5 Days Excursion to Galapagos Islands With Snorkel and Volcanoes

The Galapagos Islands are a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. This 5-day excursion promises an unforgettable experience, combining the exploration of Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands with thrilling snorkeling and a hike up the Sierra Negra Volcano. Travelers will have the chance to witness the remarkable biodiversity that has captivated scientists and explorers for centuries, from encountering Galapagos penguins to swimming alongside vibrant marine life. With personalized service and a maximum of 10 participants, this tour offers an immersive journey into one of the world’s most unique natural wonders. The breathtaking landscapes and unparalleled wildlife encounters are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who embark on this remarkable adventure.

Key Points

• A 5-day Galapagos Islands tour with destinations including Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, and Sierra Negra Volcano.
• Opportunities for snorkeling to observe diverse marine life, including Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, and reef sharks.
• Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to see giant tortoises and learn about the islands’ natural history.
• Hike to the summit of the Sierra Negra Volcano, the second-largest active caldera in the world.
• Snorkeling at the Cabo Rosa Tunnels, a unique geological formation created by Pacific Ocean waves.

Tour Overview

This 5-day excursion to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador provides personalized service for travelers, allowing them to visit key destinations like Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, and the Sierra Negra Volcano.

Travelers will have the opportunity to snorkel with representative marine life and observe iconic wildlife like giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

With an overall rating of 5.0/5 stars from 5 reviews, this tour offers a well-rounded Galapagos experience for visitors.

The itinerary is designed to maximize sightseeing and exploration, ensuring travelers make the most of their time in this unique natural paradise.

Inclusions

The tour package includes the use of snorkeling equipment and a wetsuit, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the marine environment.

Transfers to and from Baltra Airport are also provided, ensuring a seamless start and end to the excursion.

Dinners are included throughout the 5-day trip, and gratuities are covered, eliminating additional out-of-pocket expenses for participants.

Plus, water taxis cost $1 per person, a modest fee that enhances the overall convenience of the experience.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and an intimate group setting throughout the journey.

Arrival and Santa Cruz

Arriving at Baltra Airport, travelers are met and transferred to Santa Cruz Island, the first stop on their Galapagos adventure.

After the scenic one-hour journey, they’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a captivating hub for conservation efforts. Here, they’ll observe the iconic giant tortoises, learning about the islands’ unique species and the research conducted to protect them.

With two hours to explore, guests can wander the trails and exhibits, gaining deeper insights into the Galapagos’ remarkable natural history.

This immersive start sets the tone for the exciting days ahead, as travelers prepare to discover more of the archipelago’s wonders across Isabela Island and the Sierra Negra Volcano.

Isabela Island and Snorkeling

After exploring Santa Cruz, travelers continue their Galapagos adventure by making their way to Isabela Island, the largest of the archipelago’s islands.

Once there, they’ll walk along Las Tintoreras, a series of small islands home to a diverse array of marine life, including the iconic Galapagos penguin, marine iguanas, and white-tipped reef sharks.

Following the guided trek, guests have the opportunity to don their snorkeling gear and enjoy the vibrant underwater world for approximately one hour, observing the islands’ representative marine species up close.

This excursion offers a unique chance to witness the Galapagos’ renowned biodiversity both above and below the surface.

Sierra Negra Volcano Hike

On the third day of the excursion, travelers embark on a hike to the summit of Sierra Negra Volcano, the second-largest active caldera in the world. The 16-kilometer round-trip trek takes approximately 4 hours and offers breathtaking views of the massive crater. Along the way, hikers may spot endemic species and witness the volcanic landscape firsthand. To provide a deeper understanding of the hike, the following table outlines key details:

Attribute	Value
Distance	16 km
Duration	4 hours
Terrain	Moderate difficulty
Highlights	Observe second-largest active caldera, endemic species

This challenging yet rewarding hike is a true highlight of the Galapagos excursion, allowing travelers to enjoy the island’s volcanic history and natural wonders.

Snorkeling at Cabo Rosa Tunnels

Travelers embark on a 40-minute sail to the Cabo Rosa Tunnels, where they can observe an array of marine life, including seahorses, sharks, and endemic species during an hour-long snorkeling excursion.

The Cabo Rosa Tunnels are a unique geological formation, carved out by the relentless waves of the Pacific Ocean. Beneath the surface, visitors are treated to a mesmerizing display of underwater life, from the graceful movements of the seahorses to the powerful presence of sharks.

This snorkeling experience allows travelers to enjoy the diverse ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands, providing a deeper appreciation for the region’s natural wonders.

The knowledgeable guides ensure a safe and enriching adventure for all participants.

Departure and Transfer

The tour concludes with a departure from Isabela Island to Santa Cruz, followed by a breakfast and transfer to Baltra Airport for the return journey home.

Travelers will bid farewell to the breathtaking Galapagos Islands after five days of exploring its natural wonders. The transfer to Baltra Airport is included, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free departure.

After savoring a final breakfast, guests will be transported back to the airport, ready to reflect on their unforgettable Galapagos adventure.

The tour operator provides personalized service throughout the trip, making the departure process efficient and stress-free.

With memories that will last a lifetime, travelers depart the Galapagos, eager to share their experiences with loved ones.

Additional Information and Pricing

This 5-day Galapagos Islands excursion offers personalized service for travelers, with a maximum of 10 travelers per tour.

Confirmation is received at booking, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Pregnant travelers aren’t recommended to participate due to the moderate physical fitness level required.

The tour is operated by Galápagos Native Tour Operator, and free cancellation is available up to 6 days in advance.

Priced starting at $1,199.00, the tour includes snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, transfers, dinners, and gratuities.

Travelers can check availability for specific dates between January 18, 2022, and October 13, 2025, with tours running daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Items Should I Bring for the Tour?

Travelers should bring sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, swimsuit, towel, camera, and any necessary medication. The tour operator provides snorkeling equipment and wetsuits, so those items don’t need to be brought.

Are There Any Medical Requirements for the Tour?

The tour has some medical requirements. It’s not recommended for pregnant travelers, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required. Infants must sit on laps, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Can I Extend My Stay in the Galapagos Islands?

Travelers can extend their stay in the Galapagos Islands by booking additional nights or taking additional tours. The tour operator can assist with arranging extended stays and providing recommendations for where to stay and what to see.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Tour Package?

According to the information provided, there is no mention of an option to upgrade the tour package. The tour details indicate a 5-day excursion with set inclusions, and the pricing starts at $1,199.00 per person.

How Do I Get From the Baltra Airport to My Hotel?

The tour operator provides transfers to/from Baltra Airport as part of the package. Travelers will be picked up at the airport and transported to their hotel on Santa Cruz Island, which is the first stop on the Galapagos Islands tour.

Recap

This 5-day excursion to the Galapagos Islands offers an immersive and unforgettable experience.

Travelers will explore the diverse ecosystems of Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands, snorkel with vibrant marine life, and hike the stunning Sierra Negra Volcano.

With personalized service for a small group, this adventure provides an in-depth look into one of the world’s most unique natural wonders.