ISLAND HOPPING TOURS

 5 DAYS TOUR

Day 1: SAN CRISTOBAL

AM: arrival to San Cristobal island, transfer to the hotel. Around 1PM transfer to the restaurant for lunch.
PM: our visit will be Interpretation center where you’ll see Giant Tortoises “Galapagos” in different sizes and ages.. from several islands around the archipell… Then a visit to Tijeretas Hill - San Cristobal Island.
Tijeretas Hill, also known as Frigatebird Hill, is a lookout point located on San Cristobal Island, with views of Kicker Rock to the west and Shipwreck Bay to the south.  This is a nesting spot for two species of Frigatebirds. At the base of Tijeretas Hill, there is a small cove perfect for swimming and snorkeling and where is usual to see sea lions and tropical fish. Also visit to Carola Beach, where you can swim and snorkel…

Meals included: -/L/D
OVERNIGHT HOTEL:   Hotel Pimampiro (SAN CRISTOBAL Island)

Day 2: FLIGHT TO ISABELA :

AM: internal flight at 6:30 am from San Cristóbal to Isabela – Flight takes around 30 minutes. Arrival in Isabela and transfer to the hotel for checking in..  
CABO ROSA TUNNELS: If still you’re ok for a boat ride (2 hours), you can take the excursion to Cabo Rosa tunnels. This is an amazing place where the volcano activity created lava tunnels going under and over the sea level. We can spot the penguins, blue footed boobies and we will have great snorkeling too! Back to port around 2PM, late lunch and then we will wait until around 3h30PM when the rest of the group comes back from the volcano to go and swim/snorkel at Concha y Perla lagoon.
In the afternoon we will visit the Tintoreras Islet near to the port: there we can spot small Galapagos penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and sea lions.

Meals included: -/L/D
OVERNIGHT HOTEL:  Hotel Loja  (ISABELA ISLAND)
Difficulty: EASY  

Day 3:   ISABELA- SANTA CRUZ
VOLCANO HIKE: Early in the morning we will reach by bus the highlands: we will begin a trekking (6 hours!) to the Sierra Negra and Chico volcano. Sierra Negra has the second largest active crater in the world: 10km round. We will continue to Chico volcano, which is a cone  of Sierra Negra. We will walk through moon-like sceneries and have great  views all over Fernandina and the north of the island. This gives us an idea of how the islands looked at their creation. Lunch will be served in a local farm which is also a tortoise reserve. We will be back around 3h30 PM and we will end the day with a nice swim and snorkel at Concha y Perla lagoon.

In the afternoon, after the lunch we’ll take the ferry from Isabela to Santa Cruz (2 hours). At arrival, transfer to the hotel. At night dinner

Meals included: B/L/D
OVERNIGHT HOTEL:  DejaVu (SANTA CRUZ ISLAND) 
Difficulty: EASY

Day 4: FLOREANA or SANTA FE or DAPHNE (FUUL DAY NAVIGATION)

The trip starts at 7.00 AM from the pier in Puerto Ayora where the boat is ready to depart.

After a 2 hour cruise, travelers will reach the island of Floreana in the South of Santa Cruz. This was the first populated island of the Galapagos, and it still holds unsolved mysteries, romantic sites, and a vivid history. Your guide will tell point out significant sights and tell stories along the way.
By bus the group is taken to the Highlands of Floreana. Here, it is possible to feel how the real pirates must have felt in their old, dark caves that they used in the 17th century as hideaways. The “Asilo de la Paz” is a pretty lookout, as well as the only source of fresh water for the island.
Next visit the finca of the ancient Wittmer family, some of the first settlers on the island. It is the biggest and oldest property of Floreana and also a lovely place to enjoy views of the archipelago.
On the way back to the village, marvel at the endemic land tortoises. Once the group arrives back at the pier, playful sea lions, green sea turtles, and penguins may greet you. Continue by boat to La Loberia, which is the perfect place to view the baby sea lions. They may curiously join you as you snorkel in the bay – it’s truly an unforgettable and unique experience.
Return to Santa Cruz around 5:00 PM.
** if the tour is not avaiable we'll arrange the day trip to any island avaiable according the options**

Meals included: B/L/D
OVERNIGHT HOTEL:  DejaVu (SANTA CRUZ ISLAND) 
Difficulty: EASY

Day 5: BALTRA
 In the morning we will reach the airport passing by a lava tunnel that we will visit going entirely through it. We can spot there sometime an owl.
Meals included: B/-/
Difficulty: EASY

USD 1550 PER PERSON - 5 DAYS

Tourist class hotels: Pimampiro in San Cristobal, Hostal Loja in Isabela Island, Hotel Deja Vu in Santa Cruz (or similar hotels)

*** UPGRADE TO HOTELS CATEGORY FIRST CLASS  SUPERIOR** - $350 USD EXTRA FOR THIS UPGRADE
Tourist superior class hotels: Blue Marlyn in San Cristobal, Hotel Casa Marita in Isabela Island, Hotel Villa Laguna in Santa Cruz (or similar hotels)   
**If these options are not available at the time of booking, we will find similar hotel with similar standard.

*************************************************************************************************

6 DAYS TOUR

Day 1: SAN CRISTOBAL

AM: arrival to San Cristobal island, transfer to the hotel. Around 1PM transfer to the restaurant for lunch.

PM: our visit will be Interpretation center where you’ll see Giant Tortoises “Galapagos” in different sizes and ages.. from several islands around the archipell… Then a visit to Tijeretas Hill - San Cristobal Island

Tijeretas Hill, also known as Frigatebird Hill, is a lookout point located on San Cristobal Island, with views of Kicker Rock to the west and Shipwreck Bay to the south.  This is a nesting spot for two species of Frigatebirds. At the base of Tijeretas Hill, there is a small cove perfect for swimming and snorkeling and where is usual to see sea lions and tropical fish. Also visit to Carola Beach, where you can swim and snorkel…

Meals included: -/L/D
OVERNIGHT HOTEL:   DejaVu  (SAN CRISTOBAL Island)
Difficulty: EASY  

Day 2: SAN CRISTOBAL

Departure in the morning for a great snorkel at Lobos Island first: we can swim with sea lions and spot iguanas, turtles.. (hike no possible on this alternative) and then on to  Kicker Rock aka Leon Dormido: a great snorkel site very famous because we can spot there rays, reef sharks, and if lucky, hammerhead sharks! Back on board we will reach a nearby beach, we’ll have lunch on board and then relax time before we navigate back to port around 2PM.  Rest of the afternoon free until dinner.

Meals included: -/L/D
OVERNIGHT HOTEL:   DejaVu  (SAN CRISTOBAL Island)
Difficulty: MEDIUM (snorkeling in open wáter)
 

Day 3: FLIGHT TO ISABELA :

AM: internal flight at 6:30 am from San Cristóbal to Isabela – Flight takes around 30 minutes. Arrival in Isabela and transfer to the hotel for checking in..  
CABO ROSA TUNNELS: If still you’re ok for a boat ride (2 hours), you can take the excursion to Cabo Rosa tunnels. This is an amazing place where the volcano activity created lava tunnels going under and over the sea level. We can spot the penguins, blue footed boobies and we will have great snorkeling too! Back to port around 2PM, late lunch and then we will wait until around 3h30PM when the rest of the group comes back from the volcano to go and swim/snorkel at Concha y Perla lagoon.
In the afternoon we will visit the Tintoreras Islet near to the port: there we can spot small Galapagos penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and sea lions.

Meals included: -/L/D
OVERNIGHT HOTEL:  La Gran Tortuga – (ISABELA ISLAND)
Difficulty: EASY  

Day 4:   ISABELA- SANTA CRUZ
VOLCANO HIKE: Early in the morning we will reach by bus the highlands: we will begin a trekking (6 hours!) to the Sierra Negra and Chico volcano. Sierra Negra has the second largest active crater in the world: 10km round. We will continue to Chico volcano, which is a cone  of Sierra Negra. We will walk through moon-like sceneries and have great  views all over Fernandina and the north of the island. This gives us an idea of how the islands looked at their creation. Lunch will be served in a local farm which is also a tortoise reserve. We will be back around 3h30 PM and we will end the day with a nice swim and snorkel at Concha y Perla lagoon.

In the afternoon, after the lunch we’ll take the ferry from Isabela to Santa Cruz (2 hours). At arrival, transfer to the hotel. At night dinner

Meals included: B/L/D
Difficulty: EASY
OVERNIGHT HOTEL:  Pelican bay  or similar (SANTA CRUZ ISLAND)  

  
Day 5: FLOREANA or SANTA FE or DAPHNE (FUUL DAY NAVIGATION)

The trip starts at 7.00 AM from the pier in Puerto Ayora where the boat is ready to depart.

After a 2 hour cruise, travelers will reach the island of Floreana in the South of Santa Cruz. This was the first populated island of the Galapagos, and it still holds unsolved mysteries, romantic sites, and a vivid history. Your guide will tell point out significant sights and tell stories along the way.
By bus the group is taken to the Highlands of Floreana. Here, it is possible to feel how the real pirates must have felt in their old, dark caves that they used in the 17th century as hideaways. The “Asilo de la Paz” is a pretty lookout, as well as the only source of fresh water for the island.
Next visit the finca of the ancient Wittmer family, some of the first settlers on the island. It is the biggest and oldest property of Floreana and also a lovely place to enjoy views of the archipelago.
On the way back to the village, marvel at the endemic land tortoises. Once the group arrives back at the pier, playful sea lions, green sea turtles, and penguins may greet you. Continue by boat to La Loberia, which is the perfect place to view the baby sea lions. They may curiously join you as you snorkel in the bay – it’s truly an unforgettable and unique experience.
Return to Santa Cruz around 5:00 PM.
** if the tour is not avaiable we'll arrange the day trip to any island avaiable according the options**

Meals included: B/L/D
Difficulty: EASY
OVERNIGHT HOTEL: Pelican bay  or similar (SANTA CRUZ ISLAND)  

Day 6: BALTRA
 In the morning we will reach the airport passing by a lava tunnel that we will visit going entirely through it. We can spot there sometime an owl.
Meals included: B/-/
Difficulty: EASY

USD 1769 PER PERSON - 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

Tourist class hotels: Pimampiro in San Cristobal, Hostal Loja in Isabela Island, Hotel Deja Vu in Santa Cruz (or similar hotels)

*** UPGRADE TO HOTELS CATEGORY FIRST CLASS  SUPERIOR** - $350 USD EXTRA FOR THIS UPGRADE
Tourist superior class hotels: Blue Marlyn in San Cristobal, Hotel Casa Marita in Isabela Island, Hotel Villa Laguna in Santa Cruz (or similar hotels)   
**If these options are not available at the time of booking, we will find similar hotel with similar standard.

*********************************************************************************************************************************************

7 DAYS TOUR

Day 1: TRANSFER IN –CENTRO DE INTERPRETACION + TIJERETAS
Departure to the Galapagos Enchanted Islands, arrival at the San Cristóbal Island airport, reception by our staff, transfer, and accommodation at the hotel. In the afternoon, we take lunch, and after that, we will visit the INTERPRETATION CENTER of the National Park – where we will find information on the islands' origin and their endemic species. We end our visit with a refreshing swim in the Tijeretas. Return to the hotel. Dinner.

Day 2: TOUR DIARIO ESPANOLA
Breakfast, with a surface of 60 square kilometers (37miles), makes it one of the smallest islands in the archipelago. It is also one of the oldest, dating approximately 300 million years. Because it is uninhabited, we can find significant wildlife species.

Punta Suarez, located west of the island, has a trail of approximately 2 kilometers that will lead you to the blowholes. Similar to geysers, the water that rises from the blowhole has been known to reach up to 20 meters(65ft) in height. This natural spectacle is possible because the water from the waves rushes through holes in the rocks.

Snorkeling takes place in the islet located 50 meters (164 ft) from Gardner beach, one of the most beautiful beaches. This place can only be visited on a sailing cruise. Return to Puerto Baquerizo. Dinner.

Day 3: TRASLADO A ISABELA - TINTORERAS
Breakfast, transfer to Isabela Island (Plane 45 minutes approx.) – Check-in Hotel. In the afternoon, Lunch, In a small boat with 15 minutes of navigation we will arrive at the Tintoreras, here we will be able to observe white-tipped sharks resting in one of the lava channels, and we will also observe colonies of Marine Iguanas, pelicans, blue-footed boobies, there will also be an opportunity to do the snorkeling activity. Return to the Hotel, Dinner. 

Day 4: VOLCAN – TRASLADO A SANTA CRUZ
Breakfast, and visit Sierra Negra Volcano, the second largest active caldera in the world. We served ourselves a small box lunch.
In the afternoon return to Santa Cruz Island. / Transfer to the hotel, Dinner.

Day 5: TOUR DIARIO A FLOREANA(SNORKELING)
Breakfast / We leave from Puerto Ayora, we sail to the Endervin Islet.
In the first session of superficial diving, the surface diving sites are selected by the Captain according to the criteria of the captain and guide once the recognition of the conditions that are favorable and that allow the execution has been carried out, Enderby Islet must have good experience in snorkeling, to be able to do it on this site, since on this site we have a sea that is both moving and with a current, it is vitally important to inform us of the level of experience in surface diving. of your guests we continue, our guests will do ~30 minutes of snorkeling.

Punta Cormorant, we will visit the beach to observe the sea turtles resting on a beautiful white sand beach, with unique flora and fauna in Galapagos.
We continue Navigating for 20 more minutes to head to the next site, the caves, in the caves!! we will do snorkeling, our guests have the great opportunity to observe: sea turtles, pan rays, small sharks, colored fish, countless colored fish, etc.
We get on the boat to enjoy a delicious hot lunch prepared by the captain and his sailor will offer lunch
After the snack, we will have short and calm navigation,
Finally, we head to Puerto Ayora.

Day 6: TOUR DIARIO A SANTA FE
Breakfast / Upon arrival in Santa Fe, a boat ride is made along the cliff for the observation, photography, and interpretation of the native and endemic fauna and flora of the island.
Here we will have very good chances of observing: blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, brown pelicans, marine iguana, and sea lions.
During the dive, our guests have the great opportunity to observe: tropical and subtropical fish, blue sharks, sea lions, pan rays, and sea turtles.
After the snack, we will have short and calm navigation to the second snorkeling site. Our guests will be able to experience and enjoy a new site with a different habitat from the previous one.
After the second dive session, the captain and his deckhand will offer lunch.
After lunch, we will go to the visitor site known as "Playa Escondida". This beach of white coral sand and turquoise waters is ideal for swimming, taking a walk in search of marine iguanas, photographing giant cacti, or simply sunbathing.
In the afternoon return to Santa Cruz/DINNER

Day 7: Breakfast, at the hotel transfer to the airport

USD 2395 PER PERSON - 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS

Tourist class hotels: Pimampiro in San Cristobal, Hostal Loja in Isabela Island, Hotel Deja Vu in Santa Cruz (or similar hotels)

*** UPGRADE TO HOTELS CATEGORY FIRST CLASS  SUPERIOR** - $450 USD EXTRA FOR THIS UPGRADE
Tourist superior class hotels: Blue Marlyn in San Cristobal, Hotel Casa Marita in Isabela Island, Hotel Villa Laguna in Santa Cruz (or similar hotels)   
**If these options are not available at the time of booking, we will find similar hotel with similar standard.

 *********************************************************************************************************************************************

Prices include: 

• All meals on the islands type Menu 
• Tours with English speaking guides
• All transportation (boat, bus, taxi)
• Snorkel gear and short wetsuit
• Accommodation in double or triple room occupancy

Prices do not include:

• Flight tickets from and to mainland Ecuador (around 490 usd per person, round trip) 
• Entrance fee of the Galapagos National Park  - 100$ per adult, 50$ per child (12 years and under)
• Ingala control card 20$ per person
• Travel insurance
• All not mentioned in the program
• Tips or Extras
• Isabela dock tax (10 usd per person)
• Santa Cruz dock use (1 usd per person)

SPECIES

•    You can never see all species of the Galapagos unless you do a 15 day tour visiting all the possible islands: some animals just live on some islands, sometimes in just 1 part of 1 is-land.

•    Species you CAN see on this tour: sea lions, frigate birds, blue footed boobies, nazca boo-bies, swallow tailed gulls, tropic birds, marine iguanas, sharks, dolphins, rays,  penguins, giant tortoises, turtles, darwin finches, mockingbirds, lava lizards

•    Species you CANNOT see on this tour: albatrosses, red footed boobies, flightless cormo-rants, pink iguanas (nobody can see these ones as they are ultra-protected and living in a part of the islands totally forbidden to tourism). If you are interesting in spotting one of these species (except pink iguanas), let us know so we can complete the tour with a cruise. 
LAND IGUANAS can be spotted on the 8 day tour only. If you really want to see a land iguana but cannot do the 8 day tour, you can switch the activity of Tortuga Bay and go on your own (entrance free) to the Charles Darwin station where you have land iguanas (but in captivity).

CLIMATE

Galapagos can be visited all year round. There are 2 seasons:
1)    The Garua season goes from mid-June to mid-October (more or less): the cold current of Humboldt enters the island so the water is colder (around 20 degrees Celsius, wetsuit is needed), cloudy days and a small drizzle. This actually makes the climate fresher so don’t expect all sunny days but a cooler weather for the hiking , no need of A/C or fan during the night and almost no mosquitoes. The colder water brings more plankton and more wildlife; this is the best time of the year to spot whales during the boat transports.

2)    The Warm season is from November to Mid-May: days can be really hot (more than 30 degrees) and the water is warm due to Panama current entering in the islands marine reserve. No need for a wetsuit, sunny days, if you need to warm up from the winter back home, this is the good season! Expect heavy tropical rains that can last 1 to 3 hours (really, we have not that much days with rain all day long, it can hap-pen but not on all islands at the same time). Due to the rains all the islands are greener. In between these two seasons would be the transition time where you can have a bit of both seasons!

Travel light:

The heavier your bags, the more fuel motorized transport (i.e. car, bus or plane) has to expend to get you to your destination – so try traveling light. Excess packaging and disposable goods are high on the list of things to avoid. In many areas of mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos, waste dis-posal presents major practical and economic difficulties – and there is little point in contributing to the problem. Remove all excess packaging be-fore setting off for the more remote areas of the world – and recycle whatever you can of these materials while at home. 

Staying fresh and clean:

When it comes to personal hygiene – particularly if you plan to venture “off the beaten path” to more remote areas– bear in mind that the water you will be washing in may run directly back into the marine ecosystem or may be someone else’s drinking water. Avoid using conventional soaps, shampoos or detergents. There are a number of biodegradable (eco-friendly) cleaning agents and soaps available from shops and online retailers that can help overcome this problem (for example, in the United States many camping and outdoor adventure supply stores such as EMS and REI sell biodegradable soaps and detergents. Other brands that offer biodegradable products are Kiss My Face, Dr. Bronners Magic Soap, and Whole Foods, just to name a few). 

Galápagos recommended packing list: 

• Health and travel insurance policies 
• Scan all your documentation/tickets/passport and email them to yourself 
• Ziploc bags or Dry Packs to keep what you need dry (books, maps, documents, film) 
• Pack towel (fast drying, ultralite) 
• Toiletries** including strong sunscreen (high SPF, waterproof), biodegradable soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. 
• Feminine hygiene (tampons are especially difficult to find). 
• A full prescription of a doctor prescribed antibiotic or any other medication you are currently taking. 
• Flashlight or headlamp 
• Rechargeable batteries 
• Camera and memory card (electronics are very expensive in Ecuador) 
• Swiss army knife or similar multi-tool with scissors/knife 
• Small binoculars 
• Travel alarm clock 
• Basic First Aid kit (for minor cuts, blisters, insect bites, muscle/head aches, diarrhea, and motion sickness, etc.) 
• Insect repellent (avoid repellents with strong concentrations of DEET) 
• Small backpack and money belt/pouch 
• Large garbage bags (to be used as a pack liner or cover) 
• Re-usable water bottle (such as NALGENE) 
• A travel lock 
• Sun hat/visor 
• Light rain jacket or rain poncho 
• Lightweight, fast-drying clothing 
• Swimsuit 
• Sandals and Teva-style sandals (for wet landings and around town)
• Sneakers or hiking boots (for dry landings and rocky shores) 
• Sunglasses (with strap is best) 

2023 PRICES (per person)
USD 1550 PER PERSON - 5 Days / 4 nights
USD 1769 PER PERSON - 6 Days / 5 nights

 USD 2395 PER PERSON - 7 Days / 6 nights