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Galapagos Island Hopping

7 days

Discover one of the planet’s top wildlife destinations on a 7-day Galapagos island hopping adventure, staying in first class accommodation on the islands. From Baltra Island, take in beautiful landscapes and encounter incredible wildlife on the islands of Santa Cruz, Floreana and Isabela, topped off with a hike up Sierra Negra Volcano.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Accommodation Standard

Group Tour

Tour Overview

Duration

7 days

Starts

Baltra Island

Ends

Baltra Island

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - naturalist guide in the Galapagos

Group Size

Min 6 / Max 16

Minimum age

6 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Year round

Hotel Rating

3-4 star

Countries

Galapagos

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 6, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 3
1
of 4 pages
Per Person From
R 66,425.00
Deposit From
Final payment
R 19,998.00
R 112,852.00

Accommodation Standard

Group Tour

Tour Highlights

Santa Cruz Island - Observe Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat at a farm in the highlands
Santa Cruz Island – Visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Station and see the embalmed body of the world-famous tortoise, Lonesome George
Santa Cruz Island - Follow the Tortuga Bay trail to reach one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos, where you can swim and soak up the sun next to the marine Iguanas, boobies and marine birds
Floreana Island – See a colony of sea lions and perhaps some blue footed bobbies, marine iguanas and marine turtles
Floreana Island - Walk to historic Asilo de La Paz, where the legendary Witmer family first settled in 1932 and lived in caves
Isabela Island – Explore the largest island of the Archipelago, visiting the beautiful beach of Puerto Villamil and Isabela’s Tortoise Breeding Centre
Isabela Island - Enjoy a scenic hike in the area known as “Las Tintoreras", spot colonies of marine iguanas, sea lions and white-tipped sharks
Isabela Island - Visit the highlands of Isabela and walk to the rim of the impressive crater of the Sierra Negra Volcano, where you'll enjoy spectacular views

Included

5 nights 4 star hotels and 1 night simple lodge on Floreana Island
6 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners
Guided excursions and walks on Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island and Isabela Island
Galapagos N.P. entrance fees and visitor control card (included in 2024, payable locally in 2025)
Professional English/Spanish speaking Galapagos Naturalist Guide
All transfers and navigations between the islands on board of the Galapagos Element Wind Yacht
Baltra airport arrival and departure transfer
Entrance fees

Not Included

Domestic and International flights, airport taxes and visas
Tipping – an entirely personal gesture
From January 2025 onwards - Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US$200pp) and Migration Control Card (US$20pp). Subject to change.

Accommodation Standard

Group Tour

Itinerary

Day 1 - Baltra Island & Santa Cruz

Baltra Island - Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival at Baltra Island airport, you will be met by our guide and transferred to the city of Puerto Ayora, the largest in the Galapagos Archipelago, on the island of Santa Cruz. On the way, we travel by local ferry across the beautiful Itabaca Channel which separates Baltra and Santa Cruz Island. Once on the other side of the channel we transfer up to the highlands of Santa Cruz island to visit a private farm where we will have our first amazing Galapagos experience, observing the giant Galapagos Tortoises in their natural habitat. Then we transfer to our hotel in the town of Puerto Ayora. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Island
Meals: Lunch

Day 2 - Discovering Santa Cruz Island

Following an early hotel breakfast, we embark on a hike to Tortuga Bay Beach, renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Archipelago. After a 40–60-minute walk, we reach this heavenly spot with soft coral sand and picturesque scenery. The initial beach section has strong waves, making it unsuitable for swimming. However, a 10-minute walk leads to a serene bay. Here, we marvel at a colony of marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and marine birds amidst mangroves, cacti forest, and captivating coastal flora. We enjoy beach time before returning to town via a local ferry at which point we have lunch.

In the afternoon, we walk to the Fausto Llerena Interpretation Centre for insights into the Galapagos National Park's work. We observe tortoises of various species and sizes, along with land iguanas. Inside the centre, a special air-conditioned chamber houses the embalmed body of the iconic Lonesome George. We explore the small museum at the Charles Darwin Research Station, and savour free time after this enriching experience.

Overnight: Puerto Ayora – Santa Cruz Island
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Floreana Island

Santa Cruz Island - Floreana Island. Early this morning we embark on a 2.5-hour journey aboard the first-class Galapagos Element Wind Yacht to Floreana Island's historic Puerto Velasco Ibarra. A local water taxi transports us to the pier, where we hope to encounter sea lions and marine iguanas basking in the morning sun. A brief walk leads to a secluded lodge by the ocean, our overnight stay.

Next, a local "Chiva" transport takes us on a 15-minute ride to Floreana's highlands, where we enjoy a pleasant walk amid the area's typical flora and have encounters with giant Galapagos Tortoises. Continuing our exploration, we reach "Asilo de la Paz" (Peace Asylum), a historic site where the Wittmer family settled in 1932. After lunch and a rejuvenating rest, we proceed to a beautiful bay and potentially snorkel with sea lions and marine turtles. The entire area boasts breathtaking beauty. We conclude the day with dinner and a peaceful rest while enjoying the sunset.

Overnight: Puerto Velazco Ibarra - Floreana Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Isabela Island & Las Tintoreras

Floreana Island - Isabela Island. After a leisurely breakfast we set sail towards Puerto Villamil, the largest town on Isabela Island. During the 2.5-hour journey, anticipate sightings of marine turtles, manta rays, diverse marine birds, dolphins, and possibly whales. Upon reaching the bay of Puerto Villamil, local transport takes us to our hotel and there's time to relax on the expansive beach.

In the afternoon, around 2 p.m., we join a captivating guided tour to "Las Tintoreras." This picturesque area features colonies of marine iguanas, sea lions, and the highlight—White-tipped sharks, known as "Tintoreras," resting in lava flow-formed channels. The locale is ideal for snorkelling, offering encounters with sea lions, penguins, and marine turtles. We return to the hotel and unwind during the late afternoon.

Overnight: Puerto Villamil – Isabela Island
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Exploring Isabela Island

Early this morning we take a 30-minute drive to the highlands of Isabela Island, reaching the National Park's visitor control area. Embark on an easy 1.5 hour walk to the rim of the Sierra Negra Volcano, the world's second-largest crater. This impressive caldera, measuring 5 miles by 7 miles, offers one of the most spectacular views in the Galapagos.

In the afternoon we drive to Isabela's Tortoise Breeding Centre where we encounter Giant Galapagos Tortoises of various species and sizes. We continue on a well-maintained trail to the "Humedales" (Wetlands), showcasing lagoons surrounded by mangroves and local flora. Witness flamingos and migratory birds in the lagoons. Our walk ends at the main road and beach, providing us time to enjoy the surroundings with marine iguanas. We the return to the hotel for free some time before dinner.

Overnight: Puerto Villamil – Isabela Island
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 - Isabela to Santa Cruz Island

Isabela Island - Santa Cruz Island. This morning we board our yacht and sail back to Santa Cruz, looking out for dolphins en route. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and venture to the highlands for a visit to a coffee plantation. We enjoy a delightful light lunch and savour some free time before our farewell dinner.

Overnight: Puerto Ayora – Santa Cruz Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Baltra

Santa Cruz - Baltra. After breakfast we drive to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, making a stop at the natural formation known as "The Twins" Craters. These are sinkholes, not volcanic craters, formed by the collapse of the volcanic roof of an empty magma chamber due to tectonic shifts and erosion. The area boasts a unique climate, surrounded by scalesia forests and is home to various bird species.

Travelling on to the Itabaca Canal, we cross it and take an airline bus to the airport. Our guide will help you with check in for your onward flight to Quito or Guayaquil (not included).Please note that we can book your domestic Galapagos flights, accommodation in Quito or Guayaquil and airport transfers upon request. Please contact us for details.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation Standard

Group Tour

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.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre tour accommodation Quito

Double

R 765per passenger

Twin

R 765per passenger

Single

R 1,265per passenger

Post tour accommodation Quito

Double

R 765per passenger

Twin

R 765per passenger

Single

R 1,515per passenger

Accommodation Standard

Group Tour

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Ikala Galapagos Hotel, Santa Cruz Island
Galapagos Islands

The new Ikala Galapagos Hotel on Santa Cruz Island is a luxurious and well-appointed hotel with featuring a swimming pool, stylish bar area and a beautiful terrace offering a fabulous view over Puerto Ayora harbour. After a long day exploring you can enjoy a delicious cocktail or locally sourced Galapagos inspired meal at the Ikala Terrace Bar & Restaurant. Make yourself at home in one of the elegantly decorated rooms featuring a private balcony, en suite bathroom and with all the modern amenities. The hotel is well located just one block away from the main pier and within easy reach of the main streets of Puerto Ayora where you will find plenty of shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Floreana Lava Lodge, Floreana Island
Galapagos Islands

The Lava Lodge is perched at the edge of a black lava beach in a sheltered bay, this quaint family run accommodation is made up of 10 Ocean facing wooden cabins in a wonderfully secluded location. Each Chalet has its own wooden decking with chairs providing fabulous views of the sea, sunsets and stars. Much of the food served at the lodge has been grown on the family’s organic farm, here you can expect delicious meals served in a relaxing environment and there’s often special BBQ evenings. The comfortable cabins feature either twin beds or bunk beds a private bathroom and are each equipped with the essentials, including air-conditioning. The Lodge is a 5 minute walk from the nearest village and only a couple of minutes walk from a sea lion colony.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Standard Lodge
Iguana Crossing, Isabela Island
Galapagos Islands

Iguana Crossing Hotel is a boutique accommodation located on Isabela Island in the Galápagos, offering a unique blend of modern comfort and natural beauty. Situated near pristine beaches and the iconic wetlands, enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and lush volcanic landscapes. Its design harmoniously integrates local materials and sustainable practices, ensuring an eco-friendly stay. Relax in well-appointed rooms, a refreshing infinity pool, and a cozy restaurant that serves fresh, locally sourced cuisine.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel

Accommodation Standard

Group Tour

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 6 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.

We can also offer this itinerary on a private basis, departing any day of the year subject to availability.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
19 Mar - 25 Mar
R 66,425
R 88,185
16 Apr - 22 Apr
R 66,425
R 88,185
10 Jun - 16 Jun
R 66,425
R 88,185
18 Aug - 24 Aug
R 66,425
R 88,185
21 Sep - 27 Sep
R 66,425
R 88,185
12 Dec - 18 Dec
R 66,425
R 88,185

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