8 Day Galapagos Island Hopping on a Budget (3 Islands)

Discover the life of the Galapagos Islands on an experience you will never forget! Cruise the waters of the Pacific in a speedboat on your way to Isabella Islands, admire the pink flamingos in the salt lagoons of Isabela, and snorkel in the waters of Los Tuneles Cabo Rosa, a world-top snorkeling destination, with great chances to see a huge variety of Galapagos endemic wildlife, and explore Tintoreras Islet, where the endemic white reef sharks live.

Swim with penguins, sharks, and even the friendly sea lions! Explore the wetlands of Isabela, visiting the Wall of Tears, the lava tunnels, and more. Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz to see the giant Galapagos tortoises in nature, learn about Charles Darwin and his theory of species at his research center, and then stop by the curious twin craters. You’ll be amazed by everything this paradise has to offer!

DAY 1: SUNBATHING AND SWIMMING NEXT TO SEA LIONS

Arrive: Touch down in San Cristobal Island. Settle in at the cabañas we’re calling home for the next two days.

Afternoon: After lunch, we’re soaking up the sun on one of the most unforgettable beaches you’ve ever set eyes on. Witness the spectacle of fierce sea lions comically rolling around the seashore, and confidently showing off their swimming skills. Our local David Attenborough will be commenting on mothers nourishing their pups or males trying to lure a partner through their mating calls… in real-time. Although this is not an overcrowded beach, these creatures can behave like cheeky, mischievous beachgoers, crawling over each other to snatch the best sunbathing spot.

Meals included: Lunch

DAY 2: SNORKELING AT THE UNDERWATER WILDLIFE PARADISE OF KICKER ROCK

Morning: We have front-row tickets to a world-class underwater ballet at Kicker Rock – a fully immersive snorkeling experience! Sea lions keep us on our tip-toes, with their captivating performance of backflip dives and elegant rotations. The black and white spotted eagle rays serenely flap their wings, alongside the ever so calmly moving sea turtle. Schools of vibrant, striped reef fish harmoniously zigzag to dodge the agile marine iguanas getting in and out of the water. You can even catch a glimpse of the Galapagos sharks beneath you. Above water the endearing  Galapagos penguins waddle over the rocks, accompanied by blue-footed boobies and frigate birds.

Afternoon: by mid-afternoon, we’ll be back at San Cristóbal Island. Relax by the beach or have a coffee at our favorite treehouse La Casa del Ceibo.

Diving option: Kicker Rock is an exceptional underwater paradise. When snorkeling you can appreciate an abundance of spectacular marine life, but we understand if you want to explore further. Diving a little deeper, you won’t just catch a glimpse of, but will fully swim alongside tons of hammerhead sharks, whitetip, and blacktip sharks. You need at least 5 dives. Please inquire with us beforehand.

Meals included: Breakfast and box lunch

DAY 3: HIGHLIGHTS OF SANTA CRUZ: CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION & THE GIANT TORTOISES FARM

Morning: After breakfast, we’re hopping over to Santa Cruz Island on the morning speedboat (07:00 AM). This can be a bumpy ride. On your arrival, our guide will be waiting for you at the pier.

The evolution of species is our central theme this morning. We meet our personal heroes at the Charles Darwin Research Center, dedicated to education and the protection of native animals and ecosystems. The stories of giant tortoises Lonesome George and Diego are examples of the NGO’s conservation challenges and achievements. Both were the only surviving male of their specific species. Without a female of his species to mate with, the late Lonesome George sadly became the last of the Pinta Giant Tortoises. The high libido of Diego on the other hand ensured the survival of his species. Admire the newborn tortoises, the fruit of the breeding programs in action.

Afternoon: Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Primicias Farm in the Galapagos Islands, where ancient giants roam freely in their natural habitat. Our guided tour invites you to witness the awe-inspiring giant tortoises, iconic symbols of the Galapagos, as they lumber gracefully through lush, volcanic landscapes. Get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures, learn about their incredible adaptations, and gain a deeper understanding of the vital role they play in the ecosystem.

Evening: Santa Cruz is a metropolis, by Galapagos standards that is. It has everything you want to enjoy the evening to its fullest: an abundance of outdoor eating spots and bustling bars, all the while maintaining that relaxed, small island town vibe.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 4: GIANT TORTOISES, FLAMINGOS AND RELAXING AT WHITE-SAND BEACH

Morning: Today you have the morning for free, wander around the town, and merge with the locals. The places we recommend visiting are Las Ninfas Lagoon, the Fish Market, the Tortuga Bay beach, and Las Grietas for snorkelers.

Afternoon: We’re traveling to Isabela Island by speedboat (2.5 – 3 hours –  it can be a bumpy ride). You will be strolling along the white sand beach, with a fresh sea breeze rustling through the palm trees before you explore the charming fishing village. Today we’re meeting the pinkest and most elegant of birds at the Flamingo Lagoon.

Evening: We’re staying at a simple but comfortable hotel, run by a descendant of the founding father of the little port town of Puerto Villamil. You’re free to spend your first evening on Isabela however your heart desires. Refer to your city guide for our favorite places to eat, go for a drink, and relax.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 5: WORLD-CLASS SNORKELING IN LOS TUNELES

Morning: Explore the sandy streets of the small town of Villamil or stroll along the tropical beach. Put on your bathing suit because by mid-morning we’ll be heading to the iconic Los Túneles Cabo Rosa, one of the world’s most breathtaking snorkeling spots. Picture pitch-black, tunnel-like, lava formations dressed with cacti and rough vegetation.

We can’t wait to share with you the abundance of aquatic species in their stunning habitat. Blue-footed and Nazca boobies, pelicans, and sometimes sea lions keep each other company on the rocks.

Afternoon: While we admire the exceptional wildlife during this snorkel experience, we often find the wildlife to be equally as curious about us.  Sea turtles approach in fascination and we may also encounter Galapagos penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, seahorses, eagle and manta rays, white-tipped sharks, and more! Every so often, playful dolphins and killer whales greet us on the boat ride back. We’ll arrive back at Isabela Island in the late afternoon.

Evening: The night is yours, but we think this might just be the perfect evening to watch the sunset at Concha de Perla Beach since it’s only a short walk from the port you just arrived at.

Meals included: Breakfast and box lunch

DAY 6: TROPICAL WETLANDS OF ISABELA, SWIMMING AND SNORKELING WITH WILDLIFE AT TINTORERAS

Morning: You might have noticed Isabela Island is a rather arid, volcanic island. This morning we’re exploring its antipode: the lagoons, swamps, and tropical mangroves of the wetlands, where we will see an array of flamingos and other native birds that can only be found here. No other Galapagos island can say each of their volcanoes is home to a different species of giant tortoise, or that they have more wild tortoises than the other islands… combined. Humbly walk along a darker side of Galapagos’ history: the long Wall of Tears, constructed out of heavy blocks of lava, by prisoners as a punishment.

Afternoon: We’ll give you a little rest after this morning’s hike, before hopping aboard a small fisherman boat for a 10-minute ride to the Tintoreras Islets. We’re crossing the volcanic rock trail to witness white-tipped reef sharks resting at the bottom of a superficial sea channel. We may spot some marine iguanas nesting on our way. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the hidden beaches of the islets. Put on your snorkeling gear and jump into the crystalline, turquoise waters for a front-row seat to this aquatic wonderland of tipped reef sharks, penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, marine turtles, and colorful tropical fish.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

DAY 7: EXPLORING ISABELA AND KAYAK WITH WILDLIFE

Morning: After a delicious breakfast, explore the captivating volcanic wonders of the Galápagos Islands. Embark on an exhilarating adventure through lush highland landscapes and dramatic lava fields. Witness the immense power of Sierra Negra, one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas, and peer into the heart of Volcán Chico’s otherworldly volcanic cones. Led by experienced naturalist guides, this immersive journey offers breathtaking vistas, fascinating geological insights, and the chance to encounter unique Galápagos wildlife along the way.

Afternoon: After a midday break, kayak through the bay to a special place that we love to think of as the Galapagos nursery for marine bambinos. We’ll leave our kayaks fastened together, and glide in the water to snorkel around the cuteness overload of baby iguanas, baby sea lions, baby penguins,  and baby turtles. As we return, help a hitchhiking sea lion out, as our confident friends love hopping onto our kayaks.

Meals included: Breakfast and box lunch.

DAY 8: ADIOS GALAPAGOS

Depart: Very early in the morning, we will take the boat back to Santa Cruz. On your arrival, our driver will be waiting for you where we’ll take you to Baltra Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador. Return home feeling invigorated by the energy of the extraordinary wildlife, and inspired by the unparalleled beauty of the archipelago.

Meals included: breakfast.

Important Details

FLEXIBLE GROUP TRIP

You’ll enjoy a combination of private excursions and group day trips, joining a flexible group of travelers. On the private activities, your travel party may have a guide to yourselves, or be part of a wider group, depending on the season. For the group day trips, you’ll have different guides and will have the pleasure of meeting other travelers every day. Groups are usually around 8 people with a maximum of 15.

DEPARTURE DATES

You can start any day of the year.

For local holidays or last-minute bookings, please inquire about the availability before booking.

FLYING TO THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

The trip starts at San Cristobal Airport (SCY) and ends at Baltra Airport (GPS). Book a flight arriving at San Cristobal Airport before 13:00 PM and depart after 12:30 PM from Baltra Airport to adhere to this itinerary. For flights arriving after that, we’ll make some changes to the itinerary.

ACCOMODATION

We care about responsible tourism and supporting local businesses. We’ve hand-picked small, comfortable tourist-class hotels, run by friendly locals. All rooms have air conditioning and a private bathroom. We assure you that all accommodations are clean and safe.

Single room upgrade. Solo travelers, we’ve got your back. We recently added the single supplement for this trip, making it more accessible for everyone.