4 Days Galápagos – Isabela Islands and Santa Cruz

The 4-day Galápagos tour explores the captivating islands of Isabela and Santa Cruz, offering an unparalleled opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts. With a maximum group size of 10, travelers can expect intimate encounters with the islands’ iconic inhabitants, including sharks, sea turtles, and sea lions. The itinerary covers stunning locations like Franklin Bay and Canal del Amor, ensuring an unforgettable experience. However, visitors should be aware of potential itinerary changes due to park regulations, making this tour a true adventure into the heart of one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best 4 Day Tours In Santa Cruz.

Key Points

• This 4-day small-group tour from Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands, provides an immersive experience with a maximum group size of 10 people.
• Key locations include Franklin Bay, Canal del Amor, and wildlife viewing opportunities to see sharks, sea turtles, and sea lions.
• Accommodation includes 3 nights in selected class hotels in Santa Cruz and Isabela, with private ground transportation to/from itinerary sites.
• The tour includes 8 complimentary meals, all necessary fees, and comprehensive coverage of the Galapagos National Park entry fee and Migratory Control Card (INGALA).
• Feedback in reviews suggests a need for improved local support and communication, particularly regarding transportation, to ensure a smooth experience.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This 4-day small-group tour from Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands, takes travelers on an immersive exploration of Isabela Island and Santa Cruz.

With a maximum group size of 10 people, the tour includes excursions to highlights like Franklin Bay, Canal del Amor, and various wildlife viewing opportunities to spot sharks, sea turtles, and sea lions.

The tour provides a total of eight complimentary meals and includes all necessary fees and taxes, as well as private ground transportation and transfers.

While not wheelchair accessible, the tour offers an in-depth look at the stunning natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands for adventurous travelers.

Accommodation and Transportation

The tour provides 3 nights of accommodation in selected class hotels in Santa Cruz and Isabela.

Guests will enjoy private ground transportation to and from the sites included in the itinerary. Transfers according to flight times are also provided.

All fees and taxes are covered, including air tickets to/from the Galapagos, the Galapagos National Park entry fee, the Migratory Control Card (INGALA), municipality of Isabela taxes, and the bus lobito fee.

The tour excludes any items not specified in the inclusions.

Pickup options include Baltra Airport, hotel lobby, or specified docks, with the meeting point located at 7M2P+VF6, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador.

Included Meals and Activities

The tour provides a total of eight complimentary meals, including 3 dinners, 3 breakfasts, and 3 lunches. Excursions to Isabela Island, Franklin Bay, and Canal del Amor offer opportunities to observe diverse wildlife such as sharks, sea turtles, and sea lions.

Included Activities	Location
Isabela Island	Galapagos
Franklin Bay	Galapagos
Canal del Amor	Galapagos
Wildlife Viewing	Galapagos

The tour also includes private ground transportation, transfers, and all necessary fees and taxes, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive Galapagos experience.

Arrival and Meeting Details

Pickup options for this 4-day Galapagos tour include Baltra Airport, the hotel lobby, or specified docks. The meeting point is 7M2P+VF6, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador. The tour will return to this same meeting point.

Confirm the precise start time with the local provider, as it may vary. It’s recommended to arrive at Baltra Airport before 11 am on the first day.

Due to Galapagos National Park regulations, the itinerary may be subject to change, and no refunds will be provided in such cases.

The overall rating of this tour is 4.0 based on 2 reviews, though some feedback suggests a need for better communication and local support during the tour.

Itinerary Modifications and Restrictions

Given the dynamic nature of the Galapagos Islands, this tour’s itinerary may be subject to modifications due to Galapagos National Park regulations or unforeseen circumstances. No refunds will be provided in such cases. It’s recommended to arrive at Baltra Airport before 11 am on the first day. The tour is not suitable for those with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions, as it is not wheelchair accessible.

Itinerary Modifications	Reason	Impact
Changes to sites visited	Park regulations	No refunds
Altered transportation	Force majeure	Itinerary adjustments
Timing adjustments	Weather or environmental factors	Potential delays
Cancellations	Safety concerns	Partial or full refunds

Traveler Accessibility and Recommendations

This tour may not be suitable for all travelers.

It isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions.

Early arrival to Baltra airport on the first day before 11 am is recommended.

Travelers should be aware that the itinerary is subject to change due to Galapagos National Park regulations or unforeseen circumstances, and no refunds will be provided in such cases.

The tour reviews indicate a need for better communication and local contact for assistance during the tour.

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions
• Early arrival to Baltra airport on Day 1 recommended
• Itinerary subject to change due to Galapagos National Park regulations or force majeure
• Lack of timely pickup and communication issues noted in reviews

Guest Reviews and Feedback

Guests have provided a mix of feedback on the 4-day Galapagos tour. The overall rating is 4.0 based on 2 reviews.

Notable feedback includes a missed return flight due to lack of timely pickup, leading to a partial refund from the tour operator. Reviewers indicate a need for better communication and local contact for assistance during the tour.

While the tour includes a comprehensive itinerary with wildlife viewing and meals, the reviews highlight areas for improvement in terms of transportation and customer support.

Prospective travelers should consider this feedback when booking the tour to set appropriate expectations and ensure a smooth experience.

Tour Operator and Booking Information

The tour is organized by a local provider in the Galapagos Islands. Booking the 4-day small-group tour from Santa Cruz is straightforward.

Travelers can choose from several pickup options, including Baltra Airport, their hotel lobby, or specified docks. The meeting point is in Puerto Ayora, Ecuador, and the tour returns to the same location.

Key booking details to consider:

• Confirmation is received upon booking.
• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and not recommended for certain medical conditions.
• An early arrival flight to Baltra airport on the first day is recommended.
• Itinerary changes may occur due to Galapagos National Park regulations or force majeure, with no refunds in such cases.
• Reviews indicate a need for better communication and local support during the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Wildlife Can I Expect to See on This Tour?

During this Galapagos tour, travelers can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including sharks, sea turtles, and sea lions. The itinerary includes excursions designed to provide opportunities for viewing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitats.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can be extended, but it’s subject to availability and additional costs. Travelers should contact the local tour provider to inquire about extending the 4-day tour or creating a customized itinerary that suits their needs.

Are There Any Optional Add-On Activities Available?

The tour operator offers some optional add-on activities, like snorkeling, kayaking, and land-based hikes, for an additional fee. These can be booked directly with the local provider to enhance the Galapagos Islands experience.

Can I Request a Vegetarian/Vegan Meal Option?

Yes, the tour provider can accommodate vegetarian and vegan meal requests. Travelers should specify any dietary requirements when booking the tour to ensure their needs are met during the included meals.

What Are the Best Camera Settings for Wildlife Photography?

Best camera settings for wildlife photography include: high shutter speed (1/500 or faster) to freeze motion, adjustable aperture to control depth of field, high ISO to capture low-light conditions, and burst mode for rapid-fire shots. Experiment with different settings to capture the best images.

Recap

The 4-day Galápagos tour offers an unforgettable experience exploring the islands of Isabela and Santa Cruz. Travelers can enjoy intimate wildlife encounters, stunning natural landscapes, and comfortable accommodations. While early arrival and potential itinerary changes are essential considerations, the tour provides an excellent opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy the unique Galápagos ecosystem.