Galapagos Islands Vacation

Island Arrival, Santa Cruz Giant Tortoises, and Lava Tunnel Exploration

Today, you arrive in Santa Cruz, specifically to Baltra Island, home to the airport. Your guide meets you, and your adventure starts immediately! It’s a bus-ferry-taxi ride from the airport to Puerto Ayora, located on a nearby island.

After check-in, you walk to Tortuga Bay, often ranked among the best beaches in South America. The path leads you to soft white sand and inviting waves. Tortuga Bay is accessible only by foot, offering you plenty of options to swim, sunbathe, or bodysurf. As you walk along the 45-minute trail, you may spot lava lizards and birds in the surrounding trees.

Upon reaching the beach, you’re greeted with perfect surf. Further along, you can reach the calm Tortuga Bay, sheltered by mangroves and ideal for swimming. You might even see baby sharks here! The area also features a walk through a cactus forest, where you may spot nesting blue-footed boobies or large marine iguanas.

You’re free to return to town whenever you like. Explore Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos Islands, where you’ll find a bustling port city and the Galapagos’ tourist hub. In the evening, your guide takes you to Calle de los Kioskos (Kiosks Street), where small stall restaurants set up tables for open-air dining. This is where locals gather to eat!

Activity: Walking to Tortuga Bay
Distance: Approx. 5 km (3 miles) roundtrip
Est Time: 1.5 hrs
Difficulty: Easy – flat, shaded path with wildlife sightings

Activity: Swimming/Bodysurfing at Tortuga Bay
Est Time: Flexible
Difficulty: Easy – open beach with gentle to moderate waves

Tortuga Bay Exploration and Charles Darwin Research Station Visit

This morning, you have the option to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, we learn about the successful conservation efforts that have repopulated the islands with endangered land iguanas and giant tortoises. You observe how the tortoises are raised, from egg collection to their release into the wild and see Lonesome George, the famous Galapagos tortoise who passed away in 2012.

If you prefer not to visit the research station, Puerto Ayora offers many other sights, including the local fish market, a fascinating insight into Galapagos life.

In the afternoon, we head to the highlands for a visit to a private giant tortoise reserve. Watch these massive creatures in their natural habitat as they cool off in watering holes or munch on greens and explore nearby lava tunnels to learn about the natural forces that formed the islands.

After lunch in the highlands, you board a boat to Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago. Upon arrival, we check in and take a stroll through Puerto Villamil, a picturesque town and find the perfect spot to enjoy our first Isabela sunset, often considered the most beautiful in the Galapagos.

Optional Activity: If you're interested in surfing or boogie boarding at Tortuga Bay, let your guide know in advance.

Activity: Walking through lava tunnels and giant tortoise reserve
Est Time: 1–1.5 hrs
Difficulty: Easy – leisurely walk, mostly flat terrain

Sierra Negra Volcano Hike and Bay Kayaking Adventure

Begin the day with an exhilarating hike to Sierra Negra, one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos Islands. As we ascend, marvel at the vast volcanic landscape, and keep an eye out for the bright Vermillion flycatcher or the elusive short-eared owl. Upon reaching the rim of the massive 9-kilometer-wide caldera, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the island’s rugged terrain.

After our hike, we return to Puerto Villamil to enjoy a well-earned lunch. In the afternoon, we set out on a peaceful kayaking excursion around the bay. Paddle through calm waters, and maybe spot playful sea lions, graceful rays, and sea turtles gliding beneath the surface. Along the rocky shores, look for iconic Galápagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and frigate birds.

The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. Opt for a land-based adventure by renting a bike to visit the historic Wall of Tears or simply unwind with a refreshing swim as the sun sets. In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, with recommendations from your guide for the best culinary experiences in town.

Activity: Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano
Distance: Approx. 16 km (10 miles)
Est Time: 5–6 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate to challengin – long, steady hike with scenic views, some steep spots

Activity: Bay Kayaking in Puerto Villamil
Est Time: 1.5–2 hrs
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate – calm waters, wildlife viewing

Discover Tintoreras, Snorkeling Wonders, and a Scenic San Cristóbal Highlands Bike Ride

Start your day with an unforgettable trip to Tintoreras, an islet formed by volcanic activity and home to fascinating wildlife. A short boat ride from Puerto Villamil takes you to this rugged paradise, where you’ll walk along lava trails and spot marine iguanas basking in the sun. The calm, clear waters surrounding the islet are perfect for snorkeling, offering a chance to encounter playful sea lions, vibrant fish, and, if luck is on your side, white-tipped reef sharks resting in their natural habitat.

After your snorkeling excursion, hop on an early flight to San Cristóbal, the oldest island in the Galápagos archipelago. Once there, head into the lush highlands for a thrilling downhill bike ride. Beginning at La Soledad, a viewpoint with sweeping vistas, cycle through the quaint village of El Progreso and traverse diverse vegetation zones before arriving at La Loberia. This serene beach is a favorite hangout for sea lions, where you can watch them lounging on the sand or splashing in the waves. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a dip to swim alongside these playful marine mammals.

Spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring San Cristóbal’s laid-back town at your leisure, then cap off the day with a relaxed dinner in one of its inviting local restaurants.

Activity: Walking at Tintoreras Lava Fields
Est Time: 1 hr
Difficulty: Easy – short walk over uneven lava terrain

Activity: Downhill Biking to La Loberia
Distance: Approx. 10 km (6 miles)
Est Time: 1 hr
Difficulty: Easy – paved, mostly downhill ride

Activity: Snorkeling at La Loberia
Est Time: 45 min–1 hr
Difficulty: Easy – shallow, sheltered bay

Kicker Rock Snorkeling Adventure and Farewell Celebration

Embark on a thrilling cruise to Kicker Rock, one of the Galápagos Islands' most iconic landmarks, and discover the wonders of its underwater world. Known locally as León Dormido for its resemblance to a sleeping lion, this towering volcanic formation is a haven for sea and shorebirds. As we sail toward the site, watch for blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and other native species.

Upon arrival, snorkel through the narrow channel formed by the two imposing rocks and encounter the incredible marine life that flourishes here. Keep an eye out for spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, tropical fish, Galápagos sharks, and even hammerhead sharks in this serene aquatic sanctuary. The rocks themselves provide nesting sites for many of the islands' beloved bird species.

Following your snorkeling adventure, enjoy a delicious lunch on a secluded white sand beach accessible only by boat. Take time to swim in the tranquil waters before we return to town by mid-afternoon. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure—relax with a sunset cocktail along the shore or explore the town by bike. In the evening, gather for a memorable farewell dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants, the perfect way to celebrate the conclusion of your Galápagos Islands adventure.

Activity: Snorkeling at Kicker Rock
Est Time: 1.5–2 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate – open ocean with current, possible cold temps

Activity: Swimming at secluded beach
Est Time: Flexible
Difficulty: Easy – beach accessible only by boat

Activity: Short Hike to Tijeretas Overlook
Distance: Approx. 2 km (1.2 miles) roundtrip
Est Time: 45 min
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate – some elevation gain, rewarding views