Visiting 3 Islands
Islands
Snorkelling
Includes
Every Day
Departures
Soft Adventure
Trip Style

 

8 – Days Magic of Isabela Galapagos Land Packages


Our 8-day Magic of Isabela is a comprehensive  Galapagos Land Packages taking you to 3 Islands. Enjoy a close-up to the varied habitats found in the Galapagos Islands and observe the unique wildlife they hold. Snorkeling is a big thing in this itinerary.

Swim with sea lions, sea turtles and if  lucky with sharks. Travel through some of the most incredible volcanic landscapes found in the archipelago like the moonlike terrain of Sierra Negra and Volcan Chico.

This all-inclusive travel program allows you to choose from a selection of hotel classes to fit suit your budget and comfort. Daily activities are leaded by a bilingual naturalist guide. Experience the magic of Galapagos through this extensive Galapagos Land Tour!

Start Date:  Every day
Visiting: San Cristobal, Santa Cruz & Isabela.
Activities:   Short hikes, snorkelling, navigating, and wildlife viewing.
Trip Style:   Soft adventure.
Wildlife to See: Galapagos Pinguins, Galapagos Sea Lions, Marine Iguanas, Lava Lizards, Blue-Footed Boobies, Flamingos, Frigate Birds, Pelicans, Darwin´s Finches, Galapagos Fly-Catchers, Galapagos Mockingbirds, and more.


Short Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive San Cristobal / Lunch/ Interpretation center and tijeretas snorkeling, Carola Beach

  • Day 2: San Cristobal Island

  • Option 1: Kicker rock tour or highlands under availability

  • Option 2: 360 tour full day (EXTRA COST)

  • Day 3: Transfer to Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Station / Highlands (Giant Tortoises)

  • Day 4: Santa Cruz Island: Tortuga Bay Beach – Isabela Island

  • Day 5: Isabela Island

  • Option 1: Hike Sierra Negra + Chico Volcanoes

  • Option 2: Trekking to sulphur  mines (extra cost – please ask us)

  • Day 6: Isabela Island: Tintoreras Islet / Humedales Hike

  • Day 7: Isla Isabela: Túneles Cabo rosa full day tour

  • Day 8: Baltra Island: Transfer out to Santa Cruz by ferry / transfer to Baltra

For the complete itinerary click on the tab Itinerary above .


Essential Trip Information

 
Important Remarks
DEPARTURE LOCATION San Cristobal Island Airport (SCY)
RETURN LOCATION Baltra Island Airport. (GPS)
DEPARTURE TIME You must arrive before 11:00 AM. *Ask for more details.
RETURN TIME Approximately after 11:00 AM. *Ask for more details.
WEAR Comfortable clothing, hiking shoes, hat, jacket and sunscreen.
INCLUDED

 Accommodation in Puerto Ayora & Isabela according the program

 All meals (breakfast – lunch  – Dinner – according to the program)

 All land and sea transportation within the Galapagos during the program

 Bilingual naturalist guides for each island and all activities 

Snorkelling Equipment (mask, tub and fins)

NOT INCLUDED

 Air ticket (Quito – Baltra – Quito)

 Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee USD 200, 00

 Bus from/to Baltra Channel $5 per person each route

 Migratory Card Control USD 20,00

 Isabela & Santa Cruz dock fee USD 13,00 

 Water taxi from dock to speedboat 1 usd per person per ride (Isabela, Santa Cruz Islands – depending on the tide) 

 Soft drinks and alcoholics beverages

 Tips

NOTE: Magic of Isabela itinerary is subject to change due to Galapagos National Park dispositions or to circumstances  beyond our control (force majeure).

 

Day 1

Arrive San Cristobal / Lunch/ Interpretation center and tijeretas snorkeling, Carola Beach

Arrival to San Cristóbal Airport. After lunch, we will visit The San Cristobal Interpretation Center where we will learn about the islands, evolution of their species, fauna, migration, and how humans came to live there. Then will make our way to “Cerro Tijeretas”, or “Frigate Hill” for some snorkelling.The day ends with a visit to “Playa Carola” to get a first taste of the beautiful beach waters of San Cristóbal.

Accommodations in the hotel class of your choice.

Day 2

San Cristobal Island ( choose ONE of the following options)

Hike on the Highlands: (standard itinerary) After breakfast, we will visit the Highlands of San Cristobal, The first stop is “Mirador de la Soledad”, where we you can enjoy a magnificent view of San Cristobal Island. Then we will go to the Junco Lagoon, the only fresh water lagoon in San Cristobal. Lunch will be served in the Highlands and will be followed by a short stop at Playa de Puerto Chino.

On the way back we will pass-by the spot where island’s locals cultivate their food and the famous Galapagos coffee.

* OR 

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

OPTION B – Kicker Rock tour  (navigation to this spot is subject to availability):

and snorkeling. Kicker Rock itself is considered one of the most outstanding snorkeling sites in the Galapagos. The excursion consists of two snorkeling 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.

OPTION 2: 360 tour (extra cost)

 Puerto Baquerizo Moreno 

The tour starts at the office of the local agency located in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island at 7:30 am. 

When the whole group (maximum 10 travelers + 1 guide) is together, you will head to the pier. You will board the Hammerhead and the adventure begins! 

Kicker Rock Snorkel 

The first stop will be one of the uninhabited islands of the Galapagos: Kicker Rock. The guide will give you the snorkeling equipment and basic safety instructions, and off you go, ducks! 

Enjoy a spectacular morning of snorkeling at Kicker Rock among turtles and hammerhead sharks. 

Cerro Brujo – Sardine Bay 

You will get back on the boat to skirt the Cerro Brujo that will take you to Sardina Bay. Here a few moments of relaxation among white sand and sea lions await you. 

Punta Pitt Trail 

Accompanied by your guide, you will walk along the Punta Pitt trail. This small route of barely 2 km (1.24 miles) is of easy difficulty and will allow you to discover all the secret corners of San Cristobal that cannot be reached by boat or car. 

Experiential fishing Galapagos 

You will get back on the boat for an experiential fishing activity. Be attentive to the indications of the guide, who knows all the secrets to fishing the crystal clear waters of the Galapagos Islands. 

Snorkeling Bahia Rosa Blanca 

You will enjoy a delicious lunch included in the tour on board the yacht. If you need your menu to be vegetarian or vegan, simply indicate it in the reservation form. 

You will dock at Bahia Rosa Blanca, where a second snorkeling session awaits you in the crystal-clear waters of San Cristobal. Sea turtles, rays, and octopuses will be waiting for you.

In case of strong winds or strong waves that do not allow reaching Rosa Blanca Bay, the activity will take place at Playa del Muerto 

Return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno 

After snorkeling, you will board the Hammerhead again and head for Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. On the way, you will enjoy a small snack of local fruits with the sea breeze in the background. 

You will be back at the local agency office around 16:00

 

Accommodations in the hotel class of your choice

Day 3

Transfer to Santa Cruz Island<b>: </b>Charles Darwin Research Station / Highlands (Giant Tortoises)

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.

Day 4

Santa Cruz Island: Tortuga Bay Beach – Isabela Island

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 and then have lunch.

At 2:00pm (subject to change) you will start the journey to Isabela Island via public speedboat (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours). Another guide will be waiting at Puerto Villamil to take you to the hotel to rest and eat dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodations in the hotel class of your choice.

Day 5

Isabela Island: (Sierra Negra Volcano OR Trekking to sulphur mines).

OPTION 1: Sierra Negra Volcano

Early in the morning (8:00 am), after breakfast, 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! Yourself will prepare your box lunch 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 (approx. 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, 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 then reach Volcan Chico, which should provide a spectacular view of the islands.

Once we get back to the hotel we will take a short break to rest. In the afternoon, get to do some fine snorkeling in Concha Perla. 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 Sulphur mines (extra cost – please ask us for more info) 

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace and discover the wonders this natural paradise has to offer.

At the time indicated, we’ll pick you up from your hotel on Isabela Island to kick off this sulfur mines tour. Let’s go, adventurers!

After a 45-minute journey, we’ll have arrived at our destination, on the outskirts of the Sierra Negra Volcano. Did you know that it’s 1,124 metres (3,687 feet) above sea level? We’ll explore the western side of the Sierra Negra basin in the direction of the famous Isabela Island sulfur mines.

Once here, we’ll become immersed in the natural beauty of the island with a walk around the basin of the Sierra Negra Volcano.

  • We’ll explore different hiking routes that will take us to the marvellous sulfur mines.
  • We’ll see fields filled with yellow rocks, created thanks to the cooling of gases.
  • We’ll head on a 2-kilometre (1.2-mile) walking route, crossing a steep cliff as we admire the cone and its vents.

The best bit awaits, next to the entrance to the Sierra Negra crater, with stunning panoramic views and the opportunity to witness even more sulfur vents. Don’t forget your camera!Before ending the tour to the sulfur mines, we’ll make a stop to get our energy back. We’ll enjoy a delicious picnic-style lunch of a sandwich, juice and fresh fruit.

4-5 hours later, we’ll return to your hotel on Isabela Island.

 

Accommodations in the hotel class of your choice.

Day 6

Isabela Island: Tintoreras Islet / Humedales Hike

After breakfasts, get ready to visit to Tintoreras Islet. Make our way to the dock of Puerto Villamil in order to embark on small speedboats (12 passenger capacity). After a short ride (approx. 20 min.) we will arrive at Tintoreras Islet. The name of the islet derives from the sharks that inhabit in the waters surrounding the islet, the famous white-tipped fins Tintorera Sharks. The islet is one of the most fascinating places on Isabela Island. 

Galapagos sea lionsmarine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, sea turtles, pelicans, and Galapagos Penguins can all be found in this site. It is also one of main breeding sites for marine iguanas, and a great spot to get a close-up with them.

After a hike around the islet, get back on the boat and cool off by snorkeling in the waters nearby. Swimming next to multicolor fish, starfish, sea urchins, and with luck manta rays, sharks, and sea lions is a major highlight in this excursion. After a fascinating experience we will return to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center of Isabela. Here you can observe a variety of species of giant tortoises. You will also hear how this center has successfully bred and raise the giant tortoises to preserve many endangered subspecies.

Afterwards, we will visit the 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 build this wall out of the sharp and hard volcanic rocks.

The wall is 100 meters long and 7 meters high.  On the way back we will make a visit to a Lava Tunnel near the Wall- Visits to Mirador Orchilla, Estero de Isabela, and Playa del Amor are also programmed. We will then return to the hotel to rest before heading to dinner at a local restaurant specified by the guide.

Accommodations in the hotel class of your choice.

Day 7

Isla Isabela: Túneles Cabo rosa full day tour

There are two departure times for this tour, one at 08:00 am with return time at 13:00 pm approx., and one at 11:00 am, with return time at 16:00 pm. 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.

Day 8

Transfer out Baltra

Early in the morning (06:00 am), we will take the public speedboat from Isabela to Puerto Ayora, where the guide will be waiting to take you to breakfast. On our way to Baltra Island Airport we will stop by “The Twins” (a.k.a. “The Gemelos”), which are crater-like formations naturally built from the collapse of the earth and lava flows. The tour will end upon the arrival to the airport where you will catch your plane to Quito or Guayaquil.

 

IMPORTANT. The itineraries are subject to change without previous advice, due to weather conditions, Galapagos National Park authorizations, operational issues or passenger safeties.

Note: Ask about rates with full meals or breakfast only.

NOTE: Hotels depend on availability, we cannot always use the hotels listed below, but they will always use hotels of the selected class.

First Class Hotels


 

  • Sea View Suite Rooms
  • Standard Rooms with views of the main garden and annex area
  • -Wi Fi Service
  • Attention from 7AM to 9PM
  • We have ionized drinking water for the consumption of our guests
  • Free beach towel service
  • Safety box at reception
  • Private bathroom with Hot Water thanks to our solar panels
  • Air-conditioning
  • Minibar
  • Telephone with direct dialing, local, national and international.
  • Laundry service

 

  • Access: Hydromassage, swimming pool, Wireless Internet in public areas.
  • American breakfast.
  • Cable service in room.
  • Luxury sea view.

  • Beautiful social areas with direct access to the sea.
  • 2 towers (the Main Tower – the Isla Sol Tower) and 31 rooms.
  • Rooms with television, cable, air conditioning, telephone, safe, bathroom and private balcony
  • Pool, jacuzzi, restaurant and bar.
  • Beautiful social areas with direct access to the sea.
  • 2 towers (the Main Tower – the Isla Sol Tower) and 31 rooms.
  • Rooms with television, cable, air conditioning, telephone, safe, bathroom and private balcony
  • Pool, jacuzzi, restaurant and bar.
 
  • Reception and lobby area.
  • Security boxes
  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry service
  • outdoor bar
  • MUYU Galapagos Restaurant on the ground floor.
  • Panoramic terrace
  • Swimming pool located on the ground floor of the interior garden.
  • Private airport-hotel-airport transportation.
  • Wi-Fi Internet in all rooms and public areas.
  • All credit cards are welcome.
   
  • Just 100 meters from the Playa de Oro beach.
  • Excellent sea views and free WiFi.
  • Each room is air conditioned and includes a safe and private bathroom.
  • The hotel restaurant is available by reservation, and the hotel also has a beverage station with coffee, tea, and water.
  • The city’s boardwalk with restaurants and shops is just 10 meters from the property, while San Cristobal Airport is a 10-minute drive away.

Superior Tourist Class Hotels

  • Sea view rooms
  • Pool view rooms
  • Internet in the hotel facilities
  • Air Conditioning, Private Bathroom with Hot Water
  • Non-carbonated soft drinks (coffee, tea, water, juice)
  • Use of bicycles in your free time subject to availability – Coordinate at Reception
  • Bilingual professional hospitality team.
  • Free wireless internet in common areas.
  • Triple accommodation available on request.
  • Room rates include breakfast.
  • Private bathroom
  • safe deposit box

  • Spa.
  • Wellness center.
  • Restaurant.
  • Hot tub, available for an additional cost.
  • The rooms offer views of the city and the sea through large windows that let in plenty of natural light.
  • Top quality mattresses and blackout curtains.
  • The private bathroom features a rain shower and free toiletries.
  • It has a TV with local channels, individually controlled air conditioning, a desk and a wake-up call service.
  • All rooms are non-smoking.
  • Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas.
  • The hotel restaurant is located next to the sea and offers a sushi menu or a selection of dishes that combine local flavors with fresh seafood.
  • Free WIFI in all facilities
  • Safe in each room.
  • Television with cable programming.
  • Multiple USB charger ports in each room.
  • Air conditioning and fan in all rooms.
  • Minibar (extra payment) with drinks and snacks available in all rooms.
  • Free luggage storage service.
  • Computer and printer for guest use in the lobby.
  • Purified water in rooms and purified water dispenser in cafeteria.
  • Beach towels.
  • Complimentary amenities: everything and beach/shopping bag.
  • Use of the terrace for guests with sea views, located 100 meters from the hotel
 
  • Just 100 meters from the Playa de Oro beach.
  • Excellent sea views and free WiFi.
  • Each room is air conditioned and includes a safe and private bathroom.
  • The hotel restaurant is available by reservation, and the hotel also has a beverage station with coffee, tea, and water.
  • The city’s boardwalk with restaurants and shops is just 10 meters from the property, while San Cristobal Airport is a 10-minute drive away.
 
  • We have high-speed satellite internet.
  • Continental breakfast on our terrace overlooking the sea.
  • Cafeteria and minimarket service on the ground floor.
  • We facilitate your arrival and departure with our service with an extra charge for transportation to and from the airport.

Tourist Class Hotels

  • 3 star hotel.
  • Capacity of 40 passengers.
  • Garden.
  • Hydromassage bathtub.
  • Terrace with jacuzzi in both towers and pool area.
  • Reading area.
  • Rest area with wifi.
  • Safe service at reception.
  • Rooms have air conditioning and a private bathroom with hot water powered by solar energy.
  • Views of the Flamingos lagoon and the Sierra Negra volcano.
  • It is located on Isabela Island, 2 hours and 30 minutes by speedboat from Santa Cruz Island.
  • Bilingual professional hospitality team.
  • Free wireless internet in common areas.
  • Triple accommodation available on request.
  • Room rates include breakfast.
  • Private bathroom
  • safe deposit box

  • 4 Standard Suite Rooms have a balcony with hammock, safe and A/C
  • 1 Standard Suite Room on the ground floor has a patio with hammock, safe and air conditioning.
  • Economy Double Room on the ground floor, safe and A/C.
  • Accommodation in a triple room is with a sofa bed.
  • Air-conditioning
  • cable television
  • Secure security
  • WIFI
  • Hotel with the most diverse ecosystems in the city, a real connection with nature will be a priceless experience that you will not want to miss during your stay.
  • A beautiful pool and the largest jacuzzi in the Galapagos.
  • The best staff to assist you with your itineraries, tour recommendations and more, even before your arrival or when you start organizing your trip.
  • Located in a central location, away from the noise and traffic of the main street, but very close to all the tourist spots, main streets and the pier.
   
  • Blue Marlin is located just 300 meters from the San Cristóbal boardwalk in the Galapagos
  • It features an outdoor pool, hot tub, free Wi-Fi and spacious air-conditioned rooms with garden views.
  • Blue Marlin’s functional rooms feature a minibar, a TV with cable channels, and a private bathroom with free toiletries.
  • Blue Marlin offers personalized attention and has a 24-hour reception.
  • Cafes, restaurants and a market are within a 2-minute walk of Hotel Blue Marlin.
  • The beach is a 15-minute walk away and San Cristóbal Airport is 1.5 km away.

Economy Class Hotels

 

  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Jacuzzi
  • reading area
  • Rest area with wifi
  • Safe service with reception
  • Rooms with breakfast included
  • Rooms with air conditioning
  • Hot water based on solar energy
  • Free wifi in common areas.
  • Comfortable facilities and private bathroom.
  • Traditional Ecuadorian cuisine.
  • Capacity for 40 people.
  • 4 minutes walk from the beach.
  • Seaview.
  • Private Balcony.
  • Air-conditioning.
  • Flat Screen TV.
  • Housekeeping.
  • Safe.
  • Subject to availability
 
  • Continental breakfast
  • Room cleaning
  • Laundry
  • Available a bottle with purified water suitable for drinking and oral hygiene.
  • High quality internet
  • Air-conditioning.
  • Pool.
   
  • La Casa de Nelly is located in front of the beach, in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
  • It offers 4-star accommodation, a garden and a terrace.
  • It offers family rooms and a children’s playground.
  • 24-hour front desk, airport shuttle, shared kitchen and free WiFi.
Galapagos Land Packages
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Charles Darwin Station Galapagos - Tour View
Flamingos Lagoon Galapagos - Tour View
Tintoreras Galapagos - Tour View
Cabo Rosa Galapagos - Tour View
Volcan Sierra Negra Galapagos - Tour View
Ochoa Beach Galapagos - Tour View
Carola Beach Galapagos - Tour View
Isabela Island - Humedales
Isabela Island - Playa del Amor
Tintoreras Islet Boat
Tintoreras Islet - Blue-Footed Boobies
Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Station Beach
Charles Darwin Station - Santa Cruz
El Chato - Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Highlands - Turtle
Sierra Negra Volcano Tour View

Please be aware that the prices vary consistently due to promotions and Galapagos last minute deals, so in order to GET THE BEST PRICE for the dates you desire please fill out the request form below. After doing so, we will send you the absolute best prices for the dates that you indicate.

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