8 Days | Galapagos Adventure Travel

You can arrive to the Galapagos only by flight, from either Quito or Guayaquil (air ticket not included). Our guide will be waiting for you at the airport on San Cristobal Island where the tour will begin. From the airport you will be taken to the hotel to check in to your rooms and leave your bags. After checking in, we will eat lunch in a local restaurant that serves “menu of the day” style lunches (not a la carte). After lunch we will head to the San Cristobal Interpretation Center where our guide will explain how the Galapagos Islands were formed, the evolution of species, the migration of the animals, and the human settlements within the Galapagos. 

After visiting the Interpretation Center, we will make our way to “Cerro Tijeretas”, or “Frigate Hill”. Here you can do some snorkeling to see colorful fish species, starfish, sea urchins, or to simply enjoy the crystal clear waters. The afternoon continues with a visit to Playa Carola, where you will have time to enjoy the beautiful beach before returning to the hotel to rest and eat dinner (at a local specified restaurant).

Accommodations in the hotel class of your choice

Standard Itinerary:

This site is also well-known as Sleeping Lion or “León Dormido”. Getting to this spot takes 1h of navigation in a speedboat. The first stop will be right before Kicker Rock for some fine swimming and snorkeling. Kicker Rock itself is considered one of the most outstanding snorkeling sites in the Galapagos. The excursion consists of two snorkel immersions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon after lunch. A Box Lunch will be served in the boat, as these parts of the islands are inhabited. Afterwards, we will make our way towards a deserted beach to observe wildlife and relax. We will head back to the boat and return to San Cristobal. Return time to Puerto Baquerizo is scheduled around 4pm. After a rest, you will have dinner in the restaurant specified by the guide.

* OR pick one of the OPTIONS below *

NOTE: The following options are subject to availability and last minute changes. OPTION B has an additional cost per person. Please, let us know what you prefer beforehand so we can arrange the excursion and advice on availability.

OPTION A – Highlands of San Cristobal with El Junco Lagoon + Breeding Center + Puerto Chino beach

After breakfast the day begins with a short bus or truck ride (depending on the size of the tour group) to visit the Highlands of San Cristobal. Along the way we will make a stop at the Mirador de la Soledad where you may enjoy a magnificent view of the island. Afterwards we will make our way to the Laguna del Junco, the only freshwater lagoon in San Cristobal, and also where frigate birds come to wash their wings. Afterwards, we will visit the Breeding center to spot some giant tortoises. We will then make a short stop at Playa de Puerto Chino. We will then get back to the town to have lunch, get some rest at the hotel or visit any other attraction on your own. The dinner at a local restaurant will be specified by the guide.

OPTION B – San Cristobal 360 Tour – Navigation

* Note: extra cost per person, ask us for more info – spot subject to availability

The tour starts at the local agency office located in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristóbal Island at 7:30 AM. Once the entire group is gathered, we will head to the dock. The visit includes:

Kicker Rock Snorkel: The first stop will be one of the uninhabited Galápagos Islands: Kicker Rock. The guide will provide you with snorkeling equipment and basic safety instructions, and then you’re all set! Enjoy a spectacular morning of snorkeling at Kicker Rock among turtles and hammerhead sharks.

Cerro Brujo – Bahía Sardina: You will return to the boat to sail around Cerro Brujo, which will take you to Bahía Sardina. Here, you can relax on white sand and enjoy the company of sea lions.

Punta Pitt Trail: Accompanied by your guide, you will walk the Punta Pitt Trail. This short 2 km (1.24 miles) route is easy and will allow you to discover the hidden corners of San Cristóbal that cannot be reached by boat or car.

Galápagos Experiential Fishing: You will return to the boat to participate in an experiential fishing activity. Pay attention to the guide’s instructions, who knows all the secrets for fishing in the crystal-clear waters of the Galápagos Islands.

Snorkel at Bahía Rosa Blanca: You will enjoy a delicious lunch included in the tour aboard the yacht. If you need a vegetarian or vegan menu, simply indicate it on the reservation form. You will dock at Bahía Rosa Blanca, where a second snorkeling session awaits you in the clear waters of San Cristóbal. Sea turtles, rays, and octopuses will be waiting for you. In case of strong winds or high waves that prevent reaching Bahía Rosa Blanca, the activity will be held at Playa del Muerto.

Return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno: After snorkeling, you will board the yacht again and head back to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. On the way, you will enjoy a small snack of local fruits with the sea breeze in the background. You will return to the local agency office around 4:00 PM.

Accommodations in the hotel class of your choice

At 6:00 a.m. get ready to go to the dock (wake-up at 5:00 AM). We will take the Public speedboat, which leaves at 7:00 a.m. (subject to change), to Puerto Ayora (2 hour estimated travel time). Upon arrival and after breakfast, the guide will have indicated the hour to meet to begin the visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to a large a variety of Giant Tortoise representing of each island in the archipelago. We will also listen about the ongoing conservation efforts directed at preserving the Giant Tortoises, as well as the environment of the archipelago as a whole. After this, make a short visit to the Art Galleries of Puerto Ayora and then eat lunch. 

 In the afternoon we make our way to the Highlands of Santa Cruz. Here you may observe the famous Giant Tortoises in their natural environment, which also known as Galapagos, and from where the name of the Islands derive. Also catch sight of the famous Galapagos Finches, Bird Wizards, as well as endemic vegetation such as Escelacias forests and Matazarnos. After this encounter with the Giant Tortoises, return to Puerto Ayora for lunch.

Accommodations in the hotel class of your choice.

In the morning the guide will indicate the meeting time for a 45-minute trip to the beautiful white sand beach called Tortuga Bay. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos; here we can enjoy at the white sand beach and observe pelicans, fish, sea iguanas and other species of wildlife. Return to the hotel to rest. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant indicated by the guide. 

After lunch, we will embark once again on the Public speedboat towards Isabela Is. (at 15:00), for approximately two and a half hours. Once at Isabela, at the Isabela Island dock, one of our representatives will pick you up to transfer you to the hotel of your choice. On the way to the hotel you will be given instructions for dinner and other activities for the day and the following days.

Accommodations in the hotel class of your choice.

(This day you may choose ONE of the following options) 

OPTION 1: Sierra Negra Volcano Hike + Chico Volcano PM. Snorkel Concha Perla. Early in the morning (8:00 am), after breakfast, you will get ready for the Sierra Negra Volcano hike (comfortable clothes, walking shoes and a light rain jacket are recommended). Make sure your camera is stored in waterproof bags, wear some sunscreen, bring water, and a hat! A box lunch will be prepared by yourself at the hotel with the foodstuff of your choice. We will then travel approximately 45 minutes by truck or bus to begin the 12 km hike (appx. 4 hours). The hike is long in terms of distance, but not very difficult as the inclines and declines are quite gradual. There is an option to ride horses for an additional cost, and if interested please let us know beforehand. Sierra Negra Volcano has the second largest crater in the world, measuring approximately 6 miles in diameter and 300 feet deep. We will reach Chico Volcano before heading back, which should provide a spectacular view of the incredible moonlike terrain.

Once we get back to the hotel we will take a short break to rest. On the afternoon you will get to do some fine snorkeling in Concha Perla. There you can swim with sea lions, colorful varieties of fish, and with luck sea turtles and rays. Return to the hotel to rest before heading to dinner at a local restaurant indicated by the guide. 

OPTION 2: Trekking to the Sulfur Mines of the Sierra Negra Volcano (extra cost)

At the specified time, we will pick you up from your hotel on Isabela Island to start this tour of the sulfur mines. After a 45-minute drive, we will arrive at our destination, on the outskirts of the Sierra Negra Volcano. We will explore the western side of the Sierra Negra caldera towards the famous sulfur mines of Isabela Island. Once here, we will immerse ourselves in the island’s natural beauty with a walk through the Sierra Negra volcano caldera. We will explore different hiking trails leading to the stunning sulfur mines. We will see fields covered with yellow rocks, created by the cooling of gases. We will undertake a 2-kilometer hike, crossing a steep cliff while admiring the cone and its vents. The best part awaits near the entrance to the Sierra Negra crater, with breathtaking panoramic views and the opportunity to witness more sulfur fumaroles. Before concluding the visit to the sulfur mines, we will stop to recharge. We will enjoy a delicious picnic-style box lunch consisting of a sandwich, juice, and fresh fruit. After 4-5 hours, we will return to your hotel on Isabela Island.

After a short rest, we will proceed to try on the snorkeling equipment and head to Concha Perla. Here, we can observe a wide variety of fish, sea urchins, the occasional sea lion, and with luck, sea turtles. After a break at the hotel, dinner will be served at the specified restaurant.

Accommodations in the hotel class of your choice.

After breakfast and depending on the tide, we will make our way to the dock and prepare for the kayaking excursion. After listening to the instructions and safety precautions, and once equipped with lifejackets and oars, you will begin rowing towards Tintoreras Islet where you will be able to observe a variety of fauna from our kayaks, including Penguins, Blue-footed Boobies, and Marine Iguanas. You will make our way up to El Faro before heading back to shore (appx. 2 hours). Return to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon we will get ready with our bikes for a ride towards Humedales Trail Complex. Our first stop is the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center of Isabela. Here we will be able to see a variety of species of giant tortoises in captivity. We will also hear how this center has successfully been able to breed and raise the giant tortoises in order to preserve many of their endangered subspecies. We will mount on our bikes to the Lava Tunnel, as well as visits to Mirador Orchilla, Estero de Isabela, and Playa del Amor. After parking our bikes and a short hike we will then reach the 100 meters long and 7 meters high Wall of Tears (Muro de las Lagrimas). Between 1946 and 1959 Isabela Island was used as a penal colony by the Ecuadorian government, and the prisoners were obligated to construct this wall out of the sharp and hard volcanic rocks. The name is derived from the arduous work and harsh conditions in which the prisoners work and by which many lost their lives. We will get back on our bikes and return to the hotel to rest before heading to dinner.

Accommodations in the hotel class of your choice

There are two departure times for this tour, one at 08:00 am with return time at 11:00 am approx. The chosen departure time for your tour might vary; hence, you will be notified on the departure time for this day trip on the night before the tour.

Cabo Rosa aka. Los Tuneles. is perhaps one of the most beautiful sights in the archipelago. Continuous volcanic eruptions petrified into tunnel-like lava formations right in the middle of the sea, and crystal-clear turquoise water allows an amazing view of marine vegetation and playful sea lions. The tour begins early at 8:00am via speedboat and the first stop is a small islet in the middle of the ocean, home to pelicans, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions. Finados snorkeling site is the next stop, where you can swim next to sea turtles, Tintoreras sharks (endemic to the islands), trumpet fish and surgeonfish. With some luck, eagle and golden rays will come to this site too. Getting to Los Tuneles will take around 1 ½ – 2 hrs. Once there, the speedboat will navigate through various spots in and around the Lava Tunnels. Here you get the chance to do some more snorkeling and enjoy some short walks while observing the landscape and wildlife inhabiting the area. A box lunch on board will be provided for this day. Dinner will be served at the local specified restaurant.

Accommodations in the hotel class of your choice.

NOTE: Destination depends on availability

On the final day we recommend waking up at 5:00 a.m. to get ready to get to the dock from there we will take the public speedboat, which leaves at 6:00 a.m. (subject to change), to Puerto Ayora (2 hour and a half-estimated navigation time). 

After breakfast at Puerto Ayora we then depart for Baltra Airport to catch the returning flights to either Quito or Guayaquil. Our unforgettable experience now ends at Baltra Airport.