5-Day All-Inclusive Galapagos: Isabela and Santa Cruz Island

The Galapagos Islands, a renowned natural wonder, have captivated adventurers and nature enthusiasts for decades. Amidst this ecological marvel lies the allure of a 5-day all-inclusive tour, exploring the islands of Isabela and Santa Cruz. This seamless journey promises an immersive experience, where travelers can hike the Sierra Negra Volcano, snorkel alongside sea lions and turtles, and witness the iconic Flamingo Lagoon. With accommodations, transportation, and knowledgeable guides included, this tour offers a comprehensive and hassle-free way to uncover the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife that have made the Galapagos a true bucket-list destination. But what secrets and wonders await those who embark on this captivating adventure?

Key Points

• This 5-day all-inclusive Galapagos tour focuses on exploring the islands of Isabela and Santa Cruz, offering a comprehensive experience for nature lovers.

• The tour includes highlights such as visiting the Sierra Negra Volcano, snorkeling in Concha Perla, and exploring the Flamingo Lagoon and Giant Tortoise Breeding Center.

• Participants will have the opportunity to see diverse wildlife, including sea lions, turtles, and white-tip sharks, as well as the famous Galapagos tortoises.

• The tour provides all land and sea transportation, accommodations, guides, and snorkeling gear, making it an all-inclusive package for a seamless experience.

• Travelers should be aware of the non-refundable cancellation policy and the need for flexibility due to the nature of the Galapagos Islands.

Overview of the Tour

This 5-Day All-Inclusive Galapagos tour takes travelers on an immersive exploration of the Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands, offering a comprehensive look at the archipelago’s diverse wildlife and natural wonders.

With an average rating of 4.0 from 9 reviews, it’s an ideal choice for nature lovers seeking an all-inclusive Galapagos experience.

Highlights include witnessing the Sierra Negra Volcano, the world’s second-largest volcanic crater, and snorkeling in Concha Perla alongside sea lions and turtles.

The tour also includes visits to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Flamingo Lagoon, the largest coastal lagoon for these iconic birds.

Conveniently, the tour starts and ends at the Baltra Airport, ensuring a seamless travel experience throughout the islands.

Detailed Itinerary

The 5-Day All-Inclusive Galapagos tour kicks off with travelers’ arrival at Baltra Airport, where they’ll be transferred to Puerto Ayora and then take a speedboat to Isabela Island.

On the first day, guests will visit the Flamingo Lagoon, the largest coastal lagoon for flamingos.

The next day, they’ll embark on a full-day tour to explore the Sierra Negra Volcano, the world’s second-largest volcanic crater, and then enjoy snorkeling in Concha Perla with sea lions and turtles.

On day three, the group will visit Tintores Islet, known for white-tip sharks and endemic wildlife, followed by the Humedales Complex, including the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center.

The tour continues on Santa Cruz Island before concluding at Baltra Airport.

What’s Included

The 5-Day All-Inclusive Galapagos tour includes 4 nights of accommodation in selected class hotels, as well as all land and sea transportation within the Galapagos Islands.

Bilingual naturalist guides will lead the activities, and snorkeling gear is provided. Fees like the Galapagos National Park Entry and Isabela Dock Fee are also covered.

However, airfare to and from the Galapagos Islands isn’t included. Early arrival is recommended, as the itinerary must be adhered to.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t suitable for travelers with back problems.

While cancellations aren’t refundable, the itinerary may change due to park regulations or unforeseen circumstances.

Important Details

To start the tour, participants should arrive at Baltra Airport by 8:00 am, as the itinerary must be strictly followed. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, before 11 am, to ensure the full itinerary is followed.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems. While cancellations aren’t refundable, the itinerary may change due to park regulations or unforeseen circumstances beyond the tour operator’s control.

The tour includes all land and sea transportation within the Galapagos, as well as snorkeling equipment and entry fees. However, airfare to and from the Galapagos Islands isn’t included. This all-inclusive tour offers a comprehensive Galapagos experience, though some flexibility is required due to the nature of the destination.

Traveler Reviews

Travelers have provided a mix of feedback on this 5-day Galapagos tour, with some positive experiences balanced by constructive criticism.

Several reviewers praised the good accommodations, beautiful scenery, and knowledgeable guides, awarding the tour top ratings.

However, others noted issues with organization, communication, and food quality. Some travelers also felt the itinerary wasn’t always adhered to.

The review breakdown reflects this range, with 5 five-star reviews, 1 four-star, 1 three-star, and 2 two-star ratings.

Highlights and Activities

This 5-day all-inclusive tour showcases the Galapagos Islands’ diverse natural wonders, from the Sierra Negra Volcano‘s vast crater to the chance to snorkel with captivating sea lions and turtles in Concha Perla.

Travelers will visit Flamingo Lagoon, the largest coastal lagoon for these vibrant birds.

The itinerary also includes a trip to Tintores Islet, known for its white-tip sharks and endemic wildlife, as well as the Humedales Complex and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center.

On Santa Cruz Island, the highlight is seeing the majestic giant tortoises in the Highlands and exploring the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station.

With a mix of volcanic landscapes, wildlife encounters, and culture, this tour offers an unforgettable Galapagos experience.

Getting There and Accessibility

The tour begins with a transfer from Baltra Airport to Puerto Ayora, where participants then take a speedboat to Isabela Island. Accessibility-wise, the tour is not wheelchair-accessible and is not recommended for travelers with back problems.

Pickup Location	Start Time	Arrival	Accessibility	Booking Notes
Baltra Airport	8:00 AM	Early arrival (before 11 AM) recommended for itinerary adherence	Not wheelchair accessible; not recommended for travelers with back problems	Itinerary subject to change due to park regulations or force majeure

The tour includes land and sea transportation within the Galapagos, as well as snorkel gear for exploring the waters. Participants should keep in mind the non-refundable cancellation policy and be prepared for potential changes to the itinerary.

Cancellation Policy

According to the provided information, the cancellation policy for this 5-Day All-Inclusive Galapagos tour is non-refundable, and the itinerary is subject to change due to park regulations or force majeure.

This means that once a booking is made, travelers won’t be able to get a full refund if they need to cancel their trip.

The tour operator also reserves the right to modify the itinerary if necessary, such as in the event of natural disasters or changes in park rules.

While this policy may be inconvenient for some travelers, it’s important to understand the potential risks involved in visiting the Galapagos Islands, which are a delicate and protected natural environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Do the Daily Activities Typically Start?

The daily activities typically start around 8:00 AM. This early start time allows travelers to make the most of the day and avoid the midday heat when exploring the Galapagos Islands. The schedule aims to optimize sightseeing and experiences.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkel Equipment?

The tour provides snorkel gear, so guests don’t need to bring their own. However, if guests prefer using their personal snorkel equipment, they’re welcome to bring it. The tour company encourages guests to inform them in advance if they plan to use their own gear.

Is It Possible to Upgrade the Hotel Accommodations?

Yes, it’s possible to upgrade the hotel accommodations for this tour. Travelers can inquire about available upgrade options and pricing when booking the tour. The tour provider may offer higher-end hotel choices for an additional fee.

Are Alcoholic Beverages Included in the All-Inclusive Package?

The all-inclusive package does not include alcoholic beverages. It covers accommodations, transportation, guides, snorkeling equipment, and fees, but guests will need to purchase any alcoholic drinks separately during the tour.

Can I Extend My Stay in the Galapagos Islands After the Tour?

Travelers can typically extend their stay in the Galapagos Islands after the 5-day tour ends. However, they’ll need to make their own arrangements for additional accommodations and transportation, as the tour package only covers the specified itinerary.

Recap

The 5-Day All-Inclusive Galapagos tour offers an exceptional opportunity for nature enthusiasts to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands.

With activities like hiking, snorkeling, and visiting iconic sites, the tour provides a seamless and unforgettable adventure, catering to all the needs of the travelers with accommodations, transportation, and bilingual guides included.