Galapagos Island Hopper
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Set off from San Cristobal and wrap up at Baltra on this 8 day Galapagos escape. You'll snorkel Kicker Rock's dramatic channel – a magnet for sharks, rays and seabirds – and spend a full day exploring an uninhabited island such as Bartolome, Plazas, Floreana or North Seymour with guided hikes and swims. Up in Santa Cruz's highlands you'll seek out giant tortoises, while Isabela brings the lava arches of Los Tuneles for superb snorkelling and a relaxed kayak in Puerto Villamil's bay. Expect clear waters, laid back beach time and scenic boat rides – ideal for travellers who like varied days and close wildlife encounters.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
8 daysHotel Rating
3 star hotelsStarts
San CristobalEnds
BaltraMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Galapagos that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Countries
Galapagos, EcuadorMeals Included
Breakfast: 7, Lunch: 2Passengers
$6,090.00
$1,827.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
Demands a higher level of physical effort, including extended walking, hiking, or more challenging terrain. You must be able to walk around 5-kilometres without stopping and on overland trips, you must be able to manage steps up into overland trucks.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
Demands a higher level of physical effort, including extended walking, hiking, or more challenging terrain. You must be able to walk around 5-kilometres without stopping and on overland trips, you must be able to manage steps up into overland trucks.
Trip Type
Private ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in San Cristobal
On arrival at San Cristobal Airport, our English speaking guide meets you. If you arrive before 14:00, we include lunch – arrivals after this time do not include lunch.
The rest of the day is self guided – you can visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre to learn about the islands, the evolution of their species, fauna and migration, and how people came to live here, then head to Playa Mann for a first look at the islands’ clear waters.
Day 2 - Kicker Rock Snorkelling Excursion
After breakfast, we travel by boat to Kicker Rock for a guided snorkel. This striking landmark comprises two volcanic towers – about 140 metres tall – off the coast of San Cristobal. From one angle it resembles a sleeping lion, giving it the Spanish name León Dormido; from another it looks like a boot, hence the English name, Kicker Rock.
Natural erosion has carved a channel between the rocks that provides ideal habitat for various sharks and rays, and the site is a favourite spot for marine birds. In the afternoon, we return to the hotel.
Day 3 - San Cristobal to Puerto Ayora
Enjoy a free morning on San Cristobal – you can visit Playa Mann or La Loberia, or simply relax at your hotel. At 14:00 we take the public speedboat to Puerto Ayora – the crossing takes around 2.5 hours. On arrival, we transfer you to your hotel. Breakfast included. Accommodation at Hotel Fiesta or similar.
Day 4 - Full-Day Excursion to a Galapagos Island
Today we travel by speedboat for a full day on one of the uninhabited islands – Bartolome, Plazas, Floreana or North Seymour – with guided hiking and snorkelling included.
The island is assigned according to availability and Galapagos National Park regulations, though you can share your preference in advance. Breakfast and a packed lunch are included. Accommodation at Hotel Fiesta or similar.
Day 5 - Santa Cruz Highlands and Isabela Island
After breakfast, we head into the Santa Cruz highlands to observe giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat, surrounded by the archipelago’s endemic vegetation. Around 13:30 we take the public speedboat to Isabela – the crossing takes approximately 2.5 hours.
On arrival, we transfer to your beachfront hotel. The rest of the afternoon is yours – you can explore at your own pace or take a 10 minute walk to Flamingo Lagoon, the largest coastal lagoon in the Galapagos and an important flamingo breeding site. Breakfast included. Accommodation at Hotel Albemarle or similar.
Day 6 - Snorkelling at Los Tuneles
After breakfast, we travel by boat to Los Tuneles, often cited as one of the world’s best snorkelling sites. Shallow, calm and very clear water surrounds a network of lava arches and tunnels above and below the surface – a unique habitat for many local Galapagos species.
We snorkel here, then enjoy a snack on board. Access to the site can be challenging – the entrance is shallow and waves can be strong. We return to Puerto Villamil afterwards. Breakfast and a snack included. Accommodation at Hotel Albemarle or similar.
Day 7 - Kayaking in Puerto Villamil
After breakfast, we join our guide for a kayaking excursion in the bay of Puerto Villamil, exploring the shoreline from the water for a fresh perspective on the coast.
The afternoon is free – you can unwind on the beach or choose another optional activity. Breakfast included. Accommodation at Hotel Albemarle or similar.
Day 8 - Departure from the Galapagos
After breakfast, we board a short flight from Isabela to Baltra – about 45 minutes. On arrival at Baltra Airport, your Classic Island Hopping tour concludes and our services end here. Breakfast included.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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