7 day / Santa Cruz & C. Darwin Research Station, Isabela

Morning - Highlands Adventure

Experience the lush highlands of the Galapagos on this exciting morning excursion. Our journey begins with a comfortable ride to one of the island's nature reserves, where you'll explore the verdant forests and encounter the iconic Galapagos Giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

The highlands offer the best opportunity to observe these gentle giants, which can weigh up to 300 kg (600 pounds). Watch in awe as they graze peacefully and relax in freshwater ponds. This ecosystem is also home to a diverse array of bird species, many of which are rarely seen in the lowlands. Keep an eye out for various finches (including tree, woodpecker, and vegetarian finches), flycatchers, and several water bird species.

Our tour includes a visit to a fascinating lava tunnel. Here, you'll learn about the ancient volcanic eruptions that shaped these extraordinary formations, providing insight into the islands' geological history.

This excursion offers a perfect blend of wildlife observation, bird watching, and geological exploration, making it a must-see for nature enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Lunch: Savor a meal of fresh, locally grown food.

Afternoon - Charles Darwin Research Station

The Charles Darwin Research Station, a nonprofit organization, has been collaborating with the Galapagos National Park for decades to preserve the unique biodiversity of these islands. During your visit, you'll discover the joint projects aimed at protecting native species and eradicating invasive ones that threaten the Galapagos ecosystem.

One of the station's most significant and iconic initiatives is the captive breeding program for giant tortoises. This project has played a crucial role in the conservation of these endangered species.

Your tour takes place primarily outdoors, allowing you to explore a beautiful dry native forest. You'll encounter impressive giant cacti and various other fascinating endemic plants. The station grounds also provide an excellent opportunity for birdwatching, with several species of Darwin's finches, flycatchers, and mockingbirds frequently spotted in the area.

This visit offers a perfect blend of education and nature appreciation, providing insights into vital conservation efforts while immersing you in the unique Galapagos environment. Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply curious about the islands' ecology, the Charles Darwin Research Station promises an engaging and informative experience.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning:

Our early morning hotel pickup service is at 6:00 AM. We’ll transfer you to the pier to catch a speedboat to Isabela Island, which will take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes or less. Don’t forget to grab the box breakfast to go from the hotel.

Traveling between islands is a process, and our transfer service will assist you with everything you need. Until the line to inspect your luggage by the Galapagos Agency of Biosecurity forms, you’ll need to walk to the pier and join the line for a water taxi to Isabela Island. The water taxi ride costs $1.

1. We estimate your arrival time on Isabela Island to be between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM. Upon arrival at Isabela Bay, a water taxi will be waiting to pick you up and transport you to the pier, which costs $1. After collecting your luggage at the pier, you’ll need to pay the Isabela Municipal Pier Fee of $10.
2. Walk until you reach the end of the path, where our service will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

At the hotel, you’ll have some time to rest and explore the town. We suggest you grab lunch around 12:00 PM.

Afternoon

Biking to the Wall of Tears and Wetlands, a South Isabela Island gem.

The wetlands offer various trail options, situated near Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island’s southern tip. Explore small beaches, lagoons, mangrove areas, and the salty estuary. Viewpoints provide panoramic coastal views. The final stop is the Wall of Tears, a historical site commemorating the penal colony that once thrived on the island.

Keep an eye out for marine iguanas, flamingos, and various bird species. In the middle of the road, you might even spot a land tortoise in its natural habitat. Admire the flora and breathtaking landscapes of the south coast of Isabela.

• For a guided tour, consider is a private walking or cycling adventure. The tour spans approximately 3–4 hours, covering the entire area. The 5 km each way journey begins with a 2 km stretch along the beaches, lagoons, and an estuary.
• The tour operates from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, catering to different schedules. The difficulty level is moderate-low, making it accessible to most. 
• Closed shoes are mandatory for comfort and safety.

Meals Included:

Breakfast (Box Lunch to go)

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Optional Activities: AM

• Visit the beach and enjoy the sand and sea. Remember to bring a beach towel from the hotel.
• Walk to the Flaming Lagoon, which is situated near the town.

Morning:

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and be punctual to board the transfer to the pier for the bay tour.

This exciting bay tour offers the opportunity to see and swim with sea lions, sea turtles, fish, and even occasional penguins, marine iguanas, rays, and probably white tip sharks. The tour takes place on a boat that circumnavigates the area, allowing you to explore and spot various shore species. Afterward, you’ll embark on a short walk on an islet to observe marine iguanas and its unique volcanic landscape. Finally, you’ll have a chance to engage in snorkeling activities and immerse yourself in the underwater wonders of the bay.

Tour type: Bay tour with snorkeling and a short hike.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours.

Schedule of departures:

9:30 AM and 14:30 PM.

Includes:

A bilingual naturalist guide, transportation (boat and car or van), a mask, snorkel, and flippers.

Difficulty level: Low.

Meals Included:

Breakfast (Box Lunch to go)

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Optional Activity

Concha de Perla, a tranquil lagoon near the Puerto Villamil town’s landing pier, offers a peaceful escape. Stroll 20 minutes from town and then take a 300-meter wooden boardwalk through mangroves to reach the lagoon. Its clear and shallow waters are ideal for snorkeling, where you can encounter sea lions, marine iguanas, turtles, and a variety of fish species. Entry to the lagoon is free, and it’s best to visit during low tide for the best conditions. However, any time of day is suitable. If you don’t have your own mask and snorkeling gear, you can rent them locally for a reasonable fee of $6 to $8.

Extra Activity

• You have the option to purchase a tour upgrade, which involves paying the additional cost. In this case, the Tintorera Bay tour will be transformed into the snorkel tour Los Túneles.
• You can also purchase it as an additional tour and fit it into the same day or the following day, depending on whether you book additional extras with us.

Los Tuneles Tour

One of the most spectacular destinations for snorkeling and appreciating the Galapagos’s unique landscape. The water is shallow, calm, and exceptionally clear, revealing a series of lava flows that have created distinctive geological formations, including arches and tunnels, both beneath and above the water’s surface. These formations provide a habitat for numerous endemic species found nowhere else in the world.

During this tour, you can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life, including white-tip sharks, blue-footed boobies with their young, penguins, sea lions, seahorses, stingrays, and a variety of fish species. Occasionally, manta rays, whales, or dolphins may also be spotted along the way.

Tour type: Snorkeling and rock walking.

Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 hours.

Schedule Departures:

• 7:30 am to 1:00 pm
• 11:00 am to 4:30 pm

Includes:

• Bilingual Naturalist Tour Guide
• Snacks
• Transportation (boat and taxi)
• Mask, snorkel, and fins

Difficulty Level: Low (snorkeling requires climbing a ladder back to the boat).

Morning and/or afternoon

Isabela Island offers a variety of activities for exploration and relaxation. Whether you prefer to unwind in this tropical paradise or embark on exciting adventures, you’ll find something to suit your interests in the extras section below. Don’t forget to stay hydrated during your active excursions.

Meals included

Breakfast

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• If you choose to purchase the extra snorkel tour to Los Tuneles, instead of one of the hikes to Volcano Sierra Negra, the tour will take place on this day.

Volcan Sierra Negra

This tour comprises a 16-kilometer hike that typically takes between 5 and 7 hours to complete. During the hike, participants can observe the magnificent caldera, spanning 10 kilometers in diameter, along the way. The tour culminates in a visit to the Volcan Chico area, where participants can contemplate the remnants of once-great lava flows that have solidified into rock formations. As the tour progresses, the final viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the northern portion of Isabela Island, as well as the surrounding volcanoes and islands.

This tour provides an opportunity to comprehend the formation of the Galapagos Islands, its origin, and witness the vibrant volcanic landscape created by colossal lava flows.

Tour type: Shared tour (hiking).

Duration: Approximately 6 hours.

Distance: A total of 16 km of route.

Schedule Departures: Departures are made every day at 07:20 am and maximum return time is 14:00.

Includes:

• A bilingual naturalist guide
• A snack (vegan options, vegetarian, or special)
• Transportation

Level of difficulty: Medium to medium-high.

Minas de Azufre or Sulphur Mines

This tour entails hiking a path to the summit of the Sierra Negra volcano, a colossal caldera spanning 10 kilometers in diameter. From the peak, we descend to the Sulphur Mines, where we witness the perpetual activity of fumaroles. This journey provides insights into the volcanic origins of the Galapagos Islands, while also offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and unique flora.

Tour type: Shared tour (hiking).

Duration: Approximately 5 hours.

Distance: A total of 3 km hike.

Schedule Departures: Departures are made every day at 07:20 am and the maximum return time is 13:00.

Includes:

• Bilingual Naturalist Guide
• Snack (vegan options, vegetarian, or special)
• Transportation

Level of difficulty: Low to medium.

Morning: **Early Morning Hotel Pick-Up and Transfer to Santa Cruz Island**

At 5:00 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the pier. From there, you will board a speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island, which will take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Traveling between islands in the Galapagos is a multi-step process that differs slightly from Isabela. First, your luggage will undergo inspection by the ABG (Agency of Biosecurity for Galapagos). Afterward, you will proceed down the designated path to collect the speedboat tag. You will then purchase a water taxi ticket for $1 (not included) and board the speedboat to Santa Cruz.

Upon arrival at Santa Cruz, you will take a $1 water taxi from the speedboat to the pier. You will then wait for your luggage to arrive and collect it. Afterward, you will walk through Santa Cruz Municipal Pier. Your luggage will undergo another inspection by the ABG, and a representative from our service will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

At this point, you will have some leisure time to rest, visit Las Grietas, or Tortuga Bay Beach.

Meals Included: Breakfast (Box Lunch to go)

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Optional Activities:

Explore Puerto Ayora's Main Street, discover vibrant souvenir shops and local charms.

Las Grietas

Recommended visiting in the morning, situated across the bay, this destination offers a captivating walk through a cactus forest en route to a breathtaking volcanic formation with a swimming pool. The formation boasts two distinct cliffs, one featuring turquoise waters sourced from the ocean, while the other draws from rainfall, providing an ideal spot for swimming.

To reach this location, proceed to the main pier and board a $1 water taxi. After a 20-minute walk, you will arrive at the destination. Along the way, you will encounter a must $10 Tour Guide Service.

Tortuga Bay Beach Hike

Embark on an 8 km roundtrip walk along a pathway traversing the arid zone and its distinctive flora. Upon reaching your destination, you will find a picturesque white sand beach. Initially, you will encounter the rough ocean side, ideal for surfing but unsuitable for swimming. Proceed to the beach’s end to access the calm ocean side, suitable for swimming, and shade provided by mangrove trees.

Relax on the beach, explore the mangrove forests in search of marine iguanas and avian life, or rent a kayak to venture into the tranquil water bay. The shallow waters offer the opportunity to observe Tintoreras sharks, sea turtles, or stingrays.

Ensure you bring two bottles of water and snacks or a sandwich beforehand, as there are no shops or vendors on the premises.

Morning:

Enjoy a hassle-free journey to Baltra Airport. Your private transfer will take you there comfortably, with a taxi, ferry, and airport bus included. We’ll pick you up at the time that works best for your departure flight schedule. (Please let us know your flight booking time).

Meals Included: Breakfast