Explore the best Galapagos boat tours with daily island-hopping excursions


If you’re looking to experience the Galapagos Islands beyond the typical cruise, our Galapagos boat tours offer the perfect mix of comfort, adventure, and accessibility. These navigable land tours combine hotel-based stays with daily speed boat excursions to nearby islands—giving you front-row access to pristine nature, iconic wildlife, and secluded beaches, all without spending nights at sea.

From Bartolomé to North Seymour, each day brings a new adventure as you island-hop aboard fast, regulated boats accompanied by certified naturalist guides. Whether you’re planning a family trip, traveling solo, or exploring with friends, our Galapagos Islands boat tours are designed to give you the freedom to explore at your own pace—no cruise required.

Based on Santa Cruz Island

4-day Galapagos boat tour – Santa Cruz + 1 navigable island (1 navigation)

Short on time but don’t want to miss out on the magic of the Galapagos? This 4-day Galapagos boat tour is the perfect introduction to the archipelago. You’ll stay in Santa Cruz—home to giant tortoises, lava tunnels, and the Charles Darwin Research Station—while enjoying a full-day speed boat excursion to a nearby uninhabited island like Bartolomé or North Seymour.

  • Explore Santa Cruz’s highlands and meet iconic wildlife up close
  • Visit an isolated island known for snorkeling, birdwatching, and dramatic landscapes
  • Travel by fast, comfortable boats and return each evening to your hotel

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a taste of the Galapagos with minimal travel time and maximum impact.

4 Days | Galapagos Holidays Navigable | 1 Navigation

Galapagos Navigable Tour 4-Day . *Visit: Santa Cruz + 2 Navigable Islands (either Bartolomé, North Seymour, Santa Fe or Plazas). 

Visiting 3 Islands
Snorkelling
Every Day

4-day Galapagos boat tour – Santa Cruz + 2 navigable islands (2 navigations)

Want to see more without adding extra days? This 4-day package includes not one, but two navigable boat tours to different uninhabited islands, giving you an even broader look at the archipelago’s unique ecosystems and marine life.

  • Visit two pristine islands like Santa Fe and South Plazas on separate day tours.
  • Enjoy wildlife encounters with sea lions, marine iguanas, and exotic birds.
  • Relax each night in Santa Cruz with no need to pack and move daily

Designed for active travelers who want variety, this itinerary balances adventure with the ease of staying in a single location.

4 Days | Galapagos Holidays Navigable | 2 Navigations

Galapagos Navigable Tour 4-Day . *Visit: Santa Cruz + 2 Navigable Islands (either Bartolomé, North Seymour, Santa Fe or Plazas). 

Visiting 3 Islands
Snorkelling
Every Day

5-day Galapagos island boat tour – Santa Cruz + 3 navigable islands

This 5-day Galapagos Islands boat tour expands your island-hopping adventure to three unique navigable destinations. Stay comfortably in Santa Cruz while exploring a rich mix of volcanic scenery, marine biodiversity, and untouched landscapes.

  • Discover iconic landmarks like Pinnacle Rock, and snorkel with penguins and rays
  • Visit three different uninhabited islands for a true sense of Galapagos diversity.
  • Enjoy expertly guided excursions by speed boat with all logistics handled

It’s the perfect blend of convenience and exploration—ideal for travelers who want to dive deep into the Galapagos experience without doing a full cruise.

5 Days | Galapagos Vacation Navigable

Galapagos Navigable Tour 5-Day . *Visit: Santa Cruz + 3 Navigable Islands (either Bartolomé, North Seymour, Santa Fe or Plazas). 

Visiting 4 Islands
Snorkelling
Every Day

6-day Galapagos boat tour – Santa Cruz + 3 navigable islands and extended wildlife exploration

For those seeking a more immersive, wildlife-rich experience, this 6-day boat tour adds depth and flexibility to your Galapagos adventure. In addition to visiting three distinct navigable islands, you’ll have more time to explore Santa Cruz and observe its many ecosystems—from highlands to coastal bays.

  • Hike, snorkel, and observe animals in their natural habitat on multiple uninhabited islands.
  • Spend extra time visiting conservation sites and hidden beaches on Santa Cruz.
  • Enjoy relaxed pacing with free time for local exploration and rest

This tour is perfect for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone who wants to connect more deeply with the islands’ natural beauty—without the rigid schedule of a cruise.

6 Days | Galapagos Islands Vacation Navigable

Galapagos Navigable Tour 6-Day . *Visit: Santa Cruz + 3 Navigable Islands (either Bartolomé, North Seymour, Santa Fe or Plazas). 

Visiting 4 Islands
Snorkelling
Every Day

NOTES: ** Price of the tour depends on hotel catergory selected  ** Price per person  ** Single supplement not included

Why choose our navigable land tours in the Galapagos Islands?


Discover the best of the Galapagos without committing to a cruise. Our navigable land tours offer the ideal balance between exploration and comfort—giving you the freedom to travel between islands by boat, stay in welcoming hotels, and experience the archipelago’s most iconic destinations on your terms.

Travel between islands by speed boat with daily navigable excursions

Hop aboard a speed boat in the Galapagos and set off on a new adventure each day. Our itineraries are built around safe, efficient daily navigations that let you access remote islands while returning to your hotel each night.

  • Comfortable, regulated boats with experienced crews.
  • Faster travel times mean more time exploring.
  • Enjoy the diversity of island landscapes without packing and repacking.

Perfect for those who want to cover more ground without the rigidity of a cruise.

Navigation - Tour View
Angermeyer Waterfront Inn - Ocean View

Stay in hotel accommodations while enjoying boat tours to uninhabited islands

Sleep soundly each night in a cozy, locally owned hotel on Santa Cruz, while spending your days exploring uninhabited islands that few get to visit. This format gives you the freedom of land-based travel with the excitement of daily boat adventures.

  • Ideal for families, couples, seniors, and solo travelers
  • No need to sleep on a moving ship—rest comfortably on land.
  • Combine local culture and convenience with wild island exploration

You get the best of both worlds: land-based comfort and sea-based discovery.

Get access to top islands like Bartolomé, North Seymour, and Santa Fe

Some of the most breathtaking Galapagos destinations are only reachable by boat—and we take you there. Our Galapagos boat tours include access to top spots under strict park regulations, ensuring an exclusive and sustainable experience.

  • Snorkel at Bartolomé’s Pinnacle Rock.
  • Watch blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds on North Seymour.
  • Swim with playful sea lions in the calm coves of Santa Fe

Each island offers a new world of landscapes and wildlife—without the cruise price tag.

galapagos things to do snorkel

Enjoy guided activities like snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife watching

Every day brings a curated mix of adventure and discovery. Our guided excursions are led by certified naturalists who help you connect with the Galapagos on a deeper level—through unforgettable experiences and expert insight.

  • Snorkel in crystal-clear waters with sea turtles, rays, and reef fish.
  • Hike lava trails and volcanic landscapes.
  • Observe giant tortoises, iguanas, and exotic birds in the wild

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time explorer, our tours make the Galapagos accessible, enriching, and unforgettable.

Highlights of our Galapagos boat tours

Every Galapagos boat tour we offer includes access to remote, uninhabited islands that few travelers get to experience. These natural gems are reachable only by authorized boats and under strict conservation regulations—making your visit both exclusive and eco-friendly. Each island offers a unique mix of wildlife, landscapes, and unforgettable activities.

Bartolomé Island – Scenic hikes and Pinnacle Rock viewpoints

Bartolomé is one of the most iconic stops in the Galapagos—and with good reason. Its moon-like terrain and the dramatic Pinnacle Rock make it a highlight of any island-hopping itinerary.

  • Hike to the island’s summit for panoramic views of volcanic landscapes and turquoise bays.
  • Snorkel in one of the best marine spots, where you might swim with Galapagos penguins.
  • Learn about volcanic formation and biodiversity from your naturalist guide.

Ideal for hikers, photographers, and anyone who loves surreal landscapes.

galapagos islands beaches bartolome

North Seymour – Frigatebird colonies and blue-footed boobies

If you’re into wildlife watching, North Seymour is paradise. This flat, dry island is alive with activity, making it a favorite among travelers on our Galapagos Islands boat tours.

  • Observe frigatebirds inflating their bright red throat sacs during mating season
  • Watch blue-footed boobies dance in their quirky courtship rituals.
  • Spot land iguanas, sea lions, and marine iguanas along the trail

This island delivers classic Galapagos moments in every direction.

North Seymour Slider

Santa Fe Island – Kayaking and snorkeling with sea lions

Santa Fe is a tranquil escape surrounded by calm, shallow waters—perfect for kayaking and snorkeling. It’s also home to some of the most charismatic animals in the archipelago.

  • Kayak along sheltered coves while sea lions swim playfully around you.
  • Snorkel in crystal waters teeming with tropical fish, rays, and turtles.
  • Encounter the Santa Fe land iguana, a species found nowhere else in the world

Peaceful yet adventurous, this island is a must for nature lovers and families.

 

South Plazas – Biking, birdwatching, and dramatic cliffs

Though small, South Plazas offers an intense burst of color, wildlife, and terrain. Its steep cliffs and vibrant vegetation create a one-of-a-kind Galapagos experience.

  • Walk or bike along trails with breathtaking ocean views.
  • Spot swallow-tailed gulls, Nazca boobies, and tropicbirds nesting along the cliffs.
  • See large land iguanas lounging among the red and green Sesuvium ground cover

It’s a favorite for those looking to combine scenic beauty with rich biodiversity.

 

Day Trips From Puerto Ayora South Plazas

Book your Galapagos Islands boat tour today

Make your Galápagos adventure a reality!

 

Ready to start your island-hopping adventure? Whether you’re planning a quick 4-day getaway or an immersive 6-day exploration, our team at Nature Galapagos is here to help you find the perfect Galapagos boat tour for your travel style.

We’ll guide you through every detail—choosing the right itinerary, coordinating your speed boat excursions, and making sure your trip is as smooth and memorable as possible. From solo travelers to families and groups, we tailor each experience to match your pace, interests, and expectations.

Contact us today to get expert advice and secure your spot on one of our top-rated navigable land tours. The adventure of a lifetime is just one message away.

  • star ratingWonderful nature experience on Santa Cruz islands in the highlands area. Great to do right after you land - Never did I expect to see huge long neck tortoises that are really old mating. That was a once in a lifetime experience for sure. Well organized with nature guide... read more

    avatar thumb bennetts548
    February 26, 2025

    star ratingTrip of a lifetime  - This was an experience of a lifetime. I couldn't have dreamt anything better. The Nature Galabagos 360 is the best excursion I have ever done. The trip to Kicking rock... read more

    avatar thumb Keith592016
    February 8, 2025

    star ratingOur guide Ozwaldo was amazing  - Eight night cruise was amazing due to our guide and great crew
    Each and every site was so special and unique, and we learned so much and felt so well... read more

    avatar thumb ljohnson80435
    February 8, 2025
  • star ratingAwesome experience!  - The best experience of our life!
    I strongly recommend this experience!
    It's good also for families with kids, they love the nature.

    avatar thumb Road19647587143
    October 24, 2024

    star ratingAmazing, smooth experience -- flexible itinerary  - I actually did this trip back in November 2019 and never got around to writing this much-deserved review. Now that I have this Tripadvisor account up and running, I wanted... read more

    avatar thumb jeneeng2015
    September 13, 2024

Contact our team for personalized tour recommendations

Not sure which Galapagos boat tour is right for you? Our local travel experts are here to help. We’ll take into account your travel dates, activity level, group size, and interests to build a customized itinerary that fits your vision—whether you want relaxing beach days, wildlife encounters, or action-packed adventures.

You’ll get honest advice, clear options, and full support before, during, and after your trip. No guesswork. No stress. Just a tailor-made Galapagos experience designed around you.

Reach out today via our contact form, email, or WhatsApp—we’ll respond quickly and help you get started.

Frequently asked questions about Galapagos boat tours

What are Galapagos navigable land tours?

Navigable land tours in the Galapagos combine hotel-based stays on inhabited islands like Santa Cruz with daily speed boat excursions to nearby uninhabited islands. Unlike cruises, you return each evening to your hotel, giving you more flexibility, comfort, and access to local culture.

These tours are ideal for travelers who want to explore multiple islands—including top spots like Bartolomé and North Seymour—without sleeping aboard a boat. All excursions follow strict national park regulations and are led by certified naturalist guides.

What’s included in a Galapagos boat tour package?

Our Galapagos boat tour packages are all-inclusive experiences designed for convenience and discovery. Depending on the itinerary, packages typically include:

  • Hotel accommodations on Santa Cruz
  • Daily navigable boat tours to uninhabited islands
  • All guided activities (snorkeling, hiking, wildlife watching)
  • Professional naturalist guides
  • Transfers between the airport, hotel, and dock
  • Some meals and snorkeling equipment (varies by package)

We take care of the logistics so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.

Are boat tours suitable for families and seniors?

Absolutely. Our Galapagos Islands boat tours are designed with flexibility and comfort in mind. Families will appreciate the land-based accommodations and age-appropriate activities, while seniors benefit from shorter transfers and personalized pacing.

  • Safe, regulated speed boats with experienced crews.
  • Comfortable hotels near island centers.
  • Optional activities and free time to rest or explore at your own pace

Whether you’re traveling with kids, grandparents, or solo, our tours are accessible and enjoyable for all ages.

How do boat tours compare to cruise-based Galapagos trips?

Both options offer access to the incredible wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos, but boat tours with land-based stays provide a more flexible and budget-friendly alternative to cruises.

  • Stay in cozy island hotels instead of ship cabins.
  • Enjoy more freedom to explore towns, local markets, and beaches.
  • Avoid motion sickness and rigid cruise schedules.
  • Ideal for travelers who want to experience the Galapagos more independently

Our navigable land tours deliver the same biodiversity and adventure as cruises—just with a different rhythm and more local flavor.