7-Day Tour of Isabela, Santa Cruz, & San Cristóbal Islands

Tour Details

Day 1: Baltra, Santa Cruz, & Isabela

Once you land at the Isla Baltra Airport, we'll be waiting for you to begin this 7-day tour of the Galápagos Islands. Once we've met up, we'll take the ferry to Santa Cruz, enjoying a peaceful 1-hour journey.

From Santa Cruz, we'll hop on another ferry towards Isabela Island, which will take around 2.5 hours. During the journey, you'll be able to admire the incredible landscapes that surround us. Once we reach Isabela in the afternoon, we'll settle into our hotel and you'll have the rest of the day free to eat, rest, and explore the island.

At night, you'll be able to have dinner at one of the local restaurants, where you'll find a delicious variety of fresh seafood and typical Ecuadorian dishes such as ceviche and camarones al ajillo (prawns cooked in garlic).

Day 2: Isabela - Las Tintoreras Islet - Isabela

After a tasty breakfast, we'll venture into the wetlands of Isabela Island. This spot, where land meets the sea, is one of the most ecologically vibrant landscapes in the world.

We'll go on a 3-hour bicycle tour or, if you prefer, a 4-hour hike. During the route, we'll see four types of wetlands and spot flamingos and other native species. Did you know that Galápagos flamingoes are a unique shade of pink due to their diet? You'll love seeing it!

In the afternoon, we'll head over to the Puerto Villamil dock to set sail to Las Tintoreras Islet, a volcanic island only 10 minutes away. Here, you'll get to observe blue sharks that rest within the lava crevices alongside marine iguanas and other fascinating local wildlife

Once the day comes to an end, we'll return to the hotel in Isabela, where you'll have some free time to relax. We can also recommend some of the best restaurants for you to have dinner!

Day 3: Isabela - Santa Cruz

Once we've had breakfast, we'll hop onto the ferry once again to return to Santa Cruz, for a 2.5-hour journey. Once we arrive, we'll make our way to the hotel to settle in and, in the afternoon, we'll visit the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station. During a tour here, we'll learn about the important conservation efforts taking place for the species on the islands.

You'll get to see giant tortoises, iguanas, and other local wildlife up close while we explore the trails in the station. We'll also visit the Van Straelen Interpretation Center, where you'll discover more about the sharks, mangroves, and sea currents in the Galápagos.

The day will come to an end at the hotel in Santa Cruz, where you can have dinner or, if you prefer, you can also venture out to explore the local cuisine in nearby restaurants.

Day 4: Santa Cruz

After breakfast in the hotel, we'll get ready to visit the idyllic beaches in Tortuga Bay. We'll walk for 45 minutes until we reach a beach with white sand, considered a sanctuary for iguanas and turtles. In the area known as Mansa Beach, you can swim in a natural pool.

In the afternoon, we'll head over to the Santa Cruz highlands, where we'll visit a ranch to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat. We'll also explore impressive lava tunnels before reaching the Cráteres Gemelos (Twin Craters), round volcanic formations surrounded by lush endemic vegetation.

Once the afternoon comes to an end, we'll return to the hotel in Santa Cruz to rest.

Day 5: Santa Cruz - San Cristóbal

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we'll take a ferry to San Cristóbal Island. Once we've arrived, we'll settle into the hotel before making our way to La Lobería, a coral sand beach. Here, we'll be able to observe sea lions resting on the rocks and, additionally, you'll get to spot birds such as Galápagos Canaries and Frigatebirds, as well as huge marine iguanas. This experience will leave you breathless!

At night, you can enjoy a tasty dinner in one of the local restaurants or at our hotel in San Cristóbal.

Day 6: San Cristóbal

Once we've eaten breakfast, we'll head over to the San Cristóbal Interpretation Centre, where we'll explore the rooms that explain the islands' history. You'll learn all about the Galápagos' volcanic origin and the important events behind their exploration and colonisation. 

Next, we'll head up Cerro Tijeras, the perfect viewpoint to observe birds and enjoy spectacular scenic views. Before returning to our accommodation in San Cristóbal, we'll end the day at Mann Beach, where you'll be able to relax in the company of sea lions and iguanas.

At night, you'll once again have the option to have dinner in the hotel or at a local restaurant.

Day 7: San Cristóbal

After breakfast, you'll have free time before we come to pick you up from the hotel and take you to the San Cristóbal Airport, with plenty of time to spare. Here, we'll say our goodbyes after an unforgettable week in the Galápagos Islands.

Tour Accommodation

This tour includes 6 overnight stays with breakfast in the following 3-star hotels with swimming pools:

• Isabela (3 nights): Hotel Loja or similar
• Santa Cruz (2 nights): Hotel Fernandina or similar
• San Cristóbal (1 night): Hotel Sun House or similar

Children aged 2 to 10 will receive a discount on the adult price, but they must share a room with their parents or guardians. Only one child is allowed per double room. Children under 2 travel for free, sharing a bed with adults, but will not have a seat on the transport taken throughout the tour.

Tour Schedules

The ferry from Santa Cruz to Isabela leaves at 7 am and 3 pm. Please note that it takes around 1.5 hours to reach the ferry dock from the airport, and you must be there at least 30 minutes before the ferry leaves. Your flight to the Galapagos must land in Baltra before 1 pm to be able to take the 3 pm ferry.

On the last day, we'll reach the airport around 12 pm, so we recommend that your flight leave from 3 pm onwards.