Galapagos Islands Adventure 8 days

Galapagos Islands Adventure is an 8-day island-hopping trip through Ecuador's legendary Galápagos archipelago, splitting time between Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands with a more relaxed pace than the shorter version. Combining land and sea travel, the itinerary balances guided wildlife excursions with free days to explore at your own pace, taking in giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins, flamingos, and world-class snorkeling. Guides, hotels, and gear are included throughout, making it an immersive way to experience one of the planet's greatest wildlife destinations.

Highlights include the Scalesia highland forest and Charles Darwin Station on Santa Cruz, a full-day snorkeling trip to Santa Fe Island to swim with sea lions, a full-day trek to the Sierra Negra crater on Isabela, and snorkeling at the lava tunnels, one of the best spots in the world. Built-in free days let you trek to Tortuga Bay or relax at Isabela's beaches and the Concha Perla natural pool. Activity levels range from easy tours and snorkeling to a demanding 3-hour trek to Sierra Negra, so reasonable fitness is helpful.

The price includes guides, airport pick-up, meals (breakfasts and lunches, except on free days), land and sea transportation, snorkeling or diving gear, and hotel accommodation. Guests should note that the Galápagos Park fee ($200 on arrival) and the Ingala transit tax (paid at the airport on departure) are not included, along with international airfare and the flight to the Galápagos, arranged separately. An optional Quito extension is available.

Location: Galápagos Islands, Ecuador (Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands, based in Puerto Ayora and Puerto Villamil).

Duration: 8 days.

Activity Type: Guided island-hopping combining land and sea travel, wildlife tours, snorkeling, and hiking, with several self-guided free days for beaches and independent treks. Mostly easy to moderate, with one demanding full-day highland trek including a 3-hour hike to the Sierra Negra crater; reasonable fitness is helpful. Some transfers (e.g. the lobito bus, $5) and optional inter-island flights are at additional cost. Free days have no meals provided.

Accommodation: Hotels included throughout — Galapagos Dreams Hotel in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz (Days 1–3) and Grand Tintorera Hotel on Isabela (Days 4–7).

• Trip Price: $1,495 per person
• Quito Extension (add-on): $160 per person — airport pick-up and drop-off for the Galápagos flight, 2 nights at Casa Francisco Colonial Hotel in Quito, breakfast included

Deposit: $500 per person to reserve.

Day 1 — Santa Cruz Island

Airport assistance and pick-up, then cross the channel to Santa Cruz (lobito bus $5 additional). Drive through the highland Scalesia forest with a stop at Rancho Primicias to see giant tortoises and inland lava formations. Head to Galapagos Dreams Hotel in Puerto Ayora for a welcome lunch, followed by a tour of the Charles Darwin Station. Overnight in Puerto Ayora.

Day 2 — Santa Fe Island

A full-day snorkeling trip to the small, uninhabited Santa Fe Island, with the chance to snorkel alongside friendly sea lions and stop at two beaches to see the islands' rich marine fauna. Snacks and lunch served on the boat. Overnight in Puerto Ayora.

Day 3 — Free Day

A self-guided day to trek to Tortuga Bay beach at your own pace and relax after your travels. No meals provided. Overnight in Puerto Ayora.

Day 4 — Isabela Island

After a light breakfast, take a speedboat ferry to Isabela Island (flight available for $290 additional). From Villamil port, tour Tintorera Bay for sea lions and penguins, the wetlands, Flamingo Lake, and the tortoise breeding center. Lunch included; overnight at Grand Tintorera Hotel.

Day 5 — Sierra Negra Trek

A full-day trek departing after breakfast to Isabela's highlands, with a 3-hour hike to the Sierra Negra crater — the island's largest — and views toward the Volcán Chico crater. Return to Puerto Villamil by mid-afternoon. Overnight on Isabela.

Day 6 — Isabela Free Day

A free day to enjoy the beaches near Puerto Villamil and independent activities like the Concha Perla natural pool (home to baby sea lions), La Playita, the trail, and the wetlands. No meals provided. Overnight on Isabela.

Day 7 — Lava Tunnels

After breakfast, a small boat tour to the sea lava tunnels, one of the world's best snorkeling spots, home to abundant marine life. Lunch on board, with a free afternoon for packing. Overnight on Isabela.

Day 8 — Transfer Out

Depart early for Puerto Ayora and on to the airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador — end of services.

• Guides
• Airport pick up
• Meals

        breakfasts and Lunch

• Transportation

        By land and sea

• Gear

        snorkeling or diving

• Accommodation

        Hotels included

• Galapgos tax

        Ingala at airport - on departure

• Galapgos Park fee

        $200 at arrival