

ChocoTrip organizó todos mis Tours en mi estancia en Galápagos. Y estuvieron súper bien. Christian siempre estuvo accesible a mis preguntas vía WhatsApp o email , y se lo agradezco mucho . Además contestaba con rapidez y amabilidad. El Tour a San Bartolomé fué muy especial .El.barco era más grande ,con zonas de estar cubiertas ,pero acristaladas . Y también zonas de estar en cubierta de arriba al aire libre. En ambas las vistas eran espectaculares. El.grupo era muy reducido y muy agradable . En cuanto a los guías teníamos dos guías, uno para las 3 personas de habla inglesa y otro guía para las 5 personas que hablábamos español. Los dos guias con muchísimo conocimiento de la zona y súper agradables. El guía que nos acompañó en el snorkel muy profesional , y nos enseñó pingüinos ,tortugas,tiburones, rayas ,estrellas de mar , peces preciosos … Y nos sentimos muy seguros . Además nos.envió después de la excursión un video.,ya editado por el , de las imágenes y vídeos que había sacado con su Gopro. Es un recuerdo precioso . Toda la excursión fué una maravilla . Las vistas desde lo alto de la isla ,los animales que vimos ,la isla volcánica que visitamos antes de San Bartolomé. Y la verdad ,el.poder comer una comida riquísima, cómodamente en la parte acristalada del barco ,con las vistas de la Isla San Bartolomé, fué mágico . Además de la amabilidad de la tripulación, que también hay que resaltar . Tour muy recomendable , uno de mis mejores recuerdos en mis viajes . Gracias otra vez a todo el equipo y a Christian.

The tour bartolome was great, the boat was wonderful and the staff was really nice, always taking care of us and making sure we were always confortable. Lunch was perfect, the food, the view, the sharing with all the group together. Bartolome island is really beautiful and we were very lucky with the weather bit our guide was really amazing. Snorkelling in sombrero chino was a superb experience, with all the fishes, all the animals and the waters so clean and with so much visibility. It was a wonderful experience and i recommend to everyone.

We had an amazing trip to Bartolome last week. Choko helped us book it and he was extremely helpful and responsive. We got to snorkel with penguins and sea turtles! The ship and crew were very attentive and wonderful with our kids. Highly recommend!

Choko was able to get us on a Bartolome tour when others couldn’t find availability. We loved the food and snacks on the boat, which was also very comfortable. The guide made sure to make sure our children (ages 5 and 9) were included in the activities.

The view from atop Bartolome was magnificent and the snorkeling and beach in Sullivan Bay were the favorite of our trip.

This trip was a 3 hour journey on the boat each way, so that was a downside if you get seasick. It does make a very full (but amazing) day.

Choko helped us booking the 1-day tour to Bartolome Island with Sullivan Bay on the Luxury Yahat. Booking process is easy and fast. He contacted the tour operator for our hotel pick up/ drop off. The guide/crew members are friendly and professional, who made the tour very enjoyable. The foods/drinks. snacks are excellent. I’d recommend to my friends, who are interested in visiting Galapagos.

Booking the Bartolome tour was easy and fast. The service during the trip was excellent. Good food, comfortable boat (as we chose) and great service. Totally recommended!

Fue un Tour muy largo porque la embarcación que nos toco iba muy lenta… la subida a Bartolome fue bonita pero coincidió con el mediodia y el calor era demasiado. Los paisajes bonitos. Luego pusimos hacer snorkel.

Bartolome Island: Great trip, really good cook, we had a wonderful lunch with a lot of vegetables, snorkling was amazing.

The yacht was fantastic as well as the hike, and lunch but the beach snorkeling was a disappointment. Locations are scheduled by the park and we got the poor choice

management is great, but the boat a bit old and lunch is good

but all is OK great time great trip

Our day cruise to Bartolome was absolutely amazing!!! The tour was very well organized from the meeting point in the morning, all the way to the drop off. Our guide was extremely educational and we saw so many animals! We saw dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, penguins, lizards, crabs, birds, sea lions, and sharks! I would suggest bringing cash if you need to rent a wetsuit, for beer, and for tipping. Other than that, they take care of all the rest! Thank you for a very memorable day!!!!

We scheduled this trip to Bartolome Island with Choko and everything was wonderful. This is a must-do while on the islands and everything was pretty easy when booking through Chiko. Strongly recommend it.

Amazing trip to Bartolomé! Well worth it.

Excellent tour. Good snorkeling and Bartolomme is amazing. Tour guide was excellent informative. Great food on the boat. Booked through choko Thanks again 🙂

I would recommend this trip. Nice boat, good lunch and excellent snorkeling.

I had some travel issues in Guayaquil (thank you Delta!) and Choko made arrangements last minute and booked me and my family a trip to Bartolome Fantastic experience, great boat, great bilingual guide and crew. Fully recommended! Thanks again Choko

It was a fabulous trip. We went on other boat trips booked by other operators, and none had as nice of a boat or as knowledgable of a guide. Thank you so much. This was a trip highlight for sure!

Our trip to Bartolome was great- thank you to Choko for arranging this for us. Our tour guide provided us with lots of information about the island and made our experience very enjoyable. Breakfast, snacks, and lunch were provided- all were very good. We had a great time! Thanks Choko

Choko is a great helper in scheduling tuors in Galápagos. The Baltolomé tour was wonderful. The vessel was very comfortable, the personnel very nice and the food excellent. The small Bartolomé island is a panoramic highlight, and the snorkeling at Sullivan Bay was amazing. The whole trip was a dream come true. Thanks !!

Buenas tardes! Planeo visitar las islas en enero de 2020. Soy de Argentina. Que me podrian decir sobre el clima en ese mes en relacion a las excursiones y el avistaje de animales? Los leo. Gracias!

El clima es de mucho sol y lluvias, todo depende de los dioses del clima para ver si llueve o tienes sol en esos días, el agua está muy cálida, y los animales como siempre digo son libres, y están en todo el año, hay posibilidad de ver pinguinos en esa fecha por Bartolomé.

Amazing tour with the Catamaran to Bartolomé! The real highlight of our Galapagos trip. Choko made the arrangements with the local agency sooo quickly! And he is always available via email or whatsapp to clear out any doubt. 10 out of 10, truly recommended!

Choko is the best, as every excursion I did was memorable. Bartolome is a must see in the Galapagos. The vista from atop the island is really the best view in all of the islands. Then snorkeling afterwards was great too. Highly recommend this excursion and Choko!!

My husband and i had very little time in the Galapagos Islands. We booked a day trip to Bartolome with Choko Trip. The catamaran was great. it was a smooth ride. There were 14 people on our tour and the boat was a perfect size for all of us. Our guide was fantastic! Very knowledgeable and witty. The crew prepared a delicious lunch. We enjoyed this trip very much! Choko made it easy to book. We used the WhatApp to contact our guide the day before. This made it easy to hookup with the tour on the day of the trip. Thanks for a great experience!

Increíble experiencia. 100% recomendado. Viajamos con mi esposo. El tour a Bartolomé supero nuestras expectativas. La embarcación que seleccionamos con ayuda de Choko fue La Española.

A fantastic place worth a visit! Everything worked out perfectly, Choko’s arrangements were very accurate and useful.

My adult daughter and I had a wonderful time on our trip to Bartolome Island . Our yacht, the Wind Rose was spectacular. The captain was very professional, as were the rest of the crew. They were also a lot of fun. The on board chef was wonderful, our lunch was delicious. Our guide, Juan Fernando was amazing, so knowledgeable and considerate of the comfort of all of the guests. It was the highlight of our stay in the Galapagos. Well worth the price.

Yes this is an expensive day trip, but if you really want to see pinnacle rock as i did, then you should go. the lunch was actually really good, and enjoyed snorkeling around the island across the way.

We did a land based 16night trip to Galapagos with day trips & ferries arranged by Choko….Bartolome was an amazing island with spectacular views.The boat was the Altamar..it was great, very luxurious with cooked breakfast onboard fruit scrambled eggs toast etc on proper plates cutlery etc..the Boat was very smooth with ample seating inside or on rear on comfortable patio chairs or top deck. After the walk on Bartolome had a full cooked lunch again table service onboard.Snorkelled off a beach en route to Bartolome with tuna & crackers snack after. Cannot recommend boat Altamar enough we also went on the same boat for our North Seymour trip..Thanks to Choko all went very easily..

Our trip to Bartolome Island was wonderful. We saw so much wildlife including a penguin! The snorkeling was good, saw many schools of blue fish. Saw one sea iguana eating under water also.

Our guide was Ricardo who spoke great English. He works as a freelancer and was hired by the tour company for the day.

The boat could have been better. The exhaust fumes were terrible when sitting on the back of the boat. The food was mediocre. That’s the only complaint.

I would recommend to anyone to go and experience Bartolome Island. Will never forget it.

I contacted Choko to book a tour to Bartelome. I told him I get seasick and was concerned about the boat size. He booked me on a wonderful tour on a large yacht. The tour was amazing, great food, great guide, great staff. The booking process was easy and Choko always respomded to my questions. The tour company was top notch.

On short notice, Choko helped us get a tour to Bartolome Island. On Choko’s website he comments that “you get what you pay for”. The Yachat was not the lowest price, but we feel like we truly got our money’s worth. First, Choko make the arrangements quickly and smoothly for us. This included easy payment methods by credit card. The boat is kept in immaculate condition. It was more than comfortable for the 16 people on our tour. We could sit inside an air conditioned cabin, or out on the front or rear decks. They cooked us a fine lunch, including making special arrangements for people who were vegetarian or with other food preferences. They had 2 good toilets, and cabins for changing clothes before and after snorkeling. They also provided snacks, towels, and nice snorkeling equipment. They called us out onto the decks to see fish jumping, proposes swimming with the boat, and other sights en route to the island. Our guide, Felipe Ayala, was outstanding. Full of details and descriptions of geology, flora, and fauna. The plan for the day was well described and clear. Bartolome Island is the iconic spot seen in many Galapagos photographs. There is a boardwalk to the top of a tuff cone. We did not climb quickly, but rather moved at a pace that all could accommodate, while learning much about the amazing geology of the islands during our climb. Felipe described the development of various islands in the Galapagos, and explained the connections between flora, fauna, and geology. Later, we went to a beautiful spot for snorkeling before returning to Santa Cruz Island. We were fully informed at every moment. It was a delightful and comfortable day. We never would have been able to find this great trip to Bartolome Island without the help of Choko! We deeply appreciate his lightning fast responses to email and WhatsApp messages, and all that he did to make this unforgettable moment possible for us.

We scheduled a trip to Bartolome with Choko. Everything was great. I found the follow up to be wonderful.

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Day Trips Galapagos 2024

An effective way of exploring the Galapagos Islands is taking different tours that last just one day . The Galapagos Islands are located 1,000 km (620 miles) off the coast of Ecuador, and it’s the most visited place in the country, both by national and foreign tourists. There are tours and excursions departing from the islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela . In each tour, you can participate in activities like snorkeling, hiking, experiential fishing or swimming with whitetip reef sharks and sea lions. You can also admire the famous Galapagos giant tortoises, marine iguanas, frigates and penguins , and be fascinated while gazing at beautiful landscapes, such as the ones in Bartolomé Island.

Day trips departing from Santa Cruz Island

The island of Santa Cruz is in the middle of the Galapagos Islands, and it has a wide variety of tours departing daily. The most visited islands are: Bartolomé, Seymour, Isabela, Daphne, Pinzón, Santa Fe and Floreana. In addition, you can take half-days tour to visit the “El Chato” tortoise reserve or to explore the bay of Puerto Ayora by boat.

Bartolome Island trip

Get to know the beautiful landscapes that Bartolomé has to offer. From: $300

Seymour Island trip

Seymour Island is home to the largest colony of frigatebirds From: $290

Isabela Island trip

Admire the beautiful scenery and a wide variety of animals, including the Galapagos penguins. From: $178

Pinzón Island trip

Swim alongside the docile whitetip sharks. From: $168

Santa Fe Island trip

Snorkel alongside playful sea lions. From: $159

Trip 180° Santa Cruz

Visit Santa Cruz, Pinzon and Daphne islands, snorkel and see starfish. From: $192

Floreana Island trip

Learn about the history of the first settlers and pirates. From: $154

El Chato Reserve trip

Visit the Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat. From: $115

Take a boat tour off the bay of Puerto Ayora and swim in Las Grietas. Desde: $57

Day trips departing from Isabela Island

Isabela is the largest island in Galapagos, known for its volcanoes and beautiful landscapes. From there, you can take day tours to visit the Sierra Negra volcano or the Cabo Rosa underwater lava tunnels, one of the best snorkeling spots in Galapagos, where you will have the opportunity to swim with sea turtles, whitetip reef sharks and seahorses. You can also take a kayaking excursion to an islet called Las Tintoreras.

The Tunnels trip

Get to know the underwater lava tunnels and snorkel. From: $139

Sierra Negra Volcano trip

The best hike in South America to a volcano. From: $62

Tintoreras Islet kayak trip

Admire from a kayak the beautiful landscape of Las Tintoreras Islet. From: $65

Day trips departing from San Cristobal Island

The island of San Cristobal has an area of 558 m2 and is the provincial capital of Galapagos. Here you can take a tour to Kicker Rock – called “León Dormido” in Spanish – which is a rock formation that resembles a sleeping lion. You can also take the 360° Tour around the island of San Cristobal. Finally, on the tour to Espanola Island you will get to visit the nesting site of albatrosses.

Kicker Rock (León Dormido) trip

Snorkel in the channel formed by this iconic rock. From: $153

360° San Cristobal trip

Go on a boat tour around the San Cristobal Island. From: $192

Espanola Island trip

Get to know the largest nesting site of the beautiful albatrosses. From: $261

Recommendations

To make your trip more efficient and enjoy the wonderful Galapagos Islands, we recommend the following pages:

Tourist packages

Get to know the Galapagos Islands in a package of 4, 5, 7 day or customized tours.

Interisland flights

Transport yourself by plane quickly and comfortably between the Galapagos Islands.

SeaStar Cruise

Visit the wonders of the Galapagos Islands in comfort and convenience.

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The Best Day Trips from Isabela Island, Galapagos

Some of our family’s most memorable experiences were on day trips from Isabela Island, in the Galapagos. We were in Isabela Island for only a four short days, but that visit remains one of our favorite travel memories!

The Galapagos Islands, far off the coast of Ecuador, have some of the most unique species on the planet and offer some of best day trips for wildlife watching anywhere. Couple that with beautiful beaches, tropical weather, and friendly locals and you have a destination worth exploring.

Whether you’re taking a day trip to one of the 18 islands in the volcano-formed archipelago, or hoping to take one of the more luxurious cruise trips to Galapagos Islands , you’re sure to encounter plenty of wildlife.

The Galapagos are home to the endangered giant tortoise, the lava rock loving land iguana and its brethren, the ocean diving marine iguana, plus tons of sea turtles, sea lions and even tropical penguins. The marine iguana is a species of iguana found only on the Galápagos Islands, and is unique among modern lizards in that it finds food under the surface of the ocean.

Some of the most scenic day trips you can do in the Galapagos Islands originate from Isabela Island. We had the good fortune of spending some time there and got to experience the best day trips from Isabela Island, Galapagos for ourselves.

A brief history of Isabela Island

Isabela Island (also called Isla Isabela) is the largest of the Galapagos Islands (it’s actually bigger than all the other 17 islands combined!), however Puerto Villamil (the largest village on the island) is the smallest of the three main settlements in the Galapagos.

Getting around town on the sandy streets is quick and easy and there’s a very laid back, almost Caribbean feel to the island. To say that the town is as unique as the people and the animals that live there is an understatement and we met some really nice people there.

Isabela Island straddles the Equator and was formed, like the others in the archipelago, via lava and volcanoes around a million years ago. As a result, this Galapagos island still has plenty of volcanic activity and ranks among one of the most active volcanic islands in the world. Nearly all the volcanic activity is based around the untouched northern portion of the island but it still makes a for a great trip.

Whether you’re taking one of the many tours or going it alone, there’s a lot to do for such a sleepy place. Like most of the Galapagos Islands , you’ll see sea lions and marine iguanas just about everywhere you look as well as the remarkable frigate birds flying overhead. In the wetlands of the island you can see pink flamingoes and stilts and Darwin’s famed finches, that helped him form his theory of evolution, exist near land and sea.

Under the water you can see some of the largest gatherings of hammerhead sharks in the world as well as plenty of sea turtles, stingrays, manta rays and sea horses. If you’re snorkeling, there’s a good chance you’ll be visited by an inquisitive sea lion and, if you’re lucky, the only tropical penguin in the world, the Galapagos penguin.

Day Trips from Isabela Island

Some of the more notable day trips from Isabela Island include:

A day trip to Los Tuneles

Our favorite day trip from any of the Galapagos Islands, the day trip to Los Tuneles was amazing!

The day we went to Los Tuneles we snorkeled with nearly a dozen sea turtles, swam with reef sharks and sea lions, and also saw a sea horse and a few rays up close.

We also walked over crumbling lava tunnels and got up close to watch the mating dance of a pair of blue-footed booby’s.

One of my personal highlights was sitting down on one of the caved in lava arches and watching sea turtles navigate the shallow channels of Los Tuneles below to get to the warmer lagoon for the night.

Sometimes they would pass only a few feet away from us and the water was crystal clear.

Sierra Negra Volcano

The second largest active volcanic crater in the world, the Sierra Negra is over 10km in diameter. Day trips to Sierra Negra take you up and around the rim and give you spectacular views of the volcano and surrounding islands.

Expect to be hot and tired after your 16 km walk but everyone we talked to who did it said it was worth it for the views alone. It’s about a four to five hour tour that usually includes trips to Volcan Chico which is about an hour farther away where you can see fumaroles (gas vents) and parasitic craters (a non main volcano cone) up close.

The Tintoreras are a series of small islands directly across from Puerto Villamil.

The tour usually comprises of a small boat that takes five minutes to cross the shallow bay and drives slowly along the coastline so you can see the Galapagos penguins (the only tropical penguin in the world) and blue-footed boobies (funny looking birds with blue feet and an extravagant mating dance) up close.

While on a tour, you also have the opportunity to snorkel in between the islands. While snorkeling, you might see everything from small reef sharks to stingrays to sea turtles and curious sea lions.

Once you’re done snorkeling, you’ll cross onto one of the islands where you’ll get off the boat and hike a short trail that’ll bring you to an area full of sea lions and a water alley full of resting sharks.

Tip! If you want you can also kayak over to Tintoreras as part of a group. It’s a fairly similar tour to what’s above however you won’t end up traveling as far down the coast as you would with the boat. The nicest part is that if you find the Galapagos penguins (they move around a lot during certain seasons), you can generally get a little closer to them.

Concha de Perla

The Concha de Perla is like a giant natural swimming pool that’s closed off from the sea. It’s right next to the main island docks. To get to it, look for a sign on the left as you walk towards the water.

After a 1 minute walk along a long wooden boardwalk, you’ll come to a small deck overlooking the bay. There’s not much seating however there are two sets of stairs leading to the water and the Concha de Perla is a gorgeous place to swim and snorkel.

To get to the town docks or the boardwalk, head east from town. The docks can be reached in around 10 minutes. It can be pretty hot in the afternoons so it might be wiser to grab a truck taxi for a few dollars.

Every time we went to Concha de Perla we saw sharks, sea turtles, stingrays and groups of fish. Along the edges, we saw marine iguanas hanging out in low hanging branches just above the water basking in the sun as well as sea lions frolicking about. Supposedly it’s not uncommon to see Galapagos penguins there from time to time as well.

Caution: There is no beach area at Concha de Perla and the water is deep so it’s not great for kids unless they’re strong swimmers. Also note that as the tide rises and drops it can create a current along the outer edges so make sure you’re a strong swimmer or are wearing flippers if you head farther out. Since it’s too deep to see much in the center, you’ll want to keep to the edges anyway.

Giant Tortoise Breeding Center

The National Park runs the giant tortoise breeding center on Isabela Island and that’s where giant tortoises are raised from eggs to adolescence before being set free into the highlands, which is their natural habitat on the island.

The tortoise breeding center is a great place for kids and there is a good interpretation room. To get to it, you can just head down the beach or up the main road the opposite way from the town docks and turn right onto the wooden walkways just past Iguana Crossing. It’s a pretty 30 min walk from town or around 5 minutes by taxi.

Flamingos Lake

To the west of Puerto Villamil, there are various salt and brackish lagoons which house an impressive variety of coastal and sea birds. Here, visitors can also find the largest concentration of flamingos in the Galapagos.

The path to Flamingo Lake is located only a feet from the beach and starts just past Iguana Crossing hotel. You can visit the Tortoise breeding center at the same time since it uses the same path.

Wall of Tears

The Wall of Tears on Isabela Island has a rich history of fairly grisly details. The culmination of which was a large wall made of lava boulders in the middle of nowhere constructed by prisoners in the late 40’s and early 50’s as a large, make work project that never went anywhere.

The Wall of Tears is five km from the town of Puerto Villamil and makes a great early morning or late afternoon jaunt. To get there quicker, you can rent a bicycle in town that will let you ride down the well posted nature trails that will also lead to lagoons, some gorgeous viewpoints, as well as some beautiful secluded beaches.

Isabela Island is also home to wetland areas located just outside of Puerto Vilamil. The Wetlands consist of salt water lagoons and mangrove swamps and are home to a variety of unique endemic bird species such as common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails, and gallinules. You can visit the Wetlands on foot via a path that winds through the swamps.

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With such a picturesque and adventurous location to spend a day at, a visit to the Galapagos can certainly be one of the best day trips. The beaches, tropical weather, and lots of activities to engage in both on the land and in the water are amazing.

This is an exceptional guide for anyone planning to explore the beautiful Galapagos Islands. The article offers a well-researched and comprehensive list of the best day trips from Isabela Island, ranging from hiking to snorkeling and wildlife observation. your love and passion for the Galapagos Islands are evident in the article, making it both informative and enjoyable to read. Overall this is a must-read guide for anyone planning to visit the Galapagos Islands, and I highly recommend it.

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Years after putting it off, I finally checked off these 'magical' islands my bucket list

I had been wanting to visit the Galapagos for years. So, why take the bucket list trip now?

Like many post-COVID Americans, I was eager to travel this summer, but every place seemed as if it would be hot or crowded. But In April, when my sister Janice suggested we finally go to the Galapagos, I immediately said yes.        

The Galapagos, an archipelago of small islands 600 miles off Ecuador, were made famous by Charles Darwin. It was there, by observing differences in native species in 1831, where he honed his understanding of evolution. But these islands are equally well known as a unique natural kingdom teeming with wildlife – giant tortoises, unique species of birds, huge iguanas, even penguins.

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Is a wellness retreat worth it? I spent a week surfing with women to find out.

The Galapagos had been at the top of my bucket list for many years. But life, as it so often does, got in the way – work, family, other trips.

Once the decision was made, it was surprisingly easy to make arrangements. Because everything in the Galapagos is highly regulated, our choices were limited – in a good way.  Other than arranging our flights to Ecuador, we basically had two decisions to make.

◾ First decision: Choose a sleep-aboard ship or be a “day-tripper.” On a sleep-aboard ship, you visit more islands with fewer people and have more interaction with wildlife. As a day tripper, you stay on one or two islands and spend hours on ferries to take day tours to the more limited islands that allow day visitors.

We wanted to see as much as we could and didn’t want to waste precious daylight hours in transportation. We chose a sleep-aboard ship. 

◾ Second decision: Which ship? To protect the wildlife and fragile environment, Ecuador greatly restricts the number and size of ships in the Galapagos. The few largest ships hold up to 100 passengers. Most are small ships with fewer than 32 passengers.

I knew I wanted a small ship, but I also wanted comfortable quarters. I also wanted excellent naturalist guides with a more personal passenger-to-naturalist guide ratio. That led me to Ecoventura , one of the leading outfitters in the Galapagos, whose three ships are limited to 20 passengers. In the Galapagos, each guide is allowed to serve up to 16 tourists, but Ecoventura offered a maximum of 10 guests to every naturalist. Finally, I loved the fact that every one of Ecoventura’s well-appointed staterooms has massive windows instead of portholes.   

Six weeks after deciding on the Galapagos, my sister and I arrived in Quito, Ecuador. From there, we flew to San Cristobal Island, where our two naturalists – Billy and Martin  – met us and the other guests. We were whisked to a Zodiac (a firm motorized raft) to be taken to our home for the week – the ship aptly named Evolve. We lucked out. Evolve was brand-new – entering service only in March 2023. And instead of 20 passengers, we had only 14. Very personalized service indeed!

Why the Galapagos?

“Magical” – that’s the word I’ve been using to describe the Galapagos ever since I returned. The main attraction, of course, is the wildlife. In the Galapagos, I was awed by the incredible beauty and diversity of birds and reptiles − and how close you can get to them without disturbing their habitat.

Moreover, in the Galapagos, the animals really do come first. Ecuador was the first country in the world to include the rights of nature in its constitution, and there are numerous restrictions to protect the fragile ecosystem. These include the number of visitors allowed each year, the number and size of boats, where and when tourists are allowed, and the requirement that a guide must be with visitors at all times in protected areas.  

I absolutely fell in love with one of the birds most associated with the Galapagos: the blue-footed boobies. Forget the funny name: These birds are absolute charmers. With their teal flippers, they bounce around like a child wearing swim fins for the first time.

The waved albatross travel hundreds of miles to nest on the Galapagos island of Espanola. They were beautiful. The land iguanas – unattractive in close-ups pics (they’d never be Instagram stars) have a lively community. Their colors grow on you.  

Hundreds of sea lions appear to own title to the Galapagos. They move in everywhere and anywhere they want. They’re descendants of the California sea lions that laze on piers in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, but in the Galapagos, they’re lively and lovely personalities, frolicking with snorkelers, posing for pictures, "hugging" one another. One swam just inches from me as I was snorkeling.

Unexpectedly, there were also little penguins – the most northern penguins anywhere in the world. Adorable! And I was impressed by the Sally Lightfoot crabs with their neon orange, fluorescent blue and yellow shells, clambering up rocks. We saw dolphins and pilot whales and white-tipped sharks. Of course, we also saw Darwin finches, the little unobtrusive bird that has evolved into different species on different islands, which helped Darwin understand how evolution works.

I wanted to see wildlife – and boy, was I not disappointed!

How was the ship experience?

My sister was worried about seasickness. (Fortunately, I don’t get seasick.) But before she left the U.S., she got a prescription for the “patch,” and she never once experienced any seasickness.

Billy and Martin, our naturalists, were exceptionally knowledgeable and, like every Galapagos guide, were not only local and licensed but had to take exams every two years.

The rest of the Ecoventura staff was likewise attentive and skilled. We always felt safe, even catered to. There was always a hand to help us get in and out of the Zodiacs, eyes on us as we snorkeled, and hot chocolate waiting when we returned.

OK, so why did I finally decide to go to the Galapagos if I had managed to put it off all these years?

I felt I had better hurry.

I wanted to be able to fully participate in the hikes, snorkeling and other activities that make the Galapagos experience extra-special. You don’t have to be an athlete, but you should be fairly fit. Frankly, I’m not getting any younger.

Next, the Galapagos face some very real threats. Climate change is greatly affecting the fragile ecosystem. Most of these islands have little natural fresh water or foliage. The animals that live on each island have evolved to fit current conditions. Even small changes in temperature or the amount of rain challenge habitats and animal populations.

Then there’s the illegal giant fishing ships. These massive floating factories stay just outside the 200-mile protected marine preserve during daylight, then illegally turn off their trackers at night to move in to harvest thousands of pounds of fish each day. They’re oblivious to what they catch in giant nets – including endangered species.

Finally, I realized the Galapagos was truly one place I didn’t want to miss in this lifetime. I’ve seen a lot of world-famous cities, and if I missed one more, I’d be OK. But missing the Galapagos? I’d definitely regret that.

After all, it’s magical. Bucket list? Check!

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Years after putting it off, I finally checked off these 'magical' islands my bucket list

Espanola Galapagos Day Trip from San Cristobal Island

8 hour Galapagos Day Trip

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• Book the tour
• Galapagos Day Trips

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Catch sight of the lovely Española Albatross, one of Galapagos most unique birds (breeding season March – Januray)
• Make it a 2-hour hike to spot Blue-Footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies and Española Iguanas
• Meet pup sea lions at one of the many colonies inhabiting the island
• Take a refreshing dip in the white-sand Garder Bay and snorkel next to sea lions and sea turtles
• IMPORTANT NOTE!
• Passengers with accommodation on Airbnb and their tour is on Thursdays, they must approach directly to the address Charles Darwin S/N and Teodoro Wolf at a time of arrival at the agency between 17:00 and 18:30.

Description Tour:  Espanola Galapagos Day Trip from San Cristobal Island

The day before, the guide will come to your hotel to give some instructions for your trip and so you may try on your snorkeling suit.

Meet with your guide at 7:30 am at Pueto Baquerizo Dock and get ready for 2 hour navigation (approx.) towards Espanola Island. Your first stop will be Punta Suarez, the disembarkation spot and the starting point of a 2-hpur hike. Along the way you will catch sight of some of Galapagos most Iconic wildlife: Galapaogs Albatross (only during mating season March to January),   Blue-Footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies (which nest there) and colorful Española Iguanas.

After this hike and back at the boat you will move towards Gardner Islet and get your snorkel equipment ready (mask and fins) to explore the waters of Gardner Bay. Swim alongside pup sea lions, Galapagos Sharks, colorful fishes and marine iguanas. A box lunch will be served in the boat at 14h00, as these parts of the islands are inhabited. You will return to San Cristobal afterwards, return time to Puerto Baquerizo is scheduled around 16:30 – 17:00.

IMPORTANT NOTE: In order to fulfill this tour, you must be at San Cristobal (Puerto Baquerizo) one day prior to departure.

What to Expect:

Location : The extreme southeast of the archipelago, considered one of the oldest in the archipelago. It is located at two hours southwest from the port of San Cristóbal. Wildlife : Galapagos (Waved) Albatross, Blue Footed Boobies, Nasca Boobies, Red Billed Tropicbirds, Galapagos Hawks, Sally Light-foot Crab, sea lions. Española Iguana, sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, rays. Difficulty Level : Moderate – A two hour hiking in uneven terrain and open water snorkeling. Activities: hiking, snorkeling, swimming, short beach hike

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