6 Days Galapagos Land Tour Starting in San Cristobal Island Including Santa Cruz

Exploring the Galapagos Islands is a dream come true for many adventure-seekers. This 6-day land tour starting from San Cristobal Island promises an immersive experience, allowing travelers to uncover the archipelago’s captivating natural wonders. From snorkeling alongside vibrant marine life to observing the iconic giant tortoises, the tour’s carefully curated itinerary offers a well-rounded glimpse into the Galapagos’ diverse ecosystems. Guided by knowledgeable naturalists, this land-based experience ensures an enriching and educational journey through one of the world’s most remarkable destinations. With a focus on key landmarks and activities, the tour sets the stage for an unforgettable exploration of the Galapagos Islands.

Key Points

• This 6-day Galapagos land tour starts in San Cristobal Island and includes visits to key landmarks like the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center and Kicker Rock.
• Guests will have the opportunity to snorkel with turtles, view giant tortoises, and learn about the region’s biodiversity from a naturalist guide.
• The tour includes accommodations, meals, transportation, and bilingual naturalist guides for the excursions and visits on the islands.
• After San Cristobal, the tour moves to Santa Cruz Island, where visitors can explore the Charles Darwin Research Station and the island’s highlands.
• The tour emphasizes immersion in the Galapagos’ unique natural history and ecosystems, catering to travelers with moderate physical fitness.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This 6-day Galapagos Land Tour starts in San Cristobal Island and includes a visit to Santa Cruz.

Travelers will discover key landmarks like the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, Kicker Rock, La Lobería Beach, and the Charles Darwin Research Station.

The tour offers exciting activities such as snorkeling with turtles, viewing giant tortoises, and learning about the region’s incredible biodiversity with a knowledgeable naturalist guide.

Highlights of this immersive experience include exploring the unique landscapes and wildlife that make the Galapagos Islands so remarkable.

Inclusions and Accommodations

During this 6-day Galapagos Land Tour, travelers can expect 5 nights’ accommodations in selected class hotels, ranging from Economic to First Class.

Meals include 5 breakfasts and 4 lunches, with a box lunch on day 2.

All land and sea transportation within the Galapagos Islands is provided, along with bilingual naturalist guides for excursions and visits.

Snorkel equipment is also included as specified by the itinerary.

Airport transfers are covered, from San Cristobal to the hotel, Puerto Baquerizo to Puerto Ayora, and from Baltra Airport on the final day.

Pricing and Additional Costs

The tour price for this 6-day Galapagos Land Tour starts at $1,320.00, and may vary based on the group size.

This price includes 5 nights of hotel accommodations, 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, all land and sea transportation within Galapagos, and bilingual naturalist guides.

However, it doesn’t cover air tickets to/from Galapagos, dinners, the Galapagos National Park Entry Fee ($100), the Migratory Control Card ($20), water taxis ($1 per person), soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, or gratuities.

The child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults.

Travelers should book their flights to arrive early and depart late on the last day, as the tour itinerary is subject to change due to park regulations.

Meeting Points and Travel Information

The tour begins with pickup at the San Cristobal Airport (SCY) and ends at Baltra Airport (GPS).

Participants are recommended to book early arrival and late return flights, preferably after 12:30 pm, to allow for smooth transfers.

The tour confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, but the itinerary is subject to change due to park regulations.

Travelers will be transported by land and sea within the Galapagos, including a speedboat transfer from Puerto Baquerizo to Puerto Ayora.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness, with seasickness precautions advised for the speedboat transfers.

Health and Safety Guidelines

This Galapagagos Land Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions.

A moderate physical fitness level is required. Seasickness precautions are advised for the speedboat transfers. The tour is capped at 12 travelers per group, and guided activities are shared with other participants. Vegetarian options are available upon request at the time of booking.

• Not recommended for travelers with limited mobility or health issues
• Moderate fitness level needed for included activities
• Potential seasickness during boat transfers

Important Notes

Hotel and restaurant selections for the Galapagos Land Tour are based on the chosen class, with First Class offering gourmet meals.

The guides on this tour are certified by the Galapagos National Park, and travelers are encouraged to provide feedback to help improve the quality of the experience.

It’s important to note that the tour is non-refundable, and cancellations won’t receive any refunds.

Passport details for all participants are required at the time of booking.

Plus, the tour itinerary is subject to change due to park regulations, so travelers should be flexible.

Discovering San Cristobal Island

Arriving on San Cristobal Island, the first stop on the Galapagos Land Tour, travelers can begin their exploration of this remarkable archipelago.

They’ll visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, which provides an introduction to the islands’ natural and human history.

Next, they’ll head to the impressive Kicker Rock, a tuff cone formation rising dramatically from the sea.

At La Lobería Beach, they’ll have the chance to spot sea lions basking on the rocky shores.

Throughout the day, a knowledgeable naturalist guide will share insights into the Galapagos’ unique biodiversity and ecosystem.

Exploring Santa Cruz Island

After exploring San Cristóbal Island, travelers move on to the next destination – Santa Cruz Island.

Here, they’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a hub for conservation efforts in the Galapagos. Travelers can observe giant tortoises up close and learn about the ongoing work to protect these remarkable creatures.

The day also includes a visit to the island’s highlands, where lush forests and volcanic landscapes await. Snorkeling opportunities allow guests to spot colorful marine life beneath the waves.

With the guidance of a naturalist, travelers gain deeper insights into the Galapagos’ remarkable biodiversity and the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem.

Recap

This 6-day Galapagos Land Tour offers an immersive exploration of the archipelago’s unique natural wonders. Guests will discover captivating landmarks, engage in activities like snorkeling, and observe the iconic giant tortoises, all while guided by knowledgeable naturalists. With a focus on San Cristobal and Santa Cruz Islands, this tour provides an enriching and comprehensive experience of the Galapagos’ diverse ecosystems and breathtaking landscapes.