Day 1: Baltra - Isabela
Upon arrival at Baltra airport, you will go through the National Park control where you will pay the entrance fee to the National Park. After passing the respective controls and retrieving your luggage, our assigned staff will meet you at the airport exit door. Together with the guide, you will board the "Lobito" bus to reach the Itabaca Channel, where we will cross to Santa Cruz Island by barge. After the crossing, we will board the assigned transportation to head to Santa Cruz, have lunch, and then transfer to the dock to take the ferry to Isabela. Reception at the dock and transfer to the hotel. Free afternoon and dinner. Accommodation. (Flight must arrive before 11:30 am Galapagos time)
Day 2: Flamingo Lagoon, Tintoreras Islet
We will visit Flamingo Lagoon located to the west of Puerto Villamil, where there are several saltwater lagoons, serving as a home for a variety of coastal and marine birds. Here you can also find the largest concentration of flamingos in Galapagos. We will then transfer to the Puerto Villamil dock, where we will embark and navigate for about 10 minutes to a small islet near Isabela Island. This is Tintoreras Islet. Its name comes from a lava crack that has formed channels which have become the favorite place for white-tip reef sharks (an endemic species of the Galapagos Islands). In this crack, you can see hundreds of sharks in the water, as well as iguanas and other species of the island. Lunch and dinner. Accommodation in Isabela.
Day 3: Isabela - Santa Cruz
Free time in Isabela to enjoy the beach or a kayak tour, lunch, and in the afternoon transfer to the dock to take the ferry to Santa Cruz, reception, and transfer to the hotel, check-in, dinner. Accommodation.
Day 4: Charles Darwin Research Station - Garrapatero
In the morning, we will visit the Charles Darwin Station, an opportunity to learn about Galapagos conservation in action. Their work is vital to protecting the pristine habitat of the Galapagos National Park, where we can observe endemic giant tortoises, land iguanas, and finches along the trails. Lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit Garrapatero Beach, a 3 km stretch of beautiful golden sand on Santa Cruz Island in Galapagos. Even better, this site is so isolated that you often have it all to yourself. Of course, you will share the beach with sea lions, flamingos, and blue-footed boobies, which is part of its unique charm. Garrapatero Beach is an excellent place for snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing and enjoying the sunny sky.
Day 5: Bay Tour
The Bay Tour covers 5 different sites around Academy Bay, Shark Channel which is a viewpoint where you can always appreciate white-tip reef sharks when conditions permit, along the way you will find lava herons. Continuing with the tour, we visit the beautiful Love Channel with its peculiar turquoise color. This place is full of zapayas, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Another point we visit is Dog Beach, where the largest marine iguanas on the island are found. Afterward, we visit The Cracks, one of the most fascinating points. A series of deep crevices formed by volcanic activity. These cracks are filled with crystal-clear waters, making them a perfect place for swimming or snorkeling, observing tropical fish, marine turtles, and rays. The fresh waters of The Cracks are ideal for enjoying a refreshing swim while exploring this incredible natural landscape. Lastly, you will have the opportunity to dive into the tranquil turquoise waters and experience the impressive marine life firsthand. Lunch, free afternoon, dinner. Accommodation.
Day 6: Tortuga Bay, Highlands, and Twin Craters
At the time assigned by the guide, we will depart in the assigned transportation towards Tortuga Bay beach. The transportation will drop us off at the beginning of the trail that leads to the beach. We will walk along the cobblestone path, observing different species of animals and plants typical of the area, such as lava lizards, finches, cacti, among others. Tortuga Bay beach is a nesting place for turtles and marine iguanas, a paradisiacal white sand beach surrounded by mangroves. A natural beach, so we recommend bringing what you need, wearing a swimsuit, a trash bag, water, and if desired, a snack. After walking through Playa Brava, we will reach Playa Mansa, where we can enjoy the sun and swim in its crystal-clear waters. Kayak rentals are available (not included) if you are interested in practicing this sport. It is an ideal place. After some beach time, we will return along the trail to the assigned transportation and return to the hotel. Lunch.
In the afternoon, at the agreed time with the guide, we will depart from the hotel in the assigned transportation to the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where we will make three stops at iconic places in this area, Primicias Ranch, Lava Tunnels, Twin Craters. At the ranch, we can observe tortoises in their natural habitat. The lava tunnels are unique because lava flows have formed a large number of arches or tunnels—a unique walk. Later, we will stop at the Twin Craters, two land sinkholes caused by volcanic depression over the years. This place is dominated by escalesia plants, mosses, and orchids. Return to the hotel. Dinner. Accommodation.
Day 7: Santa Cruz - San Cristobal
In the morning, transfer to the dock to take the ferry to San Cristobal. Reception and transfer to the hotel, check-in, free time, lunch.
In the afternoon, we will visit El Junco Lagoon, located 19 km from the port inside a large, now-extinct volcano. Its name comes from a type of plant common in its surroundings, called "junco." The lagoon is also surrounded by Miconia, an endemic plant species of Galapagos. Additionally, it is a favorite spot for frigate birds that fly and skim its freshwater. Activities include hiking (sports shoes recommended), bird watching, photography, and filming. We will also visit the Davis Rodriguez Giant Tortoise Breeding Center.
Day 8: 360 Excursion
Breakfast. The 360 San Cristobal Excursion will take you to explore some of the island's most iconic destinations. This day-long adventure combines stunning landscapes, unique wildlife viewing, and time to enjoy paradisiacal beaches. We start the day from the port of San Cristobal, where a naturalist guide will welcome you and share information about the day. Our first stop will be Leon Dormido, an emblematic islet rising above the ocean. Here, you'll have the opportunity to snorkel in its crystal-clear waters, observing a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and colorful tropical fish. We then visit Cerro Brujo, known for its impressive white sand beach and volcanic landscape. Enjoy a walk on the beach and see sea lions resting on the shore and seabirds nesting on the cliffs. After Cerro Brujo, we head to Bahia Sardina, a perfect spot for a refreshing swim and exploring rich marine life through snorkeling. The calm waters are ideal for swimming and relaxing. In the afternoon, we will visit Punta Pitt where we will take a guided hike. From the viewpoints, we can observe various bird species, including blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and seagulls while marveling at the panoramic ocean views. Lunch.
We will end our day at the beautiful Rosa Blanca Bay, a tranquil spot ideal for relaxing, swimming, or simply enjoying the scenery before returning to the port.
Day 9: San Cristobal
Breakfast and transfer to San Cristobal airport.
