Day 1: Arrive in San Cristobal Is:  Interpretation Center / Tijeretas snorkel – Playa Carola
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. After checking-in at the hotel and eating lunch in a local restaurant 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 restaurant specified by the guide).

Accommodations: in Santa Cristóbal Island in the hotel class of your choice.

Day 2: San Cristobal: Highlands “El Progreso” (OR choose between OPTIONS A or B)
STANDARD ITINERARY – The Highlands “El Progreso”
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. We will then make a short stop at Playa de Puerto Chino before eating a lunch in the Highlands. On the way back you will pass by the spot where the island‘s locals cultivate their food and the famous Galapagos Coffee. We will then arrive at the hotel to rest and eat dinner at a local 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 – – Isla Lobos + Playa Ochoa
The short navigation towards Isla Lobos will begin after breakfast around 9:00 am. Los Lobos is a small islet separated from the main by a narrow channel. In this site you can find nesting blue-footed boobies (according to season) and, of course, a large colony of sea lions that rest and play on rocky shores. Many birds inhabit the place such as frigates, brown pelicans, lava gulls, common boobies, yellow warblers and finches. The snorkeling in the clear waters of the channel is unforgettable; it is perhaps the best site to swim side-by-side with sea lions. A stop will be made afterwards at Playa Ochoa to relax at the beach and enjoy the great view. We return to Puerto Baquerizo between 2:30 – 3 PM. After a rest, you will have dinner in the restaurant specified by the guide.

OPTION B  – Kicker Rock + Beach Time
This site is also knows as Sleeping Lion or “León Dormido”. Getting to this spot takes 1 hr navigation. The first stop will be right before Kicker Rock (going down of Cerro Tijeretas) 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.

Accommodations: in San Cristobal Island in the hotel class of your choice.

Day 3: Transfer Santa Cruz Is: Charles Darwin Station / Highlands (Galapagos 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 Santa Cruz Island in the hotel class of your choice.

Day 4: Tortuga Bay Beach Hike / Transfer to Isabela Island / Visit Flamingos Lagoon)
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, begin the journey from Puerto Ayora to Isabela Island at 2:00pm (subject to change) via public speedboat (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours travel time). Another guide will be waiting for us in Puerto Villamil who will take us from the dock to check-in at the hotel. After a brief rest, take a short ride to visit the Flamingo Lagoon, one of the natural breeding sites of the flamingos that with luck we will see in abundance up close. Return to the hotel to rest and eat dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodations: in Isabela Island in the hotel class of your choice.

Day 5: Isabela Island:
OPTION 1: Hike Sierra Negra + Chico Volcanoes / Snorkel at Concha Perla
OPTION 2: Full Day: Visit Cabo Rosa aka. Tuneles (extra cost – please ask us)

OPTION 1
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 (extra cost – please ask us for more info)
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 Isabela Island in the hotel class of your choice.

Day 6: Isabela Island: Tintoreras Islet snorkel / Humedales Hike (Giant Tortoise Center)
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 lions, marine 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 Isabela Island in the hotel class of your choice.

Day 7: Isabela Island: Kayak Puerto Villamil / Highlands Isabela – Campo Duro
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 you will visit the Highlands of Isabela, specifically Campo Duro inhabited by approx. 42 Giant Galapagos Tortoises in a semi-natural protected environment. On the way back we will visit the Mirador del Mango, La Cueva de Sucre, and then return to the hotel to rest before eating dinner at a local restaurant specified by the guide.

Accommodations: in Isabela Island in the hotel class of your choice.

Day 8: Transfer out Baltra Airport (Visit “The Twins” on way out) / Goodbye Galapagos!
On the final day we recommend waking up at 5:00 am to have enough time to get ready for the transfer-out from Isabela to Puerto Ayora. We will take the public speedboat, which leaves from the dock at 6:00 am (subject to change); we will arrive in Puerto Ayora after approximately 2.5 hours depending on the tide. We will then have breakfast and soon depart for Baltra Airport where you will catch your return flight to either Quito or Guayaquil

** NOTE: Itinerary subject to change without prior warning depending on seasonal changes, weather conditions, and adjustments in policies set by the Galapagos National Park, and other unforeseen circumstances that may arise.