One Week in the Galapagos Islands
7 days from Galapagos Islands to Isla Santa Cruz
From $ 1045
Duration7 days

Check out the amazing Galapagos Islands on this epic 7 day adventure. Kick off your Galapagos adventure in San Cristobal, where not much happens, so it’s lucky we’re not sticking around for long. Head on over to Isla Isabela, where tortoises roam free and sharks have their very own alley to chill in, go iguana spotting in Tortuga Bay, splash about with a raft of sea lions and pay your respects to the late, great Lonesome George, who was the world’s last Giant Pinta tortoise, in Santa Cruz.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 7 days
    Service level: Basic
  • Starts in: Galapagos Islands
    Physical Grading: Light
  • Ends in: Isla Santa Cruz
    Ages: 18+
One Week in the Galapagos Islands - Tour Map

Itinerary

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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. You may also like to rent some snorkelling gear while you're here.
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. 
Departing airport: The closest airport is Baltra. Passengers ending this trip in Quito will be taking their included flight at around 10am. Should you wish to join this transfer to Baltra airport it will be leaving the hotel at approximately 7am. If you be making your own way to the airport later in the day, the easiest way is to take a taxi followed by a ferry which will cost approximately USD26. This can be arranged locally.
SCUBA DIVING IN GALAPAGOS:
You also have the option today to go scuba diving. To do this activity you will need to already have a scuba diving certification. All dives finish by 12.30pm and, since you need to wait at least 18 hours between diving and boarding a flight, you will need to stay in Santa Cruz at least 1 additional day. Where you will dive depends on when your trip ends and how long you can stay in Santa Cruz. See below for diving locations and experience level required:
Mondays: Dive off Floreana. Basic/Intermediate level
Tuesdays: Dive off Santa Fe. Basic/Intermediate level
Wednesdays: Dive off Seymour Canal & Mosquera Sur. Basic/Intermediate level
Thursdays: Dive off Gordon Rocks. Advanced level
Fridays: Dive off Beagle & Daphne. Intermediate level
Saturdays: Dive off Seymour Punta & Mosquera North. Basic/Intermediate level
Sundays: Dive off Gordon Rocks. Advanced level
We can assist you book extra accommodation if required and we can make a tentative booking with the diving company for you. Final payment must be made by you to the diving company.

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- Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)
  • Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour)
  • Transport

    Plane, Speed boat, Private Vehicle, Public bus
  • Accommodation

    Hostel (2 nights), Hotel (4 nights)

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