5 Days Isabela and Santa Cruz Island Hopping

Exploring the Galapagos Islands is a dream for many travelers, and this 5-day island hopping adventure promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. Led by a certified naturalist guide, this tour offers a personalized journey through the stunning landscapes of Isabela and Santa Cruz islands. Snorkel in vibrant waters, hike the majestic Sierra Negra Volcano, and discover unique wildlife – all while enjoying included meals, accommodation, and equipment. With a maximum of 12 participants, this tour provides an intimate and enriching exploration of one of nature’s most remarkable ecosystems. What lies ahead for those who embark on this captivating journey?

Key Points

• This 5-day island hopping adventure focuses on exploring Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands in the Galapagos, led by a certified bilingual naturalist guide.
• Highlights include snorkeling at Concha de Perla, hiking to Sierra Negra Volcano, and visiting the Tortoise Breeding Center on Isabela Island.
• On Santa Cruz Island, travelers can experience the Charles Darwin Research Station, Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, and explore lava tunnels and highlands.
• Snorkeling is a tour highlight, with opportunities to observe diverse marine life in the clear waters surrounding the islands.
• The tour includes accommodation, meals, transportation, park fees, and snorkeling equipment, ensuring a comprehensive and seamless island-hopping experience.

Tour Overview

This 5-day island hopping adventure takes travelers on an exploration of Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands in the Galapagos Archipelago.

Led by a certified bilingual naturalist guide, the tour accommodates a maximum of 12 people. Highlights include snorkeling on Isabela Island, where travelers can observe the diverse marine life.

All transportation, from Puerto Ayora to Isabela and back, as well as to and from Baltra Island, is included. Travelers will also enjoy meals, park entrance fees, and use of snorkeling equipment.

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. While not wheelchair accessible, this tour is suitable for most travelers, excluding those with certain medical conditions.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes accommodation, meals, and various transportation services. Guests will enjoy 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners during the 5-day adventure. The package also covers transfers between key locations, water taxis for inter-island travel, snorkeling equipment rental on Isabela Island, and all necessary fees and taxes.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Accommodation	Airfare
4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners	Personal expenses
Puerto Ayora – Isabela – Puerto Ayora + Santa Cruz – Isabela – Baltra transfers	Travel insurance
Water taxis	Anything not mentioned
Snorkeling equipment on Isabela	N/A

Meeting and Pickup

Staff will meet guests outside Baltra Airport on the first day at 11:00 am.

This convenient meeting point ensures a seamless start to the 5-day island hopping adventure through Isabela and Santa Cruz.

Travelers can expect a certified bilingual naturalist guide to be present, ready to welcome the group and provide any necessary information or assistance.

From the airport, the group will then embark on their transfers to the various islands, including water taxis for the island-to-island journeys.

With a maximum of 12 travelers, this tour offers an intimate and personalized experience throughout the Galapagos Islands.

Itinerary: Isabela Island

After arriving at Baltra Airport, guests embark on their transfer to Isabela Island, one of the largest islands in the Galapagos archipelago. On Isabela, they’ll have the opportunity to explore the island’s remarkable landscapes and diverse wildlife. The itinerary includes the following activities:

Day	Activity
1	Snorkeling at Concha de Perla
2	Hike to Sierra Negra Volcano
3	Visit the Tortoise Breeding Center
4	Kayaking in Elizabeth Bay
5	Explore Tintoreras Islet

These excursions allow travelers to enjoy the Galapagos’ natural wonders and witness the unique flora and fauna that call this island home.

Itinerary: Santa Cruz Island

Upon departing Isabela Island, travelers embark on the next leg of their journey, exploring the stunning Santa Cruz Island.

The itinerary includes a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, where they can learn about the island’s unique ecosystem and the conservation efforts to protect it. They’ll also have the opportunity to witness the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center and observe these majestic creatures up close.

Plus, the tour includes:

• Hiking to the lava tunnels
• Exploring the highlands and spotting endemic birdlife
• Visiting the town of Puerto Ayora, the economic center of the Galapagos
• Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters surrounding Santa Cruz
• Enjoying breathtaking views from the island’s rugged coastline.

Snorkeling Opportunities

One of the highlights of the island hopping experience is the opportunity to snorkel on Isabela Island.

Guests will have the chance to explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with diverse marine life. The snorkeling gear provided allows them to get up close with schools of colorful tropical fish, playful sea lions, and perhaps even spot a penguin or two.

The clear waters offer excellent visibility, making it easy to observe the captivating creatures that inhabit the Galápagos’ nutrient-rich seas.

This activity is a fantastic way for travelers to enjoy the natural wonders of the islands and create unforgettable memories of their Galápagos adventure.

Recommended Preparation

Travelers should pack a few essential items to ensure they’re well-prepared for the island hopping adventure.

The tour includes snorkeling on Isabela Island, so bringing the following is recommended:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Comfortable, lightweight clothing and closed-toe shoes
• Sun protection like sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Motion sickness medication if needed, as boat transfers are involved
• Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated

Plus, it’s a good idea to bring any personal medications, camera equipment, and a sense of adventure.

Preparing adequately will help make the most of this unique opportunity to explore the Galápagos Islands.

Traveler Reviews

With just a single review currently available, the tour’s overall rating sits at a perfect 5 stars.

The reviewer praised the knowledgeable and friendly guide, the varied and well-organized itinerary, and the comfortable accommodations.

They noted that the snorkeling experience on Isabela Island was a highlight, allowing them to see an abundance of marine life.

The reviewer expressed that the tour offered excellent value for money and that they’d highly recommend it to anyone interested in exploring the Galapagos Islands.

While more reviews are needed to fully gauge traveler sentiment, this initial assessment is very positive and suggests a well-run and enjoyable island hopping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 12 travelers. This allows for a more intimate and personalized experience as travelers explore the Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands with their certified bilingual naturalist guide.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Accommodations?

The tour offers a maximum group size of 12 travelers, but there doesn’t appear to be an option to upgrade the standard accommodations. The inclusions cover all necessary arrangements for the 5-day island hopping experience.

Can We Bring Our Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Participants can bring their own snorkeling equipment, but the tour provides snorkeling gear on Isabela Island. Using the provided equipment is recommended as it’s included in the tour price and ensures proper fit and functionality for the planned snorkeling activities.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement for participants. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems or serious medical conditions, so parents should use their best judgment when booking for children.

Can We Extend Our Stay in the Galapagos Islands?

Yes, travelers can extend their stay in the Galapagos Islands. The tour operator offers flexibility to extend the trip based on availability and additional costs. Guests should inquire about extending their stay when booking the tour.

Recap

This incredible Galapagos tour offers travelers an opportunity to enjoy the region’s stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. With expert guidance, personalized experiences, and all-inclusive amenities, adventurers will be treated to an unforgettable island-hopping expedition through Isabela and Santa Cruz. From hiking volcanic landscapes to snorkeling vibrant waters, this journey promises a truly enriching exploration of one of the world’s most remarkable ecological wonders.