600 miles from the coast of mainland Ecuador lies the famous and protected UNESCO World Heritage Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Islands are a remote, volcanic archipelago bursting with cactus forests, lush green highlands and emerald green bays.
Our tour starts on Santa Cruz, where you’ll soon notice that endemic wildlife overflows from every corner of the island. Hundreds of sea birds circle around the endless open seas. It’s undoubtedly the most famous wildlife watching destination in the world, being the inspiration for Charles Darwin and his groundbreaking Theory of Natural Selection. In this cluster of islands in the Pacific Ocean, you too can get up close to the marine iguana, sleepy sea lions, blue footed boobies and the famous giant tortoise.
Our tour continues along to the small but spectacular Bartholomew Island. Take in the most surreal views of volcanic scenery from above a steep climb. You’ll find lots of friendly penguins live here and they aren’t shy to come and say hello to visitors. You’ll also head to North Seymour Island, where you’ll spot groups of sea lions sunbathing and male Frigate Birds inflating their red throats to attract females.
Discover Santa Fe Island and its sheer riches of fascinating wildlife. Get up close to green sea turtles relaxing on rocks, as well as pelicans and sea lions. The Galapagos Islands are a real life museum. The extreme isolation of the area has led an entire world of unusual wildlife and biodiversity to create a showcase of evolution. Join us for the discovery of a lifetime with the Galapagos Island Stay.
Discover the heart of wildlife watching at the Darwin Research Station in Santa Fe
Find the famous Giant Tortoise and Marine Iguana in their natural habitat
Play with penguins in the salty bay of Bartholomew
Spot Blue Footed Boobies and Frigate Birds in North Seymour Island
Day 1
Santa Cruz Island
Arrive at Baltra Airport, where you’ll be welcomed by an English speaking guide. You’ll be accompanied to the Itabaca Canal by bus and there, you’ll board a ferry to Santa Cruz. Enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace and leisure.
Suggested Accommodation
Hotel Ikala Galapagos
Day 2
Island visit
Breakfast, Lunch
Start the day with an early breakfast and set off on a full day excursion. We’ll go to one of the following islands:
North Seymour. Just north of Baltra, this is one of the best places in the Galapagos Islands to spot Blue-Footed Boobies and Frigate Birds. It’s also home to lots of sleepy sea lions that like to snooze on the shore and look up at visitors.
South Plazas Island. Here you’ll find colonies of sea lions that can be found sunbathing all afternoon. The island is home to a wealth of Galapagos flora, with towering cacti trees surrounding the lands. Land iguanas and the cactus finch are also found in abundance here.
Bartholomew. This tiny island rewards visitors with the best view of the stunning archipelago. It’s famous for its Pinnacle Rock and steep, but manageable, climb to the top. Expect sweeping vistas of breath taking volcanic scenery and calm seas. In the Bay, colonies of friendly penguins play and sleep.
Santa Fe. A rich amount of wildlife has grown here, as it’s one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. Sea lions are the most popular animal you’ll find here, but there are also large numbers of land iguanas, geckoes and rice rats. On the northern coast of Bahia Barrington lies a little bay, where you’ll usually spot blue footed boobies, pelicans and green sea turtles resting on the rocks.
Lunch will be served during the excursion and as the day ends, you’ll return to your hotel.
Suggested Accommodation
Hotel Ikala Galapagos
Day 3
Santa Cruz Island
Breakfast, Lunch
Today we’ll visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Station. We’re in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can learn about the invaluable work that scientists, park rangers and countless others do to preserve it.
After a local lunch nearby, we’ll travel through the lush highlands of Santa Cruz on a shuttle bus. This spot is unique to the rest of the Galapagos - you’ll notice instantly as you pass sweeping acres of dry land, forests and fern zones.
We’ll stop for a while to stretch our legs and capture some photos. A short stroll away and we’ll find the famous giant tortoise roaming around in their natural habitat.
Suggested Accommodation
Hotel Ikala Galapagos
Day 4
Santa Cruz Island
Breakfast
It’s time to say goodbye to the Galapagos Islands and make the journey to Baltra Airport for your return flight to the mainland.
Suggested Accommodation
Hotel Sol y Mar or similar
Included
3 overnights in comfort class hotel on Santa Cruz
Transfers and guided tours on Galápagos with local English speaking guides
Meals as mentioned
Not included
Galapagos Islands National Park entrance fee ($100 per person, subject to change without prior advise).
Transit Control Card USD 20,00 (subject to changes)
Beverages
Domestic flights to/from Galapagos
Personal expenses
Tips
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