Galapagos Island Hopping

Baltra Island - Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival at Baltra Island’s airport, our guide will warmly welcome you. A short bus ride takes us to the picturesque Itabaca Channel, where we board a local ferry to cross the stunning turquoise waters separating Baltra and Santa Cruz Islands. On the other side, our private transport awaits to take us into the highlands of Santa Cruz Island.

Our first stop is a private ranch, where we enjoy a delicious, locally prepared lunch. Afterward, we take a leisurely walk to observe the majestic Giant Galapagos Tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. The area is also home to a variety of highland bird species, including several types of Darwin’s finches. Following this immersive experience in nature, our private transport takes us to our hotel for check-in, where we can relax and settle in for the adventure ahead.

Santa Cruz Island – Floreana Island – Isabela Island. In the early morning, our hotel will prepare a breakfast to-go before we set sail on a 2-3 hour journey aboard our yacht to the historic Floreana Island. Upon arrival at Puerto Velasco Ibarra, we disembark and are often greeted by colourful marine iguanas and sea lions resting at the port. Boarding the local transport known as Chiva, we take a scenic 20-minute drive to the highlands of Floreana Island to visit Asilo de La Paz. This historic site, surrounded by lush vegetation with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, was once home to the first settlers of the islands, including the German Wittmer family who arrived in the 1930s and used the natural rock formations as their shelters.

Following our visit, we return to the small port town to enjoy lunch with a local family. After lunch, we have the unique opportunity to snorkel at Playa Negra, a striking black sand beach where we may encounter playful sea lions and graceful sea turtles.

In the afternoon, we bid farewell to Floreana Island and board our yacht for another 2-3 hour journey at sea. Upon arrival at Isabela Island, we check into our hotel and unwind after an adventure-filled day.

After breakfast, we set off on a 30-minute drive into the highlands of Isabela Island, arriving at the National Park's visitor control gate. From here, we embark on a gentle 1.5-hour hike to the rim of the breathtaking Sierra Negra Volcano, home to the largest caldera in the Galapagos. Measuring just 100 metres (328 feet) deep, it is also the shallowest of Isabela’s volcanoes, offering one of the most spectacular landscapes in the archipelago. Please note that this activity is subject to change depending on weather conditions.

Returning to the port town, you can enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we head to the port for a short boat ride to Las Tintoreras, a picturesque islet known for its rich wildlife. As we hike along the trails, we may encounter colonies of marine iguanas, sea lions, and the white-tipped reef sharks, or Tintoreras, resting in the lava-formed channels. Snorkelling in these waters offers the chance to swim alongside these sharks as well as sea lions, penguins, and marine turtles. After our snorkelling adventure, we return to the hotel for a restful evening.

Isabela Island - Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, we board our yacht for a scenic 3 to 3.5-hour navigation back to Santa Cruz Island. With a bit of luck, we may spot dolphins, marine turtles, whales, and seabirds along the way. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel before heading to El Dibujo, where a local craftsman will introduce us to the art of traditional woodwork. Here, we have the chance to learn about this unique craft and purchase beautiful handmade souvenirs. Next, we visit the home of a local Galapagos family for a hands-on cooking class, where we learn to prepare ceviche, a delicious and traditional island dish.

After lunch, we return to our hotel to change before setting off for Tortuga Bay, renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The 2.5-kilometre (1.5-mile) trail leading to the beach takes approximately 40 minutes to an hour on foot. The first stretch of beach is known for its strong currents and waves, making it a great spot for surfing but not for swimming. At the far end, we reach Playa Mansa, a tranquil bay surrounded by lush mangroves, where you can swim or rent kayaks (not included). With luck, we may even spot sea turtles gliding through the calm waters. Late afternoon, we return to our hotel to freshen up before gathering for a group dinner to end the day.

Santa Cruz - Baltra Island. After breakfast, before heading to the airport, we visit the Fausto Llerena Interpretation Centre, where we can observe tortoises of various sizes and species while learning about the vital conservation efforts of the Galapagos National Park. Here, we also see the famous embalmed Lonesome George, the last of his species, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting our environment and its wildlife.

From the Interpretation Centre, we transfer directly to the Itabaca Channel, where we cross by local ferry before taking a bus to Baltra Island Airport for your flight to Quito or Guayaquil.