Galapagos on a shoestring
7 days
from Galapagos Islands to Isla Santa Cruz
From
$ 1235
Duration7 days
Uncover the legendary Galapagos Islands. The mythical status of the Galapagos Islands is richly deserved. Find out why on a wildlife-filled adventure that’s within everyone’s reach. Isolation from the rest of the world for millions of years has given the islands a unique biodiversity and they’re filled with rare and distinctive species. Cruise between the volcanic islands of San Cristobal, Isabela and Santa Cruz and get up close to these animals as you wander alongside giant tortoises in the highlands, glide through azure waters with sea turtles and make friends with sea lions as blue-footed boobies and frigates land on volcanic rocks next to you. You’re sure to feel like a professional naturalist on this unforgettable trip to the Galapagos.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 7 daysService level: Basic
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Starts in: Galapagos IslandsPhysical Grading: Average
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Ends in: Isla Santa CruzAges: 15+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Isla San Cristobal
Start place: Galapagos Islands
Welcome to San Cristobal! Today you'll be joining with other travellers arriving from Quito.
This afternoon take an included visit to the Interpretation Centre and learn about the human and natural history of the Galapagos islands.
Afterwards perhaps hike up to Frigatebird Hill or head to Mann beach and chill.
This afternoon take an included visit to the Interpretation Centre and learn about the human and natural history of the Galapagos islands.
Afterwards perhaps hike up to Frigatebird Hill or head to Mann beach and chill.
Day 2: Isla San Cristobal
Enjoy a free day on Isla San Cristobal. You may also like to take an optional boat ride to Kicker Rock or Isla Lobos. This is one of your leader's favourite optional activities. You'll be able to observe the famous Galapagos marine life along the way, and have the opportunity to go snorkelling with sea turtles, eagle rays and the harmless Galapagos shark, just to name a few.
Meals: B
Day 3: Isla Santa Cruz
Early in the morning, take a two-and-a-half hour public speed boat ride to Isla Santa Cruz.
Once in Santa Cruz have breakfast and Settle into the hotel.
Mid-morning visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. The station's visitor centre and museums contain information about the islands and the conservation efforts being made to preserve the unique ecosystem here. It's also a great place to have close encounters with giant tortoises. In the afternoon, head to the higher part of the islands to observe these giants roaming in their natural habitat.
Once in Santa Cruz have breakfast and Settle into the hotel.
Mid-morning visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. The station's visitor centre and museums contain information about the islands and the conservation efforts being made to preserve the unique ecosystem here. It's also a great place to have close encounters with giant tortoises. In the afternoon, head to the higher part of the islands to observe these giants roaming in their natural habitat.
Meals: B
Day 4: Isla Isabela
Travel to Isabela Island. Check-in to the hotel and enjoy breakfast.
The island is the largest in the Galapagos and one of the most volcanically active places on earth. A worthwhile optional activity today is an excursion to Tintoreras Island, home to the rare Galapagos penguin. The excursion will then take you to "shark alley", where white-tipped sharks rest during the day. This is also a popular nesting site for the endemic marine iguanas.
The island is the largest in the Galapagos and one of the most volcanically active places on earth. A worthwhile optional activity today is an excursion to Tintoreras Island, home to the rare Galapagos penguin. The excursion will then take you to "shark alley", where white-tipped sharks rest during the day. This is also a popular nesting site for the endemic marine iguanas.
Meals: B
Day 5: Isla Isabela
Start the day with a visit to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre for a close encounter with these placid giants. Here you can see tortoises in different stages of development as well learn about the preservation program of this unique species.
Take a bus to the highest part of Isabela Island where Sierra Negra Volcano is located. Weather permitting, go for a hike up to the crater to enjoy spectacular views and the possibility of sighting the rare vermillion flycatcher. The challenging 17-kilometre hike takes between five and six hours both ways, but at the top you'll be able to enjoy spectacular views. Please ensure you wear comfortable walking shoes that offer good support for the rocky climb.
During the rainy season it can get quite muddy. There is an option to hire gumboots locally, should you wish to do so. During the hike it can get quite hot, there isn't much shade along the way so be sure to come prepared with your hat and sunscreen etc.
After the hike, make your way back to town in the late afternoon for some free time to curl up with a book or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner. Unfortunately, recycling isn't available on Isabela, so please take your plastic rubbish with you.
Take a bus to the highest part of Isabela Island where Sierra Negra Volcano is located. Weather permitting, go for a hike up to the crater to enjoy spectacular views and the possibility of sighting the rare vermillion flycatcher. The challenging 17-kilometre hike takes between five and six hours both ways, but at the top you'll be able to enjoy spectacular views. Please ensure you wear comfortable walking shoes that offer good support for the rocky climb.
During the rainy season it can get quite muddy. There is an option to hire gumboots locally, should you wish to do so. During the hike it can get quite hot, there isn't much shade along the way so be sure to come prepared with your hat and sunscreen etc.
After the hike, make your way back to town in the late afternoon for some free time to curl up with a book or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner. Unfortunately, recycling isn't available on Isabela, so please take your plastic rubbish with you.
Meals: B
Day 6: Isla Santa Cruz
Travel back to Santa Cruz in the morning. We'll enjoy breakfast back in Santa Cruz. Consider taking part in some of the optional activities available, such as an excursion to Tortuga Bay, an immaculate natural paradise where you can go kayaking, observe marine iguanas and birds or swim with harmless sharks in an alcove.
Meals: B
Day 7: Isla Santa Cruz
This morning your Galapagos adventure comes to an end. Say goodbye to your fellow travellers who may be continuing on to Quito to finish their trip.
End place: Isla Santa Cruz
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)
- Isla San Cristobal -Snorkelling in Tijeretas hill
- Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (3 hours) - Dry Landing
- Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre (45 Minutes)
- Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour)
- Isla Isabela- Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)
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Transport
Speed boat, Private Vehicle, Public bus -
Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights)